Program
Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program
Resources
Applications Due
July 31, 2026
Funding Source
State
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include public agencies, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations.
Eligible Activities
- Management Activities: immediate management actions on newly acquired NCCP reserve lands. Note: routine, on-going management activities are not eligible.
- Restoration/Enhancement: restoration or enhancement of habitats or species populations on NCCP reserve landscape
- Monitoring: Design and implementation of biological monitoring programs identified in an NCCP, including the establishment of sampling methods, monitoring plots, data collection, management, and analysis
- Reserve Management Plans: Development and implementation of individual reserve management plans
- Mapping: New or updated mapping in support of NCCP management or monitoring activities, such as vegetation community mapping
- Targeted Studies for Adaptive Management: Studies to evaluate management actions for covered habitats or species, and whether such actions are meeting stated goals or require adjustments through adaptive management
- Other: Other non-land acquisition priority tasks, identified by the applicant and implementing partners, which are needed to ensure effective implementation of the NCCP
Duration
All grant funds must be expended by March 31, 2029.
Notable Requirements
Matching funds or cost-share, including in-kind funding, is strongly encouraged.
Preferences
Highest priority tasks are identified by NCCP implementing partners along with CDFW, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) staff throughout the preceding year.Scoring Criteria:
- Plan Profile: NCCP within 0-6 years of implementation (3 points)
- Program Objectives: Agency Consultation (6 points), Need (6 points), Conservation Objectives (6 points)
- Project Quality: Readiness (3 points), Method and Approach (3 points)
- Project Budget Information: Reasonable Cost (3 points)
- Applicant Profile: Relationship to NCCP (2 points), Qualifications (2 points)
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their complete proposals electronically to the Habitat Conservation Planning Branch (HCPB) by sending an email to NCCP@wildlife.ca.gov.
Data ModernizationEcosystem RestorationWildlife Conservation