Thank you for considering participating in the Tribal Cohort.
California Climate Investments staff look forward to meeting you and helping however possible, whether it’s through the cohort, via email, phone, or at an event.

More about the Tribal Cohort 

Whose participation is encouraged?

The Tribal Cohort is open to all leaders and government staff of California Tribes but may be particularly helpful to leaders/staff who “wear many hats” or, in other words, individuals/leaders who oversee multiple environmental programs or community resources. We also welcome the participation of leaders and staff who are familiar with the overall objectives and needs of the Tribe and can share potential programs of interest with relevant Tribal government staff.

Background knowledge of California Climate Investments is not necessary to join the cohort and individuals/leaders learning about California Climate Investments for the first time are particularly welcome to attend.

It is requested that Tribes identify one leader or staff to register to ensure that as many Tribes as possible can participate. Tribes from across the state are welcomed regardless of federal recognition. Capacity limited Tribes are especially encouraged to apply.

Why host a Tribal Cohort to work through the Funding Workbook for All California Tribes?

California Climate Investments is in the process of creating the second edition of the Funding Workbook for All California Tribes (Funding Workbook).

Launched in 2024, the Funding Workbook is a hands-on resource that guides Tribal leaders and Tribal staff through identifying whether funding opportunities available through California Climate Investments may be a good fit for your Tribe. The Funding Workbook was inspired by the feedback California Climate Investments has received from Tribes over the years.

As the second edition is created, California Climate Investments knows that Tribal perspectives are pivotal in naming what is working well with the resource and what can be improved. The Tribal Cohort will allow Tribes to work through the resource in real time alongside other Tribes and with the support of the lead staff drafting the Funding Workbook. Along the way, California Climate Investments will get to see what questions, comments or concerns arise to Tribes using the Funding Workbook, to identify where there may be room for improvement.

How will the Tribal Cohort help identify updates to the Funding Workbook?

Cohort participants will complete a debrief survey where they will be able to raise suggestions, in addition to raising suggestions during cohort meetings. Any proposed changes to the Funding Workbook will be decided collaboratively alongside staff from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who are co-hosting the cohort.

What does a participant need to complete to be able to claim the $200 dollar stipend?

To claim the $200 stipend, participants must complete three parts:

1)      Participants will actively participate in two virtual work sessions (1.5-2hours) to work through the workbook.

• Session 1, March 26, 1:30pm: What is California Climate Investments and what programs can Tribes apply for?

• Session 2, April 2, 1:30pm: Are these programs a good fit for my Tribe’s needs and priorities? What are steps I can take to begin interacting with my programs of interest?

Throughout each session, cohort participants will be encouraged to name anything that might be missing, confusing or need improvement in the Funding Workbook.

Note: If participants are unable to attend the scheduled sessions, make-up sessions will be held on Monday March 30th and Monday April 6th at 10:30am. Participants must complete each full session once.

2)      Participants will attend one networking session to connect with programs of interest, date to be determined.

• California Climate Investments and the Vieja Band of Kumeyaay Indians will work together to plan a virtual networking session for cohort participants to meet and ask questions to program staff.

3)      Complete a debrief form.

• This debrief form will be a location to share any final suggestions that could improve the Funding Workbook, inform the outreach and engagement for the updated resource, or evaluate the cohort effort.

Questions and feedback

If you have questions about the Tribal cohort or just want to connect, contact info@caclimateinvestments.ca.gov or call us at

1-800-757-2907 (hablamos español).  

Stay up to date  

If you are interested in learning more about California Climate Investments, subscribe to the quarterly California Climate Investments newsletter, which includes upcoming funding opportunities and program updates.  

If you would like more information about programs available to Tribal Governments, visit the Tribal Governments webpage, and download and share the Funding for Tribal Governments factsheet.