How To Apply
Applying for the California Civic Media Program is designed to be straightforward. This section walks you through everything you need: what to gather, what to expect, and how to put your best application forward.
Application Process
Applying Through Temelio
The application is hosted on Temelio, the program’s online grants management platform, and takes place in two stages: pre-registration, which opens June 15, and the full application, which opens July 6.
Take the Eligibility Quiz
Start by taking the Eligibility Quiz to determine whether your organization meets the program’s basic eligibility requirements. Eligible organizations can then create a profile and pre-register to receive application updates, access program resources, and prepare for the application period.
Stage 1 — Pre-Registration
Opens June 15
Pre-registration lets you get set up and complete the first steps early. Starting June 15, you’ll:
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- Take the eligibility quiz.
- Create your Temelio account.
- Complete your organization profile.
- Share California News Ecosystem Data (optional).
Everything you enter is saved. If you pre-register, you won’t start over later – you’ll be notified when the full application opens and can pick up right where you left off.
The Full Application
Opens July 6, 2026
Application closes: August 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM PT
When the application period opens on July 6, the rest of the application becomes available.
- If you pre-registered: log back in and continue from where you left off.
- If you’re starting fresh: you’ll first take the eligibility quiz, create your Temelio account, and complete your organization profile, then move into the full application.
The full application has several parts. You can prepare for all of them in advance.
The Review Process
Once the application period closes on August 21, 2026, all eligible applications enter an independent review and scoring process. Here is what happens after you submit.
Who Reviews Applications
Applications are scored by an independent Review Committee representing a range of expertise from across California including journalism practice, philanthropy, academic research, information equity, community representation, organizational sustainability, digital media, and more. The committee is selected and managed by the program’s third-party administrators. Neither GO-Biz nor the Advisory Board participates in the review.
How Applications Are Scored
Applicants will be asked to answer three short narrative questions on their coverage of disinvested audiences, ongoing viability, and planned use of funds. Applications will be scored based on those responses using a predefined rubric. Higher-scoring applications are funded first until program funds are depleted.
Video Walk-Thru
Watch this video for a walkthrough of the eligibility quiz and Temelio pre-application registration.
Program Guide
View a step-by-step outline of the application process, check your eligibility, and prepare a strong application.