Environmental Enhancement Fund
Forecasted
Environmental Enhancement Fund supports nonprofits, public entities, and tribes in acquiring, restoring, and improving habitat in or beside California waters to benefit fish and wildlife.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Allocation announced with each RFP; grants generally limited to 3 years
Summary: Supports habitat acquisition, restoration, and enhancement within or immediately adjacent to California waters to benefit fish and wildlife.
Key Information: Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe.
Description
The Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) is a competitive grant program administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR). It supports eligible nonprofits, public entities, and federally recognized tribes undertaking environmental enhancement projects within or immediately adjacent to California’s waters. Projects must acquire habitat for preservation or improve habitat quality and ecosystem function above baseline conditions, with activities designed to benefit fish and wildlife.
The fund receives penalties collected for violations of the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act, subject to the Act’s exceptions. The Environmental Enhancement Committee selects funded projects. The program considers ecological benefits, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to document improvements, with additional consideration for collaboration, partnerships, and benefits to disadvantaged or vulnerable communities.
