Lower LA River Grant Program
🏛 San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations proposing projects in the Lower Los Angeles River area (1.5 miles on each side of the river's lower 19 miles, from Vernon to Long Beach). Projects must align with the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan priorities: improving community economics, health, equity, the public realm, water quality, and the environment.
The grant supports capital projects, planning efforts, and environmental improvements. Applicants must demonstrate project readiness and clear alignment with the RMC's watershed-based, equitable community-driven approach. The application process is competitive and two-phased.
Specific nonprofit tax status and organizational type are not explicitly stated. Contact RMC directly to confirm eligibility for your organization type.
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Program description
In certain years, the annual state budget has allocated General Funds directly to the RMC. These funds have been incorporated into the Non-Bond Priority Grant Program. The major funding priorities are described below. Lower LA River: The Lower Los Angeles River program area encompasses 1.5 miles on each side of the river’s lower 19-miles , from the City of Vernon to the City of Long Beach. The Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan(LLARRP) describes opportunities for improving the environment of the Lower Los Angeles River. The plan was developed through a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven process and it identified 155 potential multi-benefit projects that would improve community economics, health, and equity; the public realm; and water and the environment along and in the vicinity of the river. The Plan has been incorporated into thewatershed (LLARRP) describes opportunities for improving the environment of Lower Los Angeles River. The plan was developed through a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven process and it identified 155 potential multi-benefit projects that would improve community economics, health, equity; public realm; water along in vicinity river. Plan has been incorporated into Los Angeles River Master Plan Update. Funding will be support projects in line with the LLARRP, immediate drought response, and long-term water resiliency. Applications: Applications will be submitted in two phases: a Concept Proposal and a Full Application. Applicants will first submit a Concept Proposal that will be reviewed by RMC staff for consistency with RMC goals, any specific program priorities, and the strength of the proposed project. In addition, RMC staff will look at all Concept Proposals for location, need, project type, readiness, threats, cost, and cost share. RMC staff will offer applicants feedback regarding alignment with priorities, overall merit, and any ineligible costs. RMC staff will select Concept Proposals to move forward and will invite selected applicants to submit Full Applications.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Concept Proposal (initial phase)
- Full Application (invited applicants only)
- Project location map or geographic detail
- Alignment documentation with Lower LA River Revitalization Plan
- Community engagement or partnership information
Program contact
- 📧 info@rmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-626-815-1019
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
What geographic area does this grant cover?
The Lower Los Angeles River program area spans 1.5 miles on each side of the river's lower 19 miles, from Vernon to Long Beach. Projects must be located within or directly benefit this corridor.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects that align with the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan, including community economic development, health equity, environmental restoration, public realm improvements, water quality, and drought resilience projects.
How does the application process work?
Applicants submit a Concept Proposal first. RMC staff reviews for alignment with priorities and project merit. Selected applicants are invited to submit a Full Application.
What does RMC staff evaluate in the Concept Proposal?
Location, project need, type, readiness, threats addressed, cost, and cost-share. Staff also assess alignment with RMC goals and program priorities.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. Funding available ranges from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Research the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan before writing your proposal. Explicitly connect your project to one or more of the 155 identified opportunities.
- Demonstrate project readiness. RMC evaluates readiness as a key criterion; unclear timelines or unresolved barriers weaken your Concept Proposal.
- Focus on multi-benefit outcomes. The strongest projects show progress on community economics, health, equity, water, and environment simultaneously.
- Be specific about location and community impact. Show how your project serves the immediate Lower LA River corridor and the communities it affects.
- Use the Concept Proposal phase strategically. Take RMC feedback seriously; selected applicants have a clear pathway to Full Application. Don't rush; use their input to strengthen your project design.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of connection to the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan. Applicants who don't reference LLARRP priorities or the 155 identified projects often don't advance.
Underestimating project readiness requirements. Unclear timelines, unresolved permitting, or weak community partnerships signal low readiness and reduce competitiveness.
Ignoring the multi-benefit framework. Projects focused narrowly on one outcome (water or environment only) miss RMC's core equity and community-driven values.
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