FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
New Partnership to Help Tribes Access State Funding
Sacramento, CA – Data for Social Good, administrators of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Planning and Capacity Building Grant, is proud to announce a formal collaboration with the Native American Environmental Protection Coalition (NAEPC) to promote access to $7.3 million in funding for planning and capacity building projects across the state. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, community-based organizations, local governments, and public schools. Applicants must lead a project that directly supports and serves a disadvantaged or low-income community.
Together, NAEPC and Data for Social Good will co-develop outreach strategies, host informational workshops, and provide one-on-one technical assistance to help tribal governments navigate the application process and secure funding for projects that align with their community values and visions for the future.
This partnership builds a culturally grounded bridge between state resources and the communities that have historically been left out of decision-making and funding opportunities. By combining Data for Social Good’s role as a grant administrator with NAEPC’s trusted relationships and deep understanding of tribal sovereignty and environmental priorities, the collaboration ensures that Native voices are centered, respected, and supported throughout the grant process. It is not just about increasing access to funds—it’s about building trust, empowering self-determined planning, and investing in the long-term health and resilience of Tribes across California.
Underrepresentation of Tribes and tribal governments in state-administered funding programs largely stems from skepticism due to a long history of exclusion, inequity, and inconsistent treatment by outside institutions.
CARB’s Planning and Capacity Building grants provide critical support to communities to develop equitable, community-driven transportation planning efforts. This round of funding will support projects that build local capacity, foster inclusive engagement, and lay the foundation for future transportation investments. Projects should advance climate resilience, improve access to sustainable and affordable mobility options, and prepare communities for future implementation opportunities.
As a trusted coalition rooted in Native sovereignty and environmental justice, NAEPC brings decades of experience in serving tribal communities and advocating for their self-determined environmental and health priorities. By working directly with tribes, NAEPC will help ensure that Data for Social Good and CARB’s outreach is not only informative but also respectful, culturally responsive, and trust-building.
“Tribal nations have always been leaders in land and environmental stewardship,” said Jose Luis Bedolla, Data for Social Good’s CEO. “But trust is earned, not assumed. We recognize that supporting tribal governments starts with showing up in the right way. NAEPC is instrumental in helping bridge that gap.”
“Our Tribes deserve partners who listen, understand, and support tribal self-determination,” said Sam Elliott, NAEPC president. “This partnership helps ensure that California’s investments in climate and environmental resilience include Tribes from the beginning, not as an afterthought.”
“This funding will help California’s tribal communities shape their own transportation futures and will lay the groundwork for climate-resilient, equitable, and accessible transportation systems for tomorrow,” said CARB Deputy Executive Officer Chanell Fletcher. “By partnering with trusted organizations like Data for Social Good and the Native American Environmental Protection Coalition, we are committed to ensuring that tribal voices are not just included, but prioritized in planning processes that address the needs of their tribes and shape their climate futures.”
Planning and Capacity Building is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative using Cap-and-Invest dollars, also known as Cap-and-Trade, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health, especially in frontline and underserved communities.
For more information about the grant, support services available, or to get involved, visit tinyurl.com/AboutPCB or naepc.com.
Media Contact:
Jose Luis Bedolla
Data for Social Good Foundation
research@dataforsocialgood.org
