Orange County Coastkeeper and the California State Coastal Conservancy are partnered to enhance access to California’s coastline for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility.
The program will provide grants of up to $30,000 to tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public entities, enabling them to employ accessibility equipment such as beach wheelchairs, walkers, mats, and other devices. In addition to improving coastal access, proposals can also address accessibility issues impacting communities near coastal lakes, rivers, and bays.
Now Accepting Applications
Beginning May 29, 2024, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Before submitting proposals, applicants are encouraged to consult with Coastkeeper staff regarding their projects.
As this opportunity is expected to be highly popular, interested parties are advised to apply early. Click below for the full Request for Proposals (RFP).
About the Program
The Need
All California residents and visitors should be able to fully enjoy the state’s scenic coastline without barriers. This program seeks to make coastal recreation inclusive and enjoyable at no cost to the individual.
The Opportunity
Indigenous groups, nonprofit organizations, and public entities are invited to apply for grants of up to $30,000 to improve coastal accessibility across California. The funds can be used to acquire and maintain equipment such as beach wheelchairs, kayaks, walkers, mats, and other devices.
The Outcome
By ensuring everyone has equitable access to the state’s beaches, this program will contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant California coastline.
FAQs (coming soon)
What is this grant opportunity?
Orange County Coastkeeper, in partnership with the California State Coastal Conservancy, presents the Beach & Coast Accessibility Program!
The Beach and Coast Accessibility Program will be facilitated by Orange County Coastkeeper in partnership with the Coastal Conservancy to provide grants to federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, and agencies for beach wheelchairs, beach accessibility mats, and other equipment to increase accessibility to California’s beaches and coast in coastal counties statewide.
This project will expand the already successful Conservancy beach wheelchair program to include other low-tech solutions to improve coastal accessibility for people with disabilities and all others who may benefit from increased access. These solutions could include equipment such as roll-out walkways, specially engineered kayak paddles for ease of use for people with limited mobility, and other solutions for access to beaches and the coast.
The program will be available for projects involving water-adjacent areas statewide, on or near the coast, including but not limited to beaches, lakes, rivers, and bays. Interested parties that meet all criteria should submit an application to be considered.
Who is eligible to apply?
Federally recognized tribes, NGOs, and agencies across the coast of CA with projects that include the acquisition of beach wheelchairs, all-terrain wheelchairs, beach accessibility mats, maintenance parts, adaptive equipment for kayaks, and non-permanent beach wheelchair storage that will be provided free of charge to the public.
When will Coastkeeper begin accepting applications?
Applications open May 29th, 2024
Due date: rolling as funds are available
Where can I find existing beach wheelchairs along the coast?
Click here for an overview of the current availability of beach wheelchairs at California beaches.
