[California Department of Conservation](https://www.conservation.ca.gov)

Rolling (Pre-proposals and applications accepted year-round)

Recent awards: $59,600–$1,713,750 per project; total pool varies annually; duration varies by project

Supports projects that protect California agricultural land via conservation easements and improvements to promote long-term sustainable agriculture.

--- ## Description The California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP) is a statewide grant initiative designed to preserve important agricultural land resources and promote sustainable agricultural uses throughout California. Administered by the California Department of Conservation, the program funds two primary project types: the acquisition of voluntary, permanent agricultural conservation easements to prevent conversion to nonagricultural uses, and land improvement projects that directly benefit lands already under conservation easement or similar long-term protection. The CFCP aims to encourage private stewardship, protect the agricultural economy of rural communities, support orderly urban growth, and foster land use planning consistent with conservation goals. Funding is provided through Proposition 68 and other state resources. --- ## Due Dates - Pre-proposals and full applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed annual deadline. - Applicants may submit at any time; solicitations typically remain open year-round. - Contact program staff for the most current information on review cycles and timelines. --- ## Funding Amount - Award sizes vary by project type and scope. - In recent years, individual grants have ranged from approximately $59,600 (for land improvement projects) up to $1,713,750 (for large easement acquisitions). - Total funding available depends on annual state appropriations and bond allocations. - Grant duration and budget depend on project complexity and negotiated grant terms. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status whose primary purpose is the preservation, protection, or enhancement of land in its natural, scenic, historical, agricultural, forested, or open-space condition. - State, city, county, district, or other local government entities authorized to acquire and hold title to real property, provided the conservation easement is voluntarily conveyed. - Federally recognized California Native American tribes, or non-federally recognized tribes on the Native American Heritage Commission contact list, for projects protecting significant California Native American sites (with voluntary conveyance). --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-proposal Submission:** - All applicants must submit a pre-proposal worksheet for eligibility review before submitting a full application. - Pre-proposals must include a project summary, documentation of organizational eligibility, a letter of intent from the landowner, narrative responses, preliminary title report, maps, and a budget (if requesting >$60,000). - Pre-proposals are reviewed for eligibility, and applicants may receive technical assistance to strengthen their applications. 2. **Full Application:** - If the project is deemed eligible, applicants are invited to submit a full application with detailed project plans, budgets, and supporting documentation. - Application templates and guidance are available on the [CFCP program page](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp). 3. **Review and Award:** - Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program goals, project impact, public benefit, and readiness. - Awards are made throughout the year as funding allows. 4. **Submission:** - All materials must be submitted via email to cfcp@conservation.ca.gov. --- ## Additional Information - **Project Types:** - *Agricultural Conservation Easements:* Protects threatened agricultural lands through permanent easements. - *Land Improvement Grants:* Funds improvements (e.g., irrigation, fencing, restoration) on already-protected lands. - **Funding Source:** - Currently funded by the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68). - **Technical Assistance:** - CFCP staff offer office hours and technical support for prospective applicants. Contact cfcp@conservation.ca.gov for details. --- ## External Links - [CFCP Program Overview and Application Materials](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp) - [2025 CFCP Solicitation (PDF)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp/Documents/Application%20Materials/2025%20CFCP%20Solicitation%20%28May%202025%20Final%29%20ADA.pdf) - [Easement Pre-proposal Template (Word)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp/Documents/Application%20Materials/Appendix%20B%20-%20Easement%20Preproposal.docx) - [Land Improvements Pre-proposal Template (Word)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp/Documents/Application%20Materials/Appendix%20C%20-%20Land%20Improvements%20Preproposal.docx) - [2023 Awarded Projects](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp/Pages/2023-California-Farmland-Conservancy-Program-Awardees.aspx) - [Sign up for CFCP Updates](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/96X91nM) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Email | cfcp@conservation.ca.gov | | Main Phone | 916-322-1080 | | Program Page | [CFCP Program Page](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/cfcp) | | Department Contact Page| [DOC Contact Page](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/about-us/contact-us/) |

California Farmland Conservancy Program

Sign in to see full grant listing