California Natural Resources Grants

This grant cycle has been designed for smaller projects that complement existing and/or regional HHW programs in California. Grant applications must include one or more of the following types of projects: HHW public education and outreach for general audiences (may include extended producer responsibility [EPR] information).Implementation of sustainable EPR collection opportunities, to include but not limited to: (1) Promotion of an ongoing retail take-back program such as batteries or fluorescent lamps at local hardware stores, businesses, or government facilities.(2) Promotional collection events hosted at businesses or government facilities.(3) Promotional public education and outreach materials specifically for local retail take-back programs. (4) Project to: Determine and implement the most safe and cost effective methods for collecting propane gas cylinders and/or marine flares.Implement effective education programs and identify effective incentives that reduce the disposal of household hazardous waste. The incentives must be something reusable to replace HHW being disposed (does not include monetary or SWAG incentives, rechargeable batteries, adapters, valves, caps or other accessories for refilling propane canisters).(5) Set-up and operation of temporary or mobile collection program for one-day or multi-day collection events for the following except for those materials that are currently covered by another recycling/collection program (e.g. covered electronic waste, cell phones, thermostat, etc.): Common HHW materials and universal waste.Marine flaresPropane gas cylinders up to 5 gallonsSolar panels as a pilot project. Awardees are required to collect and report data on type/style of panels, manufacturer, volume, and the method of disposal.(6) New or expanded curbside and/or door-to-door collection programs to allow for the collection of new and eligible HHW materials. (7) Minor improvements to an existing HHW facility. (Examples include but are not limited to: storage bins, signage, painting, paving, shelving, etc.). Purchase of personal protection equipment. (8) 8-hour refresher Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standards (HAZWOPER) training. Projects that do not fall within one of these eight categories will not be eligible for grant funding. A Resolution is required by the secondary due date.  

This grant provides funding for organizations to conduct sea turtle nesting surveys and conservation efforts at Wake Island Airfield, specifically targeting members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii-Pacific Islands, or California.

This fund provides financial assistance to artists and arts workers in Los Angeles County who have been impacted by recent wildfires, prioritizing those with significant economic hardship and losses not covered by insurance.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for public entities and organizations to improve upland habitats for nesting birds and pollinators on publicly managed lands in California.

In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of gray wolves on livestock producers. The pilot program offers compensation to eligible livestock producers specific to the following primary areas of need (prongs):  Prong 1. Direct Loss - Compensation for verified livestock losses (confirmed/probable wolf) incurred on or after September 23, 2021. Prong 2. Nonlethal Deterrents - Compensation for the use of nonlethal deterrence methods to deter wolf presence near livestock. The Department supports the use of various deterrent tools and techniques as part of a robust, integrated deterrence strategy. Technical assistance may be available through CDFW, County Agricultural Commissions, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Wildlife Service, and other agency partners. Prong 3. Pay for Presence - Compensation for indirect losses associated with the impacts of wolf presence on livestock in known pack territory. Extenuating circumstances may exist whereby CDFW will consider eligibility for wolf presence outside of known pack territory on a case-by-case basis.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California public agencies for projects that address shoreline erosion and enhance coastal restoration efforts.

This funding opportunity supports public agencies, tribes, and nonprofit organizations in California to restore coastal environments, improve public access, and enhance climate resilience, particularly for historically underrepresented communities.

This grant provides matching funds to states for acquiring land or conservation easements to protect habitats for endangered species, supporting efforts to reduce conflicts between conservation and land use.

This program provides funding to California local governments, tribal entities, and certain state agencies for projects that use recycled tire materials in roadways, bikeways, and park access, promoting environmental sustainability and waste tire diversion.

This program provides funding to public, private, and nonprofit entities for replacing high-polluting diesel or CNG vehicles with zero-emission alternatives to improve air quality and public health in Santa Barbara County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local agencies, Tribes, and nonprofits for projects that improve public access to California's waterways and enhance amenities for recreational boaters.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Sacramento for projects that protect and improve local water quality by preventing stormwater pollution.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and organizations in Santa Barbara County for upgrading or replacing older diesel marine engines with cleaner technologies to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments managing boating facilities in California to enhance their efforts in preventing the spread of invasive mussels and protecting water resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in California for community-level wildfire risk reduction projects, including hazardous fuels management, planning, and education initiatives.

This program provides funding to support civil engineering projects in California that utilize recycled tire materials for various sustainable infrastructure applications.

This fund provides financial support to grassroots activists and community organizations in California focused on preserving natural ecosystems and promoting environmental conservation, particularly in underserved areas.

This grant provides funding for research projects focused on the biology and ecology of coast redwood and giant sequoia forests, particularly those led by nonprofit organizations and Indigenous communities, to support conservation and restoration efforts.

This program provides financial support to farmers and ranchers in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington for implementing regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and sequester carbon.

This program provides funding to local governments, nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profit businesses in California to establish a deposit-return system for reusable glass beverage containers, promoting a sustainable circular economy.