Youth Community Access Grant Program
Youth Community Access Grant Program supports California youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities through trips, education, and career training that expand access to natural and cultural resources.
Funder: California Natural Resources Agency
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Concept Proposal) | March 2027 (Full Proposal, by invitation; date tentative)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $15 million available in Round 4; awards of $30,000–$300,000
Summary: Funds projects that give California youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities direct access to natural and cultural resources.
Key Information: Projects must include transportation to natural or cultural resources in California.
Description
The California Natural Resources Agency’s Youth Community Access Grant Program funds immersive experiences that youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities otherwise would not have. Supported by the Proposition 64–created Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account, it advances California’s Outdoors for All initiative by reducing barriers to outdoor and cultural access.
Projects may offer field trips to natural or cultural resources, educational programming that combines classroom and field work, or hands-on workforce development and career pathway training. Activities can build environmental or cultural knowledge while connecting youth with places, traditions, and potential careers. Funding priority goes to projects serving underserved youth populations, incorporating substance use prevention and early intervention, or providing sustained youth leadership opportunities.
