Grants for California Parks – Parks California

GRANTS FOR

CALIFORNIA PARKS

PHOTO: GROVER HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK

Parks California manages several grant programs to support park, park partners, and local nonprofits in connecting community to California State Parks. Read below to learn more about grant opportunities available.

Are you a current or past Parks California Grantee? You can access information related to current or past grants made to your organization on our grant portal here.

Santa Cruz Community Grant Program (2025)

Is your community ready to make a difference? Grant funding is available for your community group! In response to natural disasters including 2023 storm damage at Seacliff & New Brighton State Beaches and the 2020 CZU fire, Parks California is seeking representatives to coordinate community engagement events to inform ongoing planning efforts for California State Parks.

Parks California’s Santa Cruz Community Grant Program is designed to amplify diverse voices, ensuring that historically underrepresented communities and those who have had limited engagement with our parks are at the heart of the planning process. This is your chance to help bring new perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table!

Organizations rooted in and connected to communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities are encouraged to apply for funds to bring groups to State Beaches in the Santa Cruz District. These groups will share their ideas and views on how to create future coastal recreational facilities that increase equity in access and create inclusive park experiences; as well as facilities that are resilient with future coastal processes.

This funding is available to support activities at New Brighton, Seacliff, Manresa and Sunset State Beaches, and the Rancho Del Oso unit at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Learn more about the Santa Cruz Community Grant Program (PDF here) and click here to apply on Parks California’s grant portal.

Candlestick Park Activities Grants Program

The Candlestick Park Activities Grants Program aims to bring together community at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. A growing body of research suggests that nature provides a multitude of benefits from disease prevention, community resilience, social ties among neighbors, and more. Through funding from Parks California, this grants program will support local organizations to host gatherings and activities for Bayview Hunters Point youth and adults at Candlestick Point.

This funding opportunity is designed to help ensure Bayview Hunters Point youth and adults have a natural and public space to gather in community and have resources available to promote connection and healing. Grants will be awarded to nonprofits, schools, religious organizations that support youth, adults, and families in Bayview Hunters Point.

Learn more about the Candlestick Park Activities Grant Program here.

Career Pathways Grants

California’s State Parks will be best prepared to address climate change with a talented and diverse workforce, equipped to lead the care of our landscapes. Historically, park career paths have not been inclusive to all. Bringing diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and Indigenous knowledge into stewardship builds resilience and broader support for our parks.   

Parks California launched its Career Pathways Grant Program to expand career pathways to California State Parks jobs for underrepresented communities. This program supports workforce development partnerships between State Parks and local organizations that meaningfully address key access barriers and prepare participants for park careers. The program aims to not only prepare the next generation workforce with necessary skills but also expand awareness about the diversity of careers in parks and public lands, connect participants to mentors and professional networks to support them in their career journey, and help participants navigate state hiring processes.

 Learn more about the Career Pathways Grants Program here.

Route to Parks Grants

At Parks California, we believe that everyone deserves a world-class park experience that can lead to a lifelong connection with nature. However, documented disparities, such as the lack of transportation or public transit options can be a barrier to fostering personal connections with the outdoors.

To help ensure that all communities, including people who have been historically marginalized, have an opportunity to visit and enjoy California State Parks, Parks California launched  the Route to Parks grants program in 2020 to support local organizations that are best able to address transportation and other obstacles faced by these communities. 

Learn more about the Route to Parks Grants Program here.