Forest Legacy Program Capacity and Project Development 2026

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is offering the Forest Legacy Program Capacity and Project Development 2026 grant to build organizational capacity and develop future forest‑conservation projects. Funding is limited to due‑diligence and preparatory activities for future conservation easement or fee‑acquisition projects, with no guarantee of subsequent federal or state award. Eligible applicants are nonprofit, land‑trust, or other conservation entities; private businesses are excluded. The grant provides reimbursements for costs such as market analysis, title work, surveys, GIS mapping, environmental assessments, management plans, staff time, and related travel/supplies. Up to $500,000 total is available, with 4‑10 awards ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 each. Applications are due 9/30/2026, with award announcements expected in October 2026 and performance ending 6/30/2028. • Eligible activities: due‑diligence, market analysis, title reports, mineral reports, surveys, GIS, easement drafting, environmental assessments, management plans, staff salaries, travel, supplies. • Eligible applicants: nonprofits, land trusts, conservation organizations (no private for‑profit ownership). • Eligible lands: non‑federal forest lands within or adjacent to a Forest Legacy Area, ≥10 % native tree cover, ≥75 % forestland or reforestation plan. • Funding: $500,000 total, 4‑10 awards, $50k‑$150k each, reimbursable (no matched funding required). • Timeline: Open 9/8/2026, deadline 9/30/2026, award announcement Oct 2026, performance through 6/30/2028. • Contact: Kevin Kiniery, Forest Legacy Program Coordinator (1‑559‑281‑8479, [email protected]).