
DTSC Technical Assistance Grant (TAG)
The new Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program will provide funding to eligible California community organizations near an active Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) cleanup site. The grants range from $40,000 to $150,000 and can be used to hire and direct an independent technical advisor who can assist in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating complex environmental information to affected communities. The application is expected to open December 2023 and applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis.
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
- Is located within a 5-mile radius of an active DTSC cleanup
- 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
- Or can 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. After the December 6th webinars, we will open technical assistance sessions to review your applications and increase your chances of grant success.
TAG Introduction Webinar
December 6, 2023 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. PST
Learn more about how the new Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) can benefit your community. This webinar will explain: who is eligible for the grant, what expenses the grant can pay for, how to find eligible cleanups in your community, and the application process.
Ready to Start a TAG Application?
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
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
Step 5: Complete the online application, expected to open in December 2023

Featured Expert
Nicole is the Senior Program Manager for the DTSC TAG program for CCLR. Nicole considers herself an intersectional environmentalist and is deeply passionate about protecting both people and the planet. In her free time, she enjoys doing anything that makes her feel connected to our home, which includes going on walks, foraging, visiting the beach, and learning about herbalism. It’s of the utmost importance to Nicole that her profession have a positive impact.