Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Proposition 4 Nature Based Solutions and Climate Adaptation Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to improve forest health in California. Eligible applicants likely include state agencies, local government, nonprofits, and tribal nations with forestry or fire management missions. Projects must address forest health, fire prevention, or related ecological restoration work. Geographic scope is limited to California.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
Awards are made for projects that reduce climate change risks, protect natural and cultural resources, restore habitat and watershed systems, and improve public access to outdoor recreation within the Coachella Valley and its surrounding mountains. Eligible projects may include conservation land acquisition, habitat restoration and enhancement, watershed and ecosystem restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and improvements that expand safe and equitable access to parks, trails, and natural areas. Funding is provided through the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (Proposition 4). Applications begin with submission of a Letter of Intent using the Conservancy’s Pre-Application Consultation Form. Following administrative review, eligible applicants may be invited to submit a full application. Additional information about the application process and eligibility requirements is available in the Proposition 4 Grant Program Guidelines on the Conservancy’s website. Projects that provide meaningful and direct benefits to disadvantaged communities (DACs), severely disadvantaged communities (SDACs), or vulnerable populations will receive priority consideration. Projects that demonstrate strong community engagement, leverage matching funds, support regional conservation objectives, and align with state initiatives such as California’s 30×30 conservation goal may also receive additional consideration during the evaluation process.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Grant application form (CAL FIRE-specific)
- Project narrative describing forest health work
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Project timeline and milestones
Program contact
- 📧 mochoa@cvmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-760-776-5026
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for CAL FIRE Forest Health grants?
Likely eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and tribal nations. Contact CAL FIRE directly for specific organizational eligibility.
What geographic area is covered?
This grant is restricted to California. Work must benefit California forests or communities.
What types of projects are funded?
Forest health and related fire prevention projects. This may include vegetation management, restoration, or fuel reduction work.
Is there a deadline?
The current solicitation deadline is June 8, 2026. Check CAL FIRE's website for any future funding cycles.
What should I expect for award amounts?
Award amounts are not publicly specified. Contact CAL FIRE for typical grant ranges and project budgets.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact CAL FIRE early to clarify your organization's eligibility before investing application time.
- Demonstrate how your project improves forest health and reduces fire risk in California.
- Connect your work to California's forest management priorities and climate resilience goals.
- Include strong partnerships with local agencies or tribal nations when possible.
- Provide detailed maps, timeline, and ecological outcomes for your forest health project.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirming organizational eligibility with CAL FIRE first. Proposing projects outside California's geographic scope. Failing to clearly link project activities to measurable forest health improvements.
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