Coachella Valley Open Space Acquisition Program
🏛 Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Aug 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for public water systems that need infrastructure improvements to provide safe drinking water. Community water systems can apply if they currently serve households and face water quality or safety challenges. The program prioritizes projects addressing serious health risks and SDWA compliance. Geographic scope is limited to California.
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Program description
Grants are provide to acquire mountainous or natural community conservation lands in the Coachella Valley and its surrounding mountains, or in limited cases, to provide capital improvements on existing conservation lands. Priority acquisitions are those that support the implementation of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Matching funds are preferred, but not required.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Complete application form
- Technical project design and specifications
- Environmental review documentation
- Legal documentation showing water system authority
- Financial analysis and feasibility study
- Construction cost estimates
- Planning and design documents
Program contact
- 📧 drosas@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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 5 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | — | — | — |
| 2023-2024 | — | — | — |
| 2024-2025 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | 1 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for DWSRF Construction funding?
Public and community water systems in California can apply. Private systems and non-utilities typically cannot apply.
What types of projects are funded?
Water treatment facilities, source development, storage tanks, distribution system upgrades, planning, design, and construction management are eligible.
Is there a deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis continuously. There is no single deadline date.
What are typical award amounts?
Grants and principal forgiveness range from $2 million to $10 million depending on project type and community need.
How competitive is this funding?
Priority goes to projects addressing serious health risks and serving the most disadvantaged communities based on water rates as a percentage of median household income.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate how your project addresses serious public health risks or regulatory compliance issues.
- Include detailed financial analysis showing your water system's need based on affordability metrics and median household income data.
- Prepare comprehensive technical, environmental, and legal documentation upfront to support DFA's review process.
- Consider combining DWSRF financing with other drinking water funding programs for maximum leverage.
- Work with DFA staff early to understand specific requirements for your project type and service area.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete applications without full technical, environmental, legal, and financial documentation. Underestimating actual project costs or eligible expenses like planning, design, and contingencies. Failing to demonstrate community need based on affordability and health risk criteria.
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