As part of a historic partnership between the University of California and the state of California, the University today (Aug. 23) announced it is awarding over $80 million in climate action grants. The grants will spur implementation of solutions that directly address state climate priorities.

The California Climate Action Seed Grants and Matching Grants will fund 38 projects that collectively involve more than 130 community, industry, tribal, and public agencies, as well as 12 University of California (UC) locations, 11 California State University (CSU) campuses and two private universities. Seed grants were awarded to 34 teams totaling $56.2 million. Four teams received matching grants totaling $26.9 million to support larger projects that could leverage additional funding from non-state sources. The $83.l million total is part of $185 million allocated by the state for UC climate initiatives advancing progress toward California’s climate goals.

Recognizing the historic opportunity to leverage this investment to strengthen community participation in shaping climate solutions, the state’s Strategic Growth Council is providing funds to the University to supplement the Seed and Matching Grants. The Community-Engaged S/Hero Award Supplements will provide 10 projects with $20,000 each to identify best practices for engaging communities around climate risks, and to provide leadership, resources, and counsel to all climate award teams on community engagement.

UC Santa Barbara received two awards, both managed by the Marine Science Institute:

Dunes as nature-based solutions to enhance resilience of California’s beaches to climate change
PI: Ian Walker, Co-Pi: Jenny Dugan

Enhancing the richness and resilience of California amphibian communities
PI: Cheryl Briggs

UCOP Press Release
California Climate Action Seed and Matching Awards 2023