The Tribal Capacity Building Pilot Program provides funding and technical assistance to California Native American tribes to build staff capacity to advance tribes’ climate-related work. The goal of the pilot program is to assist tribes in developing long-term capacity to secure funding and implement tribal-led climate solutions.
$1 Million in Funding Available for California Native American Tribes, Applications Now Open
Applications for the Tribal Capacity Building Pilot Program are now open! Applicants should carefully read the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Grant Guidelines prior to starting an application.
Applications are due February 5, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. PT. Learn more about the application process and go directly to the application submission platform by clicking the buttons below.
notice of funding availability grant guidelines application
Applicants can use the following templates to start their application:
- Application Template
- Budget Worksheet
- Letter of Authorization Template
- Tribal Resolution Template
- Landowner Letter of Support Template
SGC Seeks a Technical Assistance Provider for the Tribal Capacity Building Pilot Program
The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is accepting proposals for the pilot program’s technical assistance (TA) provider solicitation. The TA provider will work with 4-6 tribal grantees for a two-year grant term to evaluate capacity building needs and provide tribes with no-cost, flexible support that will respond to each tribe’s needs. We seek a TA provider that has significant experience working with California Native American tribes and providing technical assistance for climate-related federal and state grants.
The Request for Quotes (RFQ) is published online in the California State Contracts Register. To view and ensure you receive any future addenda to this solicitation, we encourage you to register online at Cal eProcure. Proposals are due January 19, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. PT. Learn more about the RFQ by clicking the button below.
Program Funding
The pilot program will award two-year grants to 4-6 tribes and fund staff salaries and activities that advance each tribe’s climate-related work. Activities may include planning, securing funding for, and implementing projects related to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
Funding is available on a competitive basis with $1 million available for grant awards and $500,000 available for the TA provider contract. Awarded tribes may receive funding between $150,000 and $250,000 each for the pilot two-year grant term.
Available Technical Assistance Services
Tribes will work with a technical assistance provider and receive no-cost, flexible support that will respond to each tribe’s needs. The capacity building and technical assistance services offered include, but are not limited to, the following:
Technical Assistance
- Grant application assistance
- Grant management support
- Planning support
- Implementation assistance
Capacity Building
- Trainings & workshops
- Leadership development
- Economic development
Relationship Building
- Peer learning
- Partnership building
Eligible Applicants
All California Native American tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Contact List, including federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes, are eligible to apply. A non-federally recognized tribe is eligible to apply if they are registered as a nonprofit, a for-profit corporation, or a limited liability company.
Pilot Program Timeline
- October 26, 2023: Pilot Program Grant Guidelines presented to the Council for approval
- November 7, 2023: Notice of Funding Availability & Application Release
- November 16, 2023–February 1, 2024: Application Office Hours to support tribal applicants during the Application Phase every other Thursday from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. PT
- November 28, 2023: Application Workshop
- December 5, 2023: RFQ Webinar 2
- January 19, 2024: TA Provider Proposals due by 5:00 p.m. PT
- February 5, 2024: Applications due by 5:00 p.m. PT
- April 2024: Pilot Round Awards adopted by Council