Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program

The Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife within the Natural Resources Agency. The program was established under Fish and Game Code authorities to support the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans, which are large-scale, ecosystem-based planning efforts designed to balance wildlife conservation with compatible land use. The program focuses on advancing habitat preservation, restoration, and management activities that align with approved conservation strategies across California and, in some cases, beyond state boundaries. The primary objective of the program is to fund the highest priority tasks necessary to implement existing Natural Community Conservation Plans. These priorities are identified collaboratively by implementing entities and state and federal wildlife agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Projects must demonstrate a clear connection to plan implementation and contribute directly to conservation goals such as habitat restoration, species monitoring, reserve management, or adaptive management studies. Routine maintenance or mitigation required by regulatory permits is not eligible unless the proposed work exceeds baseline obligations and addresses additional high-priority needs. Funding for the program is contingent upon state appropriations, with up to 576000 dollars expected to be available in the current cycle. Funds are distributed competitively based on project merit and alignment with conservation priorities. Eligible uses include management actions on reserve lands, habitat restoration and enhancement, biological monitoring programs, mapping activities, and targeted studies. Projects must be clearly scoped, with detailed methodologies, deliverables, and measurable outcomes to support evaluation and contract development. Eligible applicants include public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities with an interest in conservation plan implementation. Entities located outside California may also apply, provided their projects support eligible activities tied to conservation plans. Applicants that are designated implementing entities for a conservation plan may receive additional scoring advantages during evaluation. Non-implementing applicants are required to submit a letter of support from the appropriate implementing entity confirming project alignment and priority. Applications must be submitted electronically using the official proposal form provided by the department. Required components include a completed application form, project description, budget, and supporting documentation such as a letter of support when applicable. Proposals must be submitted via email to the program’s designated inbox by the specified deadline. The application process emphasizes coordination with wildlife agency staff and implementing partners to ensure alignment with conservation priorities and improve competitiveness. Proposals undergo a multi-stage review process including screening for completeness and eligibility, followed by scoring based on criteria such as project need, conservation impact, readiness, methodology, budget justification, and applicant qualifications. A statewide review team evaluates submissions and ranks them based on aggregate scores. Successful applicants are notified following the review period and must work with program staff to finalize grant agreements. Grant agreements are expected to be executed in early 2027, with project completion required by March 31, 2029. Funds are reimbursed based on eligible expenditures, and no work conducted prior to agreement execution is reimbursable. Recipients must comply with reporting requirements, data management standards, and applicable regulatory frameworks. The program operates on an annual solicitation cycle, with future opportunities anticipated based on continued funding and legislative approval.

Align project clearly with NCCP high priority tasks; engage wildlife agencies early to improve scoring; provide detailed and scientifically justified methods; ensure completeness to pass screening