Best Grants for Land Conservation in Georgia

Georgia agricultural producers, ranchers, forest landowners, and water management entities can receive technical and financial assistance to implement land and habitat conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Focused on improving soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Georgia invites eligible working lands to develop conservation plans that enhance environmental resilience.

Agricultural and forestry producers in Georgia seeking support to enhance land and habitat conservation can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers up to US $4,000 annually for conservation practices. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Georgia provides five-year contracts with technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat on working lands.

Georgia land trusts, state and local agencies, tribes, and private landowners can receive support to place conservation easements that protect working farms, grazing lands, and wetlands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides funding to limit non-agricultural uses, restore degraded wetlands, and enhance wildlife habitat through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

Eligible Georgia state agencies, qualified local governments, recreation authorities, and conservation-focused nonprofits can secure US $500,000 - US $3,000,000 for land and habitat conservation, parks, and trails projects. With a mission to steward Georgia’s natural resources, Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides grants and loans for conservation lands, wildlife, clean water, and outdoor recreation statewide.

Land and conservation organizations in Georgia seeking capital for biodiversity protection, resilient landscapes, and forest carbon retention can apply for grants up to US $4,600,000. Grants from Open Space Institute help land and habitat conservation projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area that also deliver strong benefits for local communities.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Georgia and other Appalachian states can seek capital funding to acquire land or conservation easements that protect biodiversity and enhance climate resilience. Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Project supports projects that retain forest carbon, improve landscape connectivity, and deliver strong benefits for local communities.

Georgia land and habitat conservation nonprofits restoring diminished native tree species can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund for project-specific work in the continental U.S. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may propose scientific research, seed orchard development, or forest land preservation, with reasonable project overhead supported as part of restoration efforts.

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.

Delaney Family Foundation 

The Delaney Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support Wildlife and Land Conservation, Education, Healthcare and Community Betterment.

The Delaney Family Foundation was established in 2013. We make both program and operating grants and do not have geographical restrictions.  

Grant Information

Grants are awarded annually. The following criteria will be used in confirming that grant requests match the goals of The Delaney Family Foundation.

• Clarity of Purpose – the request should be clearly defined with a specific description of how goals/tasks will be achieved and how funds will be spent.
• Potential for Success – the organization must demonstrate that they have funding sources, manpower, and community support as well as the time to achieve their goals. Projects must be realistic.
• Leadership – stability in the organization is a requirement, as well as a well-deserved reputation for results.
• Site Visits – While not always possible, site visits by board members prior to gifting, during gifting or following may be considered.

 We may consider multi-year grants.

Indigenous-led frontline groups, organizations, Tribes, and Indigenous individuals in Georgia and across North America can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and movement-building. Funding can cover supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel for efforts defending Indigenous land, water, air, and natural resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Georgia, can apply for $500 - $5,000 in water stewardship funding from Bell's Brewery to support conservation projects. Focus areas include land and habitat conservation, freshwater protection, ecosystem health, and climate-resilient water resource management that benefit public health and frontline communities.

Georgia land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation for self-sustaining economic and community development initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working with disadvantaged communities, including rural land and open space preservation efforts, may be eligible for low-interest program-related investments or grants in education, housing, health, and related services.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused individuals in Georgia and across the U.S. and Canada can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for habitat and ecosystem projects. Focused on land and habitat conservation, W.L. Gore & Associates invites proposals that restore natural systems, enhance hunting access and education, and promote collaborative stewardship.

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.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Resource Management Program aims to enhance wildlife resource management on public lands across the nation. With a focus on habitat protection, species reintroduction, and collaborative conservation efforts, the program addresses critical ecological needs while supporting the social and economic well-being of communities. Key initiatives include habitat treatments, monitoring efforts, and partnerships with state agencies to ensure effective management and recovery of priority wildlife species.

Eligible partners working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Georgia and other U.S. locations can apply for the REPI Challenge, with awards up to Up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use and resilience projects. The U.S. Department of Defense supports efforts that prevent land use conflicts and enhance military installation resilience.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Georgia and other U.S. regions can seek support from the Biophilia Foundation. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help Georgia land conservation groups advance private land protection, low-tech stream restoration, sustainable agriculture, and related environmental stewardship initiatives, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Graduate students interested in land and habitat conservation in Georgia can gain paid, hands-on practicum experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, earning up to US $6,870. With a mission to build collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides U.S. graduate fellows with mentorship, training, and project-based work on National Forests and Grasslands.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on wildlife and habitat protection can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and conservation work. Georgia land and habitat conservation groups working on endangered species, indigenous wildlife management, or protection of pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, and related ecosystems may be eligible.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program offers vital technical and financial support for projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with conservation partners, the program ensures that all projects are scientifically sound and align with the missions of the Department of the Interior. Applicants must contact a local office for guidance before applying, ensuring projects meet strategic conservation goals.

Georgia land and habitat conservation organizations, universities, and other research-focused entities can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for research, education, outreach, and innovative projects related to atmospheric sciences, climate, and coastal and marine ecosystems. This Broad Agency Announcement may benefit Georgia projects addressing land conservation, climate resilience, and coastal habitat protection within the U.S.

Graduating high school seniors interested in land and habitat conservation in Georgia who plan to study natural resources, fish and wildlife, or forest management may be eligible for this scholarship. With a mission to support education and conservation careers, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides assistance based on academic performance and financial need.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation in Georgia can apply for grants from the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation to support conservation, environmental protection, and related human services. Organizations must submit a complete application, IRS determination letter, and meet the June 30, 2025 deadline for funding decisions by December 2025.

Georgia land and habitat conservation groups can access funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and protect habitats on private lands. Eligible applicants work with local Partners for Fish and Wildlife offices nationwide, with awards up to US $750,000 supporting voluntary projects that benefit federal trust species and priority ecosystems.

The Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, established in 1999 in memory of Lauren Townsend, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. focused on animal welfare and wildlife preservation. Grants are awarded to organizations with specific project funding needs and budgets under $250,000. Smaller nonprofits are encouraged to apply, while general operating expenses and lobbying activities are not funded. The fund honors Lauren's passion for animals, continuing her legacy of support for those in need.

The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund Grant aims to restore native forests and improve wildlife habitats while supporting working forests in the Cumberland Plateau. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals that enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater ecosystems, promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative is backed by funding from USDA agencies and corporate partners, focusing on improving soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the region.