California Satellite Methane Project

Help Communities Understand and Respond to Methane Pollution

Apply for a California Satellite Methane Project Community Engagement Subgrant to support education, outreach, and community-driven solutions in areas impacted by methane emissions.

$3.17M

Total Funding Available

4

Funding Categories

Oct 16

Application Deadline

Examples of methane plumes detected during aircraft campaigns.
Examples of methane plumes detected during aircraft campaigns.
About the Program

What is CalSMP?

The California Satellite Methane Project, or CalSMP, is a California Air Resources Board program that uses satellites to detect large methane leaks across the state. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, trapping roughly 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20 year period, and sources such as oil and gas equipment, landfills, and dairies are often located close to where people live. Satellite imaging gives the state a faster way to find these emissions and get them addressed, and every detected plume is published publicly along with the actions taken in response.

Detecting methane is only part of the work. The data also has to reach the people living closest to these sources in a form they can actually use. That is what the CalSMP Community Engagement Project supports. Through this community engagement initiative, local organizations will help bridge the gap between technical data and meaningful community action.

Why this Matters

Turning Satellite Data Into Community Action

Methane Pollution Affects Communities 

Methane is a powerful climate pollutant. Sources such as oil and gas operations, landfills, and dairies can release methane into the air. While methane itself is not toxic, it may be released alongside other pollutants that can affect community health and quality of life. California is using new satellite technology to better identify methane emissions and support faster community action. 

Community Voices Are Essential

The California Satellite Methane Project (CalSMP) is investing in community-based organizations to help residents: 

  • Understand methane emissions 
  • Learn about local methane sources 
  • Share community concerns 
  • Provide feedback on state tools and resources 
  • Help shape future program development 
Funding Opportunities

Four Ways to Bring this Work to Your Community

CBOs may apply for multiple subgrants. See application and RFP for more details. 

LCE

Local Community Engagement

Conduct outreach and education within specific communities.

Up to $200,000

SSCE

Statewide, Source-specific Content Expert

Develop educational resources focused on a specific methane source type.

Up to $200,000

RC

Regional Coordinator (RC) for Kern County

Coordinate outreach efforts in Kern County.

Up to $200,000

SP

Special Project

Implement innovative activities outside the scope of other program  components.

Up to $200,000

Image (30)
Who Should Apply

Eligible Applicants

Applicants should have experience in community outreach, environmental justice, public health, climate, air quality, energy, land use, transportation, or related issues. 

Organizations may be a:

  • Community-based nonprofit
  • Tribal government
  • Environmental Justice Organization
  • Community College with Demonstrated Community Engagement
  • Organization Serving Disadvantaged or Underserved Communities
Attend Information Session

Application Information Session

Join us to learn about funding opportunities, application requirements, and available support for organizations interested in applying for a CalSMP Community Engagement Subgrant.

  • Date

    October 22, 2026

  • Time

    2:00 - 3:00 PM

  • Format

    Virtual Zoom Meeting

What You'll Learn

  • Program Goals
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Funding Categories
  • Application Process
  • Reporting Expectations

Applicants are encouraged to submit questions before the Information Session. Questions submitted by September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT will be prioritized during the Applicant Q&A Session.