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Frequently Asked Questions
Our Technical Assistance Program is funded through the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program to provide services at no cost to eligible applicants. Any additional costs, such as materials or contractor services, will require separate funding.
Application review will begin in January 20205 and each application will typically take 2-4 weeks to screen and determine needs, after which our team will contact you to discuss next steps and project timelines.
If you have questions about the application process or required documents, please reach out to team@ruralresilienceproject.com.
No, you cannot apply for technical assistance services if using only a nursery license. The Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity requires applicants to hold a valid outdoor or mixed light tier 1 cultivation license as these license types are specifically aligned with the program’s goals and criteria. A nursery license alone does not meet the eligibility requirements.
No, you cannot apply with a mixed light tier 2 license. The Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity specifically requires applicants to hold either an outdoor cultivation license or a mixed light tier 1 license. Mixed light tier 2 licenses do not meet the eligibility criteria because they are associated with higher energy usage, which does not align with the program’s objectives focused on sustainability and lower environmental impact.
This program does not provide direct funding to applicants, but does provide Technical Assistance services to eligible cultivators. Applicants will be able to begin to receive technical assistance services starting in early 2025.
The Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP) is a program developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The CRGP program includes the following grant funding opportunities:
Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity (QCFO)
The Rural Resilience Project (RRP) has been awarded a grant through the Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity to assist more than 200 Mendocino County cannabis cultivators meet requirements to transition from provisional to annual licensure.
Fiscal sponsorship is an arrangement in which a nonprofit organization provides financial and legal support to a project or organization that does not have its own tax-exempt status. This allows the sponsored entity to operate under the umbrella of the sponsoring organization while benefiting from tax-deductible donations.
At RRP, we provide fiscal sponsorship by allowing projects to receive charitable donations through our 501(c)(3) status. This means that donations made to your project are tax-deductible for the donors. We also apply for grants on behalf of organizations or individuals. Additionally, we handle the financial management, compliance, and reporting required for these donations.
Any project or organization that aligns with RRP’s mission and goals can apply for fiscal sponsorship. This typically includes initiatives focused on rural resilience, community development, and environmental sustainability.
Tax-deductible donations: Your donors can make tax-deductible contributions.
Administrative support: RRP manages the financial and administrative aspects, allowing you to focus on your project.
Credibility: Being associated with a registered nonprofit enhances your project’s credibility with potential funders and partners.
As a fiscally sponsored project, you are responsible for:
Keeping RRP informed about your project’s activities and financial status.
Complying with RRP’s guidelines and policies.
Submitting regular progress reports and financial statements.
RRP will maintain a separate account for your project’s funds. You will need to submit requests for disbursement, and RRP will process these requests according to your project budget and agreed-upon timeline.
RRP typically charges a five percent fee on the funds raised through donations. This fee covers administrative costs and varies based on the level of service provided. Specific details will be outlined in the fiscal sponsorship agreement. If the fiscal sponsor is applying for grants on behalf of the sponsored project, there may be additional fees for grant writing or administration.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements can vary in duration, depending on the project’s needs and progress. The terms of sponsorship will be specified in the agreement between your project and RRP.
Yes, many projects begin with fiscal sponsorship and later apply for their own tax-exempt status. RRP can provide guidance throughout this process.
To start the process, please contact us at admin@ruralresilienceproject.com for an initial discussion about your project and the potential for fiscal sponsorship. We will guide you through the application process and necessary documentation.
Technical Assistance Services administered by the Rural Resilience Project with funding provided by the CDFW Cannabis Restoration Grant Program includes a range of technical assistance and support to help eligible cultivators meet compliance requirements and transition to annual licenses. Services may include:
Biological assessments and surveys for eligible cultivators to meet Sensitive Species Habitat Review, LSAA, Mendocino County Environmental Impact Report titled, "Licensing of Commercial Cannabis Cultivation in Mendocino County Project," and Mendocino County compliance plan specifications for CEQA compliance.
Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreements (LSAA) plans and reports for eligible cultivators, such as: Diversion Infrastructure Plan, Stream Restoration Plan, Revegetation Plan, Wildlife Mitigation Plan, Water Usage Report, Site Management Plan, Water Management Plan, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, Erosion Control Plan, Invasive Species Plan (often includes a Bullfrog Management Plan), and Site Dewatering/Stream Diversion Plan (for instream work where streamflow needs to be bypass the worksite and be returned to the stream), Site Completion Report, and Project Completion Reports.
Response support for ‘Sensitive Species and Habitat Review’ Project Referral Comments.
Preparing Requests to Amend or Requests to Extend for expiring LSAAs, for eligible cultivators.
Preparing new Notifications for expired LSAAs and LSAA Operation of Law letters.
Preparation of engineered design plans to support CDFW LSAA permitting, for eligible cultivators (terms and conditions apply, subject to program considerations and limitations).
Other services related to county compliance, Administrative Permit applications, site plan updates, and DCC deficiency notices.
Yes, you can still apply if you have already completed a biological assessment. When submitting your application, please provide details of your completed assessment so we can accurately assess your needs. Existing biological assessments can be reviewed to determine if additional assessments and surveys are required based on Mendocino County Environmental Impact Report titled, "Licensing of Commercial Cannabis Cultivation in Mendocino County Project." This review will help ensure that your project meets the latest CEQA compliance standards.
Must possess, at a minimum, an active (outdoor or mixed light tier 1) provisional or annual license issued by:
Department of Cannabis Control (DCC); and
Mendocino County Cannabis Department.
Priority given to:
Priority will be given to eligible cultivators with an ownership or financial interest in no more than a total of 10,000 square feet of outdoor or mixed light tier 1 canopy of cannabis cultivation.
Local Equity Entrepreneur Program (LEEP) verified operators.
Cultivation sites located in a Severely Disadvantaged or Disadvantaged Community.
Cannabis Priority Watersheds, as designated by CDFW and the State Water Resources Control Board. In Mendocino County, those include: Dry Creek (near border with Sonoma County), Navarro River, Headwaters Russian River, East Fork Russian River, Middle South Fork Eel River, Mattole River (top of watershed near border with Humboldt County).
Other considerations:
Cultivators with an ownership or financial interest in total canopy space up to 20,000 square feet may still qualify under this Solicitation, but they will not receive priority ranking. Canopy area from nursery licenses is not included in the cultivation canopy threshold.
The Rural Resilience Project (RRP) received funding through the Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity administered by the CDFW Cannabis Restoration Grant Program to provide technical assistance services to licensed cultivators in Mendocino County. Funding for cultivators includes:
Technical Assistance: RRP connects cultivators with qualified professionals to help them meet CEQA guidelines and agency permitting requirements for annual DCC licensure.
Voucher Initiative: Eligible cultivators can access water flow meters and erosion control supplies to support LSAA compliance.
Webinars and Workshops: RRP will offer educational sessions on compliance requirements, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and enhancing sensitive species habitats. Topics include:
CEQA Mitigations & EIR Next Steps
Water Conservation
Efficient Irrigation Systems
Site Assessments for LSAA Projects
Winterization & Erosion Control
Soil Health & Conservation
Best Practices for Rural Roads
Revegetation Plans
Integrated Pest Management
Invasive Species & Wildfire Management
Habitat Restoration
Native Plant Ecosystems
The Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP) is a program developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The CRGP program includes the following grant funding opportunities:
Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity (QCFO)
The Rural Resilience Project (RRP) has been awarded a grant through the Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity to assist more than 200 Mendocino County cannabis cultivators meet requirements to transition from provisional to annual licensure.
The funding is allocated across three (3) key areas to support cannabis cultivators in Mendocino County:
Technical Assistance (90%): The largest portion of the budget is dedicated to providing technical assistance services, including biological assessments, compliance support, LSAA planning, reports, and plans, water flow meters, and erosion control supplies. These services are essential for helping cultivators meet CEQA requirements and transition to annual licenses.
Education and Outreach (5%): This portion of the budget is approximately 5% includes funds for language services, marketing, webinars, workshops, and outreach activities to educate cultivators on compliance requirements, best practices, and how to participate in the program.
Capacity Building (5%): This funding supports personnel, training, and resources needed to enhance our ability to deliver effective services. It includes expenses such personnel costs, operating and indirect costs to manage the project, and organizational development for specifically managing this grant program.
Eligible Cultivators are selected for Technical Assistance Services through the following process:
Submission of Intake Form. Cultivators submit the Intake Form, providing necessary information such as project details, eligibility criteria, and supporting documentation.
RRP Cursory Review. The Rural Resilience Project (RRP) team conducts an initial review of the form to ensure it meets baseline eligibility requirements.
If the cultivator is deemed Not Eligible, they receive a Not Eligible Email explaining the disqualification.
If eligible, the cultivator moves to the next step.
Technical Assistance Services Agreement. Completion of Qualified Cultivator and Landowner Access Agreements.
Eligible cultivators receive Qualified Cultivator and Landowner Access Agreements via DocuSign. These agreements ensure that the cultivator and landowner understand and consent to the program’s terms and conditions. Upon completing the agreements, the application proceeds to the next stage.
Mainspring Technical Review. The Mainspring team performs a detailed technical review of the application to validate eligibility and technical feasibility.
If the applicant fails the technical review, they receive a Not Eligible Email.
If approved, the applicant is assigned one or more Service Categories, depending on the specific assistance required (e.g., CEQA, LSAA, County permitting, or vouchers).
Cannabis Restoration Grant Program Calibration. The approved application is sent to the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program team for final calibration. This step ensures alignment with requirements of the Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity. Applicants failing to meet the criteria at this stage are notified as Not Eligible for Technical Assistance.
Technical Assistance Services Assignment. Approved cultivators are assigned to subcontractors or specialists for Technical Assistance services based on their assigned Service Categories.
Subcontractors then work with the cultivator to complete the required tasks and report back to the RRP.
This systematic approach ensures that only cultivators meeting all eligibility and technical criteria receive tailored, high-quality assistance.
The definitions below align with the Department of Cannabis Control’s Medicinal and Adult-Use Commercial Cannabis Regulations (March 2024), ensuring consistent standards for identifying key stakeholders in cannabis businesses. For further details, refer to the California Code of Regulations and the DCC guidelines.
Owners: According to §15003, an owner of a commercial cannabis business includes anyone with an aggregate ownership interest of 20% or more. This can include individuals directly holding ownership or those managing, directing, or controlling the business, such as CEOs, general managers, or members of the board of directors. It also includes partners, trustees, and others with similar roles in the business’s operation.
Financial Interest Holders: As defined in §15004, financial interest holders are individuals with a financial stake in the business, even if their ownership is less than 20%. This category includes those entitled to a share of the profits, such as landlords, consultants, brokers, or employees involved in profit-sharing arrangements.
The Rural Resilience Project grant for technical assistance provides various technical assistance services, including biological assessments, compliance assistance with CEQA and permitting requirements, Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreements (LSAA) plans, and other regulatory compliance needs. Additional services include reimbursement for water flow meters and erosion control materials for surface water diversion sites, and support for developing implementation grant applications. Compliance technical assistance could include the following: clearing barriers from ‘Compliance Plans’ from Mendocino County, response support for ‘Sensitive Species and Habitat Review’ Project Referral Comments by CDFW, preparing LSAA extension or amendment applications for expiring LSAAs or Operation of Law letters, preparing necessary engineer design plans to support 1600 permits, and cultivation site plan updates.
Diversion Infrastructure Plan
Stream Restoration Plan
Revegetation Plan
Wildlife Mitigation Plan
Water Usage Report
Site Management Plan
Water Management Plan
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Erosion Control Plan
Invasive Species Plan (often includes a Bullfrog Management Plan)
Site Dewatering/Stream Diversion Plan (for instream work where streamflow needs to be bypass the worksite and be returned to the stream)
Cultivators will be able to apply through a bi-lingual (English and Spanish) Intake Form distributed electronically. There will be outreach via webinars and emails to provide further information on eligibility and the application process.
The Technical Assistance Program anticipates launching its Technical Assistance Services in early 2025. Before the full launch, there will be outreach efforts, including a webinar planned for February 2025.
Technical Assistance (TA) criteria for eligible cultivators is based on several key factors to ensure resources are allocated effectively and equitably. The process typically considers the following:
Small-Scale Cultivators:
Cultivators with ownership or financial interest in no more than 10,000 square feet of outdoor or mixed light Tier 1 canopy of cannabis cultivation.
Local Equity Entrepreneur Program (LEEP) Verified Operators:
Cultivators verified through the LEEP as meeting local equity qualifications, ensuring that assistance supports historically underserved and disproportionately impacted operators.
Cultivators Operating in Severely Disadvantaged or Disadvantaged Communities (SDACs/DACs):
Defined by California state criteria, SDACs and DACs are areas with a median household income less than 80% (DACs) or 60% (SDACs) of the statewide average. Cultivators in these communities will be prioritized to ensure equitable resource distribution and to support operators in economically and environmentally vulnerable regions.
Cultivators in Cannabis Priority Watersheds:
As designated by the State Water Resources Control Board, these watersheds are critical areas for environmental preservation. In Mendocino County, priority watersheds include:
Dry Creek (near the Sonoma County border)
Navarro River
Headwaters Russian River
East Fork Russian River
Middle South Fork Eel River
Mattole River (top of watershed near the Humboldt County border).
Regulatory Deadlines
Cultivators facing immediate compliance deadlines (e.g., CEQA, LSAA, or County permitting requirements) will be given higher priority to meet critical milestones and avoid penalties or project delays.
Technical Assistance will be open from September 11, 2024, through September 30, 2027, or until the funding is fully exhausted, whichever comes first. Eligible cultivators will be able to apply and receive services during each round of open applications within this three-year term.
No, there are no costs associated with Technical Assistance Services for eligible cultivators. These services are fully funded through the Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity awarded to the Rural Resilience Project by the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program and are provided at no charge to cultivators who meet the eligibility requirements and complete the necessary application process.
To stay informed about upcoming opportunities and webinars, you can:
Subscribe to the Mailing List. Sign up for email updates to receive notifications about new opportunities, application deadlines, and upcoming webinars directly in your inbox.
Visit the Program Website. Regularly check the program’s website for announcements, updates, and resources.
Follow on Social Media. Follow the program’s social media channels for real-time updates, event announcements, and reminders about application windows or events.
Attend Informational Sessions. Participate in informational webinars and Q&A sessions offered periodically to learn more about the program and its services.
Reach Out Directly. Contact the program team via team@ruralresilienceproject.com to request information or ask to be added to a notification list.
This program does not provide direct funding to applicants, but does provide Technical Assistance services to eligible cultivators. Applicants will be able to begin to receive technical assistance services starting in early 2025.
No, previously incurred expenses for services cannot be reimbursed under this grant.
Yes, you must submit an Intake Form for each cultivation license and disclose all licenses where you are considered an owner or or financial interest holder.
No, the program does not offer reimbursement of LSAA (Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement) fees. The grant funds are allocated specifically for technical assistance services such as biological assessments, LSAA plans and designs, and compliance support. Direct costs, such as, LSAA fees and onsite implementation projects are not eligible for reimbursement under this Technical Assistance Services opportunity.
The RRP Technical Assistance Services opportunity is provided by Rural Resilience Project (RRP) through funding awarded by the CDFW Cannabis Restoration Grant Program. The RRP Technical Assistance Services offers support specifically for environmental and CEQA compliance, such as biological assessments and survey, LSAA reporting and plans, LSAA supplies related to water flow meters and erosion control materials, and additional compliance assistance, such as helping clear local compliance plan barriers, and assisting with scientific amendments required for state licensing In contrast, Canna Business Services under the Local Entrepreneur Equity Program (LEEP) provides broader business-related technical assistance, including METRC support, compliance consultations, and general business planning to help only LEEP equity applicants overcome barriers in the cannabis industry.
The RRP Technical Assistance Services opportunity focuses on providing technical assistance such as biological assessments, LSAA plans and reporting, and removing local and state compliance barriers for transitioning to or maintaining an annual license. In contrast, the Local Equity Entrepreneur Program (LEEP) offers direct funds to support cultivators impacted by cannabis prohibition, offering broader business support, including direct grants, fee waivers, and personalized assistance to help equity applicants overcome industry barriers. For more details, you can access the Mendocino County LEEP manual here.
The RRP Technical Assistance Services opportunity provides Technical Assistance Services to eligible cultivators for biological assessments and surveys, LSAA plans and reporting, and removing local and state compliance barriers for transitioning to or maintaining an annual license. In contrast, the Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grants Program (LJAGP), administered by Mendocino County, focuses on funding local governments to improve cannabis licensing processes and environmental reviews. Additionally, through LJAGP, cultivators can apply for up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding under the grant to reimburse cultivators for funds expended related to CEQA and other areas of licensing compliance, aiding their transition from provisional to annual licenses. For more details, you can access the Mendocino County LJAGP manual here.
The Landowner Access Agreement allows the Rural Resilience Project (RRP), its contractors, and representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to access private property only for approved, grant-funded technical assistance. This is part of the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP), which provides free support to eligible cultivators in Mendocino County.
Access is limited to site visits and assessments and requires 72 hours’ notice before any visit. No work occurs without your permission, and access can be revoked at any time.
👉 Download the full Landowner Access Agreement FAQ
The Qualified Cultivator Agreement is the first step toward receiving free Technical Assistance under the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP), funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and administered by the Rural Resilience Project (RRP).
By signing the agreement, you are not committing to pay for anything or guaranteed to receive services — you’re simply agreeing to be assessed for eligibility and to allow RRP to begin coordination. Services are only provided if approved by both RRP and CDFW.
You remain in control at all times. You can withdraw before services begin, and nothing will occur on your site without your consent and the landowner’s permission.
👉 Download the full Qualified Cultivator Agreement FAQ