Ventura Land Trust is receiving support through the California Coastal Commission’s WHALE TAIL® Grants Program, which funds projects that help Californians engage with the state’s coast and its watershed environments. The program supports educational, stewardship, and community‑based initiatives that strengthen public understanding of coastal resources.
The California Coastal Commission announced its 2026 Whale Tail Grant awards as part of a statewide $2 million funding cycle supported by the California Ocean Protection Council through California Climate Investments. Funding is divided between general grants and a dedicated tribal set‑aside, which supports projects led by or serving California Native American tribes and tribal communities.
Whale Tail Grants fund a wide range of coastal education efforts, including classroom instruction, field experiences, volunteer stewardship, and hands‑on environmental learning. Projects may take place anywhere in California as long as they help participants understand and connect with coastal or watershed ecosystems.
The program places a strong emphasis on equitable access, encouraging participation from communities that face barriers to coastal and marine education. Funding is supported by the WHALE TAIL® specialty license plate and the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund, which together sustain statewide environmental education and stewardship programs.
Ventura Land Trust is among the organizations benefiting from this statewide effort, which continues to expand opportunities for Californians—especially youth—to learn about coastal environments and the importance of protecting natural resources.
Sources:
California Coastal Commission