Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program
Funds research and projects using nature-based solutions to help California coastal and Bay Area communities adapt to sea level rise, with a focus on equity and scientific monitoring.
Funder: California Ocean Protection Council
Due Dates: February 20, 2026 (Track 2 LOI) | March 20, 2026 (Track 1 Full Proposal) | June 5, 2026 (Track 2 Full Proposal) | June 26, 2026 (Track 1 Full Proposal) | September 11, 2026 (Track 1 Full Proposal)
Funding Amounts: Track 2: $500,000–$2,500,000 per project (up to $7M total this round); Track 1: $200,000–$1,500,000 per project; project durations up to 3 years (Track 2) or 2 years (Track 1)
Summary: Supports California coastal and Bay Area communities in planning and implementing nature-based sea level rise adaptation projects, with priority for tribes, disadvantaged, and rural communities.
Key Information: Track 2 is competitive and requires a Letter of Intent; Track 1 is rolling with quarterly deadlines; significant technical assistance is available for eligible applicants.
Description
This program, administered by the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), funds efforts to increase resilience to sea level rise along California’s coast and San Francisco Bay. It supports both planning (Track 1) and implementation (Track 2) of adaptation strategies, with a strong focus on nature-based solutions and equitable outcomes for disadvantaged communities, tribes, and rural areas. Track 1 supports adaptation planning, while Track 2 funds on-the-ground implementation projects identified in approved or in-progress adaptation plans. The program also provides technical assistance to applicants facing significant sea level rise threats, especially those with limited capacity.
