About California State Parks Foundation
Protecting and preserving the California state park system, for the benefit of all.
Focus Areas
Climate resiliencePark access & equityPark improvements and restorationAdvocacy and public policy for parksVolunteer engagement and community programsResearch, education, and publications
Who They Fund
state parks agencies / park districtspark volunteers and stewardship groupsregional communities and park visitorsevent participants / park fair attendees
Funding Style
project-specific / restricted grants
About California State Parks Foundation
California State Parks Foundation’s recent grantmaking is shaped by the needs of California state parks themselves: wildfire resilience, climate resilience, park improvements, and public access. One large 2024 award went to California Department of Parks and Recreation, tied to a sequence of grants for wildfire resiliency prevention, Earth Day, monarch conservation, and state parks improvement, along with an annual distribution. Another recurring recipient, Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs in Davenport, received support across monarch conservation, climate-resilient parks, and park fair travel support. The foundation also backs work that keeps parks functioning and interpretable, including maintenance-oriented support and projects such as digital exhibits, beach cleanups, and habitat planting. Its grantmaking is project-specific and often tied to named rounds or annual disbursements rather than open-ended operating support. The result is a grant portfolio centered on California’s park system and the organizations that help steward, restore, explain, and keep it accessible. Across the recent grants list, the foundation’s support connects state agencies, park partner groups, and conservation organizations to specific park needs rather than broad unrestricted funding.
What California State Parks Foundation Funds
Climate and wildfire resilience appear repeatedly in the foundation’s awards. California Department of Parks and Recreation received funding tied to a 2022 wildfire resiliency prevention grant and a February 2022 building climate-resilient parks grant, while Gold Discovery Parks Association also received wildfire resiliency prevention support. Park improvements and visitor experience are another clear thread: Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges was funded for a digital exhibit project with Border Fields State Park, and Mountain Parks Foundation received support connected to a volunteer celebration and state parks improvement. Conservation work extends to habitat and species support. Literacy for Environmental Justice received funding for Yosemite Slough planting and maintenance fees, and The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation was supported through monarch grant funding. Coastal stewardship also shows up through California Coastal Commission awards for Adopt a Beach programming and Coastal Clean-Up Day.
How California State Parks Foundation Gives
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$2.1M
Total Assets
$18.3M
Total Revenue
$9.1M
Total Expenses
$9.2M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $10K and $15K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$15K
Geographic Reach
Local3 states funded
About 96% of grants go to recipients in CA.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
RACHEL NORTON
Accepts unsolicited proposals
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