Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities – (Including Severely Disadvantaged Communities)
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations and agencies working on climate adaptation, wildlife habitat restoration, and outdoor access projects funded through Proposition 68. Nonprofits, government agencies, tribes, and public entities in California may apply. Projects must improve climate resilience, protect wildlife corridors, restore watersheds, or enhance recreational opportunities. Severely disadvantaged communities (median household income below 60% of state average) are prioritized, with at least 15% of funds reserved for these areas.
All projects must align with improving community climate adaptation, coastal/rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife habitat, or water retention. Eligible activities include riparian restoration, floodplain reconnection, forest protection, and wetland enhancement. Projects in disadvantaged communities receive priority consideration.
This grant is for California organizations and agencies working on climate adaptation, wildlife habitat restoration, and outdoor access projects funded through Proposition 68. Nonprofits, government agencies, tribes, and public entities in California may apply. Projects must improve climate resilience, protect wildlife corridors, restore watersheds, or enhance recreational opportunities. Severely disadvantaged communities (median household income below 60% of state average) are prioritized, with at least 15% of funds reserved for these areas.
All projects must align with improving community climate adaptation, coastal/rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife habitat, or water retention. Eligible activities include riparian restoration, floodplain reconnection, forest protection, and wetland enhancement. Projects in disadvantaged communities receive priority consideration.
Program description
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) provides funding to award grants to projects that improve a community’s ability to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change; improve and protect coastal and rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife corridors, or habitat; develop future recreational opportunities; or enhance drought tolerance, landscape resilience, and water retention. Project priorities include, but are not limited to, reconnection of rivers with their floodplains, riparian and side-channel habitat restoration, and restoration and protection of upper watershed forests and meadow systems that are important for fish and wildlife resources. Proposition 68 requires that at least 15 percent of the funds available pursuant Chapter 10 shall be allocated for projects serving severely disadvantaged communities. A severely disadvantaged community is defined as a community with a median household income less than 60 percent of the statewide average (PRC § 80002[n]).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for California organizations and agencies working on climate adaptation, wildlife habitat restoration, and outdoor access projects funded through Proposition 68. Nonprofits, government agencies, tribes, and public entities in California may apply. Projects must improve climate resilience, protect wildlife corridors, restore watersheds, or enhance recreational opportunities. Severely disadvantaged communities (median household income below 60% of state average) are prioritized, with at least 15% of funds reserved for these areas.
All projects must align with improving community climate adaptation, coastal/rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife habitat, or water retention. Eligible activities include riparian restoration, floodplain reconnection, forest protection, and wetland enhancement. Projects in disadvantaged communities receive priority consideration.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project narrative/proposal
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of organizational capacity
- Letters of support from partners/stakeholders
- Site maps and environmental assessment
- Community engagement documentation
Program contact
- 📧 Elizabeth.Buttler@Wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-594-3879
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 94 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024-2025 | 38 | 4 | 11% |
| 2022-2023 | 121 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for Proposition 68 funding?
Nonprofits, government agencies, tribal organizations, and public entities in California are eligible. Your organization must demonstrate capacity to implement the project and manage grant funds.
What projects are prioritized under this grant?
Climate adaptation projects, wildlife habitat restoration, riparian zone improvements, forest protection, and projects serving disadvantaged communities receive priority. Floodplain reconnection and upper watershed restoration are key focus areas.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for Proposition 68 grants. However, leveraging additional funding strengthens your application competitively.
When do applications open and close?
Deadlines vary by funding round. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for current application windows, as this program typically uses rolling deadlines.
Are there any special requirements for disadvantaged community projects?
Yes. Projects in severely disadvantaged communities (median household income below 60% of state average) are prioritized. At least 15% of total funding is reserved specifically for these communities.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your project to climate adaptation, habitat restoration, or water resilience. Demonstrate how it addresses Proposition 68 priorities like riparian restoration or floodplain reconnection.
- If your project serves a severely disadvantaged community, highlight this explicitly with demographic data and community support letters. Disadvantaged community projects have priority consideration.
- Develop a detailed budget tied to specific project activities. Include staffing, equipment, materials, and monitoring costs. Environmental projects often require long-term cost estimates.
- Engage local stakeholders and government agencies early. Letters of support from county officials, water districts, or tribal governments strengthen applications significantly.
- Build in measurable outcomes and a monitoring plan. Grantmakers want clear metrics on habitat restored, wildlife corridor connectivity, or water retention improvements over the project timeline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague project scope or unclear connection to Proposition 68 priorities (climate resilience, habitat, water). Underestimating project costs or overlooking long-term maintenance needs. Failing to document community engagement or demonstrate organizational capacity to manage environmental restoration work.
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