Habitat Conservation Fund in California Grant

Habitat Conservation Fund in California Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Last Updated: June 13, 2025

Summary

The Habitat Conservation Fund in California provides about $2 million annually to support projects aimed at preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and certain districts, which must match 50% of the funding. Projects can focus on wildlife corridors, trails, and habitat acquisition or restoration. The program emphasizes community engagement, particularly through nature interpretation initiatives that connect urban residents with local wildlife and natural areas.

Overview

The Habitat Conservation Fund allocates approximately $2 million each year to cities, counties, and districts. Funding from several Fiscal Years are being combined for the upcoming cycle. The program requires a 50% match. Eligible projects include: nature interpretation programs to bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, protection of various plant and animal species, and acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails. There are seven unique categories, each is further explained in the HCF Category Chart, found here, and Application Guides below. Deer/Mountain Lion Habitat:  see hereRare, Endangered, Threatened or Fully Protected Species Habitat: see hereWetlands: see hereAnadromous Salmonids and Trout Habitat: see hereRiparian Habitat: see hereTrails: see hereWildlife Area Activities: see here

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Only the following are eligible applicants:CitiesCountiesDistricts, as defined in the legislation, in any of the seven HCF Application Guides for the definition of “District”, or below:DISTRICT – any regional PARK or open-space district formed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Public Resources Code Section 5500) of Chapter 3 of Division 5 and any recreation and PARK district formed pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Public Resources Code Section 5780) of Division 5. With respect to any community or unincorporated region (which is not included within a regional PARK or open-space district or a recreation and PARK district, and in which no city or county provides PARKs or recreational areas or facilities), “DISTRICT” also means any other district which is authorized by statute to operate and manage PARKS or recreational areas or facilities, employs a full-time PARK and recreation director, offers year-round PARK and recreation services on lands and facilities owned by the district, and allocates a substantial portion of its annual operating budget to PARKS or recreation areas or facilities.Funds can be used for the following:Wildlife Area Activities – An event or series of events intended to bring urban residents into areas with indigenous plants and animals (park and/or wildlife areas)Acquisition of species habitatsEnhancement or restoration of species habitatsEnhancement, restoration, or development of trails