Explore the Coast 2027 RFP Released!

Noyo Center for Marine Science, Explore the Coast funded program

Noyo Center for Marine Science, Explore the Coast funded program

The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) announces the Explore the Coast grants to public agencies, federally recognized tribes and California Native American communities, and nonprofit organizations for projects that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore California’s spectacular coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline.

The Explore the Coast grant program seeks to provide enjoyable coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges or encounter barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast (“ETC Priority Communities”). ETC Priority Communities ETC Priority Communities may include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, Native American communities, immigrant communities, foster youth, and other historically excluded communities who face societal challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast.

ETC program priorities:

  • Provide an enjoyable and/or healing experience at the coast.
  • Reduce economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast.
  • Projects may also achieve secondary goals, such as inspiring coastal stewardship, promoting community leadership, and providing lasting positive impact.

Award Amount

Applicants may request a grant amount of up to $100,000. Approximately $1,000,000 is available for this grant round.

Eligibility

The Conservancy may award grants to public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations that constitute a 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code. Other community-based organizations and tribes or California Native American communities that are not federally recognized may apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Project Start and End Date

Based on when selected projects can be presented to the Conservancy’s board and timing restrictions on funding sources, applicants should apply for projects that aim to start in January 2028 and end in December 2029. The Conservancy will base the size of an award on each project’s needs, its overall benefits, and the extent of competing demands for funds.

Key Dates and Deadline

  • November 12, 2026 Release Explore the Coast Application and Application Guide
  • December 10, 2026 ETC Informational Webinar, 1 – 2 pm
  • January 7, 2027 Application Assistance Office Hours #1, 3 – 4 pm
  • January 20, 2027 Application Assistance Office Hours #2, 12 – 1 pm
  • January 29, 2027 Applications Due by 11:59 p.m. PST
  • February – June 2027 Conservancy Staff & ETC Advisory Board Review of Applications
  • Early July 2027 Applicants Notified of Application Status Contact Us for Further Technical Assistance Anticipated Grant Schedule
  • Early 2028 Grantees Start Work on their Projects

How to Apply

This year’s Explore the Coast grant application will be submitted through SurveyMonkey. The application has two parts:

Part 1: Grant Narrative Application (Word Download)

Part 2: Project Data SurveyMonkey Form

To learn more and apply, please review the 2027 Explore the Coast Application Guide here