Desert Conservation Program
🏛 Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 5, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California workforce development organizations serving disadvantaged or low-income workers. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, workforce boards, tribal organizations, and public agencies conducting WIOA-funded projects. Organizations without WIOA experience may request up to $150,000; those with WIOA experience can request up to $250,000 for new projects or up to $500,000 to expand existing programs. All applicants must secure matching funds at a 1:1 ratio. Priority consideration given to Native American tribes, veteran-serving organizations, and projects connected to California Jobs First Initiative planning.
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Program description
The Desert Conservation Program includes the following actions: Protect, preserve, and restore the natural, cultural, and physical resources of the portions of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts region in California through the acquisition, restoration, and management of lands.Promote the protection and restoration of the biological diversity of the region. Provide for resilience in the region to climate change.Protect and improve air quality and water resources within the region.Undertake efforts to enhance public use and enjoyment of lands owned by the public. The Wildlife Conservation Board accepts pre-applications for acquisition, restoration, and management projects on a continuous basis. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: Acquisition of land, especially parcels that are part of a wildlife movement corridor, contain water sources, have sacred or culturally significant tribal sites, protect listed species, or provide public accessRestoration of riparian and upland vegetationInvasive plant removal and control.Seed collection, processing, and propagationScientific studies, especially those that help aid in the recovery of listed species.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 amy.henderson@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-926-9585
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 1 | 4 | 400% |
| 2025-2026 | 4 | 1 | 25% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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