The image above is provided courtesy of Brightline Defense, who has partnered with Clarity to deploy air quality monitoring equipment around the San Francisco Bay Area using funding from past CARB Community Air Grants.
Update: As of September 3rd, 2024, the final RFA has been released and can be accessed on CARB's website here. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2024!
TL;DR — Are you part of a California-based nonprofit organization or a California Native American Tribal government dedicated to improving air quality in your community? If so, the upcoming Community Air Grants (CAGs) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) offer a significant opportunity to secure funding for your projects. Learn more about the Draft Cycle 5 Request for Applications (RFA) and how your community can benefit.
Understanding CARB Community Air Grants
Community Air Grants are an integral part of CARB's Community Air Protection Program (CAPP), established under Assembly Bill (AB) 617. These grants empower community-based organizations (CBOs) and California Native American tribes to lead projects that address local air quality issues, supporting environmental justice throughout the state.
CARB's Office of Community Air Protection administers the Community Air Grants (CAGs), funded through the State’s portion of Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Since 2018, CARB has awarded $35 million in Community Air Grants to 69 local organizations — such as Brightline Defense, Groundwork Richmond, and Valley Vision — and 8 California Native American Tribes.
These grants have empowered communities to take action against air pollution, fostering a healthier environment and promoting environmental justice. Clarity has a long track record of successful projects funded by CARB Community Air Grants and we can help you navigate the grant application process — contact Clarity today to start the conversation about your air quality monitoring project!
Who can apply for air quality monitoring funding?
- California CBOs with 501(c)(3) Status: Nonprofit organizations not affiliated with local, municipal, city, county, or state governmental agencies.
- California Native American Tribes: Including all Federally Recognized Tribes and other California Native American Tribes as defined by Governor’s Executive Order B-10-11.
- Partnerships: CBOs can partner with other organizations, including those without 501(c)(3) status, as sub-grantees.
Eligible air quality project types
CAG funding can support a variety of projects aimed at reducing air pollution and engaging the community, including:
- Community-Operated Air Monitoring: Initiatives for local air quality monitoring.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Community-based participatory research projects.
- Community Engagement: Outreach and participation in the Community Air Protection Program.
- Technical Assistance: Hiring experts and consultants to aid in project implementation.
- Local Community Emissions Reduction Plans (L-CERPs): Projects focused on building partnerships, community education, and setting air quality priorities.
Air quality monitoring funding details
- Educational Projects: Up to $300,000 per project.
- Technical and Focused Projects: Up to $500,000 per project.
- Grant Term: Typically 24 to 30 months, depending on the project type.
Community Air Grant priorities and selection criteria
CAG projects must focus on communities most impacted by air pollution, ensuring they provide direct, meaningful, and assured benefits to disadvantaged and low-income communities. These communities are defined by factors like pollution levels and socioeconomic conditions, as identified by tools like CalEnviroScreen.
The program aims to:
- Achieve equitable participation and demonstrate local partnership building.
- Foster workforce training and development.
- Advance equity and environmental justice.
- Promote the transferability of emissions reduction strategies to other communities.
- Build capacity for equitable engagement in the Community Air Protection Program.
- Provide benefits to communities identified as disadvantaged by CalEnviroScreen 4.0 or SB 535.
Important dates and timeline for CARB Community Air Grant applications
To ensure your organization is well-prepared for the Community Air Grant application process, it’s essential to be aware of key dates and deadlines. Below is a comprehensive timeline for Cycle 5 of the CARB Community Air Grants to help you plan your application:
Phase 1: Finalization of Draft RFA and Pre-Application
- July 19, 2024 – August 25, 2024: Draft Cycle 5 RFA Public Release and Public Comment
CARB is currently inviting comments and feedback from the public — this is a critical time for stakeholders to provide input on the proposed application process.
- August 20 and August 22, 2024: Two Pre-RFA Public Virtual Workshops on Draft Cycle 5 RFA
CARB will host two virtual workshops to discuss the draft RFA. These sessions will offer detailed information and address any questions from potential applicants. You can register here for the August workshops.
- September 3, 2024: Final Cycle 5 Request for Applications ReleasedThe final RFA will be released, officially opening the application process.
- September – October 2024: Pre-Application Assistance Workshops and How to Prepare a Grant Proposal Workshop
During this period, CARB will hold two workshops to assist applicants in preparing their applications, including a workshop on how to develop a strong grant proposal.
- November 1, 2024: Cycle 5 Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by this date. It is crucial to ensure that all materials are complete and submitted on time to be considered for funding.
Phase 2: Application and Award Phase
This phase focuses on the review and selection of grant applications. To maintain the integrity of the competitive process, CARB's engagement with applicants will be limited during this time.
- November 2024 – February 2025: Application Review and Development of Recommendations for Award
CARB will review all submitted applications and develop recommendations for grant awards.
- March 2025: CARB Selection of Grant Awards
CARB will finalize the selection of grant awardees and notify successful applicants.
- March 2025 – May 2025: Grant Agreement Development
During this period, CARB will work with selected applicants to develop and finalize grant agreements.
- June 2025: Grant Term and Project Period Starts
The official start of the grant term and project activities — grantees can begin implementing their projects.
- July 2025: Grantee Kickoff and Project Orientation Meetings
CARB will host kickoff meetings to orient grantees and ensure they are well-prepared to begin their projects.
- February 1, 2027: Grant Term Ends
All project activities and reporting must be completed by this date, marking the end of the grant term.
Be mindful of these important dates to ensure your organization is well-prepared to submit a strong application and secure funding for your community air quality monitoring project.
How to apply for Community Air Grant funding
Review the Draft Cycle 5 RFA and prepare your application, and be prepared to submit your final proposal to CARB by the November 1st, 2024 deadline.
How to prepare a strong CARB Community Air Grant application
Preparing a robust application is crucial to securing funding for your community’s air quality project. CARB’s engagement process includes focused discussions and feedback sessions to help applicants understand the requirements and strengthen their proposals — we strongly recommend taking advantage of these free resources to prepare a strong proposal.
Here are some additional tips to help you develop a compelling proposal:
- Understand the RFA Requirements
- Carefully review the Draft Cycle 5 RFA and ensure your project aligns with the goals and priorities outlined by CARB.
- Attend the virtual workshops to gain insights and ask questions directly to CARB staff.
- Clearly Define Your Project
- Develop a clear and concise project plan that includes objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Ensure your project addresses specific air quality issues in your community and aligns with the Community Air Protection Program goals.
- Engage with the Community
- Involve community members in the planning process to ensure the project meets local needs.
- Demonstrate community support and participation in your application.
- Highlight Collaboration
- Showcase partnerships with other organizations, local agencies, or experts that can strengthen your project.
- Detail the roles and contributions of each partner.
- Provide Detailed Budget and Timeline
- Prepare a realistic budget that outlines all expected costs and justifies the funding requested.
- Develop a timeline that includes key milestones and deliverables.
- Demonstrate Capacity and Expertise
- Highlight your organization’s experience and capacity to successfully implement the project.
- Include resumes or biographies of key team members and their relevant expertise.
- Use Data and Evidence
- Support your proposal with data and evidence that demonstrate the need for your project and the potential impact.
- Include references to relevant studies or previous successful projects.
- Review and Revise
- Before submitting, review your application for clarity, completeness, and accuracy.
- Seek feedback from peers or experts to strengthen your proposal.
Get started with your Community Air Grant application
Don’t miss this opportunity to bring meaningful change to your community — start planning your application for a Community Air Grant today! Participate in the upcoming virtual workshops and review the Draft Cycle 5 RFA to get started on your application.
Clarity has a long track record of successful projects funded by CARB Community Air Grants with organizations like Brightline Defense, Groundwork Richmond, and Valley Vision. We can help you navigate the grant application process — contact Clarity today to learn more about this funding opportunity and get a quote for your air quality measurement equipment!