Inland Wetlands Conservation
🏛 Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations advancing environmental justice and air quality solutions in disadvantaged communities. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, nonprofits, tribal governments, and local government entities working in areas identified as disadvantaged by CalEnviroScreen 4.0 or SB 535.
Projects must focus on community engagement, emissions reduction planning, workforce development, or air quality monitoring. Three project types are available: educational (up to $300K), technical (up to $500K), and focused (up to $500K).
Activities include building community capacity, facilitating stakeholder participation in air quality decision-making, collecting pollution data, and developing local emission reduction plans. All projects must demonstrate equitable participation and local partnership building.
Geographic scope is limited to California's disadvantaged communities identified through state environmental screening tools.
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Program description
The Inland Wetland Conservation Program (IWCP) jurisdiction matches that of the Central Valley Joint Venture and includes most of the watershed of the Central Valley. The Implementation Plan and the IWCP, however, continue to focus on the Central Valley floor, which extends approximately 400 miles from Red Bluff in the north to Bakersfield in the south and encompasses the following nine basins: Butte, Colusa, Sutter, Yolo, American, Suisun Marsh, Delta, San Joaquin, and Tulare. Eligible activities under this program include: Acquisition of land or water for wetlands or wildlife friendly agricultureAcquisition of conservation easementsRestoration of public or private landsEnhancement of existing degraded habitatsEligible recipients for grants under this program include: Nonprofit organizationsLocal governmental agenciesState agenciesFederal agencies
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community Health Center
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (as specified in Cycle 5 RFA)
- Project narrative and description of community engagement strategy
- Budget and budget narrative with partnership contributions documented
- Evidence of community support or letters from affected residents/stakeholders
- Proof of nonprofit status (501c3) or government entity documentation
- CalEnviroScreen 4.0 or SB 535 verification of disadvantaged community status
Program contact
- 📧 james.croft@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-926-7523
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 6 | 4 | 67% |
| 2025-2026 | 6 | 2 | 33% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Community-based organizations, nonprofits, tribal governments, and local government entities in California's disadvantaged communities can apply. Applicants must demonstrate ability to engage affected residents and stakeholders in air quality work.
What is the funding range for this grant?
Educational projects can receive up to $300,000. Technical and focused projects can each receive up to $500,000. Total program funding is $16 million across all awards.
What types of projects are eligible?
Educational projects build community capacity and leadership on air quality issues. Technical projects conduct community air monitoring. Focused projects develop comprehensive emission reduction plans with community engagement.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is November 1, 2024. Check the California Air Resources Board website for specific submission instructions and any updated timeline information.
What activities count as eligible use of funds?
Eligible work includes stakeholder engagement, data collection on air quality impacts, community education on pollution hazards, partnership development, and planning for emissions reduction strategies aligned with state air quality policies.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your proposal on serving disadvantaged communities verified through CalEnviroScreen 4.0 or SB 535. Clearly document why your community qualifies and has elevated air pollution exposure.
- Demonstrate genuine community partnership and leadership. Show how affected residents and stakeholders will drive decision-making, not just participate as consultants.
- Choose the project type (educational, technical, or focused) that matches your organization's capacity and the community's stated priorities. Misalignment with project scope is a common weakness.
- Build a realistic budget aligned to your project type's maximum award. Show how you'll leverage local partnerships, in-kind support, and other resources to maximize impact.
- Connect your proposed work to California's air quality policies and existing Community Emission Reduction Programs. Explain how your project advances state environmental justice goals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak community engagement plans that position residents as participants rather than leaders in decision-making. Proposals lacking clear connection to CalEnviroScreen 4.0 or SB 535 disadvantaged community designations. Budgets mismatched to project type maximums or lacking evidence of partnership resource leveraging and sustainability planning.
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