Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Alaska

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.

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.

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.

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-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

Women-identifying individual artists creating environmental art projects can receive up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress work across the U.S., including Alaska. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support projects addressing issues like climate change, regeneration, and eco-social engagement, with a free public engagement component between August 2025 and August 2026.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with veteran-focused programs in environmental conservation, education, arts, family, or health can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding initiatives in the U.S. and its territories. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides major project funding that may benefit Alaska groups working on conservation and recreation for veterans.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

The Bolger Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting capital projects that enhance tangible property for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $250,000, with a maximum project budget of $2.5 million. The foundation focuses on community empowerment through conservation, health, and education, while excluding revenue-generating and operational costs. Eligible organizations must adhere to strict compliance with federal tax regulations. The mission is to inspire and empower nonprofits to better serve their communities.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.