WHALE TAIL® Grants support experiential education and stewardship of the California coast and its watersheds. Grant projects can engage youth or adults and can take place anywhere in California. Education and stewardship projects relating to climate change as it impacts the coast and ocean are eligible and encouraged. Shoreline cleanup and coastal habitat restoration projects that have an educational component are also eligible for these grants.

• Application deadline: November 6, 2023.
• Applicants may request any amount up to $50,000. At least 25% will be small grants up to $20,000. Approximately $2,000,000 will be distributed.
• Eligible applicants: 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.
• WHALE TAIL® Grants focus on reaching communities that have historically received fewer marine education and stewardship opportunities. We strongly encourage applicant organizations based in and composed of the communities they are engaging. Projects throughout California are eligible.

Thank you to all the owners of WHALE TAIL® License Plates and donors to the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund for making these grants possible. Funds were also allocated in 2021 through the California state budget allowing this year’s grants to support even more great education and stewardship projects.

A walk-through of the WHALE TAIL® Grants application will be presented on September 20 from 3:30-5pm, including time for questions.

Register for this online meeting.

Download the grant guidelines and application form at www.coastal.ca.gov/whaletailgrant.

Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about WHALE TAIL® Grants.