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Route to Parks Grant Program

Sierra State Parks Foundation

Foundation Annual Recreation GrantsCommunity Services Grants
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Funding Amount

$29,500

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Route to Parks Grant Program

Funder: Parks California in joint agreement with California State Parks

Geographic Scope: California statewide

Program Overview:
Route to Parks is a grant program launched in 2020 that invests in community organizations to reduce transportation barriers and expand access to California's state parks. The program has invested in more than 120 community organizations and supported access for more than 20,000 people statewide, with more than 75% of participants visiting a state park for the first time.

Funding Details:

  • 2026 awards: More than $1.2 million distributed to 34 community organizations

  • Individual grant awarded to Sierra State Parks Foundation: $29,500

  • Expected to help more than 15,000 people in 2026, many visiting state parks for the first time

    • Focus Areas:

  • Reducing transportation costs and barriers for underserved communities

  • Expanding waterborne recreation programs

  • Expanding interpretive and educational programs at state parks

  • Increasing capacity and safety of paddling tour programs

  • Making kayaking and aquatic recreation accessible to diverse communities

    • Eligibility:
    Community organizations and nonprofit partners working with California State Parks

    Support:
    Program supported through joint agreement between California State Parks and Parks California, plus private philanthropic investments

    Contact Information:
    Learn more at Parks California's Route to Parks grant program website

    Example Projects (SSPF 2026):

  • Increase capacity and safety of Donner Memorial State Park Paddling Tour Program

  • Increase capacity of Sugar Pine Point State Park's weekly kayak programs

  • Reduce transportation costs and barriers for underserved communities locally and in nearby urban communities

    • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    recreationcommunity-services

    Categories

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