Carlson & Associates, LLC Local and Tribal Government Grant Consultants

Land and Water Conservation Fund

California Department of Parks and Recreation's Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) announced the next Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant cycle.

Approximately $27.5 million is available to support the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities and parkland throughout California.

Eligible applicants include cities, counties, Joint Powers Authorities, park and special districts, and Federally Recognized Tribes.
Grant awards up to $6 million per project.
50% local match.
Eligible projects include parks, trails, playgrounds, athletic facilities, open space, outdoor recreation amenities, and other community-serving recreation improvements.

Applications due January 14, 2027.

Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) released the FY2027-28 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant (STPG) Program, providing funding for transportation, land use, and multimodal planning projects that support greenhouse gas reduction, transportation safety, mobility, equity, and climate resilience.

Key funding opportunities include:

Sustainable Communities Competitive Grants: Approximately $17.9 million available, with grant awards ranging from $100,000 to $700,000.
$3 million technical assistance set-aside
$2 million reserved for Native American Tribal Governments are also available.
Strategic Partnerships Grants: $1.5 million available for transportation planning studies addressing regional, interregional, and statewide transportation needs in partnership with Caltrans.
Strategic Partnerships Transit Grants: $3 million available for transit-focused multimodal planning projects.

Eligible projects may include active transportation plans, Safe Routes to School plans, complete streets planning, corridor studies, transit-oriented development planning, climate adaptation strategies, multimodal transportation plans, and transportation equity initiatives.

Application Deadline: October 9, 2026

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program – Round 8

The National Park Service (NPS) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program is now accepting applications through the California Department of Parks and Recreation's Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS).

ORLP supports the acquisition, development, and substantial renovation of parks and outdoor recreation facilities in underserved urban communities and on Federally Recognized Tribal lands.

Funding Available

Nationally, approximately $50 million to $120 million is available.
Grant requests may range from $300,000 to $15 million.
Applicants may request up to 50% of total project costs, with a minimum 50% matching contribution required.

Eligible Applicants Cities, counties, park and recreation districts, eligible state agencies, Joint Powers Authorities, and Federally Recognized Native American Tribes are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026.

Selected projects will advance to the national competition conducted by NPS.

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Specialty Crop Block Grant

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. The program is designed to support all sectors of California's specialty crop industry and improve the performance of California specialty crops within local, domestic, national, and international markets.

Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

$28 million available.
Grant amounts range from $100,000 to $600,000.
Eligible applicants: Non-profit and for-profit organizations; Local, state, and federal Government entities; Tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized); Public or Private colleges and universities. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
There is no limit on the number of Concept Proposals applicants may submit.

Concept Proposals due September 21, 2026

Statewide Park Program (SPP) Round 5 Grant Funding Opportunity

California Department of Parks and Recreation's Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) plans to announce their Round 5 funding opportunity for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP).

This competitive grant program supports the creation of new parks, the expansion of existing parks, and the renovation of park facilities in critically underserved communities throughout California.

Eligible applicants include cities, counties, special districts, joint powers authorities, and qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Grants may range from $200,000 to $8.5 million per project.

No matching funds are required.

Projects must provide new recreation opportunities and serve underserved communities with significant park deficits or climate vulnerabilities.

Application Deadline: December 17, 2026

CalRecycle Grants for Public Agencies, Tribal Governments, and For Profit Businesses

Local Governments/Jurisdictions

Grants are also available for Tribal entities and For Profit Businesses.