October 2026 Updates

 

Welcome to the October edition of the Western Regional Collaborative Newsletter. We are excited to bring you the latest updates and valuable resources to support your work in environmental protection and sustainability. 

Contents

  • Quarterly Workshops
  • Resources
  • Available Funding Opportunities
  • Federal
  • Tribes
  • California



Quarterly Workshops

Western Regional Collaboration Quarterly Workshop

Thank you for joining our 3rd Quarterly Workshop on October 6, 2026. To review our presentation on the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Energy Program for Indian Tribes, please visit: Meetings and Newsletters | Western Regional Collaboration.


Our 4th Quarterly Workshop of 2026 will feature the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Our guest speaker will share their agency’s experience in submitting a successful federal program application and implementation journey. 


Join us on Wednesday, December 16, 2026

Time: 10:00 am PST

Location: Microsoft Teams

Resources

EPA provides tools for CPRG recipients in meeting their requirements. To access this information visit: CPRG Training, Tools and Technical Assistance.

 

Linked for your reference:

Available Funding Opportunities

Currently open funding opportunities are listed below. This list is updated monthly as new opportunities are added.


Due to changes at the Federal level, website content and links may be subject to change. We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility should any inconvenience arise.


FEDERAL


FY 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Action (DERA) National Program

Administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the DERA National Program supports targeted upgrades and replacements of legacy diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with verified cleaner technologies to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

The program advances air quality improvement, public health protection, and climate resilience by co-investing in projects deploying EPA- and California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified retrofit or replacement technologies. The program encourages partnerships, including implementers and those administering subawards or rebate programs, to maximize the impact on diesel emission reductions nationwide.

The program supports activities that include retrofitting existing diesel engines, vehicles, or equipment, and helps replace legacy diesel units with newer, cleaner models.

If the applicant is the owner of the target vehicles, the applicant may directly implement the project. If the applicant is partnering with diesel fleet owners, the applicant may award subawards or participant support costs (e.g., rebates).

  • Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-OAR-OTAQ-26-01
  • Available Amount: Approximately $180,000,000; Expected Awards: 120 grants; Award Minimum: $0 Award Maximum: $12,000,000
  • Who’s it for:
  • A regional, State (including the District of Columbia), local agency, Tribal agency, or port authority, which has jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.
  • School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities, and counties are all generally eligible entities under this grant program to the extent that they fall within this definition.
  • A nonprofit organization or institution that:
  • represents or provides pollution reduction or educational services to people or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets; or
  • has, as its principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality.
  • Letter of Interest Deadline: January 22, 2027
  • DERA Overview Webinars on October 28th and November 19th [visit EPA website for Meeting IDs and Passcodes]
  • Deadline for Submitting Questions: November 24, 2026

·      For details, please visit grants.gov

 

ROSS Rapid Response Program

Administered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) awards one-time assistance via cost-reimbursement grants to provide service coordination and limited direct support for residents of HUD-assisted housing. The grant addresses urgent social needs caused by unexpected emergencies such as natural disasters, public health crises, or economic disruptions.

The program strengthens community resilience and resident well-being by enabling local housing authorities, nonprofits, tribal governments, and resident associations to quickly coordinate vital services and respond when emergencies arise. It co-invests in resident-focused activities that fill immediate service gaps and enhance social support during crises.

  • Funding Opportunity Number: PIH-ROSS-26-001
  • Available Amount: Award Minimum: $112,500 Award Maximum: $250,000
  • Who’s it for:
  • Public Housing Authorities
  • Federally recognized Tribal Governments
  • Indian Housing Authorities
  • Letter of Interest Deadline: January 25, 2027

·      For details, please visit grants.gov



TRIBES


EPA Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Funding Opportunity for Indian Tribes and Intertribal Consortia for Nonpoint Source Management Grants Under Clean Water Act Section 319

Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water – Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, this program funds implementation of approved Nonpoint Source (NPS) management practices for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia.

The program advances tribal water quality protection, community health, and ecosystem resilience by supporting best management practices (BMPs) targeting NPS pollution identified in Tribal Assessment Reports. It co‑invests in community-driven NPS mitigation projects that enhance water resource stewardship and environmental outcomes.

Funded activities include: Implementation of BMPs outlined in Tribal NPS Management Program Plans, Measures to address identified nonpoint source pollution (e.g., erosion control, runoff treatment), and Projects listed in Tribal Assessment Reports aimed at reducing NPS pollution.

  • Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-OW-OWOW-26-01
  • Amount: Award Ceiling $0, Award Floor $175,000
  • Who’s it for:
  • Federally recognized Tribes
  • Intertribal consortia meeting eligibility requirements
  • Application Deadline: November 9, 2026

      For details, please visit grants.gov



CALIFORNIA

 

Round 4 CPUC 26-27 Digital Divide Grant Program

The Digital Divide Grant Program Round 4 is administered by California’s Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI). It funds projects that expand digital equity, improve broadband access, and increase connectivity for communities most impacted by California’s digital divide.

The program advances digital inclusion, community resilience, and equitable access to essential services by supporting infrastructure, devices, training, and technology systems that help residents fully participate in education, employment, health, and civic life. It co‑invests in local initiatives designed to reduce barriers to internet access and strengthen digital readiness in underserved neighborhoods.

  • Funding Source: State of California
  • Funding Method: Reimbursements
  • Match Funding: No
  • Amount: Expected number of Awards is 3; Award floor $50,000, Award Ceiling: $100,000
  • Who’s it for:
  • Public Agency
  • CA Tribal Government
  • Nonprofits
  • Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
  • For details, please visit www.grants.ca.gov


Round 4 CNRA Youth Community Access Grant Program

The Youth Community Access Grant Program (Round 4) is administered by California’s Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and funded by Proposition 64’s Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (YEPEITA). It supports immersive, meaningful youth experiences with natural or cultural resources in low-income and disadvantaged communities across California.

This program advances youth wellness, resource equity, and environmental enrichment by co-investing in projects that connect underserved youth to recreational spaces, cultural heritage sites, and nature-based learning. It enhances capacity for community organizations to execute educational and engagement initiatives that prevent substance use and foster well-being.

  • Funding Source: State of California
  • Funding Method: Reimbursements
  • Match Funding: No
  • Amount: Award floor $30,000, Award Ceiling: $300,000
  • Who’s it for:
  • Public Agency
  • CA Tribal Government
  • Nonprofits
  • Application Deadline: November 4, 2026
  • For details, please visit www.grants.ca.gov


Round 5 Statewide Park Development & Community Revitalization Program (SPP)

Administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the SPP grant supports the acquisition, development, renovation, or expansion of parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable communities across California. Funded by Proposition 4’s Climate Bond, it aims to increase access to outdoor recreation and improve community well-being.

The program advances public health, equity, environmental resilience, and community revitalization by co-investing in park infrastructure that addresses climate vulnerability and promotes community-led planning efforts. It supports projects designed with resident input and partnerships with health organizations.

Eligible Costs: Acquisition of land, preconstruction and construction costs.

  • Funding Source: CA Proposition 4
  • Funding Method: Reimbursements
  • Match Funding: No
  • Amount: Award floor $200,000, Award Ceiling: $8,500,000
  • Who’s it for:
  • Cities
  • Counties
  • Districts
  • Joint Powers Authorities
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Application Deadline: December 17, 2026
  • For details, please visit www.grants.ca.gov


 

Your Website, Your Resources


The WRC website hosts information on upcoming events, past meetings and notes, and shared resources


WRCinfo.org