Proposition 4 Grant Program
🏛 Tahoe Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Aug 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to support drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection, and outdoor access initiatives in California. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy administers these Proposition 68 funds under California state law. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations focused on environmental conservation and outdoor access. Projects must align with one or more Prop 68 program areas and serve communities in California.
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Program description
The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin (Basin). The Conservancy uses available funding to accomplish its mission and Strategic Plan through grants for land acquisition, planning, implementation, and monitoring on the California side of the Basin. California voters approved Proposition 4 (the Climate Bond), the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clear Air Bond, on November 5, 2024. The measure authorizes $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection, and outdoor access for all program. Per Public Resources Code section 91520, subdivision (i), the bond allocates $25.5 million to the Conservancy for watershed improvement, forest health, biomass utilization, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development. Per Public Resources Code section 93020, subdivision (a), the bond allocates $29 million to the Conservancy to reduce the risks of climate change impacts upon communities, fish and wildlife, and natural resources, and increase public access. Typically, the Conservancy funds grants on a rolling basis without a request for proposals or due dates, but certain funding sources or programs involve funding announcements or specific requirements. All applicants must complete a pre-application (letter of intent) and receive approval to move on to an application. Conservancy staff are available to consult with grant applicants prior to, or during, any step in this process. Please refer to the Grant Guidelines (https://tahoe.ca.gov/grant-guidelines/) for additional information on eligible activities, funding priorities, funding considerations, grant categories, administrative requirements, and grant process. For additional questions visit the website at https://tahoe.ca.gov/grants/ or contact Conservancy staff at grants@tahoe.ca.gov. Note: At this time the Conservancy has received Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) Wildfire and Forest Resilience early action funding. Prop. 4 Protect Biodiversity and Accelerating Nature-Based Climate Solutions funding is not yet available.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative (specific page limit not specified)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of organizational capacity
- Letters of support from community partners or agencies
- Environmental/community benefit documentation
Program contact
- 📧 grants@tahoe.ca.gov
- 📞 1-530-542-5580
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for Prop 68 SMMC grants?
Nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations working on drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection, or outdoor access projects are eligible. Check the Conservancy's full guidelines for specific organizational requirements.
Is there a deadline?
This is a rolling deadline program. Applications may be accepted on an ongoing basis. Contact the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for current submission windows.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects supporting water conservation, park restoration, climate resilience, coastal protection, and equitable outdoor access. Your project must align with Prop 68 priorities.
How much can we request?
The total funding pool is $375,000. Individual award amounts are not specified in available guidelines. Contact the Conservancy for typical grant ranges.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition varies based on funding pool size and project quality. Strong alignment with Prop 68 priorities and clear community benefit increase competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review Prop 68 guidelines in detail and confirm your project aligns with at least one authorized program area.
- Document clear community benefits and environmental outcomes in your proposal.
- Contact the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy early to understand current priorities and funding availability.
- Include letters of support from community partners and local agencies.
- Demonstrate how your project addresses equity and outdoor access for underserved populations.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects that don't clearly align with Prop 68's authorized program areas. Lack of community engagement or unclear benefit to local populations. Incomplete applications missing required documentation or unclear outcomes.
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