Habitat Conservation Fund
One-on-One (drop-in) Application Workshops for the Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities and Habitat Conservation Fund grants (July 6, 2017)
The final filing deadline for the upcoming 2018/2019 funding cycle is October 2, 2017.
HCF Program Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Announced (June 8, 2017)
HCF Program Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Announced (May 17, 2016)
HCF Program Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Announced (May 27, 2015)
News Release
"California State Parks Announces Habitat Conservation Awards for Local Projects"
HCF Program Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Announced (March 26, 2014)
HCF Program Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 News Release
"State Parks Announces $2.2 Million in Local Projects"
Grant Funds Available
Are you looking for additional funds to complete your public outdoor recreation project? Do you need funds for interpretive programs that connect youth to the outdoors?
HCF - $2 million available annually
The Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) administers the state-funded Habitat Conservation Fund grant program which allocates approximately $2 million each year to cities, counties, and districts. This program requires a 50% match from grantees. Eligible projects: nature interpretation programs to bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, protection of various plant and animal species, and acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails.
Eligible Applicants: Cities Counties Districts (District - any regional park or open-space district formed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Public Resources Code Section 5500) of Chapter 3 of Division 5 and any recreation and park district formed pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Public Resources Code Section 5780) of Division 5. With respect to any community or unincorporated region (which is not included within a regional park or open-space district or a recreation and park district, and in which no city or county provides parks or recreational areas or facilities), "District" also means any other district which is 1) authorized by statute to operate and manage parks or recreational areas or facilities, 2) employs a full-time park and recreation director, 3) offers year-round park and recreation services on lands and facilities owned by the district, and 4) allocates a substantial portion of its annual operating budget to parks or recreation areas of facilities.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
To assist potential applicants for the HCF Program funding cycle, the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) created new information resources, in addition to those previously available. Website Links provides technical information for HCF applicants in responding to criteria. HCF Fact Sheet HCF Category Chart Frequently Asked Questions - (Updated 3/18/2013)
HCF APPLICATION GUIDES
Submit Applications to:
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Office of Grants Local Services (OGALS)
1416 9th Street, Room 918 (P.O. Box 942896)
Sacramento, California 95814 (94296-0001)
Applications must be postmarked by, or delivered to OGALS no later than the first workday in October.
Applicants will need to refer to the following HCF Application Guides to prepare application proposals: Deer/Mountain Lion Habitat: PDF / DOC
Deer and Mountain Lion Application Form
Deer and Mountain Lion Cost Estimate Form Rare, Endangered, Threatened or Fully Protected Species Habitat: PDF / DOC
Rare, Endangered, Threatened or Fully Protected Species Application Form
Rare, Endangered, Threatened or Fully Protected Species Cost Estimate Form Wetlands: PDF / DOC
Wetlands Application Form
Wetlands Cost Estimate Form Anadromous Salmonids and Trout Habitat: PDF / DOC
Anadromous Salmonids and Trout Application Form
Anadromous Salmonids and Trout Cost Estimate Form
Riparian Habitat: PDF / DOC
Riparian Application Form
Riparian Cost Estimate Form Trails: PDF / DOC
Trails Application Form
Trails Cost Estimate Form Wildlife Area Activities: PDF / DOC
Wildlife Application Form
Wildlife Cost Estimate Form
Sample HCF Application Forms: Authorizing Resolution Form Cost Estimate Match Form CEQA Compliance Certification Form Aquisition Schedule Form
GRANT ADMINISTRATION GUIDE (January 1, 2012) PDF / DOC
Legislative Authority
The California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990; Proposition 117.
Program Overview
The Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Program allocates approximately $2 million per year to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for grants to cities, counties, and districts to provide for nature interpretation and other non-capital outlay programs which bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, to protect fish, wildlife and native plant resources or to acquire or develop wildlife corridors and trails. The HCF Program sunsets in FY 2019/2020.
Maximum and Minimum Grant Request
There is no maximum or minimum grant request amount limit.
Match Requirement and Sources
There is a required non-state dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible match sources include local, federal, or private funds, or donated materials and services.
Partnership Opportunities
The Habitat Conservation Fund Program encourages applicants to develop partnerships or cooperative agreements with such entities as federal, state, and local parks, non-profit organizations, local business groups, and schools, to maximize project opportunities and funding strategies.
Program Contacts
Any questions about the HCF Program on the application process may be directed to Supervisor Barbara Baker at Barbara.Baker@parks.ca.gov or (916) 651-7743.
Previous Procedural Guides:
Draft Procedural Guide (Dated 2007):
(Valid for applications submitted in 2007 through 2009)
(PDF DOC | MS DOC)
Procedural Guide (Dated 1997):
(Valid for applications submitted in 2006 and earlier)
(PDF DOC | MS DOC)
HCF Program Funded Projects (Fiscal Years 1990/1991 through 2013/2014)
(Excel DOC) (PDF DOC)