Funding for Conservation
One of the many benefits of participating in CVJV partnerships is improved access to funding. For example, Joint Venture staff work with partners to evaluate and rank North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant proposals. JVs also help partners find other sources of funding for conservation projects.
CVJV’s communication and outreach activities also promote public support for funding conservation, which in turn drives public policies to increase fund availability and conservation opportunities!
Brian Gilmore
Find Funding
There are many sources of local and national funds. Here are just a few sources that have been particularly important to the CVJV and our partners, as well as links to larger curated lists
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF)
For 2024, the EEF has $5,000,000 available for projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife.
The EEF selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF.
To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state.
- Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe.
- Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife.
Grant applications must be received by 5 p.m. on September 11, 2024. Selected projects will be notified in late Fall 2024. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) authorizes grants to public-private partnerships in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), delivering conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world.
California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)
The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), protects, restores and enhances California’s spectacular natural resources for wildlife and for the public’s use and enjoyment in partnership with conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California.
San Francisco Bay Joint Venture (SFBJV) Curated List
The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture maintains a comprehensive list of funding sources. This list is updated regularly and can be found on their website.
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Curated List
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) is a state agency tasked to improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of California’s Sierra-Cascade region since 2004. They maintain a great Funding Opportunities Newsletter with current grants that are updated regularly and can be found on their website.