2024 Adventure Pass

GRANTS

Apply to the Parks California’s 2024 Adventure Pass Grants Program

We are accepting submissions for Parks California’s 2024 Adventure Pass Grants Program until March 25, 2024.

Parks California, in partnership with California State Parks, is excited to announce the second round of the Adventure Pass Grants Program. Through this grants program, we aim to support programs and activities needed for 4th graders and their families to explore California State Parks.

Studies indicate that access to parks and greenspace can lead to improvements in children’s physical well-being, social/emotional learning and academic outcomes, with children experiencing reduced stress and demonstrating more enthusiasm for school. Every child should have easy access to parks. This program is one way we all can make that possible.

We are currently accepting applications from organizations seeking to take advantage of the Adventure Pass Program, which recently expanded to 54 State Parks. By reducing the cost of admission and transportation challenges to park access, we can ensure the benefits of the Adventure Pass are more equitable across families. Applications must be submitted by a nonprofit organization proposing to connect 4th graders and their families to the participating park/s. Partnerships are highly encouraged and recommended.

2024 GRANT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

For the 2024 Adventure Pass Grants cycle, we are seeking proposals that address the following criteria:

Proposal must connect 4th graders and their families to a California State Park or Beach
The California State Park or Beach must be one of the 54 participating in the Adventure Pass pilot program.
Participants must include underrepresented communities who may face challenges getting to or enjoying parks including, but not limited to, low-income, physical and/or emotional disabilities and/or People of Color.
Provide participants with transportation, resources, and support needed to take full advantage of the Adventure Park Pass.
Program provides relevant experiences for participants in State Parks.

Preference will be given to programs that:

Provide participants with multiple, meaningful, and relevant outdoor experiences.
Have history in engaging and offering programming for underrepresented communities who may face challenges getting to or enjoying parks including but not limited to – low-income, physical and/or emotional disabilities and/or People of Color.
Build on an existing partnership or collaboration with California State Parks.

Eligible Applicants Include:

501(c)3 organizations
California Native American Tribes, including Tribal Government Programs such as Tribal Arts Programs, Heritage Departments, Economic Development Entities, etc.
Native 7871 Organizations
Fiscally sponsored Community Organizations
Government Agencies

Please note: Applicants are required to discuss the proposed project with California State Park staff in each District where programming is proposed. We highly encourage you to begin conversations with the State Park employee(s) or land manager at the park you intend to visit as soon as possible. These early conversations will help inform your on-site activities and resources needed. In your application, you will need to provide the name and contact information of the State Parks employee with whom you discussed your proposal.

Under this grant cycle, Parks California anticipates making grants awards up to $10,000. Interested applicants should apply for projects that start as early as May 1, 2024, with the intention of completion by August 31, 2024. A preview of the grant guidelines can be accessed here. Proposals must be submitted though Parks California’s Grants Portal.

Additionally, you can review FAQs for other helpful information.

If you have any further questions, contact Emily Henry at grants@parkscalifornia.org.

Timeline

February 22, 2024: Grant Guidelines Released (Details available in the Grant Portal)
February 29, 2024 at 9am PST: Informational Webinar with Q&A (Watch the replay and view the 2024 Adventure Pass – Informational Webinar Slides)
March 8, 13 and 19, 2024 (times vary): Office Hours & Technical Assistance with Staff (Sign up for a slot)
March 25, 2024 by 5pm PST: Proposals due in the Grant Portal
End of April 2024: Grant Funding Announcements
May 1 – August 31, 2024: Program activities

CITED RESOURCES