About the California Cultural And Historical Endowment

The California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) is a state entity tasked with preserving and protecting California cultural heritage. CCHE is led by a ten-person board and enjoys the participation of four legislative representatives. There are two full-time staff members at the CCHE. Full board and staff details and board meeting information may be found here.

The CCHE was originally established within the California State Library in 2003 when then-Governor Gray Davis signed AB 716 (Firebaugh) (PDF) | (HTML).  AB 482 (Atkins) (PDF) | (HTML) signed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2013, transferred the CCHE to the California Natural Resources Agency (Resources) and authorized a new museum grant program.

The Legislature intended the CCHE to raise the profile and scope of California historic and cultural preservation program in an era of cultural homogeneity and dwindling historic structures. Over 180 CCHE grants have helped to preserve the many historic treasures that are California’s cultural legacy. These sparkling jewels belong to all Californians collectively and convey important lessons about opportunity, hardship, innovation, injustice, perseverance, and redemption.

Funding for CCHE projects comes from voter-approved bonds from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, more commonly known as Proposition 40 (PDF) | (HTML).  CCHE’s share ($122 million) was distributed competitively to government entities, non-profit organizations, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes for the acquisition, restoration, preservation, and interpretation of historical and cultural resources.  The $3.4 million balance in this bond fund is available for the first two cycles of the Museums Grant Program (MGP).

Links to CCHE Resources:

• The California Cultural and Historical Endowment Board
• CCHE Staff
• Board Meeting Calendar, Agendas, Materials and Minutes
• CCHE Projects