State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) – Pilot for Water Savings Focused Projects Limited to the Southern Desert Region
Can you apply?
This grant is for resource conservation districts in California seeking to restore riparian corridors on agricultural lands. Grants support projects that enhance riparian ecosystems while maintaining farm and ranch operations. Projects must involve coordination with agricultural landowners and focus on sustainable management practices.
Non-profits, agricultural organizations, and public agencies may partner with resource conservation districts. Eligible projects typically include riparian restoration, stream enhancement, and ecosystem protection on working agricultural properties. Funding requires documented commitment from landowners and clear project outcomes.
Program description
The Budget Act of 2021 allocated $50 million to CDFA to provide grant funding directly to California agricultural operations to incentivize activities that reduce on-farm water use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from irrigation and water pumping systems on California agriculture operations through SWEEP. With guidance of CDFA’s Environmental Farming Act (EFA) Science Advisory Panel (SAP) and the SWEEP Ad Hoc Advisory Group, a $2 million portion of the 2021 SWEEP allocation ($50 M) has been dedicated to projects located in the southern desert region, a region, which due to its unique water distribution and energy systems, has historically received low levels of funding from SWEEP. Projects funded through this Pilot program must demonstrate water savings from proposed irrigation improvements but will not be required to reduce GHG emissions from irrigation pumping. Projects must not result in an increase in GHG emissions. For this purpose of this solicitation the southern desert region is defined as Imperial County and Riverside County, east of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Program contact
- 📧 cdfa.sweeptech@cdfa.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-654-0466
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 51 | 17 | 33% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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