Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Idaho

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

The Mazama Conservation Grant Program offers essential funding to safeguard the Pacific Northwest's mountain ecosystems and landscapes. Grants between $500 and $2,500 support initiatives like trail maintenance, wilderness protection, and environmental education. Focusing on the Mt. Hood area, the program collaborates with environmental organizations and community groups to promote conservation efforts. By funding research, trail upkeep, and educational activities, the program ensures the health of the region's ecosystems, fostering a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

Idaho environmental conservation nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and annual budgets under $1 million can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 for wilderness, rivers, wetlands, and biodiversity projects. Idaho environmental conservation groups can access funding through Maki Foundation, which supports work in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana on public lands and wildlands protection.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

The Willard L. Eccles Charitable Foundation focuses on improving the well-being of individuals in Utah and the Intermountain West. Established in the early 1980s, it has contributed over $40 million to non-profits in various sectors including education, healthcare, and environmental preservation. The Foundation particularly favors projects that simultaneously address multiple areas of interest, with a strong emphasis on healthcare initiatives for underserved populations.

The Lightfoot Foundation provides Environmental Grants to support organizations in Idaho dedicated to environmental protection and education. By offering annual funding, the foundation aims to empower non-profits that contribute to preserving the environment. The grants are distributed at the discretion of the Foundation's Board of Directors, ensuring that funds are allocated to impactful projects. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering a sustainable future through community support and environmental stewardship.

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL)

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is a diverse agency, and we have a unique and important mission. Our mission is to: Professionally and prudently manage Idaho’s endowment assets to maximize long-term financial returns to the public schools and other trust beneficiaries; and Provide professional assistance to the citizens of Idaho to use, protect, and sustain their natural resources.

Private Forest Protection, Resilience and Restoration Assistance (PRRA) Grant

The PRRA Program is a competitive grant program funded by the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry branch, that promotes collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes and furthers priorities identified in State Forest Action Plans. Desired outcomes of the program include reduced wildfire risk; improved fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species; maintained or improved water quality and watershed function; mitigated invasive species, insect infestation, and disease; improved important forest ecosystems; and improved measures of ecological and economic benefits, including air quality, and soil quality and productivity.

In Idaho, PRRA projects must demonstrate how the objectives of the project will help achieve the priorities in the Idaho Forest Action Plan. Additionally, projects must take place within an identified Priority Landscape Area (PLA) or Special Landscape Area (SLA). Also, projects from a “low-income” or underserved area will be prioritized during the application review.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

The Cross Charitable Foundation Grant provides support to organizations focused on education, homelessness, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the welfare of dogs. Only organizations invited by the Board can apply, with one application accepted per year from each organization. Grants are restricted to the North West United States, specifically Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Individuals are not eligible for funding, ensuring that support is directed towards effective community initiatives.

The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation (IFWF) Grant Program aims to support projects that enhance the state’s rich biodiversity. By focusing on habitat conservation, fish and wildlife management, and conservation education, the program provides competitive funding to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and other tax-exempt organizations. Eligible applicants must address specific priorities, ensuring the preservation of Idaho's unique ecosystems and wildlife heritage.

The Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust, established in 1978, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in various fields including arts, education, health, and religion. Focused primarily on organizations in Twin Falls, Idaho, the Trust encourages applications from eligible entities. There are no restrictions on the number of applications to other foundations, although typically only one application is accepted per year. This grant aims to foster community well-being and support diverse charitable activities.

The Superfeet Local Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing community well-being and environmental health. Grants focus on basic needs, outdoor accessibility, and sustainability, empowering underserved populations through equitable access to recreation. Preference is given to initiatives in Washington state, ensuring a meaningful impact in local communities. The foundation's commitment includes funding projects that foster inclusivity and promote long-term engagement with nature and recreational spaces.