2024 Whale Tail Competitive Grants Program

The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program funds projects that connect people to the California Coast and its watersheds through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. Donor Name: California Coastal Commission State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 11/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education and stewardship projects relating to climate change as it impacts the coast and ocean are eligible and encouraged. Adopt-A-Beach® programs, as well as other beach stewardship and coastal habitat restoration projects that have an educational component, are also eligible. WHALE TAIL® Grants focus on reaching communities all over California that have historically received fewer marine education and stewardship opportunities.  Priorities The Foundation strongly encourage projects that engage communities that have historically received fewer opportunities for coastal and marine education and stewardship, and applicant organizations based in and composed of the communities they are engaging. They strive for a broad geographic distribution of projects across California. Grant Categories  Projects must relate to the coast and ocean and fall into one or more of the following categories: youth education programs programs for educating the general public or adults climate change education and stewardship shoreline cleanup and enhancement programs with community involvement (such as Adopt-A-Beach) Funding Information You can request any amount up to $50,000. At least 25% of funded projects will be small grants of up to $20,000. Approximately $1,500,000 will be distributed. Funding Period June 30, 2025 – April 15, 2027. Eligible Criteria Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, projects of a non-profit fiscal sponsor, public schools or districts, government entities, Federally Recognized Tribes and other California Native American Tribes as defined by Governor’s Executive Order B-10-11. Ineligibility Grants will not be awarded to fund political advocacy work; for projects that include religious content in their programming; for travel outside of California; or for the purchase of vehicles, insurance, prizes, incentives, gift cards, cash gifts, or items that will be sold. WHALE TAIL® Grants are for defined projects, not for an organization’s general, ongoing administrative costs. Habitat enhancement projects must be ecologically responsible. For more information, visit California Coastal Commission.