Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Proposition 4 Nature Based Solutions and Climate Adaptation Grant Program
🏛 Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for waterfowl habitat restoration and research projects in California. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, public agencies, and land trusts focused on wetland and waterfowl conservation. Projects must support wintering, nesting, or migration habitat for California waterfowl species, or conduct waterfowl population research.
The grant funds habitat enhancement, restoration, maintenance, and research. Eligible activities include pond creation, vegetation restoration, levee repair, fence installation, invasive species removal, and population studies.
Awards are made on a fiscal year basis. Funding depends on duck stamp sales and governor's budget allocation. Projects must comply with 6 percent maximum overhead limits.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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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
- Project proposal and description
- Budget and budget narrative
- Feasibility analysis
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Applicant qualifications and organizational information
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 the California State Duck Stamp grant?
Likely nonprofits, public agencies, and conservation organizations. Specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in available materials—contact CDFW for confirmation.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is January 23, 2026. Confirm directly with California Department of Fish and Wildlife for any extensions or rolling deadlines.
What types of projects are eligible?
Habitat restoration, enhancement, and maintenance for waterfowl. Examples include wetland creation, pond restoration, invasive species removal, levee repair, and waterfowl population research.
How much funding is available?
Up to $1,939,000 total for the fiscal year. Individual award amounts are not specified—contact CDFW for project-specific funding guidance.
Are there matching fund requirements?
No cost-sharing is required. All project costs can be covered by the grant, though overhead is limited to 6 percent maximum.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife early. Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures are not publicly detailed in available materials.
- Focus your project on California waterfowl species and migration corridors. Activities should directly support habitat used by resident or migratory waterfowl.
- Plan for the 6 percent overhead cap. Ensure your budget and indirect costs comply with this strict limitation.
- Include feasibility analysis in your proposal. State law requires CDFW to analyze project feasibility and need before Commission review.
- Align with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Projects connecting California to Canadian habitat contribute to fund priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing projects that don't directly support California waterfowl species or habitat. Exceeding the 6 percent overhead maximum. Submitting inadequate feasibility analysis or need justification for your project.
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