New Urban Grant Cycle Opens

San José, CA, May 13, 2025 -- Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) is now accepting proposals for its 2025 Urban Grant Program, which funds local projects that connect people in urban communities to nature. The Authority invites applications from nonprofits, schools and public agencies for projects such as environmental education, outdoor events, classes and programs, and other initiatives that provide meaningful connections to nature and open space. Individual grants range from $30,000 to $75,000. 

Since 2016 the Authority’s Urban Grant Program has awarded $5.6 million to 74 community projects, serving every district within the Authority’s jurisdiction. These grants have helped bring nature-based experiences and environmental education to communities across the region, especially those in underserved and park-poor areas in San José, Campbell, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. 

"We are thrilled to launch the latest round of Urban Grant funding, which supports projects, programs and community services that help connect people living in urban areas to nature," said Jackie McBride, grants program coordinator for the Authority. "Thanks to yearly public funding from Measure T, we can invest in programs and projects that enrich urban residents' quality of life. This program is part of the Authority’s commitment to equitable access to nature, enabling all the communities we serve to experience the transformative benefits of the outdoors." 

For those interested in applying for a grant, the Authority will host a virtual grant application workshop on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop will provide guidance on eligibility, application procedures and how to submit a competitive proposal. Register here to attend. 

Important Dates: 

• Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – Pre-application period opens 
• Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – Virtual application workshop (register here) 
• Thursday, June 26, 2025 – Pre-application deadline  
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Full application deadline 
• March 2026 – Award notifications begin 

Funding Details: 

• Grant range: $30,000 – $75,000 
• Total available: $750,000 
• Number of anticipated grants: 15–20 
• Grant period: Two years 
• Grants awarded on a reimbursement basis 

The Urban Grant Program is funded by Measure Q, a parcel tax approved by voters in 2014, and extended in 2020 through Measure T. Together, these measures provide approximately $7.9 million annually to protect natural open spaces and expand public access to nature. 

Projects should demonstrate how they promote environmental equity and benefit under-resourced communities. Applicants are encouraged to use tools and data to describe community need and how their project will make a measurable impact. 

View the Eligible Grant Areas Map: https://scvosa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/minimalist/index.html?appid=65ea1fc43eba4844b81906c776ccb730  

Learn more and apply: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/projects-programs/grant-programs/apply-for-a-grant  

For media usage: Access photos and B-roll: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cmawom3kih548l51d07qc/AM7ClN15D3CmHKF5o7vmByk?rlkey=d2n15jm23fmxkiehbr2vzbrtf&e=1&st=6ualswwd&dl=0  

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About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority  
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org  

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