Environmental Enforcement and Training Grants

 

Current Status of Grant Availability

CalEPA is currently accepting applications for the 2026 grant cycle through May 25, 2026. Please see the 2026 Notice of Funding. Downloadable application and additional information can be found below. 

About the Grants

The Environmental Enforcement and Training Account Grant Program (Penal Code section 14300 et seq. and Title 27, California Code of Regulations, section 10014 et seq.) was established to provide a non-general fund source of financial assistance for environmental enforcement, education and training to enhance statewide enforcement of environmental laws. Funding sources primarily include court-approved and administratively ordered contributions from environmental enforcement settlements.

Penal Code Section 14314 provides for disbursement of account funds as follows:

  • 25% or $100,000, whichever is less, to the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training, which may decline all or part of the funds, with any funds so declined going to the Secretary for re-allocation for environmental enforcement training of peace officers; and
  • The remaining balance to the Secretary for grants related to environmental enforcement, education and training

Grants to public and private entities are awarded once a year, but only when there is an amount of at least $100,000 in the account. Grant amounts vary annually.

Grant Cycle

The 2026 grant cycle is currently open and CalEPA intends to operate on the following cycle:

April 23 Announce availability of funds to disburse under the program.
April 23 – May 25 Applications for grants accepted.
June Grant applicants notified.

Who May Apply

When funds are available, grants may be awarded to public entities and private nonprofit organizations for training public prosecutors, investigators, and staff of community-based organizations, among others, in the investigation and enforcement of environmental laws, and to further support the Environmental Circuit Prosecutor Grant Program. Local environmental regulators may request local assistance grants to assist in the investigation and enforcement of environmental laws, based upon a showing of substantial need and a lack of other available funding sources. Individuals and those entities made ineligible by SB 157 are not eligible to receive grants.

Applications

The 2026 application can be downloaded here: 2026 Environmental Enforcement & Training Grant Program Application.

Questions

For questions regarding the grant process or making contributions to the fund, please contact EETAGrantApps@calepa.ca.gov.