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Environment & Water grants in California

The largest category: watershed, habitat, water quality, conservation and climate programs from the Wildlife Conservation Board, Water Resources, State Water Board, conservancies and more. 105 open now, 86 open to nonprofits.

105open California state grants
86open to nonprofits
3close in the next 30 days
1added in the last 14 days
As of Oct 30, 2026 · source: California Grants Portal

This is the largest category on the California portal by a wide margin. It covers watershed restoration, habitat conservation, water quality and supply, urban greening, climate adaptation, coastal access, forestry and more. Funders include the Wildlife Conservation Board, the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Coastal Conservancy, the Natural Resources Agency and half a dozen regional conservancies, many of them spending bond money from Propositions 1, 68 and 4.

Browse by category

Categories are assigned by the grantor on the California Grants Portal; a grant can appear in several. All categories with descriptions →

Closes in 6dDepartment of Fish and Wildlife

FY 2027/28 CDFW Boating Access Grant Program

CDFW's Boating Access Grant Program provides funding for projects that increase access to recreational boating opportunities across California's waterways. The Boating Access program provides funding for a broad range of…

Deadline
Nov 5, 2026
Funding
$3M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
NewDepartment of Fish and Wildlife

Mojave Desert Tortoise Recovery

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering $2 million in grant funding to develop or enhance Mojave Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Recovery.   This funding supports projects that produce mea…

Deadline
Dec 3, 2026
Funding
$2M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
State Water Resources Control Board

Proposition 4 – Water Recycling

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to a…

Deadline
Jun 30, 2030
Funding
$150M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
Environment & WaterMatch required
OngoingSacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy

Small Grants Program

The Program provides funding for eligible entities to complete projects under $100,000 that make transformative investments in the Delta’s social, economic, scientific, and physical infrastructure. Projects may support c…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
See details
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingBaldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy

Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy (BH UWC) Proposition 4: Community and Climate Resilience Grant Program

The Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Proposition 4: Community and Climate Resilience Grant Program aim to award projects and programs that protect biodiversity; restore watershed function; and expand equitabl…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$48M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSan Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

Proposition 4 Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024

Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. Appropriations under Chapter 6 Protect Biodiversity and Accelerating Nature-Based Climate Solutions 93020 to reduce the ris…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$48M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingDepartment of Resources Recycling and Recovery

Empty Glass Beverage Transportation Grant Program, FY 2026-27

The fundamental goal of the Empty Glass Beverage Transportation Grant Program is to facilitate the transportation of empty glass beverage containers to glass processing facilities through the use of rail transportation w…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$4M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
Environment & WaterMatch required
OngoingTahoe Conservancy

Proposition 4 Grant Program

The Conservancy's Proposition 4 program aims to support watershed improvement, forest health biomass utilization, chaparral and forest restoration, and workforce development, and to reduce the risks of climate change imp…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$13M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSanta Monica Mountains Conservancy

Proposition 4 – Nature Based

To protect biodiversity or nature, restore landscape health, or achieve California’s climate goals.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$25M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSanta Monica Mountains Conservancy

Proposition 4 – River

To protect or restore rivers, wetlands, streams, lakes, or watersheds; improve the resilience of fish and wildlife; or enhance climate resilience, water supply, or water quality.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$13.8M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSanta Monica Mountains Conservancy

Proposition 4 Wildfire

To improve local fire prevention capacity, enhance forest health and resilience, or reduce the risk of wildfire spreading from wildlands into populated areas.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$20.5M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSanta Monica Mountains Conservancy

The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – Community Access

Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$375K
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSanta Monica Mountains Conservancy

The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All – (Prop 68 River – CA) Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River – Community Access))

Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$375K
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingSanta Monica Mountains Conservancy

The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – Severely Disadvantaged Community)

Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$4M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Land Acquisition 2025

The WCB acquires real property or rights in real property on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and can also grant funds to other governmental entities or nonprofit organizations to acquire r…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$100M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Stream Flow Enhancement

The Stream Flow Enhancement Program (SFEP) funds projects that enhance stream flows across the state of California. The SFEP defines enhanced streamflow to mean: a change in the amount, timing, and/or quality of water fl…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$30M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Riparian Habitat Conservation

The California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program (Program) is accepting concept proposals for projects that provide meaningful and sustainable improvements to riparian habitats.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$13M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

San Joaquin River Conservancy

The purpose of the SJRC is to create the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway) to preserve and enhance the river’s extraordinary biological diversity, protect its valued cultural and natural resources, and provide educatio…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$2.5M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Lower American River Conservancy Program

The Program was created to provide a state partner to work cooperatively with local agencies, particularly the County of Sacramento in its role as the manager of the American River Parkway (Parkway) and nonprofit organiz…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$2.5M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Desert Conservation Program

As a result of efforts undertaken by individuals and entities with a strong interest in protecting the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Assembly Bill 1183, now known as the California Desert Conservation Act, was approved by…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$3M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue

The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program was created by Assembly Bill 2421, and signed into law in 2018 becoming effective immediately. The Program was created for the purpose of recovering and sustaining popu…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$3M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency

The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program was created by AB109, which amended the Budget Act of 2017 to provide local assistance through the Wildlife Conservation Board for conservation projects focusing on resilienc…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$10M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Forest Conservation

The Forest Conservation Program supports planning, acquisition, and restoration projects throughout California’s forests, consistent with the Board's Strategic Plan.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$10M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Habitat Enhancement and Restoration

The purpose of this program is to provide assistance for the restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$10M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Inland Wetlands Conservation

The Inland Wetlands Conservation Program (IWCP) was created to assist the Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) in its mission is to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated habitats. The CVJV, a partnership o…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$8M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingWildlife Conservation Board

Oak Woodlands Conservation

The Oak Woodlands Conservation Program offers landowners, conservation organizations, cities and counties, an opportunity to obtain funding for projects designed to conserve and restore California's oak woodlands. While …

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$2M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingDepartment of Toxic Substances Control

Department of Defense and State Memorandum of Agreement (DSMOA)

To accomplish services sought by the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide expedited review and other related services to execute the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) at identified DoD installations.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$3.7M
Eligibility
Eligibility: Public Agency
OngoingState Water Resources Control Board

Proposition 13 – Water Recycling – Planning Grant

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the planning of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to augme…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$17.3M
Eligibility
Eligibility: Public Agency
Environment & WaterMatch required
OngoingState Water Resources Control Board

Proposition 68 – Water Recycling

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to a…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$3M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingLoanState Water Resources Control Board

Proposition 1 – Water Recycling

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to a…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$4.6M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
Environment & WaterMatch required
OngoingCA Energy Commission

Cost Share for Federal Funding Opportunities Clean Hydrogen Program

The purpose of this solicitation is to provide cost share funding for eligible projects (see Section II.C. of GFO-22-903) to applicants that apply for and receive an award under an eligible federal Funding Opportunity An…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
See details
Eligibility
Eligibility: Business, Individual, Public Agency
OngoingDepartment of Fish and Wildlife

Proposition 68 Southern Steelhead Grant Program

To restore Southern California Steelhead habitat consistent with the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Steelhead Restoration and Management Plan and the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southern California Steelhead R…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$15.9M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingDepartment of Fish and Wildlife

Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant

The objective of the Local Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant Program is to award grants to Native American tribal governments, counties, cities, and special districts in order to pre-position (pre-stage) response equipm…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
See details
Eligibility
Eligibility: Public Agency, Tribal Government
OngoingDepartment of Forestry and Fire Protection

California Forest Improvement Program

The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources, to ensure adequate high quality timber …

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
See details
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingDepartment of Toxic Substances Control

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program

The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program purpose is to help facilitate assessing and cleaning up contaminated sites by granting funds to nonprofits, tribal entitles, and local governments.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$179K
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingLoanDepartment of Resources Recycling and Recovery

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Loan Program

The GHG Reduction Loan Program provides funds to support new or expanded organics infrastructure, such as composting and anaerobic digestion facilities, as well as for facilities that manufacture fiber, plastic or glass …

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$5.3M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingLoanDepartment of Resources Recycling and Recovery

Recycling Market Development Zone Revolving Loan Program

The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program combines recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs, and divert waste from landfills.

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
See details
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingTahoe Conservancy

Science and Lake Improvement Account Program

The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive …

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$350K
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingTahoe Conservancy

Proposition 68 Grant Program

The principal goal of the Conservancy's Prop 68 grant program is to support purposes set forth in the Conservancy's governing statutes and strategic plan, including stewarding Conservancy lands and protecting Basin commu…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$4M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingLoanDepartment of Toxic Substances Control

Investigating Site Contamination Program (ISCP)

Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) ISCP offers loans to eligible applicants, including governmental entities, private businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations, to help finance environmental site…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$3M
Eligibility
Eligibility: Public Agency
OngoingLoanState Water Resources Control Board

Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks Loan

RUST loans may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove or replace project tanks, including corrective actions, to meet applicable local state, or federal standards, including, but n…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$750K
Eligibility
Eligibility: Business
OngoingState Water Resources Control Board

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program

Under federal and state law the primary purpose of the CWSRF Program is to provide financing for eligible projects to restore and maintain water quality in the state. The SWRCB also seeks to reduce the effects of climate…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
See details
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
OngoingState Water Resources Control Board

Orphan Site Cleanup Fund

The Orphan Site Cleanup Fund (OSCF) is a grant program providing financial assistance to eligible applicants for the cleanup of sites contaminated by leaking petroleum underground storage tanks where there is no financia…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$1M
Eligibility
Eligibility: Business, Individual
OngoingState Water Resources Control Board

Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund

The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund's mission is to (1) establish a mechanism to meet Financial Responsibility requirements for owners and operators of petroleum USTs, and (2) reimburse eligible corrective ac…

Deadline
Ongoing
Funding
$1M
Eligibility
Eligibility: Business, Individual
Forecast: not yet openDepartment of Water Resources

Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance

Senate Bill 122 added Part 4, Section 6700 to the Water Code to create a new program, the Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program, within DWR for the purpose of providing state funding for repairs, reh…

Deadline
Expected October 2026
Funding
$228.2M
Eligibility
Open to nonprofits
Environment & WaterMatch required

Environment & Water grants in California right now

As of Oct 30, 2026 there are 105 open grants in this category on the California Grants Portal, 86 of them open to nonprofits. 14 have a fixed deadline and 91 are ongoing or in cycles announced by the grantor. The nearest deadline is Oct 30, 2026 (Division of Boating and Waterways Aquatic Center Boating Safety Education Grant FY26, Department of Parks and Recreation).

Who funds it: Department of Fish and Wildlife (15), State Water Resources Control Board (15), Wildlife Conservation Board (14), San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (10), Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (10).

Funding available: programs that state a total range from $15K to $550M; 17 list no total. 17 of the 105 require matching funds.

How nonprofits approach environment & water grants

Land trusts, watershed councils, environmental-education groups and community organizations are core applicants. Programs are often large and multi-year, frequently require a match, and almost always want a defined project on identifiable land or water with a willing landowner. Many run on a continuous or annual cycle, which is why so many are listed as ongoing.

Browse all open California grants, grants closing soon, or every category. Not in California? See the state guides.

Frequently asked questions

How many environment & water grants are open in California?

105 as of Oct 30, 2026, 86 of them open to nonprofits. The list is rebuilt daily from the California Grants Portal.

Who funds environment & water grants in California?

The agencies with the most open programs right now are Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Water Resources Control Board, Wildlife Conservation Board.

Do environment & water grants require matching funds?

17 of the 105 open programs require a match. Use the 'No match required' filter to exclude them.

Is it free to apply?

Yes. Applications are made on the grantor's own site at no cost. Anyone asking for a fee is not the grantor.

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