Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program

Now accepting proposals.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program aims to support innovative efforts to enhance, promote, and develop sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities and increase access for all to public lands in the Sierra-Cascade region.

Program goals include improving access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities, reducing impacts of overuse on natural and cultural resources, and supporting the development of sustainable recreation economies.

How to Apply

Review the Grant Guidelines and Guideline Companion Document for this cycle. To submit a project idea, please reach out to the appropriate Area Representative.

Grant Guidelines (pdf) Companion Document (pdf)

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Eligibility

Eligible applicants:

  • public agencies, including federal agencies
  • qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • tribal entities recognized on the current United States Federal Register or the Native American Heritage Commission as a California Native American tribe

Eligible projects:

  • Be located within the Sierra-Cascade region
  • Be consistent with the program objectives described in the grant guidelines (pdf)
  • Be consistent with the SNC mission and program areas as defined in the SNC Strategic Plan
  • Meet all requirements of Proposition 68
  • Result in a clear, demonstrable, and enduring public benefit

Example Projects

  • The development of a recreation and tourism collaborative or partnership for a defined geographic region.
  • The implementation of priority projects identified through a collaborative process.
  • A collaborative process to identify and prioritize recreation and tourism needs across a defined geographic region.
  • Innovative public-private partnerships to address recreation and tourism-related challenges, including infrastructure and transportation needs.
  • Promotion of recreation and tourism attractions and opportunities across a defined geographic region.
  • Development of resource interpretation or communication programs for underserved populations, identified as a priority need through a collaborative process.
  • Design of sustainable recreation and tourism programs related to and by Native American tribes.

Process and Schedule

Review the Grant Guidelines and Guideline Companion Document for this cycle. To submit a project idea, please reach out to the appropriate Area Representative.

Proposals will be accepted on a continuous basis and considered on a quarterly cycle:

  • December 2025: Review of Concept Proposals received by December 1, 2025, and direction given to develop Final Proposals.
  • March 2026: Review of Final Proposals received by March 1, 2026, and decisions regarding continued due diligence activities and potential recommendations to the SNC Governing Board.
  • June 2026: If due diligence is complete, Final Proposals recommended to the SNC Governing Board for grant award.

The cycle will be repeated every quarter until funds are no longer available.

Funding Source

This program is funded through Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018. Proposition 68 recognizes the critical importance of recreation and tourism to California’s economy and ecology and specifically directs funds to be used to support and expand recreation economies, opportunities, and access to outdoor recreation.