Local Conservation Corps
Grant Program

California’s Local Conservation Corps (LCC) provide recycling jobs, education, and career training for young people ages 18-26. The LCC programs inspire environmental dedication and paid experience to pave the foundation for careers! 

Corpsmembers complete a year of paid service to their communities while working to increase recycling of waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil.

Currently, CalRecycle provides grants to fourteen LCC programs around the state. These regional Corps are certified by the California Conservation Corps state department.

California Conservation Corps Logo
local conservation corps people outside with tools in front of trees

Local Conservation Corps
Grant Program

California’s Local Conservation Corps (LCC) provide recycling jobs, education, and career training for young people ages 18-26. The LCC programs inspire environmental dedication and paid experience to pave the foundation for careers! 

Corpsmembers complete a year of paid service to their communities while working to increase recycling of waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil.

Currently, CalRecycle provides grants to fourteen LCC programs around the state. These regional Corps are certified by the California Conservation Corps state department.

California Conservation Corps Logo
two men painting a brick building

Each LCC also has expertise in various environmental activities, such as:  

  • Wildfire fuel reduction 
  • Wildfire hand crews who cut fire lines to help with wildfire suppression
  • Fire camp support at large wildfires
  • Landscaping 
  • Trail maintenance 
  • Invasive species removal 
  • Bottle and can collection for recycling
  • Tire and e-waste collection for recycling
  • Solar panel installation

These projects are funded through other grants, donations, or fee-for-service contracts. Thirteen of the LCCs are non-profit organizations. However, the Greater Valley Conservation Corps in Stockton and Sonora is a program of the San Joaquin County Office of Education.   

Partner with a Corps

Jurisdictions and non-profit organizations can partner with LCCs. Frequent grant projects include:

  • Beverage container collection services, such as at large events, in public spaces, and for small businesses (in alignment with the jurisdiction’s franchise hauler agreement)
  • Waste tire collection (non-commercial only) and hauling for illegal dumping on public and private land, where approved by CalRecycle Waste Tire Enforcement
  • E-waste collection, including local drop-off events
  • Education and outreach activities related to waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil recycling

LCCs also undertake conservation projects outside of grant requirements. If your project doesn’t fit under these activities, you can still pitch your idea to the LCC nearest to you.

For more information visit: About Corps | California Association of Local Conservation Corps (mylocalcorps.org) 

California Association of Local Conservation Corps Logo
LCC member preparing e-waste for recycling

Grantee Resources

people cleaning up debris

Potential Applicants 

A corps must be certified by the California Conservation Corps (CCC) to receive CalRecycle funding. If you are interested in becoming a certified Local Conservation Corps, reviewing the CCC Certification Handbook (pdf download) is the first step of joining the grant program.

Contact the CCC directly for consultation on the process and to request a certification visit.  Visit the CCC web site for contact information.
Contact | California Conservation Corps

Cycle-Specific Information

Next Cycle
Application materials for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 are due April 16, 2024.
Awarded Cycles
Note: “RLC” followed by a number is the cycle code for the Local Conservation Corps Grant Program.
FY 2023-24 (Cycle 38): Application Information | RLC38 Awards
FY 2022-23 (Cycle 37): Application Information | RLC37 Awards

Local Conservation Corps SB 1013 Grant Program One Time Funding

Awarded Cycles

FY 2022-23 (Cycle 1): Application Information | LCC1 Awards

Becoming a Corpsmember

conservation corpsmembers watching machine repair

Make a Difference in California by Joining a Local Conservation Corps

Local Conservation Corpsmembers are paid to educate the public about waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil recycling and to collect these materials at recycling centers.  

The LCC program aims to conserve the environment while uplifting youth and setting them on a path to success. Each corps offers a charter high school diploma program and paid job training opportunities. Corpsmembers participate in skill development, work experience, mentoring, and guidance to other social support services.

The corps are open to Californians 18-26 years old. While serving, corpsmembers must commit to participate in work, education, and career development. Participants work 30+ hours a month and attend classes for a high school diploma, vocational training, or community college. 

For more information visit: About Corps | California Association of Local Conservation Corps (mylocalcorps.org) or contact one of the Corps listed below:

Urban Conservation Corps Logo
Urban Corps San Diego Logo
Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps Logo
Civicorps Oakland Logo
Fresno Local Conservation Corps Logo
San Jose Conservation Corps Logo
Greater Valley Conservation Corps Logo
Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps SRCC Training Tomorrow's Workforce
Conservation Corps of Long Beach Logo
LA Conservation Corps Logo
San Francisco Conservation Corps Logo
Conservation Corps North Bay Logo
Sequoia Community Corps Logo
Orange County Conservation Corps Logo
California Grants Portal
The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies. grants.ca.gov

Funding homepage

For more information contact: Financial Assistance, grants@calrecycle.ca.gov