Inland Wetlands Conservation
🏛 Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations serving youth ages 12-26 in California. Eligible applicants include youth-serving, community-based, and tribal organizations throughout California. Priority goes to organizations addressing substance use disorder prevention through youth leadership and activism, especially serving youth of color and 2S/LGBTQ+ youth in communities disproportionately impacted by drug policy.
Organizations must propose evidence-based, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate programs. The program prioritizes healing-centered approaches and work toward health equity in both rural and urban California communities.
Applicants should demonstrate capacity to empower youth as community leaders and create positive policy and systems change around substance use prevention.
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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
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application (via system specified by DHCS)
- Project narrative and program description
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of cultural proficiency and community partnerships
- Youth engagement and leadership plan
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?
Youth-serving, community-based, and tribal organizations in California. Priority goes to organizations serving youth of color and 2S/LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-26.
What geographic areas are eligible?
All of California, including both rural and urban communities. Priority given to communities historically impacted by drug policy.
What activities does the program fund?
Youth leadership development, activism, community organizing, and evidence-based substance use disorder prevention. Programs should be culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate.
What makes an application competitive?
Strong focus on health equity, youth empowerment as community leaders, and policy/systems change. Demonstrated cultural proficiency and connection to priority populations strengthens applications.
When is the deadline?
September 23, 2024. Contact DHCS or visit elevateyouthca.org for specific submission details and technical assistance information.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate how your organization centers youth leadership and activism, not just youth services. Show how youth drive decision-making.
- Emphasize cultural responsiveness and linguistic appropriateness. Describe how your team reflects and understands the communities you serve.
- Make explicit connections to substance use disorder prevention. Explain how your youth leadership work reduces risk and promotes prevention.
- Demonstrate understanding of health equity. Explain how your program addresses systemic barriers and promotes equitable outcomes for priority populations.
- Highlight evidence-based practices. Reference specific prevention frameworks and show how your approach is grounded in research while remaining community-driven.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Focusing solely on youth services without emphasizing youth leadership and decision-making power. Underestimating the importance of cultural proficiency and failing to describe how your team reflects community diversity. Neglecting to make explicit connections between youth activism and substance use disorder prevention outcomes.
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