Restoration Grants
Restoration Grants support Tribes, nonprofits, and public agencies in restoring California ecosystems, watersheds, and wildlife habitat to strengthen drought and climate resilience and habitat connectivity.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates: Rolling (Restoration concept proposals) | November 4, 2026 (Tortoise workshop) | December 3, 2026 (Tortoise applications) | March 15, 2029 (Tortoise completion)
Funding Amounts: $2 million total for the Mojave Desert Tortoise Recovery call
Summary: Supports California ecosystem, watershed, and wildlife habitat restoration that strengthens drought and climate resilience and habitat connectivity.
Key Information: General eligibility includes Tribes, nonprofits, and public agencies, subject to funding-source and program-specific restrictions.
Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) administers Restoration Grants to protect and restore California ecosystems, watersheds, and wildlife habitat. Programs support planning and implementation to improve riparian and aquatic habitat, river channels, historical floodplains, and ecological functions. Priorities include drought resilience, urgent climate-related degradation of water and habitat, mountain meadows, non-coastal wetlands, and wildlife connectivity through multi-benefit, nature-based solutions.
Funding also supports watershed protection, fisheries and wildlife habitat, Southern California Steelhead recovery, and wetland restoration linked to greenhouse gas reduction and benefits for disadvantaged and low-income communities. A separate Mojave Desert Tortoise Recovery call supports measurable, near-term recovery in California, emphasizing evidence-based actions and outcomes reportable within the grant period. Its specific rules and schedule are distinguished below from the ongoing restoration concept process.
