The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands) supports grassroots activists dedicated to preserving California’s wildlands and natural habitats. This grant, offered by the Rose Foundation, is open to applicants throughout California.
Cal Wildlands champions conservationists working to protect, restore, and steward intact wildlands on both public and private lands. The goal is to preserve California’s wilderness and native biodiversity through policy advocacy, litigation, regulatory oversight, local planning efforts, and hands-on stewardship.
The fund prioritizes community-based advocacy driven by affected residents, especially volunteer-led projects. It supports initiatives in underfunded rural areas and projects that engage diverse constituencies, including communities of color. Both project-specific and general support requests are accepted from organizations aligned with these objectives. Preference is given to projects that set or fight critical precedents influencing broader wildlands protection.
Grants range up to $10,000, with typical awards between $4,000 and $8,000. Organizations with annual income and expenses under $30,000 are encouraged to request $5,000 or less. To qualify for the full $10,000, applicants must present a clear project plan and budget.
Funding covers one-year projects focused on protecting and preserving wildlands and open spaces, or supporting their stewardship and restoration. Cal Wildlands defines wildlands as natural habitats, public or private, that are or could be permanently preserved and large enough to support native plant and animal life. Urban or suburban projects must connect to larger protected areas or wildlife corridors.
Eligible activities include grassroots organizing, outreach, communications campaigns, regulatory advocacy, litigation, restoration, stewardship, scientific research, capacity building, and equipment purchases. Environmental education programs must have a strong advocacy component.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits or individuals/organizations fiscally sponsored by nonprofits with annual income and expenses under $200,000. Projects must impact California.
For more information, visit Rose Foundation.
