Route to Parks

Geographic Scope: California statewide (Northern California, Central California, Southern California)

Focus Areas:

• Addressing transportation barriers to state park access
• Serving under-resourced and underserved communities
• Creating equitable access to California State Parks
• Supporting diverse outdoor experiences and programming

Eligibility:

• Community organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Organizations focused on underserved populations

Program Description:
A transportation grant program in its third year (as of 2022) that addresses equitable access to parks for under-resourced communities. The program connects communities facing financial hardship to California State Parks by reducing transportation challenges. Grantees offer relevant and meaningful experiences in parks, helping participants build long-lasting connections with nature.

Programs supported by Route to Parks include:

• Vocational gardening and landscaping training for people in prison
• Programs fostering Indigenous culture and reconnection to the land
• Programs ensuring those with physical limitations have equal access to nature
• Youth outdoor programs
• Accessibility programs for wheelchair users
• Field trips and conservation research opportunities

Funding: Made possible by joint agreement between California State Parks, Parks California, and private donors including Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).

Geographic Distribution: 19 grantees across Northern, Central, and Southern California including San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Los Olivos, and Salinas.

Application Process

Application details not fully specified in provided content. For specific application requirements, deadlines, and submission instructions, contact Parks California directly or visit their grants page.

Note: Parks California may host informational webinars and office hours to explain grant guidelines and answer questions from prospective applicants.