DTSC Technical Assistance Grant (TAG)
The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program provides funding to eligible California community organizations near an active Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) cleanup site, with the goal of increasing community engagement and education surrounding the cleanup. The grants, ranging from $40,000 to $150,000, are used to hire and direct an independent technical advisor who can assist in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating complex environmental information to affected communities. Applications are currently closed and are tentatively anticipated to open again in mid-late 2026. If you’re interested in applying for the next round of funding, email [email protected] to schedule a meeting to discuss the program with the CCLR Team.
Current Grantees:
In the first round of funding, DTSC awarded over $2 million dollars amongst 15 different projects across California. These grantees are currently working to educate their communities and increase public participation, check out the grantee organizations and a map of the award sites here.
Grantees can use funds to:
| Hire & Direct A qualified independent Technical Advisor (TA) who can help explain complex environmental data, provide assistance with comment preparation, and conduct sampling | Encourage Public Participation The TA and Community Organization can work together to increase community knowledge about the site remedies and the cleanup process |
Who is Eligible for Funding:
- A community group or organization that is a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit (or has a fiscal sponsor), or a Tribe and:
- Can show they are representative of their community
- Has a grant manager located within a 5-mile radius of an active DTSC cleanup site
- View the Technical Assistance Grant Site Mapping Tool to see eligible sites near your community
- Communities must be considered underserved or vulnerable by meeting any of the following criteria:
- CalEnviroScreen (CES) score of 75% or higher
- CES poverty rate of 50% or higher
- A tribal community
- If none of the above apply, applicants must provide additional justification to show their community is underserved or vulnerable
How CCLR Helps:
The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) can help you navigate the TAG grant guidelines, evaluate your eligibility, and answer additional questions regarding the program. Email [email protected] to get all your questions answered.
Past Events
TAG Lunch and Learn: Writing a Successful Work Plan
November 14, 2024
TAG Webinar Presentation
December 6, 2023
TAG Polling Session
June 22, 2022
Considering Applying for TAG?
Step 1: Do you have concerns about a contaminated property in your community?
Step 2: Check the TAG Site Mapping Tool to see if the property is an eligible project for a grant. If your site is not in the tool, you may still be eligible, due to other reasons such as climate change vulnerability or experiencing a climate disaster within the last 3 years.
Step 3: Confirm you are eligible (e.g., 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or can affiliate with a sponsor 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) for a $40,000 – $150,000 grant to empower residents in the cleanup site(s) in your community
Step 4: Review the TAG Guidelines, amended December 18, 2023
Step 5: Email [email protected] to get all your questions answered.
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This document contains information about the TAG program, eligible expenses, and how to apply
Este documento contiene información sobre el Programa TAG,los gastos elegibles y cómo solicitarlas
Our Impact
This document contains information about the TAG program, eligible expenses, and how to apply
The TAG Guidelines provide greater detail on the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process
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