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

February 2026 (General applicants) | March 2026 (Tribal applicants)

Up to $10 million total available; individual awards have ranged from ~$500,000 to $1.7 million; project period through March 2027.

Supports projects that enhance climate resilience, conservation, and sustainable land management across California’s natural and working lands.

--- ## Description The Climate Smart Land Management Program (CSLMP) funds projects that build capacity and provide technical assistance to increase climate resilience on California’s natural and working lands. The program supports the State's Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy and the Pathways to 30x30 initiative, aiming to conserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Eligible projects include those that advance nature-based solutions, sustainable land management, and equitable climate adaptation, with a focus on serving disadvantaged and tribal communities. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated application deadline for general applicants: February 2026 - Anticipated application deadline for Tribal applicants: March 2026 - Anticipated awards announcement: June–July 2026 - Grant period anticipated to end: March 2027 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total program funding: Up to $10 million (subject to state budget) - Typical individual awards: Ranged from ~$500,000 to $1.7 million in past cycles - Project duration: Funding through March 2027 - Indirect costs: Up to 20% of grant or federally negotiated rate - Education/training costs: Maximum 2% of grant --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include: - Nonprofit organizations - Tribes and tribal organizations - Resource Conservation Districts - Local governments - Land trusts - Other entities supporting conservation and land management in California - Projects must serve California’s natural and working lands and align with state climate and conservation strategies. - Strong emphasis on projects serving severely disadvantaged or socially disadvantaged communities. --- ## Application Process - Complete application package includes: - Cover Sheet - Executive Summary (1 page) - Responses to application questions (program goals, partnerships, community benefit, durability, budget, monitoring) - Detailed Work Plan (tasks, timeline, deliverables, budget alignment) - Budget (direct/indirect costs, match if applicable) - Project Area Map(s) - Authorizing Resolution from governing body - Payee Data Record (STD 204) - Letters of collaboration and support (if applicable) - Submit applications by email to [cslmp@conservation.ca.gov](mailto:cslmp@conservation.ca.gov) - Interviews may be required for shortlisted applicants --- ## Additional Information - Projects must support the [Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy](https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions/CNRA-Report-2022---Final_Accessible.pdf) and/or the [Pathways to 30x30 initiative](https://www.californianature.ca.gov/). - Past funded projects include capacity building for land trusts, technical assistance for tribes, conservation demonstration projects, and outreach to underserved agricultural producers. - Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate community support and partnerships, especially with disadvantaged or tribal communities. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Climate Smart Land Management Program](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/Pages/Climate-Smart-Land-Management-Program.aspx) - [Program Guidelines (December 2023)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/Documents/CSLM%20Guidelines_December%202023.pdf) - [Application Template (Appendix A)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/Documents/CSLM%20Appendix%20A-Application_December%202023.docx) - [CSLMP Grant Dashboard & Example Projects](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/Pages/ClimateSmartGrants.aspx) - [Awarded Project List (2023)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/Documents/2023%20CSLMP%20Grant%20Awards.pdf) - [Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy](https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions/CNRA-Report-2022---Final_Accessible.pdf) - [Pathways to 30x30 Initiative](https://www.californianature.ca.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Climate Smart Land Management Program | [cslmp@conservation.ca.gov](mailto:cslmp@conservation.ca.gov) | 916-322-1080 | [Contact DOC](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/about-us/contact-us/) | | Jenny Di Stefano (Program Contact) | [jenny.e.distefano@conservation.ca.gov](mailto:jenny.e.distefano@conservation.ca.gov) | | |

Climate Smart Land Management Program

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