The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – Prop 68 River
🏛 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for public land projects that enhance breeding waterfowl and upland game bird habitats in California. Public agencies, nonprofit organizations with waterfowl or habitat expertise, and California Native American tribes can apply. Projects must cultivate or maintain upland cover (annual nesting cover or native grasses/forbs) on public lands and provide summer water within one mile of enhancement areas. Eligible activities include maintaining existing perennial grass habitat, restoring existing perennial grass habitat, or establishing new native grass and forb habitat for breeding birds.
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Program description
This program supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy’s (“Conservancy”) Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines (“Guidelines”) Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and administered by the Conservancy. Prop 68 River
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project proposal or narrative describing habitat enhancement activities
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organization capacity statement (staff qualifications, past habitat projects)
- Project maps showing location, enhancement areas, and water sources
- Letters of support or MOUs with partnering agencies or landowners
Program contact
- 📧 grants@smmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-310-589-2899
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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
Public agencies, nonprofits with waterfowl or habitat experience, and California Native American tribes are eligible. Applicants must have specific capacity in waterfowl habitat, native grass restoration, upland habitat creation, or farming experience.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects supporting perennial grass habitat maintenance, restoration/enhancement, or establishment for breeding waterfowl. Projects must leave cover unmanipulated (no mowing, spraying, discing) April 1–July 15.
Is there a cost-share requirement?
No, this grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds from applicants.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 23, 2025. Applicants should confirm specific procedures with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts are not specified in program materials. Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for funding range details.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate your organization's specific technical capacity in waterfowl habitat, native grass restoration, or upland habitat management. Include staff credentials and past project success.
- Design projects that maintain unmanipulated nesting cover from April 1 to July 15. Plan all maintenance activities outside this window.
- Ensure summer water habitats are available within one mile of all enhancement areas. Show water sources on project maps and explain maintenance plans.
- Focus on perennial native grasses and forbs rather than annual cover when possible. Native species are more durable and benefit long-term bird populations.
- Coordinate early with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on eligible lands and specific habitat priorities for your region.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear documentation of applicant's technical capacity in habitat restoration or waterfowl management. Projects fail to address summer water availability within one mile of enhancement areas. Proposals include vegetation management activities (mowing, spraying, discing) scheduled during the April 1–July 15 nesting season.
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