Explore the Coast Grants
Forecasted
Explore the Coast Grants support people and communities facing coastal access barriers through outings, ocean education, and cultural experiences that build lasting connections with California’s coast.
Funder: California State Coastal Conservancy
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: No minimum grant size; maximum depends on available funds; project end date set by each round’s RFP
Summary: Supports coastal experiences that reduce access barriers and build lasting connections with California’s coast and bay shores.
Key Information: At least 70% of participants must be from Explore the Coast Priority Communities.
Description
The California State Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast (ETC) program funds experiences for people and communities facing barriers to accessing or enjoying California’s coast. It aims to make the coast a place of joy, relaxation, and healing while fostering lifelong connections. Projects must offer enjoyable coastal experiences and reduce economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers, including distance from the coast.
Supported activities include coastal outings, surfing lessons, ocean education, sea kayaking, and cultural learning connecting Native American youth with ancestral coastal territory. Projects may also inspire coastal stewardship, promote community leadership, and create lasting positive impacts. Physical coastal exploration is required, even when a program includes watershed, climate, or environmental education. The Conservancy welcomes programs bringing participants to the coast from throughout California.
