LA28 Resilience Champions Fund

The LA28 Resilience Champions Fund will make grants that are in line with the following focus areas:

• Wildfire Resilience and Nature Restoration: Coming out of the devastating 2025 wildfires, LA28 will support projects that help build greater wildfire resilience and restore nature, such as planting fire-resilient native plants, pursuing bio-remediation, retrofitting and/or resilient rebuilding of community spaces, increasing physical and community access to parks and natural areas, or other resilience and habitat restoration projects.
• Ocean Protection: With the Pacific Ocean as the iconic backdrop to sports like Sailing and Beach Volleyball, LA28 will support replicable solutions that enhance ocean health, such as habitat restoration, increasing community and physical access to coastal resources, pollution prevention strategies, upstream protection of creeks, rivers, and/or watersheds, community science and monitoring, or other ocean protection projects.
• Cooling Solutions: In the lead-up to welcoming the world in the height of summer, LA28 will support projects that help keep Los Angeles cool, such as supporting expansion of green infrastructure, shade structures, permanent cooling and/or water stations, indoor cooling/mechanical cooling, water features, micro-forests, heat health training, emergency communications and education, or other community cooling solutions.

These projects help ensure Angelenos – especially those in communities most affected by extreme weather impacts – benefit from healthier, safer, and more resilient environments long after the Games.

Implementation Grants (up to $100,000)
These grants support permanent physical or permanent place-based improvements aligned within one or more of the Fund’s focus areas, with priority consideration for applications that build on prior funding, approvals, or planning, and can be completed within the grant period. Mobile solutions (e.g., mobile shade structures) will be considered.

Readiness Expectations

• Prior experience delivering similar work
• Clear site and/or land access
• Realistic timelines for permitting or CEQA
• Plan for long-term operations and maintenance
• Credible path to completion within the Fund’s Round 1 grant cycle (May 2026 – April 2027)

Education & Engagement Grants (up to $50,000)
These grants support neighborhood-scale or targeted efforts that focus on community education, outreach, and engagement aligned within one or more of the Fund’s focus areas. Funding should support education tied to a specific place/region, community, or implementation effort close to the Games footprint.

Readiness Expectations

• Applicants must demonstrate prior experience delivering education or engagement in the same subject area, not just general/standard outreach
• Applicants have identified tangible outcomes connected to education and engagement efforts 

Additional Information
Grants must be utilized for projects in the Los Angeles region and close to the Games footprint. Applicants can find the latest list of LA28 venues on the LA28 website: Official Venues for the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics.

Applications should demonstrate how grant-funded activities will be completed within the grant period (May 2026 – April 2027).

Projects that are primarily oriented around volunteer activities, such as beach cleanups and tree planting events, will not be considered. For more information on volunteering with LA28, visit the LA28 website or reach out to community@la28.org.

The LA28 Resilience Champions Fund accepts applications from nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations and fiscally sponsored projects. Partnerships or coalitions may apply; however, the applicant organization must be a nonprofit organization or fiscally sponsored project.

We welcome applications from organizations from the greater Los Angeles region, or collaboratives that include an LA-based organization, with a successful track record of centering community needs. Although your organization’s work may encompass multiple program areas, you may only be the lead applicant on one proposal per organization.

All grant recipients will be required to abide by LA28 standard terms and conditions. Organizations that are currently contracting with LA28 are not eligible for funding. LA28 reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals at its sole discretion.

The LA28 Resilience Champions Fund will make multiple rounds of grants leading up to the 2028 Games. Timeline for Round One includes:

Application period:                 February 24, 2026 – March 24, 2026

Application review:                 March – April 2026

Award notification:                 April – May 2026

Grant period:                             May  2026 – April 2027

All applicants must complete an online application and upload required documents via Submittable. After carefully reading the guidelines above and the Frequently Asked Questions below, click here to apply.

Applications will be reviewed by Community Partners staff, with input from an advisory group. The advisory group is made up of leaders representing the public, civic, academic, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. The advisory group consists of Nancy Sutley, Rita Kampalath, David McNeill, Christine Whitcraft, Lily Bui, Mark Stanley, Stephanie Medina, and Kelly Turner.

Evaluation criteria will include the following, among others:

• Alignment with LA28’s focus areas
• Activities based in the LA region and close to the Games footprint
• Applicant’s capacity to do the work and track record of impact
• Project provides meaningful community benefits that will be sustained past the Games
• Project reflects community needs, engagement, and co-creation

FUNDING TYPES & ALLOWABLE EXPENSES:
Are there different funding levels?
Yes. The LA28 Resilience Champions Fund offers two levels of funding to support a range of projects. While all applicants apply through a single process, funding levels vary based on the type of project proposed. Implementation awards of up to $100,000 (although you may request less) are intended for implementation projects with permanent physical or place-based improvements. Education and engagement awards of up to $50,000 (although you may request less) are intended for focused, community-scale education or engagement efforts connected to tangible outcomes.

What can grant funds be used for?
Some examples of allowable expenses include:

• Personnel
• Supplies and materials
• Equipment
• Consultant or subcontractor costs
• Administrative/indirect costs (reasonable and clearly justified)
• Costs directly tied to convenings, workshops, or community engagement activities
• Local mileage and travel expenses
• Other costs necessary to complete the proposed deliverables

What cannot be funded?
Some examples of unallowable expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Advocacy, lobbying, or political activities
• Projects led by government entities
• Primarily volunteer-based projects such as beach cleanups and tree planting
• Primarily research-driven projects
• Activities unrelated to the three priority areas

ELIGIBILITY:
Can my organization submit more than one application?
Lead organizations may only submit one application per round, and no organization may receive more than $100,000 in total per round. In other words, organizations may participate as partners in multiple applications but may not receive more than $100,000 cumulatively in this round of funding.

Do applicant organizations have to be headquartered in Los Angeles?
The strongest applicants will be organizations headquartered in the Los Angeles region or collaboratives that include an LA-based organization, and that have a proven track record of similar or related work in Los Angeles.

Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:

• Registered nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, including community-based organizations and fiscally sponsored projects.
• Partnerships or coalitions; however, the applicant organization must be a registered nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or fiscally sponsored project

Who is not eligible to apply?
Entities that are ineligible include, but are not limited to:

• Government agencies, including school districts, are not eligible to receive funding directly but may be subcontractors. Nonprofits may also collaborate with government entities providing in-kind support (e.g., permissions for work in public spaces).
• For-profit companies may not apply as lead organizations but may serve as vendors or subcontractors.

Are exceptions to the eligibility requirements possible?
The guidelines and FAQs are intended to provide clarity and more transparency, not to narrow the range of eligible ideas. Some language has been made more specific to help applicants understand what is feasible within the Fund’s scope and timeline. However, LA28 remains open to strong proposals that align with the Fund’s goals, even if they take approaches not explicitly listed in the guidelines and/or FAQs. LA28 reserves the right in its sole discretion to evaluate and determine funding eligibility.

Are partnerships allowed?
Partnership is encouraged, but only one organization may serve as the lead applicant. Grant budgets may include subcontracting to partner organizations.

Are construction or “brick-and-mortar” projects eligible?
Yes. Construction projects are eligible, and permanent “brick-and-mortar” improvements are encouraged. Applicants should note that any project requiring discretionary approval from a public agency may trigger permitting/CEQA requirements, which must be addressed in the program narrative, and applicants must also include a plan for long-term operations and maintenance of any physical improvements.

Are education or awareness campaigns eligible?
Yes, educational programming is eligible for grants of up to $50,000 when tied directly to one of the three priority areas and designed to produce measurable community engagement, behavior change, or nature-positive outcomes.

Are planning-only projects allowed?
Planning, design, or pre-construction activities are eligible expenses within a construction project, but planning-only projects are not eligible.

Are volunteer projects eligible?
Projects that are primarily oriented around volunteer activities, such as beach cleanups and tree planting events, will not be considered. For more information on volunteering with LA28, visit the LA28 website or reach out to community@la28.org.

Are research projects eligible?
Projects may include limited research (e.g., water quality monitoring, soil sampling), but research cannot be the primary focus of a grant.

REVIEW CRITERIA:
How will applications be evaluated?
Applications will be reviewed by Community Partners staff, with input from an advisory group. The advisory group is made up of leaders representing the public, civic, academic, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. The advisory group consists of Nancy Sutley, Rita Kampalath, David McNeill, Christine Whitcraft, Lily Bui, Mark Stanley, Stephanie Medina, and Kelly Turner.

Evaluation criteria will include the following, among others:

• Alignment with LA28’s focus areas
• Activities based in the LA region and close to the Games footprint
• Applicant’s capacity to do the work and track record of impact
• Project provides meaningful community benefits that will be sustained past the Games
• Project reflects community needs, engagement, and co-creation

Do you prefer large projects or smaller ones?
The Fund does not prioritize size over impact. Grants may be particularly effective when supporting focused, neighborhood-scale efforts or helping to complete projects that are already substantially underway. Projects that are cost-effective and/or can serve as models are encouraged.

Does LA28 prefer the types of projects used in the guideline examples?
No. Examples referenced in the guidelines or FAQs are illustrative only. Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions that reflect their community’s needs and priorities.

Will we be required to submit a budget?
Yes. Applicants must provide their budget using the template and instructions provided. Applicants should request funding amounts that align with the scope and readiness of their proposed activities. Requests must reflect realistic implementation costs within the grant period.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE AND GRANTEE REQUIREMENTS:
What is the anticipated timeline?

• Application Window Open: February 24, 2026 – March 24, 2026
• Review Period: March – April 2026
• Award Notifications: April 2026
• Grant Period: May 2026 – April 2027

What is the grant period and how realistic is it to complete a proposed project within that period?
The grant period for Round 1 is May 2026 through April 2027. Applicants are encouraged to propose activities that are already well-positioned for implementation. Projects requiring permits, environmental review, or coordination with public entities/agencies must clearly explain and define how these steps will be completed within the grant period. Projects that rely on significant approvals or future fundraising may be less competitive.

Will I be notified if I am not selected to receive a grant?
Yes. We will notify all applicants not selected to receive a grant.

If my application is selected for funding, what additional documentation will I need to provide to receive funds?
You will need to electronically sign a grant agreement, complete and submit a W9 form, provide ACH bank transfer information through our secure onboarding and payment system, and comply with other applicable legal requirements as established by LA28.

When will funds be disbursed?
Approximately three weeks after the grant agreement is issued.

How will grants be disbursed?
Grant funds will be disbursed directly via an electronic funds transfer (EFT). Awardees that are unable to accept an EFT will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

What type of reporting is required of grantees?
All grantees must complete a final narrative report and a final financial report at the end of the grant period and submit photographs of their work. Community Partners will provide reporting forms and templates. As a part of grant reporting, grantees will be asked to share stories about their grant-funded activities which may be shared and amplified by LA28. Grantees will be expected to maintain customary financial and accounting records and make these available for audit.

Will anything else be required of grantees?
Grantees must participate in a grantee orientation meeting and abide by LA28’s standard terms and conditions, as may be amended from time to time. Grantees may be invited to participate in a grantee convening or celebration and, optionally, to participate in additional storytelling opportunities and communications materials produced by LA28.

Do grantees get special access to Olympic and Paralympic events and tickets?
No. Information on ticketing can be found here.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Where can I find LA-specific resources on wildfire resilience & nature restoration, ocean protection, and cooling solutions?
A non-exhaustive set of local resources includes:

LA28 Impact & Sustainability Plan

Heat Relief 4 LA | Climate Emergency Mobilization Office

Our County – Los Angeles Countywide Sustainability Plan

Sport for Nature

CALGBA Targets

Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Program’s Action Plan for the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan

LA County Heat Action Plan and resources page

Countywide Community Forest Management Plan and data viewer

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Can I post on my website, social media, or other channel that I am applying to or participating in the LA28 Resilience Champions Fund?
Interested applicants and participants must obtain LA28’s prior written approval before associating with LA28, the Olympics, Paralympics, or Team USA, including with regard to any association related to the LA28 Resilience Champions Fund. Any association with LA28, the Olympics, Paralympics, or Team USA must comply with all applicable brand guidelines, terms and conditions, as solely determined by LA28.

How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through Submittable here. Applicants will complete an online form and upload required documents, including:

• Project budget (using the provided template)
• Audited financial statements or two most recent IRS form 990s
• Fiscally sponsored projects: unaudited project-level financials as well as the fiscal sponsor’s audited statements

How do I use Submittable?
Submittable is our online application portal. To submit an application, you must first create a free Submittable account: https://manager.submittable.com/signup.

The email address associated with your account will be used to communicate about your application. Please be sure to use an email account that is readily accessible and that you check often. Submittable should be used on Chrome, FireFox or Safari (Internet Explorer is not supported).

For technical assistance related to Submittable, please contact Submittable Customer Support: https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/.  They are available between 9am – 5pm Mountain Time and aim to respond within 24 hours. Additional help for applicants can be found here: https://submittable.help/en/collections/185534-help-for-applicants.

Please send questions to LA28resiliencechampionsfund@communitypartners.org anytime. We will post answers relevant to all applicants regularly in the Frequently Asked Questions area of this site.

For technical support with Submittable, please contact Submittable directly at https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/. They are available between 9am-5pm MT and aim to respond within 24 hours.

For additional applicant resources, please see: https://submittable.help/en/collections/185534-help-for-applicants