Watershed Resilience Conservation Implementation
🏛 Department of Water Resources (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to support sustainable agriculture in California. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, regional coalitions, and agricultural organizations that serve defined service areas. Lead applicants must propose technical assistance and financial support for on-farm soil health projects over a three-year period. Projects must align with California's soil health and agricultural resilience goals.
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Program description
The purpose of this program is to fund the implementation of practical water conservation projects that reduce water demand and improve efficiency at the watershed scale. The program supports grantees in carrying out actions such as irrigation efficiency upgrades, leak detection and repair, water-efficient landscaping conversions, metering and monitoring improvements, and other measures that directly reduce water consumption. A concept proposal will be required ahead of a full applications. We anticipate accepting concepts in 2027.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (CDFA-specific cover sheet)
- Project narrative describing service area, producer needs, and proposed activities
- Work plan with timeline for technical assistance and on-farm project implementation
- Organizational capacity and management plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of service area definition and producer engagement strategy
Program contact
- 📧 financialassistance@water.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-651-9613
FAQ
Who can apply for the Healthy Soils Program Block Grant?
Typically nonprofit organizations, regional coalitions, and agricultural entities serving defined California service areas. Lead applicants propose to administer technical assistance and select/manage on-farm projects.
What is the funding range and timeline?
Grants range from $2–$4 million. Projects run up to three years, with a May 2026 deadline (subject to change).
What activities does this grant support?
Technical assistance to producers, selection of on-farm soil health projects, and project management and implementation over the three-year period.
What are the main components of the application?
A two-phase competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate resource needs of their service area and alignment with HSP soil health goals.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly define your service area and demonstrate knowledge of producers' specific resource needs. Tailor your proposal to regional soil health challenges.
- Show strong project management capacity, including experience managing multi-year initiatives and on-farm project oversight.
- Build in realistic timelines for producer outreach, project selection, and three-year implementation. Rushed timelines undermine competitiveness.
- Develop a clear theory of change linking technical assistance to measurable soil health improvements and agricultural resilience.
- Emphasize organizational experience with sustainability, producer engagement, and agricultural systems knowledge.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lack clear service area definition or don't address specific, documented producer needs. Applicants underestimate the complexity of managing on-farm projects across multiple producers and underinvest in project management staffing. Applications fail to demonstrate alignment with California's soil health and agricultural resilience priorities outlined in program guidance.
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