Economic Development

Farmworkers Advancement Program (FAP) Grants support projects that focus on farmworker needs at the regional level by offering essential skills and upskilling training to advance in the agricultural industry and/or prepare for opportunities outside the agricultural sector. FAP programs will position farmworkers to access good-quality jobs, including those that pay family-sustaining wages, offer benefits, provide predictable hours, offer opportunities for career advancement, and promote worker voice. Projects will also provide wraparound support and resources to build skills, prevent job loss, and lay the foundation for upward mobility.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program (NAE) is designed to assist eligible Native Communities in sustaining and improving library services with their communities. As information needs change, Tribal libraries must be able to serve as knowledge and resource centers to benefit their users and the wellness of their communities. The NAE program supports Native Communities across the country to address their individual information needs and priorities.

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.

Native Entities Grants will fund broadband projects that expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable internet connectivity in Native communities, particularly unserved areas. Funding will support projects that help improve broadband connectivity by providing training programs, expanding public access, and other activities that develop and implement broadband infrastructure.

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 the first half of 2027.

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.