Best Wildlife Grants in California

The Addressing Climate Impacts' Grant, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to address urgent water and habitat degradation caused by climate change. This funding supports various projects, including water purchases for wildlife, instream flow protection, and emergency restoration activities. Eligible initiatives should align with the State Wildlife Action Plan and prioritize actions that benefit species in greatest conservation need. The grant encourages biodiversity enhancement and climate resilience.

The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Grant Program, established by AB109, aims to support conservation projects that enhance resilience against climate impacts in California. With an initial funding of $20 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, this program focuses on protecting ecosystems, assisting land managers, and increasing carbon sequestration, while aligning with statewide climate strategies and priorities. It seeks to promote environmental benefits and enhance the sustainability of natural and working lands.

The Coastal Conservancy offers grants to restore and protect California's coast, enhance public access, and improve climate resiliency. With millions in funding available, projects that serve disadvantaged communities or utilize nature-based solutions are prioritized. Applicants must engage with a Regional Manager for eligibility guidance and can expect grants typically between $200,000 and $5 million. This ongoing funding supports various stages of project development, including planning, construction, and monitoring.

The Forest Conservation Program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance California's native forests through conservation, restoration, and management. Funded by Proposition 84 and 68, it supports diverse projects such as meadow restoration and post-fire recovery. The program seeks to improve ecological integrity and economic stability while addressing water resource conservation and wildfire mitigation. This initiative aligns with the Board's strategic goals, ensuring long-term sustainability and protection of vital forest ecosystems.

The Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Grant Program, initiated by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aims to protect and restore California's diverse habitats. This program funds projects including habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and fisheries enhancements, ensuring long-term maintenance and ecological sustainability. Eligible recipients include private landowners, nonprofit organizations, resource conservation districts, and public agencies, supported primarily by the Habitat Conservation Fund and voter-approved bonds.

The Hind Foundation Standard Grant supports impactful community projects in California since 2006. Funding areas include ecosystem conservation, historical landmark restoration, music and visual arts, wildlife protection, and land conservation. Eligible nonprofit organizations must be California-based, have a 501(c)(3) designation, and demonstrate community support. Projects must provide lasting benefits, align with funding areas, and secure adequate matching funds. Grants are not available for previously funded projects or for educational and administrative costs.

The Hind Foundation's Supplemental Grant program supports community-based organizations with essential projects that may not qualify for a Standard Grant. Since its inception in 2006, it has funded diverse initiatives including ecosystem conservation, historical landmark restoration, and the promotion of music and visual arts. This program emphasizes the importance of collaboration among organizations to enhance habitats, preserve history, and foster artistic expression, ultimately benefiting local communities and their cultural heritage.

The Proposition 4 Grant Program, managed by the California Tahoe Conservancy, aims to enhance watershed health, forest restoration, and climate resilience in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Funded by a $4.1 billion bond approved in 2024, it allocates $54.5 million for various environmental initiatives. Through ongoing grant opportunities, the program seeks to mitigate climate impacts, support biodiversity, and improve public access to natural resources, ensuring sustainable management of California's precious ecosystems.

The Proposition 68 Rivers and Streams Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to restore and protect vital river ecosystems. This funding supports projects that enhance habitats for fish and wildlife, improve water retention, and promote landscape resilience. With a budget of $25 million for fisheries and wildlife, the program emphasizes river and stream restoration, habitat reconnection, and necessary infrastructure improvements to ensure ecological sustainability and community adaptation to climate change.

The Public Access Program Grants, established by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aim to enhance public access to natural areas, promoting wildlife-oriented recreation and supporting projects that encourage hunting, fishing, and equitable access for underserved communities. By funding planning, implementation, and community outreach initiatives, the program fosters a connection between individuals, families, and the environment, ensuring that all Californians can enjoy the benefits of nature while becoming stewards of the land.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering restoration grants to address climate change impacts on fish and wildlife habitats. The program, supported by $35 million from the Budget Act of 2022, aims to enhance biodiversity, promote climate resiliency, and improve public access to natural resources. Eligible projects include water conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and strategies aligned with the State Wildlife Action Plan. These grants are crucial for preserving California's ecological heritage.

The Restoration Grant Programs focus on enhancing wetlands and mountain meadows in California, with up to $54 million allocated for Nature-Based Solutions. This funding aims to restore ecosystems while providing co-benefits associated with climate resilience and biodiversity. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, projects must align with the state’s wildlife action plan and promote coexistence with wildlife, including supporting beaver restoration efforts.

The Wildlife Conservation Board Grants, previously the Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands Program, focus on enhancing habitat on privately owned agricultural lands in California. This program aims to collaborate with landowners to implement projects that benefit wildlife habitat while ensuring economic sustainability. Eligible projects include habitat restoration, management activities, and enhancements that provide long-term ecological benefits. Applications are encouraged from projects that promote connectivity and support for justice communities.

The Roy and Ida Eagle Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on strengthening families and protecting wildlife in Northern Santa Barbara and Kern County. With a mission centered on family values and community improvement, the Foundation funds educational opportunities, health care services, and violence prevention programs. Grant applications are by invitation only, with a deadline for Letters of Inquiry set for April 30, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted charitable contributions.

The Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Local Assistance Grants provide essential funding to local public and non-profit entities in California for the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans. This program, governed by Fish and Game Code, enables the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to support high-priority tasks for wildlife habitat preservation and restoration. Grants are awarded annually, emphasizing collaboration with key wildlife agencies to address urgent conservation needs.

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

Disney Foundation

Disney Foundation Established in 1951 as a nonprofit corporation dedicated exclusively to the support of charitable and educational activities. Contributions to the Foundation come from The Walt Disney Company. In addition to the active support of numerous health, community, educational, and youth organizations in California, Florida, and New York, the Foundation from time to time sponsors its own activities, such as a College Scholarship Program for the children of Disney employees.

Disney Conservation Fund - Corridors and Pathways Grants

Disney Conservation is committed to saving wildlife and building a global community inspired to protect the magic of nature together. Since 1995, Disney Conservation has directed more than $141 million and the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

We are pleased to offer a new opportunity for eligible organizations to apply for a two-year conservation grant to advance their community-based efforts to protect, connect, and/or restore wildlife corridors or migratory pathways across both terrestrial and/or aquatic habitats.

Corridors & Pathways Grant Categories

This year, grants will be considered in two categories: 1) Protection, Connection, and Restoration; 2) Innovation

Corridors and Pathways Grants: Innovation

Focus: Driving innovations to support protection, connection, and/or restoration efforts. This could include innovative technologies or approaches to habitat or wildlife monitoring, community engagement in conservation, etc. 

Use of funds should align with The Walt Disney Company global charitable giving guidelines here.

The Weeden Foundation Grant supports biodiversity conservation initiatives worldwide. It prioritizes projects that protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations or their international equivalents, focusing on areas such as bird conservation, marine wildlife protection, and systemic support for environmental policies. Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry four weeks before the application deadline, and the foundation does not fund multi-year grants or projects outside its focus areas.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund Grant supports grassroots activists working to preserve California's wildlands and natural habitats. With a maximum award of $10,000, the fund prioritizes projects focused on conservation, environmental advocacy, and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and fiscally sponsored individuals with annual incomes of $200,000 or less. The grant aims to empower communities, particularly in rural areas, to advocate for wildlands protection and biodiversity conservation.

The San Marcos Community Foundation offers Mini Grants of up to $1,500 to support nonprofit organizations that benefit San Marcos residents. Eligible projects must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and directly serve the community. Grant requests should adhere to reporting deadlines set by the Board, while funds cannot support religious, fraternal, or political purposes. The Foundation prioritizes applications with matching funds at its discretion, fostering diverse projects in arts, health, education, and more.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.

The CA Environmental Enhancement Fund Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to support environmental enhancement projects that benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government entities. Projects must be located near state waters and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The program focuses on habitat acquisition, restoration, and improvement to enhance ecosystem function. For more details, please refer to the FAQs provided by the department.

The UC SAREP Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Small Grants Program aims to support California's farmers and communities by promoting environmentally regenerative practices and enhancing food system resilience. It offers funding for projects that benefit diverse stakeholders, including education and outreach initiatives, applied research, and planning grants, all with a focus on cultural responsiveness and social equity. Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000, targeting priority groups and fostering collaboration.

The Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (GCA) – G24, funded by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, supports the planning, development, and conservation of Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) trails and facilities. It emphasizes responsible wildlife and habitat maintenance to ensure sustainable long-term OHV recreation. Additionally, the program oversees the motorized segment of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which funds trail development and maintenance across California for both motorized and non-motorized uses.

The PTCF Community Impact Grant supports nonprofit organizations serving the Lake Tahoe Region. Grants focus on five key areas: well-being, education, arts and culture, environment, and community engagement. Organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities or schools, incorporated in California or Nevada, and provide over 50% of their services in the Tahoe Basin. This initiative aims to foster positive community impact through collaboration and innovation.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Active Transportation Grant Program aims to promote increased use of active transportation modes, such as biking and walking, throughout California. This program consolidates various federal and state transportation efforts and allocates significant funding annually to enhance safety and mobility for non-motorized users. The ATP also focuses on advancing public health and ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from transportation improvements, ultimately striving to make California a leader in active transportation initiatives.