Cannabis Research and Innovation Funding Opportunity (RIFO)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering the Cannabis Research and Innovation Funding Opportunity (RIFO) to support environmental research and technological innovation that improves the sustainability of legal cannabis cultivation across the state. Up to $20 million in total funding is available annually, with awards expected to last three years. Eligible applicants include California public agencies, nonprofit organizations (501(c) qualified), and tribal governments. Projects may address water use, land management, native species, community engagement, or technology solutions, and should aim to deepen understanding of cannabis‑related environmental impacts and develop actionable mitigation strategies. No matching funds are required, and applications are accepted on a rolling, continuous basis. • Open to nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments operating in California • Focus areas: water use, land management, species protection, social/community dimensions, tech innovation • Funding source: State Environmental Restoration and Protection Account (Revenue & Taxation Code §34019) • Period of performance: 3 years; reimbursement funding method • Total annual pool: up to $20 M (per‑award amounts dependent) • No letter of intent or matching‑fund requirement • Applications accepted continuously; award announcements rolling/continuous