Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF)
Forecasted
Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) supports projects that protect habitats and species, develop wildlife corridors and trails, and bring urban residents into parks and wildlife areas through nature interpretation.
Funder: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $2 million allocated annually; no minimum or maximum grant request; dollar-for-dollar match
Summary: Supports habitat and species protection, wildlife corridors and trails, and nature interpretation bringing urban residents into parks and wildlife areas.
Description
The Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, supports habitat conservation and opportunities for people to experience wildlife areas. Eligible projects include protection of plant and animal species, acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails, and nature interpretation programs that bring urban residents into park and wildlife settings.
The program allocates approximately $2 million annually across seven categories. These cover deer and mountain lion habitat; rare, endangered, threatened or fully protected species habitat; wetlands; anadromous salmonids and trout habitat; riparian habitat; trails; and wildlife area activities. Category-specific application guides, forms, and tutorial videos are available through the program page.
