Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Alaska

Students and recent graduates in conservation or environmental justice can receive US $7,000 internship funding to support environmental conservation work in Alaska. Alaska Conservation Foundation supports environmental conservation in Alaska by granting 12-week stipends to host organizations that place interns on projects protecting the state’s natural environment and diverse cultures.

Alaska environmental conservation nonprofits hosting fundraising events can access in-kind transportation and sponsorship support through Alaska Airlines Foundation. Organizations must be 501(c)(3)s and generally receive one-time support. Programs may also involve youth success, career readiness, care and belonging, environmental sustainability, or community resiliency in communities served by Alaska Airlines.

Alaska-based nonprofit organizations with conservation or environmental education projects in Alaska can apply for the Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Watchable Wildlife Conservation Trust grants, offering up to US $5,000 for eligible work. Funding supports sustainable wildlife viewing, wildlife education, trails, facilities, research, and critical habitat acquisition that help conserve Alaska’s biological diversity.

Alaska nonprofit organizations engaged in conservation advocacy can seek rapid funding for urgent environmental threats or opportunities in Alaska. Focused on direct conservation action, Alaska Conservation Foundation supports efforts that reduce destructive activities, strengthen environmental laws and enforcement, and promote more sustainable economic development through its ongoing Rapid Response grant program.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska working on environmental conservation can receive US $500 - US $3,000 to build leadership capacity through training, skills development, and organizational development. With a mission to strengthen volunteer and grassroots engagement, Alaska Conservation Foundation provides Alaska conservation groups with support that particularly benefits volunteers and youth leaders advancing the state’s conservation movement.

501(c)(3) public charities in the Pacific Northwest working on environmental conservation projects in Alaska can apply for Mazamas Conservation Grants, with awards up to US $2,500. Funding supports wilderness protection, trail maintenance, environmental education, forest preservation, scientific research, and related conservation initiatives, with a particular focus on mountain and wilderness environments.

Local governments, state agencies, tribal organizations, nonprofits, public universities, and other non-federal entities in Alaska can obtain funding for community forest management plans, tree inventories, and tree canopy assessments. Grants from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Fire Protection support environmental conservation and natural resource projects in Alaska communities with Inflation Reduction Act funds and require no matching contributions.

Environmental and youth-serving organizations in Alaska conducting conservation, habitat restoration, cultural resource, or outdoor recreation projects can access funding through the Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps program, with awards from US $30,000 - US $220,000. Grants support hands-on natural and cultural resource work, youth workforce development, and stewardship activities on public lands.

Alaska agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Indian Tribes, and others involved in farming or forestry operations can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental quality. Alaska environmental conservation projects on cropland, rangeland, pastureland, forestland, and other farm or environmentally sensitive lands may be eligible through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Alaska EQIP program.

Alaska environmental conservation and sustainability nonprofits and government agencies can access funding for workforce development, environmental programs, and thriving community initiatives. Marathon Petroleum supports 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities across its marketing regions, with preference for communities where it has significant operations, including Alaska, for projects with clear, measurable community impact.

Nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribes engaged in conservation advocacy in Alaska can receive support for direct conservation work, leadership development, and collaboration-building activities. Alaska Conservation Foundation supports environmental conservation in Alaska by funding eligible projects’ training, meeting facilitation, legal assistance, travel, conferences, outreach, and limited administrative costs, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $2,000.

To preserve and interpret Alaska's rich maritime heritage the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the State Libraries, Archives, and Museums (LAM) announce the launch of the Alaska Maritime Heritage Preservation Program. This program is designed to protect Alaska's maritime resources and advance public awareness of Alaska's nationally significant maritime properties, collections, traditional skills, and knowledge.

The Alaska Maritime Heritage Preservation Program will offer Alaskans two new grant opportunities for preservation and education projects.

Applicants for preservation grants can request from $15,000-$75,000 and applications for education grants can request from $10,000-$50,000.

Eligible projects must support the preservation, education, or interpretation of Alaska’s maritime heritage by addressing approved resource categories and demonstrating clear public benefit. Applications should reflect strong community value and alignment with program goals.

Projects must address one or more of the following resource categories:

• Maritime heritage collections
• Traditional maritime skills
• Maritime education activities
• Historic maritime properties (meeting National Register significance criteria)

Applications must also demonstrate:

• How proposed activities directly benefit one or more eligible resource categories
• Community and heritage value, supported through letters or documentation
• Clear alignment with program intent, including preservation, documentation, and education/interpretation of maritime heritage

Focused on environmental conservation, The Keta Legacy Foundation invites Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for competitive funding for conservation, preservation, or restoration projects. Organizations working on innovative, feasible projects with significant environmental or community impact can request up to US $25,000 for work in Alaska and other eligible Northwestern states.

Nonprofit organizations headquartered in Alaska focused on wildlife and habitat preservation can apply for Charlotte Martin Foundation’s Wildlife and Habitat Program, with awards up to US $20,000. Funding supports climate-informed conservation, habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, and community engagement efforts, with priority for projects benefiting underserved and BIPOC communities, including youth-focused climate and conservation education.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, villages, and individuals in Alaska can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund; awards up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and community organizing. Funding can cover supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel for efforts defending Indigenous rights and protecting land, air, water, and natural resources.

This funding opportunity by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aims to support climate adaptation research through the Alaska Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). Projects should address critical issues such as energy dominance, water security, and ecosystem resilience, particularly in response to spruce beetle outbreaks and invasive species in Alaska's boreal forests. The research will inform management practices to enhance recovery and sustainability of forest ecosystems, aligning with national priorities for resource stewardship and environmental protection.

The Howe Foundation, established by Thomas E. Howe in Clark County, Nevada, supports U.S. charitable organizations focused on education, medical advancements, and game hunters associations. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank, with applications reviewed annually in September. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for meaningful community initiatives.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The Outdoor Fund - Local Impact Grant supports local organizations and projects that enhance community engagement and align with conservation goals. With grants up to $5,000, eligible projects include youth fishing clinics and trail maintenance. Funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, this initiative exemplifies their commitment to wildlife conservation and connecting communities to the outdoors. Eligible applicants include municipalities and registered nonprofits in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on specific conservation efforts.

The Aerie Real Foundation™ Community Grant aims to enhance confidence, inclusion, and sustainability among young women while supporting non-profit organizations in the US and Canada. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to programs focused on mental well-being, fostering inclusive communities, and environmental protection. Applications are accepted from certified 501c3 nonprofits, with funding allocated for projects that align with the Foundation's mission. The goal is to empower the next generation and create a positive impact in local communities.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund supports conservation-focused nonprofits through fundraising events and donation of merchandise or gift cards. Organizations eligible for funding must be registered 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. or provincially registered nonprofits in Canada. This initiative aims to connect communities to outdoor activities while promoting wildlife conservation and support for military veterans. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to enhance local fundraising efforts.

Overview

GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.

We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.

Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:

• Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.
• Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.
• Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Youth leaders pursuing environmental projects in Alaska and across the U.S. can seek microgrants to grow their conservation initiatives. Grants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative help young people advance work in environmental conservation, sustainability, pollution, stewardship, justice, and advocacy, offering competitive cash prizes to take youth-led ideas to the next level.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in Alaska working on conservation, climate, or environmental justice projects can receive US $3,000 plus leadership development support. Earth Island Institute provides North American youth with cash awards, training, and networking that may benefit young Alaskans leading environmental conservation efforts.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Threatened and Endangered Species Program aims to conserve and recover endangered and threatened species while balancing land use for energy, minerals, timber, and recreation. By streamlining permitting processes and enhancing data availability, the program seeks to improve the management of BLM Special Status Species and their habitats. Collaboration with partner organizations is vital to achieve these goals and align with national conservation priorities.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on environmental protection and conservation in Alaska can apply for grants supporting programs that help people help themselves. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Community Fund also prioritizes initiatives in education, health and wellness, Native arts and culture, and the advancement of Native rights and Tribal sovereignty, with funding available across the U.S.

Eligible Canadian and U.S. charities and nonprofits with programs in Alaska can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support environmental conservation, sustainable energy, and community initiatives. Grants may benefit projects that protect natural resources, advance a sustainable future, and strengthen local communities through education, research, and related services.