Urban Greening 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based organizations pursuing urban greening and climate resilience projects. Applicants must own the property or demonstrate landowner willingness to negotiate site control. Projects must be in urban areas, provide public benefit, and offer public access.
Priority goes to projects benefiting vulnerable or disadvantaged communities, using conservation corps, or leveraging additional funding. At least 40% of total funding targets disadvantaged communities. Projects affecting tribal lands require meaningful outreach to California Native American tribes.
Nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations are typical applicants. For-profit entities may apply if structuring projects as public benefit initiatives.
This grant is for California-based organizations pursuing urban greening and climate resilience projects. Applicants must own the property or demonstrate landowner willingness to negotiate site control. Projects must be in urban areas, provide public benefit, and offer public access.
Priority goes to projects benefiting vulnerable or disadvantaged communities, using conservation corps, or leveraging additional funding. At least 40% of total funding targets disadvantaged communities. Projects affecting tribal lands require meaningful outreach to California Native American tribes.
Nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations are typical applicants. For-profit entities may apply if structuring projects as public benefit initiatives.
Program description
The 2026 Urban Greening Grant Program will solicit Step 1 Concept Proposals (between May 4-June 4) and extend invitations to submit Step 2 Full Proposals in July 2026. Successful projects will green and cool communities and offer multiple benefits including sequestering carbon, limiting stormwater runoff, providing habitat and preserving biodiversity, protecting public health during extreme heat, increasing equity, and expanding economic and workforce opportunities. Funded projects are expected to advance the goals of the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan and Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets. To be eligible for funding, Urban Greening projects must comply with all the following: • Be located in an urban area; • Provide public benefit; and • Provide public access At the time of full project proposal submission, applicants must either own the property or demonstrate landowner willingness to enter into future site control negotiations. Projects that proposing at least one of the following will be prioritized for funding: 1. Providing direct and meaningful benefits to vulnerable populations, disadvantaged communities, or severely disadvantaged communities, and meet these 4 criteria (A thru D): a) Create direct, tangible, and substantial benefits that would not have happened without the project. Meaningful benefits are not incidental, indirect, or speculative. b) Protect or enhance a community’s resources and quality of life by building climate resilience. This may include reducing risks to the community from climate hazards or protecting resources threatened by climate change (e.g. drinking water supply/quality, urban tree canopy, critical community infrastructure, etc.). c) Directly respond to a community’s expressed need or desired benefit, either through direct project input or as part of a larger planning or engagement effort. d) Avoid long-term degradation or reduction of any population’s resources (i.e., benefits provided to one community cannot burden another). 2. Using the services of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) or Certified Local Conservation Corps (LCCs) 3. Leverage private, federal, and local funding or produce the greatest public benefit This program intends to award funding to disadvantaged communities with a minimum of 40% of funds to projects providing meaningful and direct benefits to vulnerable populations, or disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities. For projects that affect tribal communities, applicants must show meaningful outreach and attempts to collaborate with local California Native American tribes throughout the planning, design, and implementation of their project.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Community Land Trust
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for California-based organizations pursuing urban greening and climate resilience projects. Applicants must own the property or demonstrate landowner willingness to negotiate site control. Projects must be in urban areas, provide public benefit, and offer public access.
Priority goes to projects benefiting vulnerable or disadvantaged communities, using conservation corps, or leveraging additional funding. At least 40% of total funding targets disadvantaged communities. Projects affecting tribal lands require meaningful outreach to California Native American tribes.
Nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations are typical applicants. For-profit entities may apply if structuring projects as public benefit initiatives.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Step 1 Concept Proposal (May 4–June 4, 2026)
- Step 2 Full Proposal (July 2026, by invitation)
- Property ownership documentation or landowner commitment letter
- Community engagement and needs assessment documentation
- Climate resilience and equity analysis
- Budget and timeline
- Tribal outreach plan (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 urbangreening@resources.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-653-2812
FAQ
What geographic areas are eligible?
Projects must be located in California urban areas. Rural or non-urban sites do not qualify.
How much funding can we request?
Awards range from $200,000 to $5,000,000. Larger projects with greater community impact are competitive.
Do we need to own the property?
You must own it or show the landowner will negotiate site control before submitting the full proposal.
What activities does the grant fund?
Urban greening, tree planting, green infrastructure, habitat creation, cooling projects, and workforce training aligned with state climate goals.
Does this grant prioritize certain projects?
Yes. Projects serving disadvantaged communities, using conservation corps, or leveraging other funding receive priority consideration.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building landowner relationships immediately. Concept proposals are due June 4; secure site control early.
- Emphasize direct, tangible benefits to vulnerable populations. Avoid vague or speculative claims about community impact.
- Document community engagement and input. Show how your project responds to expressed local needs.
- Leverage conservation corps services if possible. Using CCC or certified LCCs significantly strengthens competitiveness.
- Connect your project to California's Extreme Heat Action Plan and Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets in your narrative.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing projects in non-urban areas or on sites where landowner support is unclear. Overstating benefits or listing indirect/incidental advantages instead of direct, measurable community outcomes. Failing to document meaningful community engagement or how the project responds to expressed local needs.
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