SACRAMENTO – The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) today announced $99.2 million in funding is available to underserved communities to plan and implement neighborhood-serving capital infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and the environment, and expand economic opportunity for residents. Round 5 of the Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC), which will award Implementation Grants up to $29.5 million, Project Development Grants up to $5 million, and Planning Grants up to $300,000, will support the communities most impacted by pollution to choose their own goals, strategies, and projects to drive transformation in their neighborhoods. Read more in the Notice of Funding Availability.
Since 2016, TCC has awarded $326 million to over 30 overburdened communities across California.
Application Process
Start the application process by completing the Application Initiation Form. The purpose of the Application Initiation Form is to: (1) help TCC staff determine levels of interest in the available grants, (2) gather the information TCC staff need to create your application submission folders, and (3) connect eligible applicants to Technical Assistance (TA) providers. This form is required for all applicants.
Once you complete an Application Initiation Form, TCC Program staff will provide you with a link to an online submissions folder, where you can access and complete application materials. Application materials will also be available on the website March 9th by 5 p.m..
Key changes to this year’s funding guidelines
On February 28, the Strategic Growth Council adopted Round 5 Guidelines of the Transformative Climate Communities Program. Key changes in this round of funding include:
- Changes in Award Amounts: $88,500,000 will be available for three (3) Implementation Grants of $29.5 million each. $9,800,000 will be available for multiple awards of Project Development Grants of up to $5 million each. $900,000 will be available for three (3) Planning Grants of $300,000 each.
- A New Advance Pay Pilot: TCC is authorized for an Advance Pay Pilot program (AB 156) through July 1, 2025. Lead Grantees will be able to request and disburse advance pay to subrecipients.
- New grant category: TCC Round 5 will pilot a new grant type, Project Development, to bridge support for communities who do not have shovel-ready projects by funding pre-development, basic infrastructure, and capacity building activities. Up to $5 million each is available for this type of grant.
- Expanded Flexibility for California Native American Tribes (Tribes) and eligibility for Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) and Rural Applicants
View the February 28th TCC staff report to learn more about changes to guidelines for this round of funding.
Where can I find final guidelines?
Download the Round 5 Final Guidelines.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Community-based organizations
- Local governments
- Nonprofit organizations
- Philanthropic organizations and foundations
- Faith-based organizations
- Coalitions or associations of nonprofits
- Community development finance institutions
- Community development corporations
- Joint powers authorities
- California Native American Tribes
How is much in funding is available in this round?
A total of ninety-nine million, two hundred thousand dollars ($99,200,000) will be available for the TCC Program’s Funding Round 5 (FY 22-23). Of that total:
- $88.5 million will be available for three (3) Implementation Grants of $29.5 million each. Implementation Grants fund neighborhood-level infrastructure and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase economic opportunity, and improve public health and the environment.
- $9.8 million will be available for multiple awards of Project Development Grants of up to $5 million each. Project Development Grants fund predevelopment and community readiness activities such as community engagement, needs assessments, permitting and more.
- $900,000 will be available for three (3) Planning Grants of $300,000 each. Planning Grants will support planning activities to prepare disadvantaged communities for future funding opportunities that align with the TCC Program’s objectives.
When does the application period open and close?
- March 8, 2023: Notice of Funding Availability Release
- March 31, 2023: Application Initiation Form due for Implementation Grant Applicants
- May 1, 2023: Application Pre-proposals due – Implementation Grants only
- July 3, 2023: Application Initiation Form due for Planning and Project Development Grant Applicants
- August 1, 2023: Final Applications due
How to apply and receive assistance
All Implementation Grant Applicants are required to work with third-party technical assistance providers during the application period. Application TA for Planning Grants will be available to Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) and California Native American Tribes. The purpose of the Application Initiation Form is to connect eligible applicants to Technical Assistance (TA) providers. This form is required for all applicants.
To learn more, attend a workshop during the dates listed below:
- March 22, 2023: General Application Workshop
- March 23, 2023: DUC and Tribal Workshops
Media Contact
Agustin Arreola, 279-386-2183
agustin.arreola@opr.ca.gov
About the California Strategic Growth Council
The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is a 10-member council comprised of seven state agencies and three public members with the mission to build healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all. Funded through California’s Cap and Trade system and the California General Fund, SGC’s grant programs, strategic initiatives, and interagency coordination focus on multi-benefit and community-centric solutions at the nexus of climate and equity. Since 2008, SGC has invested over $2.8 billion in projects strengthening communities and addressing climate change.