Climate Ready Cohort

Resources

Apply Here

Applications Due

August 19, 2026

Applicants advancing to the final round will be interviewed on a rolling basis in August

Funding Source

State

Maximum Award

Award Details

Cohort members receive a $1,600 stipend paid to their organization and up to $1,000 for hosting a community workshop

Eligibility

Who is a good fit for the program:

Local governments, tribal governments, and community organizations
Organizations who are just getting started in climate resilience work but are interested in pursuing it long term
Organizations in an area where there has not already been an assessment of climate vulnerabilities
Organizations who have staff time to commit at least 10-12 hours/month to the program and host a fully funded community workshop in Spring 2027

LCI will also accept joint applications from a local government and a community-based organization serving the same community who apply together. Each partner organization will designate one staff member to participate in the cohort. Together, they will complete a single climate vulnerability assessment and collaborate throughout the program.

If you are a local government or community organization looking for a partner, please contact LCI at climateservices@lci.ca.gov and they would love to help matchmake.

Eligible Activities

The program will walk 15 participating organizations step-by-step through the process of creating a climate vulnerability assessment for their community using the Vulnerable Communities Platform (VCP). This assessment can serve as a foundation for fulfilling adaptation planning requirements (such as a safety element or local hazard mitigation plan update) or applying for grant funding to kickstart new programs.

Duration

Program Timeline and Expectations: 10-Month Program beginning Sept. 9, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Two live virtual classes per month (1 hr each), 1 virtual check-in per month (15-30 min each). Minimum 8 hours per month of independent work. Host-funded community workshop in Spring 2027 to gather community insights on vulnerability assessment.

Preferences

Priority will be given to organizations who have previously applied to grant programs at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) or the Strategic Growth Council (SGC). Those who have applied but were not chosen and those who are current or previous awardees are all eligible.

How to Apply

Submit an application form online here.

Contact climateservices@lci.ca.gov with any questions about the application or program.

Career DevelopmentDroughtEducation and TrainingExtreme HeatSea Level RiseWildfire