Best Grants for Land Conservation in Alaska

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The AK Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) enhances existing conservation efforts for agricultural and forest land. With over 70 million acres enrolled, it provides tailored plans to improve productivity, increase crop yields, and develop wildlife habitats. CSP offers annual payments for implementing conservation activities, ensuring land is managed sustainably. New initiatives, such as the Grasslands Conservation Initiative, focus on protecting grazing land and conserving natural resources. CSP contracts last five years, with potential for renewal based on successful completion.

The ACF: Social Justice Grants support organizations working to eliminate systemic discrimination and promote equal rights in Alaska. This fund prioritizes initiatives that address root causes of social injustice, encourage lasting mindset shifts, and enhance community empowerment. Eligible applicants include small organizations with a focus on social justice, providing both unrestricted operating support and project-specific funding. The foundation emphasizes equity, ensuring no discrimination based on protected statuses, and honors Tribal authority in grant distributions.

The AK Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial and technical assistance for conserving agricultural lands and restoring wetlands affected by farming. This program supports landowners in maintaining farming activities while protecting vital wetland resources for wildlife and water quality. The Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) specifically aim to restore habitats, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity by allowing landowners to sell easements that limit future development.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps program aims to engage youth aged 16-30, including veterans and tribal members, in hands-on conservation projects. These initiatives foster skills in natural resource management, promote public land stewardship, and enhance community involvement through trail building, habitat restoration, and cultural resource preservation. By partnering with qualified youth corps, the program supports economic growth and environmental health while preparing the next generation of public land stewards.