Desert Conservation Program

The Desert Conservation Program, created under California’s Desert Conservation Act, provides grant funding to support acquisition, restoration, and management of lands in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Eligible nonprofit, public agency, and tribal applicants may propose projects such as land purchases (especially wildlife corridors or culturally significant sites), riparian and upland vegetation restoration, invasive species control, seed collection, and scientific studies that aid listed species recovery. While cost‑share is not required, higher matched funding improves scoring. The grant offers up to $3 million in total funding on a continuous, rolling‑application basis, with awards expected to be announced on an ongoing schedule and a performance period ending June 30 2027. • Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments • Eligible activities: land acquisition, habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, seed work, scientific research • Funding: up to $3 M total (award amounts dependent), advances & reimbursements, no mandatory cost‑share • Application: Letter of intent required; continuous pre‑application portal • Timeline: Open from 11/18/2024, performance through 6/30/2027, award announcements continuous