Applications Closed
Kern County Air Pollution Mitigation Fund
The Kern County Air Pollution Mitigation Fund fulfills the intent of a series of settlements between the Sierra Club and residential building developers in the Bakersfield area. As required by these settlements, the Fund receives air pollution mitigation fees paid by property developers to offset the cumulative air pollution impacts of the new developments. With the advice of a Bakersfield-based funding advisory board, the Rose Foundation uses these developer fees to support grants for projects designed to reduce particulate or ozone air pollution in Kern County.
Since inception, the Fund has awarded more than $2.5 million to support clean air projects in the Bakersfield area. As additional air pollution mitigation fees are paid into the Fund, additional grants are possible. Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, a grantmaking public charity with experience in administering court-ordered restitution funds, serves as the Fund’s trustee, and administers its grant making program.
Fund Details
Maximum Funding Request:
Varies by cycle.
Important Dates:
Due to a current lack of funding we are not accepting applications at this time. Please continue to monitor our website for more information or sign up below to receive notification of future grant opportunities.
Let’s Connect:
Have questions or want to book a consultation? Connect with our team at grants@rosefdn.org.
Eligibility And Priorities
- The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public school, or government agency. Organizations that are not recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS must have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
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In addition to proposals from school districts, governmental agencies and larger non-profits, we also encourage proposals from small grassroots organizations for community-oriented projects.
- The project must be located in or benefit the Valley portion of Kern County
- Projects must relate to either (1) reductions of either state or federal non-attainment pollutants (i.e. particulates, particulate precursors, or ozone precursors (NOX or ROG) OR (2) reductions of Greenhouse Gas emissions.
- Projects must be designed to directly reduce air pollution emissions, or to change policies and/or institutional or individual behaviors in ways that will lead to reductions in air pollution emissions.
- The maximum grant amount is $200,000. Projects involving infrastructure, equipment, or incentive programs may require matching funds.
- Smaller organizations should generally not submit proposals that exceed 25% of their previous year’s actual income/expense.
- Priority will be given towards projects with significant public health benefits, evidence of community involvement, and pollution reduction benefits to disadvantaged communities.
- We especially encourage projects that involve impacted communities, benefit vulnerable populations, and that are centered around principles of equity and environmental justice.
- Organizations that have been funded may only re-apply in the next cycle after their grant report has been submitted and approved. Organizations with an active grant from this Fund are not eligible to reapply.
Steps To Apply
Please read these instructions carefully and follow them step by step.
Review Eligibility and Instructions
Please check all eligibility requirements before starting the application.
Please read the following application instructions carefully and follow them step by step.
FAQ
This fund supports projects related to:
- Planning
- Education
- Infrastructure
- Incentives
- Equipment, Vehicles
- Commercial and Residential Energy Efficiency
All incentive programs, vehicle or equipment purchase projects, or infrastructure construction projects such as bicycle lanes or electric vehicle charging stations must include a written commitment evidencing matching funds, and a 5-year estimate of anticipated emissions reductions that would result from a successful implementation of the project. Additionally, vehicle or equipment purchase projects must involve CARB-certified equipment or engines.
All incentive programs, vehicle or equipment purchase projects, or infrastructure construction projects seeking a total of $75,000 or less must provide a 1:1 match. Projects seeking a total between $75,000 – $200,000 must evidence a 2:1 match.
All incentive programs, vehicle or equipment purchase projects, or infrastructure construction projects must provide a 5-year quantified estimate of pollution reductions that would occur following the successful implementation of the project.
Any on-road or off-road vehicle projects, or any other equipment purchases, must be designed to purchase all-electric or other type of CARB-certified zero emissions equipment or vehicles. Vehicle motors must be all electric – hybrid, gas, or diesel engines are not eligible. All motorized vehicular and equipment projects must complete a supplementary application schedule detailing the specific equipment or vehicles to be replaced/purchased, provide documentation of appropriate levels of CARB certification for the new vehicles or equipment, and proof of scrapping of any replaced engines or equipment. Any vehicles or equipment scrapped must be in current regular service in Kern County and provide documentation of current service, including DMV registration if applicable. At the Rose Foundation’s discretion, equipment or vehicle purchase projects may be required to produce a certificate specifically naming the Rose Foundation as an additional insured.
If your group is awarded a grant, you must provide a final grant report at the completion of your project. If your project is longer than one year, you must provide an interim report as well. The final report is required before your group can receive additional funding. Grantees are also required to acknowledge grant funding in all project signage and publicly distributed materials.
Meet Past Grantees
From grassroots community organizers to groups with nation-wide reach, meet the changemakers supported by Rose grants.
Take the next step
Do you still have questions about this application process or need additional support from Rose Foundation staff? Here are some helpful resources.
Helpful Resources
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