Proposals for Project Advancement Grants will only be accepted from California conservation land trusts[1], and California conservation land trusts in partnership with Tribes, Native-led organizations, and community-based partners as defined below.
Eligible applicants for Project Advancement 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 and in good standing with the California Secretary of State,
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 CCLT membership here.
Geographic Scope
The applicant’s service area and project site must be located within the State of California. These 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 throughout the state.
[1] A conservation 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.
ROUND 2 APPLICATION RESOURCES
ROUND 2 GRANT TIMELINE
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May 2, 2025 |
Grant Applications Open |
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May 19 – July 31, 2025 |
Program Director Available for Consultations |
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June 16, 2025, 1-2pm |
Grant informational webinar |
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August 1, 2025 |
Applications Due |
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September 15, 2025 |
Grant Decisions (estimate) |
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October 17, 2025 |
Last Day to execute contracts |
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November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026 |
Potential Grant Period |
Rolling Deadline for Partnership Proposals or Proposals from Native-led Land Trusts
Applications from Native-led land trusts, or applications that include partnerships with underserved community organizations, Tribes, or Native-led organizations may be accepted on a rolling deadline. You must contact the Program Director by July 18, 2025 to discuss. Regardless of when you submit your application, your grant project must end by October 31, 2026.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Karin Winters, Program Director
E-mail: grants@calandtrusts.org
Phone: 916-497-0272 x2
Book a meeting with Karin