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Respect, relationships, and reciprocity are the core values of the Climate Science Alliance. To celebrate our 10th year, the Climate Science Alliance is investing in community-led climate activities through our Reciprocity and Regranting Program’s 2025 Giving Cycle.
We are now accepting applications for grants up to $100,000 for organizations, and up to $5,000 in grants for small projects and stipends for professional development. Due to limited funding this is a competitive process—but we have done our best to reduce the barriers and challenges associated with applying. We look forward to investing our team’s time, energy, and expertise to support your vision.
We recognize that our partners in the Southern California region are being greatly impacted by the Los Angeles fires. If you are interested in the 2025 Giving Cycle but experiencing challenges submitting your application, please contact the Climate Science Alliance.
Application Resources
Fast Facts
The Climate Science Alliance re-grants funds to community partners, community based organizations, and Tribal governments to build capacity and support collaboration for climate adaptation and resilience. The goal of the Reciprocity and Regranting program is focused on our partners’ professional, research, community, and educational efforts in a transparent and equitable manner. Projects must have a climate change emphasis and focus on topics associated with available funding.
Eligibility: Non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) Tribal-serving or Tribal-led organizations, Tribal governments, or non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with established partnerships with Tribal and/or Indigenous entities/communities are eligible to apply. Individuals can apply for professional development stipends.
Geographic locations: Organizational grants are available for the Southern California region. Small project grants and professional development stipends are available for Southern California, California coastal areas, and California/Mexico cross-border regions.
Project focus areas:
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All projects must have a climate change emphasis and uplift community-led climate adaptation and resilience efforts.
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Activities with the following focus areas will receive priority review:
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Cultural fire, native plant restoration, fire and land stewardship, and coastal resilience and stewardship
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Community benefit related to any of the priority areas above
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Intergenerational approaches related to any of the priority areas above
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California/Mexico cross-border collaboration related to any of the priority areas above
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Project Timeline:
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Organizational grants: March 2025 - November 2026, with priority given to projects that can be completed by November 2025
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Small projects and professional development: March - November 2025
Application Process:
Interested applicants will submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) using a short application form to share their ideas and intentions.
Deadlines for the current funding cycle: We will accept LOIs on a rolling basis until all available funding is expended. We will begin reviewing LOIs on February 1, 2025.
Criteria and Guidelines for Types of Grants Available
Organizational Grants
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Purpose: These grants are intended to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous, Tribal, or Tribal-serving organizations to advance community-led co-stewardship and climate resilience in Southern California. Eligible projects will support efforts to explore and integrate Indigenous knowledges, participation, and leadership in climate adaptation planning and stewardship.
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Topical focus areas include: Cultural fire, native plant restoration, fire and land stewardship, coastal resilience and stewardship
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Grant Amounts: $50,000 - $100,000 per grant
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Geographic location: Southern California
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Performance Period: March 2025 - November 2026*
*Priority will be given to projects that can commit to being completed on or before November 2025
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Eligibility: Non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) Tribal-serving or Tribal-led organizations, Tribal governments, or non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with established partnerships with Tribal and/or Indigenous entities/communities.
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Joint applications with multiple partners will receive additional attention
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Current and past Climate Science Alliance grantees are eligible to apply
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Appropriate use of funds: Funding can be used for new projects or to add capacity to existing efforts, including but not limited to supplies, materials, communication, education and outreach, travel support, staff capacity, training, and/or honorariums/stipends.
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Restoration activities will require additional review and should already be permitted (if required) and adhere to all CEQA/NEPA and/or other legal requirements.
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Funding exclusions: Funding can not be used for religious or political activities, advocacy, fund endowments or funding campaigns, organizational debt, or past events or projects.
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International or out-of-state travel will require additional authorization.
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Small Projects and Professional Development
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Purpose: Grants for small projects are intended to support community-based projects or events. This funding can be used to fill in gaps in existing projects or help seed fund new efforts; help disseminate activities, support community events, support community-led programs, and/or other activities that relate to climate change planning, response, education, outreach. Stipends for professional development are intended to address any financial barriers to participation for activities such as training, conferences, classes, meetings with partners, and/or knowledge exchange activities.
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Grant Amounts: Up to $5,000 per grant
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Geographic location: Southern California, California coastal regions, and the California/Mexico cross-border region
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Performance Period: March 2025 - November 2025
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Eligibility: Non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) Tribal-serving or Tribal-led organizations, Tribal governments, non-profit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with established partnerships with Tribal and/or Indigenous entities/communities. Individuals can receive professional development stipends directly.
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Current and past Climate Science Alliance grantees are eligible to apply
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Appropriate use of funds: Appropriate uses include but are not limited to purchasing supplies, materials, communication, education and outreach, travel support, or honorariums. These funds can also support stipends for professional development by addressing any financial barriers to participation. Appropriate uses include but are not limited to travel costs, registration, supplies, and/or required materials.
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Funding exclusions: Funding can not be used for religious or political activities, advocacy, fund endowments or funding campaigns, organizational debt, or past events or projects.
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International or out-of-state travel will require additional authorization.
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Application Review Guidelines and Criteria
While applicants are welcome to submit more than one LOI, please note that likely only one application per organization/community/individual will be funded.
In addition to the guidelines and criteria specific to each grant category, the review process will prioritize:
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Projects that include members of any Climate Science Alliance working group
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Projects that include collaboration with partners in forestry, fire, and coastal stewardship and management
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Projects that have a strong community benefit
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Projects that take an intergenerational approach
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Projects that include collaboration with the Climate Science Alliance team
Additional guidelines and criteria to note:
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Joint applications with multiple partners will receive additional attention
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Current and past Climate Science Alliance grantees are eligible to apply
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Funding can be utilized for staff time.
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Funding can not be used for religious or political activities, advocacy, fund endowments or funding campaigns, organizational debt, or past events or projects.
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Restoration activities should be already permitted and adhere to all CEQA/NEPA or other legal requirements.
2025 Giving Cycle Supporters
The Climate Science Alliance is working collaboratively with foundations, government entities, and donors to identify and bridge gaps to advance trust-based investments in climate solutions.
Thank you to our partners for supporting the 2025 Giving Cycle!
