The Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program (CWRGP) provides funding for community-based restoration projects in coastal wetlands and along coastal streams in the Southern California region.
The next Program deadline will likely be in 2021. For any questions, please contact Evyan Sloane of the State Coastal Conservancy at Evyan.Sloane(at)scc.ca.gov or 510-286-4162.
The CWRGP’s purpose is to further the wetland recovery goals of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project’s (WRP) Regional Strategy 2018; build local capacity to plan and implement wetland restoration projects; promote community involvement in wetland restoration activities; and foster education about wetland ecosystems. Projects funded through the program must include educational and community involvement elements as strong components of the project.
During application periods, the CWRGP solicits proposals from nonprofit organizations, universities, and agencies eligible to apply to the CWRGP. Proposals are reviewed by a technical advisory committee that includes staff from the California Coastal Conservancy, Earth Island Institute, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and, in some instances, other WRP partner agencies. CWRGP typically funds 10 to 12 projects per application period with a budget of approximately $200,000 for projects.
Over the past 17 years, the CWRGP has successfully completed 151 community-based projects with over $ 4 million spent or currently obligated on project implementation. Initiated by the State Coastal Conservancy, Earth Island Institute funded the CWRGP from 2002-2012. From 2012 to 2014, the State Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Board also funded the CWRGP. Earth Island Institute continued funding the Program in 2015 and 2016. Going forward, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the State Coastal Conservancy, and the Earth Island Institute will be funding the CWRGP for the near future. The CWRGP welcomes partnerships with agencies, foundations, and individuals to bring new funding and resources to this critical and highly successful program.