Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Program
🏛 Department of Fish and Wildlife (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for counties and county partners addressing drinking water challenges in California. Eligible applicants typically include county governments, water districts, and nonprofit organizations partnering with counties. Projects must address drought-related contamination or water supply issues affecting households served by state small water systems and domestic wells. The program aims to help counties establish proactive response programs rather than funding direct assistance to households.
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Program description
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) provides funding to award grants to projects that improve a community’s ability to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change; improve and protect coastal and rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife corridors, or habitat; develop future recreational opportunities; or enhance drought tolerance, landscape resilience, and water retention. Eligible projects include acquisition of water from willing sellers, acquisition of land that includes water rights or contractual rights to water, short- or long-term water transfers or leases, provision of water for fish and wildlife, or improvement of aquatic or riparian habitat conditions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative describing county program plans
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of county authority or partnership agreements
- Description of identified water needs and gaps
- Plan for rapid implementation when needed
Program contact
- 📧 Elizabeth.Buttler@Wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-594-3879
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 94 | — | 0% |
| 2022-2023 | 121 | — | 0% |
| 2024-2025 | 38 | — | 0% |
| 2025-2026 | 18 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Counties, water districts, and organizations partnering with counties. Direct funding to households is not available.
What types of projects does this fund?
Programs addressing drought-related and contamination issues affecting small water systems and domestic wells. Focus is on proactive county-level programs.
Is this a rolling deadline?
Yes, the program operates on a rolling basis. Check with the State Water Board for specific submission windows.
What is the typical award amount?
Award ranges and total funding pool are not specified. Contact the State Water Board for funding details.
How quickly can projects begin?
The program prioritizes counties prepared to implement quickly when urgent water needs arise.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your county's capacity to establish and manage programs proactively for emergency response.
- Partner with local water systems and well owners to demonstrate community coordination.
- Clearly identify drought or contamination gaps in your small water systems and domestic wells.
- Show how funding will enable rapid response rather than direct household aid.
- Connect your proposal to the SAFER Program goals of equity and resilience in water access.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing direct funding to households instead of county-level program infrastructure. Focusing only on emergency response without demonstrating proactive planning capacity. Failing to address both drought and contamination issues when applicable.
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