Beach Accessibility For All In CA: OC Coastkeeper and Coastal Conservancy to Award $290,000 in Grants

COSTA MESA, CA — Orange County Coastkeeper and the California State Coastal Conservancy are teaming up once again to make California’s beaches and coastal spaces more accessible to all, according to a recent news release.

The Beach and Coast Accessibility Program regularly awards organizations funding the purchase, maintenance, and promotion of accessibility equipment, such as beach wheelchairs, walkers, mats, and kayaks, and can award up to $290,000. Past grantees the Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program, Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, NatureTrack Foundation, Monte Rio Recreation and Park District, Crystal Cove Conservancy, and Life Rolls On.

Launched in 2024, the program has already distributed funds to six inclusive recreation projects across California. That year, Coastkeeper and the Conservancy $150,000 in funds for those above organizations and agencies working to improve accessibility across California’s coast.

Genesee Ouyang, the education director at Orange County Coastkeeper, spoke on the need for such a program.

“When someone uses a beach wheelchair for the first time or finally gets on the water in an adaptive kayak, it can be an empowering and transformative experience,” Ouyang said. “We’ve seen how these moments can be deeply emotional, sometimes even life-changing. That’s what this program is all about: helping more people connect with the coast and experience it on their own terms.”

These new grants will offer up to $30,000 per project, according to Ouyang.

Funding is available to tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies that provide free access to adaptive equipment on the coast and near lakes, rivers, and bays.

Garry Brown, founder and president of Orange County Coastkeeper, discussed the reason for the grants.

"We view coastal access not as a luxury, but as a right everyone should enjoy," Brown said. “For decades, we’ve fought to keep beaches clean, public, and protected from threats. Now we’re confronting another barrier: physical inaccessibility. Everyone should be able to experience California’s coast, and we’re proud to help make that a reality through this program.”

To learn more about the Beach and Coast Accessibility Program or to apply for a grant, visit coastkeeper.org/bcap.