Regional Resilience Planning and Implementation Grant Program

The Regional Resilience Planning and Implementation Grant Program (RRGP), administered by the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) through the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP), provides funding to strengthen climate resilience across California. Developed with community engagement and funded initially through Senate Bill 170, the program was allocated $25 million for FY 2021–2022 and is anticipated to receive an additional $25 million for FY 2023–2024. The total $50 million budget supports a multi-round grantmaking initiative aimed at fostering climate-resilient planning, implementation, and capacity-building projects. These projects are intended to address shared regional climate risks—such as wildfires, floods, drought, rising sea levels, and extreme heat—through collaborative, cross-jurisdictional efforts. The RRGP is structured around two main grant types: Planning Grants ($150,000–$650,000) and Implementation Grants ($650,000–$3,000,000). At least 51% of total funding must benefit disadvantaged communities (DACs), and at least 10% is reserved for California Native American tribes. Funding is available through both competitive and set-aside pools. Eligible applicants include California Native American tribes (federally and non-federally recognized), public entities (cities, counties, school districts, and special districts), community-based organizations (CBOs), and academic institutions. Each applicant must form a regional partnership of at least two jurisdictions, and specific co-applicant structures are required depending on the applicant type. Funds are provided on a reimbursement-only basis, and applicants may propose projects lasting 12 to 30 months. Planning projects might include creating or updating climate adaptation plans, hazard mitigation plans, or regional vulnerability assessments. Implementation projects could include infrastructure improvements, community engagement programs, or other initiatives that address multiple climate risks. Projects must demonstrate a regional focus, benefit vulnerable communities, and align with state climate goals and plans such as the California Climate Adaptation Strategy and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Applicants must begin by submitting an "Intent to Apply" survey, followed by a detailed application. Applications were due by August 29, 2023. Required components include an application workbook, narrative questions, a detailed budget, and up to ten supporting attachments. Evaluation is based on criteria such as alignment with climate goals, community engagement, multiple climate risk mitigation, partnership structure, and budget coherence. Points are distributed across categories including Project Description and Goals (15), Community Needs (20), Climate Risks and Multiple Benefits (20), Regional Partnership (20), Organizational Capacity (10), and Budget (15), for a total of 100 possible points. Successful applicants will enter into a formal grant agreement with OPR, with work beginning no earlier than January 2024 and ending by June 2026. Invoicing is quarterly, and final payments are subject to approval of deliverables. Throughout the grant term, awardees are expected to participate in evaluation activities (3–15% of budget) and peer-to-peer learning (<5% of budget), as well as submit mid-term and final progress reports and a case study. Optional technical assistance workshops and check-in meetings with RRGP staff are also available. The program emphasizes transparent, equitable, and collaborative governance, encouraging local, tribal, and regional actors to lead climate adaptation efforts across California.

Clearly align projects with state climate plans, engage vulnerable communities in decision-making, justify climate risks with localized data, and ensure partnerships meet eligibility structure.