The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grants fund projects that connect people to the California Coast and its watersheds through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. Grant projects can engage people of all ages and can take place anywhere in California.
We are thankful to partner with the California Ocean Protection Council,
who is providing $2,000,000 in funds from California Climate Investments
for this grant cycle.
Approximately half of the funds support a general pool of grants, and
approximately half of the funds are dedicated through a tribal set-aside for projects led by, in partnership with, and/or directly
engaging California Native American tribes and tribal communities.
The information below describes the previous grant round. Please join our mailing list to receive information on future grant rounds.
2025-2026 Guidelines and Application Form:
When writing your proposal, you may find it easier to work from this blank version of the application form, that has instructions and question details removed. If so, be sure to refer to the full application for the question details!
A walk-through of the grant application and guidelines took place on November 6, 2025. Watch a video of the presentation and review the slides and presentation script.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your project idea, please contact Jessica Lie at
Jessica.Lie@coastal.ca.gov
This program is supported by sales of the WHALE TAIL® Coastal Protection License Plate and donations to the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund listed on the California state tax form.
The WHALE TAIL® License Plate is an official specialty license plate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Proceeds from sales of the plate benefit the California Coastal Commission's Adopt-A-Beach® Program, California Coastal Cleanup Day, and a wide variety of environmental projects throughout the state. The Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund is a "tax check-off" fund listed on the California state tax form, offering taxpayers the option to provide voluntary donations of any amount. You can also donate by check at any time. Proceeds from contributions to this fund specifically benefit the WHALE TAIL® Grants Program.
Find more grants from the State of California:
