Recreation Grants in California
Last updated October 4, 2026
There are 28 active recreation grants tagged to California, part of 699 active recreation grants listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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| ★ | Grant |
|---|---|
| Delta Community, Environment, and Climate Grant Program Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy · State Oct 23, 2026 · $10M – $200M The purpoose of the Delta Community, Environment and Climate Grant Program is to fund multibenefit projects in the Delta and Suisun Marsh. | |
| Division of Boating and Waterways Aquatic Center Boating Safety Education Grant FY26 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Oct 30, 2026 · $100 – $6.2M Provide boating safety education to the general public. These grants are available to organizations that offer on-the-water boating safety education courses. | |
| Youth Community Access Grant Program (Round 4) CA Natural Resources Agency · State Nov 4, 2026 · $3M – $30M YCA Grants will fund projects that serve youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities and provide immersive and meaningful experiences with natural or cultural resources within California that participants otherwise would not have. | |
| Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) – Round 5 – Proposition 4 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Dec 17, 2026 · $20M – $850M The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) that helps support the acquisition and development of new parks and the renovation or expansion of existing parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable… | |
| Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Ramp Repair and Modification Grant Program FY27 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Feb 1, 2027 · Varies Provide resources to local agencies to repair or renovate public boating access facilities. | |
| Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Non-Motorized Boat Launching Facility Grant Program FY27 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Feb 1, 2027 · Varies Provide resources to local agencies to develop or improve public non-motorized boating access. The Statewide Non-Motorized Boat Launching Facility Grant Program provides funding to create or improve public non-motorized boating access. | |
| Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Boat Launching Facility Grant Program FY27 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Feb 1, 2027 · Varies Provide resources to local agencies to develop or improve public boat launching facilities, primarily for motorized vessels. | |
| Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Sign Grant Program FY27 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Feb 1, 2027 · $100K – $1M Provide resources to replace or install signs at DBW funded boat launching facilities. | |
| Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Pumpout/Dump Station/Floating Restroom Operation and Maintenance Grant FY26 Department of Parks and Recreation · State Jun 30, 2027 · Varies This grant provides resources for keeping boater sewage from California waterways. The Pumpout Facility Grant Program funds the operation and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations on California's waterways. | |
| RMC Lower LA River Grant Program San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · $5M – $200M Priorities for RMC Lower LA River Grants: 1. Ecosystems and watershed protection and restoration projects 2. | |
| San Joaquin River Conservancy Wildlife Conservation Board · State Not published · Varies The purpose of the SJRC is to create the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway) to preserve and enhance the river’s extraordinary biological diversity, protect its valued cultural and natural resources, and provide educational and… | |
| Science and Lake Improvement Account Program Tahoe Conservancy · State Not published · Varies The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve… | |
| Del Mar Foundation Community Grants Del Mar Foundation · Foundation Rolling · Varies The Del Mar Foundation supports organizations, projects and activities that promote civic pride and community cohesiveness in Del Mar, California - acquiring and preserving open space, improving beaches and parklands, and sponsoring… | |
| The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All – (Prop 68 River – CA) Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River – Community Access)) Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · Varies Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. | |
| The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – Community Access Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · Varies Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. | |
| Coachella Valley Proposition 68 Parks, Conservation Land Access and Climate Change Response Grant Program Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · Varies The program makes grants to expand recreational and educational use of conservation lands and improve sustainability in the Coachella Valley. | |
| Proposition 1 Lower Los Angeles River Grants San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · $5M – $200M Priorities for RMC Prop 1 LLAR (Lower LA River) Grants: 1. Ecosystems and watershed protection and restoration projects, 2. | |
| Community and Economic Enhancement Grant Program – Proposition 68 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy · State Not published · Varies This non-competitive grant program focuses on increasing public access to the Delta through recreation and tourism opportunities, historic and cultural preservation, and environmental education in order to promote a robust Delta economy. | |
| Proposition 68 LLAR Severely Disadvantaged Communities San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy · State Not published · Varies Priorities for RMC LLAR Prop 68: Develop urban recreation projects and habitat protection or restoration projects,Provide workforce development opportunities,Expand access to diverse populations,Secured matching funds RMC’s LLAR Grants are… | |
| Coastal Conservancy Grants Coastal Conservancy · State Not published · Varies Each year, the Coastal Conservancy issues millions of dollars in grants for projects that restore and protect the California coast, expand public access to it, and enhance its resilience to climate change. | |
| Small Grants Program Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy · State Not published · Varies The Program provides funding for eligible entities to complete projects under $100,000 that make transformative investments in the Delta’s social, economic, scientific, and physical infrastructure. | |
| Community Foundation for Oak Park General Fund Grants Community Foundation for Oak Park · Foundation Rolling · Up to $500 The Community Foundation for Oak Park (California) issues grants from its general fund and its special funds; general fund grants 'are usually $500 or less' because the general fund must also support Foundation operations. | |
| Proposition 68 Grant Program Tahoe Conservancy · State Not published · Varies The principal goal of the Conservancy's Prop 68 grant program is to support purposes set forth in the Conservancy's governing statutes and strategic plan, including stewarding Conservancy lands and protecting Basin communities from… | |
| Public Access Wildlife Conservation Board · State Not published · Varies Wildlife Conservation Board’s Public Access Program’s projects should focus on creating meaningful outdoor experiences for all Californians. |
Showing 1–24 of 28
About recreation grants in California
Recreation grants support parks, trails, sports facilities, and outdoor recreation access for communities. The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides matching grants to states and, through them, to local governments for acquiring land and developing public outdoor recreation facilities. State park and recreation agencies, community foundations, and corporate programs offer additional funding for fields, playgrounds, and recreation programs.
Recreation Grants in other states
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for recreation?
Recreation grants fund parks and green spaces, trails, ballfields and sports facilities, playgrounds, water access, and recreation programming. The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports land acquisition and facility development through matching grants, and state recreation agencies, community foundations, and corporate giving programs fund a broad range of community recreation projects.
Who funds parks and recreation projects?
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered federally and distributed through state agencies, is a key source of outdoor recreation funding for state and local governments. State park and recreation departments, community foundations, corporate foundations, and national recreation organizations also fund facilities, trails, and programs at the local level.
Who can apply for recreation grants?
Many major recreation grants, including LWCF awards, go to state and local government agencies, with funds often requiring a local match. Nonprofit recreation and conservation organizations can frequently apply for foundation and corporate grants directly, and community groups sometimes partner with a municipality or use a fiscal sponsor to access government funding.
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