California Tahoe Conservancy Grants
The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) is a state agency that leads California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin (Basin). As the only state agency focused exclusively on the Basin, the Conservancy works collaboratively with its tribal, federal, state, local, and private partners to achieve this mission. Since its establishment in 1984 the Conservancy has invested more than half a billion dollars in conservation and recreation programs and projects on the California side of the Basin.
Applying for a Grant
The Conservancy awards most of its grants on a rolling basis. With no formal solicitation, you can apply for funding at any time. Certain funding sources or programs do involve funding announcements or specific requirements.
Applying for funding involves a two-step process.
- Step 1: Submit a short pre-application. After reviewing your pre-application, the Conservancy may ask you to provide more information at the pre-application stage. If the Conservancy determines the applicant is eligible, the project supports the Conservancy’s strategic plan, and Conservancy funding is available for the project, the Conservancy will invite applicants to submit a full application.
- Step 2: Submit a full application.
See below for all grant guidance documents and applications. Conservancy employees are available to consult with grant applicants prior to, or during, any step in this process. Send questions to grants@tahoe.ca.gov.
Note: At this time the Conservancy has received Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) Wildfire and Forest Resilience early action funding. Prop. 4 Protect Biodiversity and Accelerating Nature-Based Climate Solutions funding is not yet available.
Application Guidance and Documents
Please review the grant guidelines before submitting a pre-application. (Note: The Conservancy is updating its Grant Guidelines. Applicants should use the 2019 guidelines until the Conservancy releases the new guidelines in late 2025 or early 2026.)
Applicants fill out and submit the Conservancy’s pre-application form. This initial step allows the applicant and Conservancy to understand the project and work through any potential issues, such as applicant/project eligibility or funding availability, prior to applicants preparing a full application.
Grant Application (coming soon)
After receiving pre-application approval from Conservancy staff, applicants must complete a full application and submit it to the Conservancy along with any attachments or support letters. The application package includes additional directions on how to complete a full application. In most cases, Conservancy staff can work directly with applicants to revise and improve applications, if necessary.
The Tahoe for All Grant Program supports projects and programs that provide inclusive outdoor experiences for communities that face barriers to accessing recreation opportunities in the Basin. Applicants interested in the Tahoe for All Grant Program can find information on how to apply, funding availability, and program goals on the Tahoe for All Grant Program webpage.
Timing for Grant Awards
Please note the time from application to grant award will likely be four to six months as most awards need Conservancy Board approval. Upon Board approval, it can take up to three months to execute the grant agreement and begin incurring reimbursable expenses. The Board typically meets quarterly (March, June, September, December).
What We Fund
The Conservancy funds a wide variety of projects on the California side of the Basin to provide recreational and public access opportunities for all, protect and restore natural lands to enhance biodiversity and climate resilience and safeguard communities, support community resilience, and promote Tribal presence. The Conservancy awards grants for land acquisition, planning, implementation, and monitoring.
The Conservancy uses its funding to accomplish its mission and Strategic Plan, including projects the Conservancy undertakes directly on Conservancy lands. The Strategic Plan goals advance State priorities as set forth in legislation, executive orders, and guidance as well as Basin priorities as set forth in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) and topic-specific plans. See the Policy Drivers section of the Strategic Plan for more information.
Who is Eligible for Funding
Applicant eligibility is determined by the Conservancy’s enabling statute. The Conservancy encourages potential applicants to contact its staff for assistance in determining eligibility. Unless the funding source specifies otherwise, eligible applicants include:
- Local public agencies including cities, counties, special districts, and joint powers authorities; state agencies; federal agencies; and the Tahoe Transportation District.
- Federally recognized Native American tribes.
- Nonprofit organizations registered to do business in California and identified in section 66905.9 of the Government Code as “any private, nonprofit organization which qualifies for exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and has among its principal charitable purposes the preservation of land for scientific, historic, educational, recreational, scenic, or open-space opportunities, or protection of the natural environment or preservation or enhancement of wildlife.”
Grant Amounts and Time Limits
Historically, Conservancy grant awards range between $50,000 and $5 million, with an average of $450,000. Funding is typically available for two to five years.
Contact Information
For questions regarding Conservancy grants, please email grants@tahoe.ca.gov.
Reference documents
- Grant Pre-application
- Grant Application (coming soon)
- Application Package (coming soon)
- Tahoe for All Grant Program
- 2019 Grant guidelines
- Tahoe Conservancy Strategic Plan
California has a statewide grants portal where applicants can search all California state grants. Visit grants.ca.gov to learn more.
