The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) of California is currently seeking applications for its Restoration and Public Access Grant Program. This funding opportunity is dedicated to supporting habitat restoration and public access development projects throughout the state, with a strong emphasis on enhancing ecosystem connectivity and supporting justice communities. These grants aim to preserve California’s biodiversity and improve public interaction with natural areas.
Funding is available only for restoration and public access projects at this time. Acquisition projects are not being accepted currently, as WCB is processing a backlog of previously submitted applications. Organizations that submitted acquisition-related pre-applications prior to the portal closure can expect follow-up communication. The acquisition project application portal will reopen once the current queue has been addressed. Additionally, future grant availability will expand starting July 1, 2025, contingent on Proposition 4 bond allocations becoming available through California’s standard budgeting process.
Applicants must follow a two-step application process. The first step is to submit a pre-application in Microsoft Word format via email to WCBpreapps@wildlife.ca.gov. The file name must include the phrase “PreApp” or “Pre-App,” and the pre-application must include maps and photos within the same Word document. If additional attachments are needed, they must be in PDF format. Only after review and approval of a pre-application will applicants be invited to submit a full application.
To aid applicants, the WCB provides comprehensive resources, including its General Grant Guidelines, Restoration/Development Pre-Application form, and budget worksheets. A recorded General Guidelines Workshop is also available for guidance. All forms and instructional materials can be accessed through the WCB’s website.
Contact information for general inquiries includes the main WCB line at (916) 445-8448 and email through the Contact WCB page. Interested parties are encouraged to subscribe to WCB News to receive timely updates about funding availability and application cycles, including notification of when acquisition project funding resumes.
