Watershed Coordinator Program
Funds positions to coordinate and implement projects improving watershed health and advancing California’s natural resource goals through science-based collaboration.
Funder: California Department of Conservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards up to ~$300,000 per project; total pool in recent cycles ~$1.5–1.9 million; project periods are generally 2–3 years.
Summary: Supports local government and nonprofit positions to coordinate watershed health projects and advance California’s natural resource goals.
Key Information: Only local governments, special districts, nonprofits, and tribal entities in California are eligible.
Description
The Watershed Coordinator Program, administered by the California Department of Conservation, funds positions within local governments, special districts, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities to coordinate and implement projects that improve watershed health. Coordinators work with diverse stakeholders to develop and execute watershed improvement plans, foster coalition-building, and secure additional resources to meet state and local natural resource objectives. Program goals include advancing water supply and quality, forest health, fire prevention, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, environmental education, climate resiliency, and groundwater sustainability across California’s varied watershed systems.
