Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program
The SB 1 Grant funds science-driven planning and nature-based implementation projects for sea level rise adaptation along California’s coast, prioritizing resilience, equity, and community engagement.
Funder: California Ocean Protection Council
Due Dates: February 20, 2026 (Track 2 LOI) | March 20, 2026 (Track 1 full proposal, June OPC) | June 5, 2026 (Track 2 full proposal) | June 26, 2026 (Track 1 full proposal, September OPC) | September 11, 2026 (Track 1 full proposal, December OPC)
Funding Amounts: Track 1: $200,000–$1.5M (up to 2 years); Track 2: $500K–$2.5M typical ($7M in round, max 3 years; larger with justification)
Summary: Supports California coastal and Bay communities in planning and implementing sea level rise adaptation projects, prioritizing equity, resilience, and technical assistance.
Key Information: Track 1 (Planning) is rolling/quarterly; Track 2 (Implementation) is competitive and annual.
Description
The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program, administered by the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), provides funding for local and regional governments, tribes, and eligible nonprofits to plan for and implement sea level rise (SLR) adaptation projects along the California coast and San Francisco Bay. The program is designed to build community resilience to SLR, with a strong focus on equity, environmental justice, and direct benefits to disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. Two main funding tracks are offered:
- Track 1: Planning — Supports SLR adaptation planning, including visioning, vulnerability assessments, data collection, and plan development.
- Track 2: Implementation — Funds nature-based SLR adaptation projects that put planning into action, such as site assessment, design, permitting, or construction.
Technical assistance is available for applicants, especially those from environmental justice communities, tribes, and small or rural communities. A dedicated funding stream exists for California Native American tribes to plan for SLR impacts on cultural resources and ancestral lands.
