State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program
This grant funds science-based projects that conserve at-risk wildlife and habitats in California by supporting the State Wildlife Action Plan’s research and conservation priorities.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (PSN full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typically $2–$3 million total available per year for California; individual grant size and availability announced annually; up to 3-year award period; 35% non-federal match required.
Summary: Funds projects that conserve at-risk wildlife species and habitats in California, supporting implementation of the State Wildlife Action Plan.
Description
The State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program provides federal funds, administered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), to support the conservation of wildlife and their habitats, particularly for at-risk species not targeted by hunting or fishing. SWG funds are used to implement California’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which identifies "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" and prescribes actions to protect these species and their ecosystems before they become more threatened or costly to conserve. The program supports projects that maintain or enhance species distributions, abundance, and ecosystem conditions across terrestrial, aquatic, marine, and invertebrate species, including those vulnerable to climate change. Each year, CDFW identifies priority conservation actions and may issue Public Solicitation Notices (PSNs) to invite proposals from qualified external partners.
