Economic Development

To fund community-led development and infrastructure projects that achieve major environmental, health, and economic benefits in California’s most disadvantaged communities. The program empowers the communities most impacted by pollution to choose the strategies and projects best suited to achieve their community vision and enact transformational change. All with data-driven milestones and measurable outcomes.

To fund projects that will strategically deploy high-powered, direct current (DC) fast charging infrastructure to support light-duty electric vehicle (EV) travel along major corridors of the state highway system in southern parts of California. Light-duty vehicles are vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating less than or equal to 10,000 pounds. The purpose is to significantly expand the MDHD EV charging infrastructure along these corridors per National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program requirements, contributing to the national charging network being built under this program.

The intent of CAL FIRE's Forest Health Research Program is to fund scientific research that expands our knowledge in topics related to forest health and wildland fire. The outcomes of these projects will support agencies, organizations, landowners, and policy makers, while furthering the goals of the California Forest and Wildfire Resilience Action Plan and California Climate Investments.

TechWerx is a hub focused on connecting DOE with energy leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, small businesses and other players across academia, industry, non-profits, workforce development, and policy to foster innovation and collaboration. The BAxTER funding opportunity will support building Tribal partnerships and improving energy reliability and affordability through networking activities, Tribal energy resilience project development, and Tribal workforce development. Eligible participants include energy experts in small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. The BAxTER program anticipates making $4 million in funding available to 5 to 10 selected organizations. Opportunity coming soon.

Two new opportunities for CALeVIP Fast Charge California Project (FCCP) incentives totaling at least $55 million are coming. These new projects will give site owners and developers two opportunities to move ready-to-build charging projects from planning to installation. Expanding charging access in underserved areas remains a focus of CALeVIP, with FCCP prioritizing projects in disadvantaged and low-income communities and on Tribal lands.

FCCP Window 2 will be open October 7, 2026 ‒ January 14, 2027, with incentives covering up to 100% of eligible installation costs for DC fast chargers, up to $100,000 per charging port.

FCCP Window 3 will be open February 24, 2027 ‒ May 27, 2027, with incentive levels capped at $55,000 per port regardless of power level with minimum output of 150kW.

This first-of-its-kind project provides ongoing strategic support and technical assistance to a cohort of diverse Tribes and Tribal entities across California that are leading initiatives to return, protect, and heal culturally significant landscapes, including waterways, within their traditional territories. This project will provide technical assistance, training, and coaching to overcome the primary barriers to Tribal land return for 31 California Tribes, including barriers in financing and the law. In addition, we will develop differentiated assets for Tribes and Tribal entities, institutional funders, individual donors, attorneys, estate/financial planners, and other relevant stakeholders on supporting the rightful return of land to Tribes. The next funding cycle opening is to be determined.

Communities in Charge is California’s light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging incentive project funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program. The program accelerates electric vehicle (EV) accessibility by catalyzing new markets and deploying EV charging stations to cut emissions, boost the economy, and benefit disadvantaged communities. Funding Wave 5 will provide $30 million in incentives for Level 2 and Level 1 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in the multi-family housing sector. To qualify, you must be a property owner, authorized lessee, or designated representative seeking support for Level 1 or Level 2 EV charger installations. Funding Wave 5 is expected to launch in Fall 2026.

The United States Forest Service and American Indigenous Tourism Association offered technical assistance, grant opportunities, and tourism collaboration at the destination and community level. On April 23, 2026, AIT was asked to postpone the FY26 NATIVE Act RFP to allow for the NATIVE Act agreement to clear the newly required USDA NOFO approval process.

The California Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program supports regional efforts to strategically repurpose agricultural land to reduce reliance on groundwater while providing community health, economic wellbeing, water supply, habitat, and climate benefits. Up to $200 million is appropriated for the next round. The previous round had $2.44 million in Tribal funding for projects including land acquisitions. The application window is expected to open in Fall 2026.

In June 2025, the MacArthur Foundation introduced a program on Native self-determination. Guided by the voices and leadership of Indigenous Peoples, this program will increase resources and deepen relationships in ways that reflect mutual respect and long-term partnership, while building on the $109 million the foundation has provided over the last 10 years to organizations working on issues that impact Indigenous Peoples and communities. The newly hired program director started on February 3, 2026. Grant guidelines for the program are still under development and will be made publicly available in the future. Initial announcement. MacArthur Foundation Programs. Information for Grantseekers.