The mission of CDFW is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
CDFW grants focus on a broad range of goals including protecting or enhancing biodiversity, climate change resiliency and connectivity, supporting the State Wildlife Action Plan priority habitats, conserving or enhancing working landscapes, water-related projects, and enhancing public access. They highlight an emphasis on Nature Based Solutions in alignment with Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 Executive Order N-82-20, which outlines a comprehensive strategy to expand nature-based solutions across California. The grant program includes specific initiatives such as the Restoration Grant Programs for Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration, aligned with the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy and the Pathways to 30x30 initiative. Additionally, projects that restore or enhance wetlands and watershed ecosystems and provide co-benefits consistent with these strategies, as well as pilot projects for CDFW's Beaver Program, are eligible for funding.