Conservation Planning Assistance Program
The Conservation Planning Assistance Program funds scientific planning and research for species and habitat conservation in California, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates: August 14, 2026 (Full proposal submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: ~$8.74M total; up to $1,000,000 per award (3-year max for HCP, 5-year max for CBA); 25% non-federal match required.
Summary: Supports planning, renewal, and amendment of Habitat Conservation Plans and Conservation Benefit Agreements for species conservation in California.
Key Information: Proposals must be submitted via the state process; CDFW will not forward late or incomplete proposals.
Description
The Conservation Planning Assistance Program, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), provides competitive grants to support the development, renewal, or amendment of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and Conservation Benefit Agreements (CBAs) in California. The program aims to facilitate effective conservation planning for candidate, at-risk, and federally listed species by funding activities such as document preparation, public outreach, baseline species surveys, habitat assessments, inventories, and preparation of environmental compliance documents (e.g., NEPA, NHPA). Outreach, coordination, and administrative costs associated with implementing permitted agreements are also eligible.
This grant is part of the Nontraditional Section 6 programs under the federal Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, with CDFW acting as the state sponsor. Projects must advance conservation planning and regulatory streamlining for species and habitats of concern.
