Funding Opportunities Report- October 2026

Get the latest updates on upcoming grant opportunities from the state and federal government, courtesy of CARPD's Legislative Advocates at California Public Policy Group.

Download the Report here!

The Funding Opportunities Report is provided as a resource for CARPD Members to keep you all apprised of the most current and comprehensive information on competitive funding programs.

Highlights for this month include an overview of the status of major state and federal grant funding sources:

Parks and Recreation

• (NEW!) Round 4 of the Youth Community Access grant has been released, and concept proposals are due 11/4/2026. This program funds projects that give youth opportunities and access to natural or cultural resources.
• (NEW!) The California Department of Parks and Recreation has released the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – Motorized. This program provides funds for recreational trails and trails-related projects. Applications are due 11/2/2026.
• The State has appropriated $188.5 million through the Climate Bond (Prop 4) for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. The program’s intent is to create or expand parks and recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities across California. Applications are due 12/17/2026.
• The California Department of Parks and Recreation has released another round of funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Funds can be used for acquisition projects to acquire land for new or existing parks and development projects to support amenities for parks. Applications are due 1/14/2027.
• The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) had a public comment period for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Non-Motorized this past summer and are working on revisions of the guidelines. The next application cycle is anticipated to be released in 2026 or 2027.
• OGALS held a public comment period for the Habitat Conservation Fund this past spring to revise program guidelines for an upcoming funding competition, which is anticipated to be held in 2026 or 2027. This program funds projects for nature interpretation programs to bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, protection of various plant and animal species, and acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails.

Sustainability ​​​​​​and Climate Action

• (NEW!) The Tire-Derived Aggregate Grant Program is open for another cycle of funding. This program provides funds to divert waste tires from landfill disposal, prevent illegal tire dumping, and promote markets for recycled tire products. Applications are due 1/13/2027.
• (NEW!) Cal Recycle has opened their program Increased Recycling of Empty Glass Beverage Containers. Funds can be used for pilot programs that supply bins for collecting empty glass beverage containers. Applications are due 10/29/2026.
• (UPCOMING!) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is anticipating releasing their Brownfield Assessment Grants in 2026. Funds can be used for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments, and community outreach.
• The Coastal Conservancy has received Climate Bond funding appropriations of $62 million in FY 25-26 for coastal resilience projects and $32.5 million in FY 25-26 for sea level rise adaptation projects. Proposals are being accepted through the Coastal Conservancy Grants rolling application process.

Water Quality & Conservation

• (UPCOMING!) The State Water Resources Control Board has finalized the guidelines for the Storm Water Grant Program (SWGP), and a call for projects is expected to be released soon. This program has approximately $110 million appropriated from the Climate Bond (Prop 4).
• (UPCOMING!) The California Department of Water Resources has released the Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program for public comment ending 8/26/2026. This program provides funds for repairs, rehabilitation, enhancements, and other dam safety projects at existing state-jurisdictional dams and associated facilities that were in service prior to 1/1/2023.
• The State Water Resources Control Board is currently accepting applications for the Water Recycling Planning Grant. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until 6/30/2030. Projects can include recycled water treatment, recycled water storage, distribution, and pumping, and groundwater recharge.

Fire & Emergency Response

• (NEW!) The California Fire Foundation has created a new funding opportunity through Prop 4 funds called the Wildfire Prevention & Firefighter Safety Grant. This program supports projects that strengthen firefighter safety, enhance community preparedness, and support proactive wildfire prevention at the local level. Applications are due 11/16/2026.
• FEMA has released the state and tribal competition for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program. CalOES will be reaching out directly to applicants that have applied before and are in their system, instead of their usual open subapplication process.
• The Community Microgrid Enablement Program through PG&E is anticipated to announce its third and final round in 2027. This program provides funding to enable a community microgrid through studies and equipment for a safe transition.

California Public Policy Group (CPPG)'s Grant Services Team is a trusted partner to local governments across California, having worked to secure more than $277 million in competitive grant funding awarded since the team's formation in 2021. CPPG specializes in working with public agencies to navigate complex funding landscapes and programmatic requirements, with a proven track record of success securing funding from a wide array of state and federal agencies — including OGALS and the National Park Service.

If you are interested in learning more about CPPG's grant writing services, please reach out to Jake Whitaker, Director of Grant Services, via email at jwhitaker@publicpolicygroup.com.