In November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 4, also known as the Climate Bond. This historic $10 billion investment helps safeguard our communities, natural resources, and future in the face of climate change.

Before funds can be used, the Governor and Legislature must authorize spending through the Budget Act each year. Once authorized, departments that administer programs can begin rolling out projects and grant opportunities.

To provide funding for this work, the State Treasurer’s Office issues and sells bonds. The proceeds reimburse project expenses as work moves forward. This process will continue over several years as additional funds are authorized.

The Climate Bond advances investment in local communities in a variety of ways including wildfire prevention and improvement of drinking water facilities, protection of nature, coastal resilience, and public access to parks, trails, and the coast. These funds will support projects that make a tangible, lasting difference in communities across California by making them more resilient in the face of severe weather events and improving aging infrastructure, while promoting greater access to public spaces for all Californians.

At least 40 percent of Climate Bond funding must benefit disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations. CNRA and its partner departments are committed to ensuring these investments reach the Californians who need them most.

The Climate Bond advances the state’s overarching goals of protecting Californians from climate impacts and achieving carbon neutrality through nature-based solutions. It does this by helping local communities adapt by restoring and conserving natural landscapes that reduce extreme heat and wildfire risk, improve drought and flood resilience, and support clean air and water. It also invests in essential infrastructure and ensures access to clean drinking water, healthy local food, and safe, welcoming outdoor spaces.

Of the $10 billion approved by voters, approximately $3.3 billion in Climate Bond funds were authorized in the fall of 2025 through the Budget Act. This includes $181 million in early-action funding already being used for wildfire prevention and forest resilience projects across the state.

As new funding rounds are authorized, departments will continue to launch programs and grant opportunities that turn this investment into real progress for California’s communities and environment.

Some funds go to state departments for staff to do their own work such as maintenance at State Parks. Funds also go to programs that advance workforce readiness like the California Conservation Corps, which gives grants to local conservation corps that train our youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Finally, the Bond also supports grant programs that award funds to local communities that may range from water infrastructure, urban greening and park creation, land acquisition for wildlife habitat and public access, sustainable agricultural practices, community resilience centers and much more.

CNRA acts as statewide oversight for bond fund coordination, ensuring investors and others can rely on our use of these precious and finite dollars. However, each department, conservancy, board, and Commission receives an appropriation to allocate and award funding. Each develops its own grant program guidelines that explain what projects are eligible under their unique authorizing legislation, and how proposals will be evaluated and administered.

When departments, boards, conservancies and offices develop programs and guidelines, they advertise opportunities to comment on draft guidelines and offer tribal consultations. These may include webinars, office hours or other formats for public feedback. In addition, the public is encouraged to engage in an iterative and ongoing dialog with entities awarding funding so they are aware of the unique needs and visions their constituents have for these investments.

After guidelines are finalized, watch for open grant opportunities on the state grants portal (you can search by category or by "Proposition 4" on grants.ca.gov site). Also watch departmental and program-specific websites and sign up for updates. Solicitations will roll out over the next several years. Programs also offer workshops, technical assistance and webinars to help applicants navigate the process.