2022 California Farmland Conservancy Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations seeking to preserve agricultural land through conservation easements and land improvements. Local land trusts, nonprofits, public agencies, and agricultural organizations can apply. Projects must protect farmland from conversion to non-agricultural uses or improve already-protected lands. All applicants must submit a pre-proposal for eligibility review before submitting a full application.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for California organizations seeking to preserve agricultural land through conservation easements and land improvements. Local land trusts, nonprofits, public agencies, and agricultural organizations can apply. Projects must protect farmland from conversion to non-agricultural uses or improve already-protected lands. All applicants must submit a pre-proposal for eligibility review before submitting a full application.
Program description
The California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP) is a statewide grant program that supports local efforts to establish agricultural conservation easements and land improvement projects for the purpose of preserving important agricultural land resources and enhancing sustainable agricultural uses. Eligible Project Type(s): Agricultural Conservation Easements: Grants to protect agricultural lands under threat of conversion to nonagricultural uses through the acquisition of voluntary, permanent agricultural conservation easements. Land Improvement Grants: Grants for the improvement of lands protected by a conservation easement or similar long-term conservation agreement as determined by the Department’s Director if the improvement will directly benefit the protected land. Please note: All grant applicants are required to submit a pre-proposal to the Department prior to applying. Pre-proposals will be reviewed to determine project eligibility, and technical assistance provided to facilitate the development of competitive grant applications. Applicants will be notified regarding their project’s eligibility following the pre-proposal review. Projects deemed eligible, or eligible with conditions, may be submitted as applications for further evaluation and scoring.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for California organizations seeking to preserve agricultural land through conservation easements and land improvements. Local land trusts, nonprofits, public agencies, and agricultural organizations can apply. Projects must protect farmland from conversion to non-agricultural uses or improve already-protected lands. All applicants must submit a pre-proposal for eligibility review before submitting a full application.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 Shanna.Atherton@conservation.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-858-9724
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 | 10 | 7 | 70% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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