Best Grants for Land Conservation in Maryland

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. Focused on land and habitat conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites eligible land stewards to co-invest in projects that reduce pollution, erosion, and energy use while enhancing working lands.

Nonprofit and community organizations protecting natural and cultural resources in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic can seek grants up to US $7,500 for preservation planning and education projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports initiatives that foster dialogue, shape policies, and build public awareness around land conservation, open space, and historic preservation, including innovative outreach to new audiences.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Maryland working on on-the-ground restoration and stewardship projects can seek US $75,000 - US $500,000 to enhance fish and wildlife habitats through the Chesapeake WILD Implementation Grants. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation support projects that improve habitat connectivity, water quality, climate resilience, and public access within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Local government or public agencies in Maryland seeking to acquire land or develop and renovate outdoor recreation amenities can apply for grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $3,000,000. These reimbursement-based projects must permanently dedicate parkland to recreation and be completed within three years, with possible extension.

Organizations planning land and habitat conservation or wildlife connectivity projects in Maryland can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation planning and technical assistance grants, with awards up to US $75,000. Funding supports community-based assessment, planning, design, and other technical work that advances Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) priorities for at-risk and listed species.

Maryland land trusts seeking support for land and habitat conservation projects can apply for the Janice Hollmann Grant, with awards up to US $10,000 and a required 100% match. Funding from Maryland Environmental Trust can build organizational capacity, strengthen stewardship of easements, and advance strategic conservation partnerships across the state.

Land trusts and community-based organizations in Maryland can seek funding to build capacity and strengthen long-term stewardship of protected lands, with awards up to US $10,000. Grants from Maryland Environmental Trust support land and habitat conservation through education, outreach, planting, and other stewardship activities that engage residents in local environmental problem-solving.

Maryland land and habitat conservation nonprofits focused on forestry and botanical conservation can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund to restore diminished native tree species. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may seek project-specific support for scientific research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation tied to species restoration, including necessary project overhead.

Local governments and private land trusts in Maryland seeking to protect large, contiguous tracts of land and habitats can apply for land conservation funding that acquires easements and fee simple estates. Grants from Maryland Department of Natural Resources support designated Rural Legacy Areas through an annual competitive application process managed by state review boards.

Grants from Chesapeake Bay Trust help Maryland land and habitat conservation organizations recognize outstanding leadership within the state’s land trust community, with awards up to Up to US $5,000. Maryland land trusts can nominate an individual, and funding is provided to the land trust on behalf of that person’s conservation work.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning land or habitat conservation or restoration projects, especially in Greater Baltimore, can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000 for one-time, project-based support. Funding emphasizes capital improvements and capacity-building that strengthen long-term environmental impact and organizational sustainability.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Maryland seeking capital for land acquisition or conservation easements can apply for the Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, which supports projects in the Appalachian region. Open Space Institute funds efforts that protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and connectivity, retain forest carbon, and benefit local communities.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Maryland seeking capital for biodiversity protection, forest carbon retention, and resilient, connected landscapes can apply for the Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, with awards up to US $4,600,000. Grants from Open Space Institute help eligible projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area deliver strong benefits for local communities.

Private and tribal landowners in Maryland seeking to protect and restore degraded wetlands can receive easement and restoration funding through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program’s Wetland Reserve Easements. Focused on land and habitat conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland offers permanent, term, and 30-year options with technical and financial assistance for eligible wetland acreage.

Graduate students in fields like natural resources, forestry, law, or communications can receive paid practicum fellowships to support collaborative conservation and public lands projects, including land and habitat conservation, across the U.S. With a mission to build next-generation conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides Maryland land conservation students with mentored, hands-on experience, training, and networking.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Maryland and across the U.S. may be eligible for grants from Biophilia Foundation. Awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 and can support private land conservation, low-tech watershed restoration, and related conservation policy efforts.

Eligible partners working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Maryland can apply for the Department of Defense’s REPI Challenge, with awards up to Up to US $20,000,000 for projects. Funding supports preventing land use conflicts, alleviating environmental restrictions, and enhancing military installation resilience across the U.S. and its territories.

Land and habitat conservation groups and researchers in Maryland can seek funding for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and stewardship projects, including trail work and outdoor access initiatives. Focused on environmental conservation, W.L. Gore invites U.S. and Canadian nonprofits, university teams, and qualified individuals to apply for SITKA Ecosystem Grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $20,000 for direct project costs.

Maryland 501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on land and habitat conservation or related community development can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation to strengthen self-sustaining programs. Support includes program-related investments and grants for economic development, housing, education, health, and open space preservation in disadvantaged communities in the U.S. and select regions abroad.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations across Maryland and the U.S. can apply for Bell's Brewery grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000 to support water stewardship projects. Focused on ecosystem health, water resource management, and climate-related water risks, land and habitat conservation groups may be eligible if their work advances freshwater and watershed protection.

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 Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for land acquisition or conservation easements in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. The initiative aims to enhance water quality and ecosystems while prioritizing projects that protect native habitats and provide flood resiliency. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $4 million per project, supporting efforts that align with LCBP’s goals, including increasing public access to recreational areas as a secondary benefit.

The FY 2024 - 2026 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA seeks innovative research and outreach projects that enhance marine and coastal ecosystem viability. This funding opportunity is contingent on appropriations and does not guarantee specific awards or project funding. NOAA emphasizes collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to remain adaptive in addressing climate change and providing vital weather and water services, ensuring ongoing improvement in their information and services.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.