Climate-fueled extreme weather events, including extreme heat and atmospheric rivers, are causing more and more power outages across California. State leaders must invest in clean, resilient energy solutions, starting in frontline communities.
Despite proposed cuts to the state’s climate budget, millions of dollars are already allocated to fund resilience initiatives across California, including community resilience hubs, solar and battery storage projects, and microgrids. Community-based organizations (CBOs) can play a crucial role in leveraging these funds to build clean energy projects in frontline communities. CBOs engage directly with communities and have strong relationships with local leaders in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by air pollution and climate change.
In addition to funding opportunities, training and technical assistance programs for CBOs, local governments, tribes, and community members are now available. These programs aim to support communities at any stage of their resilience planning process. Learn more about funding opportunities and training programs below.
| Agency | Program | Amount range | Open date | Deadline | Eligible entities | Description |
| California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) | Clean Energy Access Grant Account | Up to $500,000 | March 1, 2024 | April 30, 2024 | Tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Federally or non-federally recognized California Native American Tribes Tribal entities, including organizations incorporated under Tribal law and wholly owned by the Tribe | Funding for projects addressing access to or education on CPUC clean energy programs including: • Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP) • Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) • Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating Initiative (TECH) • Technical assistance |
| California Public Utilities Commission | Equity, Engagement, and Education Grant Account | Up to $200,000 Cycle 2 of funding | May 1, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | Tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Federally or non-federally recognized California Native American Tribes Tribal entities, including organizations incorporated under Tribal law and wholly owned by the Tribe | The EEE Grant Account will award grants up to $200,000 for the purpose of building CBO, Tribal, and community capacity to understand and engage with CPUC decision-making processes. |
| Office of Planning and Research | Adaptation Planning Grant Program | $100,000 to $650,000 Round 2 of funding | February 16, 2024 | Pre-application interest forms due: May 6, 2024 Full application due: May 20, 2024 | • Local Public Entities • California Native American Tribes • Community-Based Organizations • Academic Institutions | APGP funds climate adaptation planning that addresses cross-sector issues intersecting with multiple climate risks. The program cultivates an inclusive and flexible funding program that removes obstacles for diverse applicants, while emphasizing the needs of vulnerable communities. It strengthens statewide resilience by providing technical assistance, fostering collaborative learning, and promoting equitable decision-making. Ultimately the program strives to address historical disparities and ensure broad community access to the associated benefits. |
| Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment | California Environmental Grassroots Fund | $7,500 or less | Ongoing | Three grant application opportunities each year. The three application deadlines are: • February 1, 2024 • June 1, 2024 • October 1, 2024 | Geographic Scope: Project impact must be within the state of California. Organization Size: Annual income or expenses of $150,000 or less (for exceptions, see application). Tax Status: Applicants may be a nonprofit, be fiscally sponsored by another nonprofit, or ask for fiscal sponsorship from the fund. | The Grassroots Fund supports small grassroots groups across California that are tackling tough environmental problems including toxic pollution, urban sprawl, sustainable agriculture, climate change, environmental degradation of our rivers and wild places, as well as, of our communities and our health |
