Best Grants for Land Conservation in Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Agriculture

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while conserving natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture works closely with Arkansas’s 75 conservation districts to protect and manage the state’s natural resources. We provide ongoing support through technical assistance, program coordination, training, and funding opportunities. Our goal is to strengthen each district’s capacity to deliver effective, locally led conservation efforts across the state.

Conservation District Grant Program

The Conservation District Grant Program provides funding to enhance the ability of conservation districts to carry out local conservation efforts. Through this program, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission offers grant assistance for projects that promote resource protection, enhancement, or restoration.

Applications are reviewed for feasibility, practicability, and potential benefit to the applying district. After review, Department staff will rank each application and make funding recommendations to the Natural Resources Division Director. The director will then present recommended projects to the commission for final approval. Grant awards are made based on the anticipated conservation impact at the district, regional, or statewide level.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations supporting land and habitat conservation in Arkansas can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 to expand technical assistance for private landowners. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program funds staff to help landowners adopt regenerative agriculture, implement Farm Bill conservation practices, and enhance soil, water, fish, and wildlife habitat on working lands.

Arkansas land and habitat conservation nonprofits restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may apply for project-specific support, including necessary overhead, for forest biodiversity and ecosystem health initiatives.

Local governments and other eligible Arkansas entities seeking to expand outdoor recreation facilities and public spaces can apply for reimbursable matching support to enhance community recreation resources. Grants from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism help Arkansas land and habitat conservation efforts by improving planning, management, and the overall quality of parks and outdoor recreation areas.

Private and tribal landowners in Arkansas restoring or enhancing forestland for habitat, biodiversity, or carbon storage can receive easements and financial assistance through the Healthy Forests Reserve Program. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Arkansas supports land and habitat conservation via 10-year cost-share agreements, 30-year contracts, and permanent easement options that reward approved conservation practices.

With a mission to conserve and restore wetlands, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Arkansas provides Arkansas land and habitat conservation landowners with easement agreements to protect, restore, and enhance previously farmed or converted wetlands. Eligible private and tribal landowners can enroll land through permanent, term, or 30-year easements or contracts, with NRCS covering significant easement and restoration costs.

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.

501(c)(3) public charities with shovel-ready capital projects for land or habitat conservation, parks, or community areas in Arkansas can seek funding through the Jandy Ammons Foundation. Grants support standalone projects such as wildlife and conservation initiatives, educational features, and artistic installations that enhance local environments and public spaces.

Indigenous-led frontline groups, tribes, community organizations, and individual Indigenous organizers in Arkansas and across North America can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund; 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 land, air, water, and natural resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Arkansas, can apply for Bell's Brewery Grassroots Small Grants to support water stewardship projects. Focused on ecosystem health, freshwater and land conservation, and climate-related water resilience, this program offers US $500 - US $5,000 for project-based work rather than general operations or large infrastructure.

Arkansas land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation for self-sustaining economic development, community strengthening, and services for disadvantaged populations. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may seek program-related investments or grants for activities like rural land preservation, affordable housing, education, health, and related community development initiatives in the U.S. and select developing regions.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused individuals in Arkansas can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor access projects. Focused on ecosystem-based conservation, W.L. Gore & Associates invites projects that restore natural systems, support hunting access and education, and promote collaborative stewardship across wild, suburban, or urban landscapes.

Organizations working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Arkansas and other U.S. locations can apply for the Department of Defense’s REPI Challenge, with awards up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use projects. Funding supports efforts that prevent land use conflicts, alleviate environmental restrictions, and enhance military installation resilience.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Arkansas can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands across the U.S., with emphasis on nature-based solutions and policy initiatives that may benefit Arkansas landscapes.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation in Arkansas can gain paid, hands-on experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, earning up to US $6,870 for a practicum and professional development. With a mission to build collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides emerging conservation professionals with mentorship, training, and real-world public lands project work.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on nationally significant wildlife and land or habitat conservation, including in Arkansas, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and protection of threatened species and ecosystems. Funding may benefit efforts involving pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, indigenous wildlife management, and accredited sanctuaries for great apes.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation, environmental protection, human services, or animal welfare in Arkansas can apply for grants from the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation. Funding can support eligible U.S. organizations whose programs advance these priorities, and may benefit Arkansas groups focused on land conservation and related environmental work.

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.

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.

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 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The Easement Restoration and Stewardship program, funded by the USDA NRCS, focuses on restoring and managing Wetland and Floodplain Easements. It includes developing restoration plans, conducting assessments, and implementing stewardship activities to enhance ecological health. Awardees will collaborate with NRCS personnel to ensure effective restoration design and maintenance strategies, fostering sustainable landscapes. This initiative addresses critical habitat conditions and promotes long-term environmental benefits for protected lands.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, education, and the arts. Founded by Robert F. Schumann, an environmentalist, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for both humans and animals. It prioritizes projects that would not have been pursued without its assistance, particularly in ornithology and open space habitats. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to apply, ensuring a focus on impactful community initiatives.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.