Best Grants for Land Conservation in California

Local government agencies, tribal organizations, and other eligible sponsors in California can obtain funding to address watershed damage from floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of California support debris removal, streambank stabilization, drainage repairs, vegetative cover, levee and structure repairs, and related land and habitat conservation work.

California landowners managing 20 to 5,000 acres of forestland can access funding through CAL FIRE to improve forest health, habitat, and soil and water quality. The California Forest Improvement Program offers cost-share assistance up to US $50,000 for management planning, reforestation, stand improvement, and forestland conservation practices that benefit long-term land conservation.

Nonprofit and public entities working on land and habitat conservation in California can seek funding to plan, clean up, remediate, and enhance watersheds and wildlife habitat impacted by cannabis cultivation. California Department of Fish and Wildlife supports projects such as illicit site cleanup, road decommissioning, culvert upgrades, erosion control, water conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.

California land and habitat conservation organizations in California can seek funding to implement climate adaptation and resiliency projects on natural and working lands. The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Grant Program from California Wildlife Conservation Board supports ecosystem protection and restoration, climate-smart land management, and increased carbon sequestration consistent with statewide climate and conservation plans.

Public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek US $200,000 - US $5,000,000 for coastal land and habitat conservation, public access, and climate resilience projects. With a mission to protect and restore the coast, State of California Coastal Conservancy provides multi-stage funding from feasibility through construction and monitoring, prioritizing multi-benefit and disadvantaged community projects.

Organizations planning land and habitat conservation, forestry, or watershed restoration projects in California can apply for the Forest Conservation Program, which supports planning, acquisition, and restoration in the state’s forests. Administered by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, this funding may benefit land conservation efforts such as meadow restoration, forest thinning, post-fire work, and riparian habitat projects.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, resource conservation districts, and private landowners in California can receive funding to restore and enhance wildlife habitat, corridors, and fisheries. Grants from California Wildlife Conservation Board help California land and habitat conservation efforts that secure a Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendation and commit to long-term project maintenance.

Grants from Hind Foundation help California land and habitat conservation projects that provide lasting community benefits and fit the foundation’s funding areas. Eligible applicants are locally supported California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects based in-state and substantial matching funds secured, including work in ecosystem conservation, land conservation, and plant and wildlife protection.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with community-backed projects for land or habitat conservation can apply for Hind Foundation’s Supplemental Grant, offering up to US $2,500. Grants help fund scholarships, educational materials, performances, and similar efforts that advance ecosystem, land, and wildlife conservation while providing lasting community benefits.

California land and habitat conservation organizations and public agencies can access funding to acquire real property or conservation easements in California through the California Wildlife Conservation Board. Grants support willing-seller transactions at fair market value, following biological evaluation and approval by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of General Services.

California public agencies, tribes, and conservation-focused partners seeking to advance climate resilience and land and habitat conservation in Los Angeles and Orange Counties can apply for this Climate Resilience Grant Program. Focused on multi-benefit, nature-based projects, it supports wildfire prevention, community access to natural areas, and protection of California’s natural and working lands from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy.

Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, eligible tribes, public utilities, and mutual water companies in California can seek funding for projects that enhance stream flows to benefit fish, wildlife, and habitat. With a mission to improve water resources and species resilience, the California Wildlife Conservation Board supports water transactions, conservation projects, habitat restoration, and related scientific studies.

Nonprofit and public entities working on watershed improvement, forest health, restoration, or workforce development in California can seek funding for land acquisition, planning, implementation, and monitoring projects. California Tahoe Conservancy’s Proposition 4 Grant Program offers US $50,000 - US $450,000 for projects on the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin that enhance natural resources and public access.

California land and habitat conservation organizations can seek funding for watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, chaparral and forest restoration, and related workforce development projects. Focused on land and habitat conservation, the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy invites applicants to request US $50,000 - US $2,000,000 for eligible work in its jurisdiction.

California land and habitat conservation organizations working in the Lake Tahoe Basin can seek funding for land stewardship, wildfire protection, forest and watershed restoration, and public access projects. California Tahoe Conservancy provides approximately US $4,000,000 through its Proposition 68 Grant Program to support open space acquisition, urban greenways, outdoor recreation, and climate-resilient communities.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and California Native American tribes in California can seek funding for projects that expand public access to wildlife areas and natural lands. With a mission to enhance outdoor recreation and equitable access, California Wildlife Conservation Board provides support for planning, implementation, acquisition, scientific studies, block grants, and technical assistance that improve wildlife-oriented recreation and hunting and fishing access.

Organizations restoring or enhancing wetlands, mountain meadows, or watershed ecosystems in California can apply for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Restoration Grant Programs. Funding supports nature-based solutions that improve habitat, biodiversity, climate resilience, water-related projects, working landscapes, and public access, including non-lethal beaver coexistence projects that may benefit land and habitat conservation efforts.

The Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission Grant Program provides funding for projects aimed at enhancing the conservation, protection, and propagation of fish and wildlife in Sonoma County. Governed by California Fish and Wildlife Code Section 13100, the program supports various activities including habitat improvement, public education, and scientific research. Grants are evaluated based on their significance, conservation impact, and educational value. The program underscores the importance of adhering to state prevailing wage laws for funded projects.

California land and habitat conservation organizations can seek funding for wetlands, mountain meadows, and watershed ecosystem restoration projects that enhance biodiversity and climate resilience in California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife supports nature-based solutions, including beaver restoration and non-lethal conflict mitigation, that protect wildlife habitats, working landscapes, water-related projects, and public access.

California agricultural landowners and partners can seek funding to restore wildlife habitat and enhance ecosystems on privately owned working lands. Focused on land and habitat conservation, the California Wildlife Conservation Board invites projects that create durable on-site habitat, improve connectivity, and may include wetlands, riparian restoration, native grasslands, or wildlife-friendly buffers and water features.

The John S. Kiewit Memorial Foundation Grant aims to protect California's Central Coast and surrounding natural resources through conservation efforts. It supports projects like the Arroyo Hondo Preserve and collaborates with various land trusts, including the California Rangeland Trust and The Nature Conservancy. Grants are focused on preserving open space and agricultural character, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in grant-making. However, proposals outside their mission or geographic area are not considered.

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.

Organizations working to conserve agricultural lands in California can apply for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, which funds conservation acquisitions, acquisition capacity, and planning to prevent conversion to nonagricultural uses. Administered by the California Department of Conservation, this program supports land and habitat conservation while advancing climate and community benefits.

California public entities and eligible partners planning nature-based urban greening projects to reduce extreme heat can apply for California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Grant Program, with awards of US $200,000 - US $5,000,000. Projects that cool and green communities while enhancing habitat, green infrastructure, and public spaces may benefit land conservation efforts.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can apply for Schwemm Family Foundation grants up to US $8,000 to support land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and related community projects. Eligible efforts include enhancing natural environments, preserving local history and culture, or promoting healthy, equitable communities through parks, green spaces, trails, gardens, or urban farms.

California 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for land or habitat conservation projects can apply for the T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $50,000. Eligible nonprofits working on preserving land in its natural state, wildlife conservancy, or related agricultural and civic efforts may benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on land and habitat conservation in California can apply for US $10,000 - US $30,000 to protect biodiversity and critical ecosystems. Weeden Foundation supports efforts such as wildlife corridors, endangered species habitat, and related environmental advocacy that may benefit California land conservation projects.