Capacity Building Grant Eligibility

Proposals for the Capacity Building Grant Program (Capacity Building Grants) will be accepted from California land trusts, and California land trusts in partnership with Tribes, Native-led organizations, and community-based partners as defined below. 

Eligible applicants for Capacity Building Grants include:

• Conservation land trusts located in and serving California that are tax-exempt organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
  or

• Conservation land trusts located in and serving California that are tax-exempt organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in partnership with federal, state, and local government agencies; federally and non-federally recognized California Native Tribes; resource conservation districts; special districts; universities, colleges, and research institutions; and California 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Applicants do not need to be members of CCLT to apply for or receive grant funding. However, non-member land trusts are encouraged to learn more about the benefits of membership on the CCLT website. 

Definition of Land Trust
A land trust is a private non-profit corporation whose principal purpose and activity is the direct conservation and/or stewardship of land and/or water resources and/or the preservation, protection, or enhancement of land in its natural, scenic, historical, agricultural, forested, or open-space condition or use. This purpose is reflected in its articles of incorporation, by‐laws, and mission/purpose statement. More information about land trusts can be found in CCLT’s Membership Qualifications.

Geographic Scope
The applicant’s service area and project site must be located within the State of California. The Capacity Building Grant funds are solely for projects, programs, and activities within the State of California. Attempts will be made to make awards to a diversity of regions within the state.

Contact Information
Karin Winters, Program Director
E-mail:  [email protected]
Phone: 916-497-0272 x2
Book a meeting with Karin

Grant Guidelines

Resources and FAQs - updated

Webinar Recording & Slides
Download a PDF of the Webinar Slides.

Grant Timeline

*Applications from Native-led land trusts, or applications that include partnerships with underserved community organizations and/or Tribes or Native-led organizations may be submitted at any time. Please contact the CA Onward Program Director by September 20, 2024 to inform us of your intent to apply. For projects submitted after September 20, 2024, Funding is limited and will be provided as applications are received and evaluated.