Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program Public Lands Funding 2025-26
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based arts and cultural organizations seeking operating support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal/county/tribal government units, and fiscally sponsored organizations. Organizations must be based in California, have active nonprofit status, maintain a principal place of business in the state, and demonstrate at least two years of consistent arts programming before applying. Revenue limits apply: arts service organizations up to $5M, arts producing/presenting organizations up to $1.5M. Organizations with revenue above $250k face additional restrictions on total grant requests.
Funds support any eligible operating expenses including rent, utilities, and staff salaries. This is general operating support, not project-specific funding. Organizations applying for State-Local Partners grants in 2025 are ineligible.
Maximum request is $30,000 for a one-year funding cycle. Cost-sharing is required: organizations with revenue over $250k must provide one-to-one matching funds.
Program description
Public land projects funded through NBHIP may include the cultivation or retention of upland cover such as annual nesting cover or perennial native grasses and forbs, or management activities to improve the quality of perennial grass habitats such as managing noxious weeds and other undesirable plants. Any project that is funded by NBHIP will be required to leave the upland cover habitat unmanipulated (e.g., no discing, spraying herbicides, mowing, chopping, or rolling of vegetation) during the nesting season (April 1 – July 15). Furthermore, to be selected all projects must provide and maintain summer water habitats within one mile of the enhancement areas. To accomplish the objectives of this program, the Department is authorized to enter into grants or contracts with public and private entities, including nonprofit organizations, and California Native American tribes to help the department implement the program and improve breeding waterfowl and other upland game bird habitats in California (Fish and Game Code § 3480 “…the department may carry out the game bird breeding habitat purposes of the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program on State Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges when necessary and as the department deems appropriate…”) The organizations must have the specific capacity (waterfowl habitat enhancement, native grass restoration, upland habitat creation or agricultural and farming experience to deliver the objectives). Examples of eligible projects are limited to the following categories: 1. Maintenance of existing perennial grass habitat for breeding waterfowl 2. Restoration and enhancement of existing perennial grass habitat for breeding waterfowl 3. Establishment of new perennial native grass and forb habitat for breeding waterfowl
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- California Secretary of State proof of active status and good standing
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit determination letter or equivalent proof of tax-exempt status
- Organizational budget and most recent fiscal year financial statements
- Documentation of total revenue calculation (earned and contributed income)
- Proof of two-year arts programming history (schedules, programs, documentation)
- For organizations with revenue above $250k: proof of eligible matching funds
- For fiscally sponsored organizations: fiscal sponsor nonprofit status documentation
Program contact
- 📧 luke.matthews@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-539-3654
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 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of government, and fiscally sponsored organizations based in California. Organizations must have two years of consistent arts programming and active nonprofit status.
Are there revenue limits for applicants?
Yes. Arts service organizations are capped at $5M total revenue. Arts producing/presenting organizations are capped at $1.5M total revenue.
What can I use the funds for?
Any eligible operating expenses including rent, utilities, staff salaries, and other general organizational costs. Funds must support your overall mission, not a specific project.
Is matching funding required?
Yes, if your organization has total revenue above $250,000. You must provide a one-to-one match using eligible sources.
When is the deadline and can I apply for other CAC grants too?
The deadline is June 5, 2025. You can apply for other CAC project-based grants in the same year, but not for State-Local Partners grants.
What is the maximum amount I can request?
Up to $30,000 for a one-year funding cycle.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your organization meets all baseline requirements: California location, active nonprofit status, two-year history, and secretary of state good standing before applying.
- Understand your organization's total revenue category early. Revenue limits and matching requirements depend heavily on this figure.
- If your revenue exceeds $250k, calculate your maximum grant request carefully. The sum of all CAC grants in the same year cannot exceed 50% of your prior year's revenue.
- Target the funding priorities: serve underserved communities, apply as a first-time grantee if possible, or demonstrate revenue under $250k to strengthen your competitiveness.
- Prepare clear documentation of operating expenses and funding sources. Reviewers will assess whether general operating support genuinely strengthens your organization's capacity to serve its mission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations misrepresent their total revenue or fail to document the full two-year programming history required for eligibility. Organizations with revenue above $250k often underestimate matching fund requirements or submit insufficient evidence of eligible match sources. Applicants sometimes propose project-specific funding when the grant explicitly supports general operations only.
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