Achieving a clean and just energy transition requires extensive government support, support California agencies provide through a vast array of programs.
To set the stage, the diagrams below depict how funding for climate programs flows to recipients and identify key decision-making steps, and Table 1 parses the varied eligibility criteria that define who can benefit from the state’s dollars.
The index surveys a wide range of California climate justice funding programs, grouped into the following categories:
* Multisector programs that attempt to bridge the often-siloed responsibilities and missions of sector-specific agencies
* Transportation investment programs
* Energy and building investment programs, including solar, energy efficiency, and building decarbonization
In each area, we provide an overview of the relevant agencies, programs, and types of funding sources. We first highlight grants that support planning and capacity building – grants that lay the foundation for action. We then outline a selection of implementation grants. Distinct tables include programs supporting individual households and businesses, on the one hand, and those that fund community groups, local governments, and other public entities.
For each program, we identify the funding sources, the implementing agency, the type of funding mechanism, and select eligibility criteria.
Our index includes only select state funding sources; it is not encyclopedic. In addition to state funding sources, households and communities can potentially draw on separate federal, regional, or local funds, private philanthropic funds as well as financing from green investment entities like California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank).
Figure 1: California Climate Programs: Funding Sources and Mechanisms
Funding for state climate programs flows from multiple sources to recipients through a variety of mechanisms.
Figure 2: Key Steps in the Funding Process and Opportunities for Public Participation
The funding process consists of several key steps, and each provides opportunities for public participation.
Table 1 details the different ways California climate justice programs define key eligibility criteria, like “disadvantaged,” “low-income,” and “under-resourced.”