Grants for Land Conservation in California
Last updated September 29, 2026
There are 18 active grants for land conservation tagged to California, part of 367 active grants for land conservation listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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| ★ | Grant |
|---|---|
| San Joaquin River Conservancy Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies The purpose of the SJRC is to create the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway) to preserve and enhance the river’s extraordinary biological diversity, protect its valued cultural and natural resources, and provide educational and… | |
| Prop 4 – Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) San Diego River Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies The purposes of Prop 4 include watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development that addresses needs related to this subdivision and to reduce the risks of climate change impacts upon… | |
| Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Proposition 4 Nature Based Solutions and Climate Adaptation Grant Program Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies The program makes grants to address climate resilience and nature-based solutions in conservation lands and improve sustainability in the Coachella Valley. | |
| Regional Conservation Investment Strategies Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies WCB is seeking high-quality grant proposals for the development of RCIS's. | |
| Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy (BH UWC) Proposition 4: Community and Climate Resilience Grant Program Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies The Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Proposition 4: Community and Climate Resilience Grant Program aim to award projects and programs that protect biodiversity; restore watershed function; and expand equitable access to parks… | |
| Coachella Valley Proposition 68 Parks, Conservation Land Access and Climate Change Response Grant Program Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies The program makes grants to expand recreational and educational use of conservation lands and improve sustainability in the Coachella Valley. | |
| The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All – (Prop 68 River – CA) Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River – California) Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. | |
| The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – California Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. | |
| Coachella Valley Open Space Acquisition Program Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies Acquire open space to protect wildlife or cultural resources and enhance recreational and educational use of that land. | |
| Coastal Conservancy Grants Coastal Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies Each year, the Coastal Conservancy issues millions of dollars in grants for projects that restore and protect the California coast, expand public access to it, and enhance its resilience to climate change. | |
| Proposition 68 Regionwide Grants San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy · State Rolling · Varies Create, expand, and/or improve public open space in the RMC's territory by improving water quality supply, create, enhance or improve a reliable water supply and/or restore an important species and habitat. | |
| Cleanup, Remediation, and Watershed Enhancement Funding Opportunity Department of Fish and Wildlife · State Rolling · Varies CDFW seeks high quality grant proposals that support the enhancement of watersheds and communities in areas impacted by cannabis cultivation. | |
| Land Acquisition 2025 Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies The WCB acquires real property or rights in real property on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and can also grant funds to other governmental entities or nonprofit organizations to acquire real property or… | |
| Riparian Habitat Conservation Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies The California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program (Program) is accepting concept proposals for projects that provide meaningful and sustainable improvements to riparian habitats. | |
| California Forest Improvement Program Department of Forestry and Fire Protection · State Rolling · Varies The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources, to ensure adequate high quality timber supplies, related… | |
| Desert Conservation Program Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies As a result of efforts undertaken by individuals and entities with a strong interest in protecting the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Assembly Bill 1183, now known as the California Desert Conservation Act, was approved by Governor Gavin… | |
| Lower American River Conservancy Program Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the manager of the American River Parkway (Parkway) and nonprofit organizations to help fund… | |
| Forest Conservation Wildlife Conservation Board · State Rolling · Varies The Forest Conservation Program supports planning, acquisition, and restoration projects throughout California’s forests, consistent with the Board's Strategic Plan. |
Showing 1–18 of 18
About grants for land conservation in California
Grants for land conservation help protect open space, forests, farmland, and natural areas through acquisition, conservation easements, and stewardship. Federal programs include the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program and the USDA NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), often supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Land trusts, nonprofits, tribes, and government agencies are the most common applicants.
Grants for Land Conservation in other states
Other grant categories in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for land conservation?
Funding supports purchasing land or conservation easements, protecting forests and farmland, and stewarding protected properties. The Forest Legacy Program protects privately owned forest land, and USDA's ACEP helps fund agricultural and grassland easements. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and many private and community foundations also support land protection.
Who funds land conservation and land trusts?
Key federal sources include the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Legacy Program) and USDA/NRCS (ACEP), often drawing on the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Land trusts frequently partner on these projects, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation plus private foundations provide additional support. The Land Trust Alliance maintains resources tracking federal funding opportunities.
Can a land trust apply for federal conservation funding?
Land trusts play a major role in many federal land conservation projects, helping identify properties, work with landowners, and negotiate easement and acquisition transactions. Some federal programs flow through state agencies, with land trusts as partners, while others fund nonprofits more directly. Reviewing each program's eligibility rules and partnering early with the relevant agency is important.
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