GRANTS FOR
CALIFORNIA PARKS
PHOTO: GROVER HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK
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Our 2022 Annual Report is now available.
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.
Art has the power to bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate cultural expression. The Arts in California Parks grants program in partnership with California State Parks and California Arts Council, supports communities in bringing art to parks across California. Grants fund engaging arts experiences that enrich park visitor experiences and strengthen community connections.
Learn more about the Arts in California Parks grant program here.
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.
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.
Is your community ready to make a difference? In response to natural disasters, Parks California invites community-based organizations to apply for funds and develop community engagement activities in Santa Cruz that will help expand access to California State Parks.
Community, state and tribal organizations are encouraged to apply for grant funds to bring groups to State Beaches in Santa Cruz County. The grant program prioritizes diverse voices, ensuring that historically underrepresented communities and those with limited engagement in our state parks are at the heart of the planning process. This is your organization’s opportunity to bring broad perspectives and experiences to making our state parks a place for all.
