Coachella Valley Proposition 68 Parks, Conservation Land Access and Climate Change Response Grant Program
🏛 Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Aug 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for water systems serving disadvantaged communities (DACs) in California. Eligible recipients include community water systems, school water systems, and state small water systems seeking to address drinking water compliance and safety issues. The program prioritizes emergency funding needs, systems out of compliance with health standards, consolidation projects, and solutions for contaminated water sources. Geographic scope is limited to California.
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Program description
Awards are made projects that enhance park facilities or recreational improvements that expand public access to conservation land or reduce environmental impacts that cause climate change. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis using a pre application form available from the Conservancy. Upon submission of the preapplication form, the applicant meets with Conservancy staff for a pre application consultation, after which the application can be submitted. Further details about the application procedure are available in the Proposition 68 Grant program Guidelines available on the Conservancy’s website. Projects that primarily serve several economically disadvantaged communities (SDAC) with median incomes of less than 60% of the statewide median receive priority; projects that serve disadvantaged communities with median incomes above 60% but less than 80% of the statewide median, or that serve areas that are underserved by outdoor recreational amenities, receive addition points in the scoring process.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- System compliance documentation and violation notices
- Water quality test results
- Community demographic and economic data
- Project scope and timeline
- Budget and cost estimates
- Evidence of disadvantaged community status
- Letters of support from local agencies
Program contact
- 📧 mochoa@cvmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-760-776-5026
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 6 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 7 | 2 | 29% |
| 2023-2024 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2024-2025 | 4 | 2 | 50% |
| 2022-2023 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for SAFER funding?
Community water systems, school water systems, state small water systems, and consolidation projects serving disadvantaged communities in California. Domestic well projects may also qualify for interim solutions.
What are the main funding priorities?
Emergency/urgent water shortage situations, systems out of compliance with drinking water standards, consolidations of struggling systems, and long-term planning for contaminated water sources.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this program. Funding aims to address equity gaps for DACs.
What's the application timeline?
This is a rolling program with no single deadline. Applications may be accepted throughout the fiscal year as funds become available.
How much funding is available?
Up to $130 million per year from the SADW Fund for ten years, plus additional complementary funding sources. Specific award amounts vary by project need.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document your system's compliance issues and how they affect public health and safety. Use recent test results and violation notices if applicable.
- Emphasize your community's disadvantaged status and economic barriers to self-funding water improvements. Include demographic and income data.
- Explain how your project aligns with SAFER priorities: emergency needs, compliance gaps, consolidation, or long-term contamination solutions.
- Coordinate with State Water Board staff early to understand complementary funding (DWSRF, Proposition 68, CAA) that might combine with SADW funding.
- Develop realistic timelines and budgets that account for California's regulatory approval processes for water system projects.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lacking clear documentation of compliance violations or water quality threats fail to demonstrate urgency. Weak community need statements that don't quantify DAC status or economic hardship reduce competitiveness. Proposals disconnected from SAFER's four priority categories seem misaligned with program goals.
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