Best Grants for Land Conservation in Wisconsin

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in Wisconsin can seek funding for land and habitat conservation projects, including public access improvements. Grants from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation help conserve big game habitat, protect migration corridors, and create or enhance public access, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation in Wisconsin can seek funding for environmental protection projects, including wildlife and natural area preservation. The Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund also supports related community needs, so conservation groups integrating education or social services may be eligible within its metropolitan Chicago and statewide Wisconsin focus.

Wisconsin communities and public entities seeking to conserve land and expand outdoor recreation in Wisconsin can access funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These programs support acquisition and development of local parks, protection of development rights, urban green space and river projects, plus federal recreation initiatives like trails and land and water conservation.

Wisconsin agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can access funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. Administered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin, EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and overall land and habitat conservation.

Wisconsin agricultural and forest land operators seeking to enhance land and habitat conservation can receive US $1,500 - US $4,000 annually to maintain and expand stewardship practices. With a mission to support sustainable working lands, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin provides CSP contracts for producers meeting conservation thresholds and actively managing their operations.

Wisconsin land trusts, tribal entities, and other conservation-focused organizations can receive support to secure agricultural and wetland conservation easements that limit nonagricultural uses and restore habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin offers Agricultural Land Easements, Wetland Reserve Easements, and Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership agreements to protect working farms, ranches, and critical ecosystems.

Wisconsin land conservation and agricultural organizations partnering with producers can seek funding to implement conservation activities that restore soil, water, wildlife habitat, and related natural resources. Wisconsin land and habitat conservation groups can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program for projects on agricultural and eligible forest or associated lands statewide.

Wisconsin counties with lands in the County Forest Program can seek funding to acquire additional forest lands that qualify for county forest entry and long-term conservation. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help expand public forest holdings in Wisconsin, supporting land and habitat conservation through fee simple acquisition that meets statutory requirements.

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can access funding for land and habitat conservation through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Landowner Grant Program. This cost-share program reimburses up to 50% of expenses for tree planting, invasive species control, forest stewardship planning, forest improvement, and related soil, water, and wildlife habitat protection projects.

Nonprofit or public entities seeking to permanently protect lake- and river-associated land in Wisconsin can receive up to US $200,000 for land acquisition or conservation easements. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants may cover 75% of eligible project costs to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and support long-term land and habitat conservation.

Local governments, tribes, and school districts in Wisconsin can seek funding for outdoor recreation land and water projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides land and habitat conservation groups with support for parks, trails, and related facilities.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative offers up to $1,000,000 for the acquisition of private forest land in the Lake Superior Basin. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, local governments, and nonprofits. Projects must focus on forested properties over five acres, addressing threats of conversion to non-forest uses while enhancing community benefits. Proposals demonstrating significant public benefits and community engagement will be prioritized, especially those contributing to habitat connectivity and resilience for local ecosystems.

Landowner Incentive Program

The goal of the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is to help private landowners create and manage habitat for species that are rare or declining. The program provides technical assistance to landowners, including management advice and assistance with management plans with a focus on the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.

The biggest threat to plants and animals worldwide is the loss or degradation of habitat. With more than 85% of Wisconsin’s landscape under private ownership, landowners play a key role in helping conserve the beauty and diversity of Wisconsin’s natural heritage for future generations. As a landowner, you can make a difference by:

• improving or creating habitat for native plants and wildlife;
• receiving technical help to improve your property; or
• helping wildlife and plant species, especially rare species.
• If your property is located within the Driftless Area, the Landowner Incentive Program may be able to help.

Technical Assistance

For landowners in the Driftless Area, we may be able to provide technical assistance, depending on your situation. The LIP biologist may work with you over the phone or email, and if your property is located in the Driftless Area, a one-on-one site visit may also be possible. Technical assistance may include:

• identifying what habitats (or species) may be present on your land;
• suggesting approaches to management;
• help in determining priorities and timelines;
• guidance in developing management plans;
• referrals for funding or technical assistance; and
• providing information on land protection options.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing a funding opportunity for research aimed at restoring cisco populations in Lakes Huron and Erie. This involves hiring a structured decision-making expert and facilitating a workshop for fisheries managers to create a restoration plan. Additionally, a scientist will be engaged to conduct experiments to identify optimal environmental conditions for producing high-quality cisco in hatcheries, enhancing reintroduction efforts.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers a funding opportunity for CESU partners to conduct research on national-scale biogeographic information for aquatic organisms. This project aims to enhance species distribution models and habitat assessments using advanced analytical methods and artificial intelligence. By aligning with Department of the Interior priorities, it supports informed conservation decisions for aquatic ecosystems and species management, benefiting local communities and scientific collaboration.

The F26AS00088 grant program aims to support states and tribes in preventing and compensating for livestock losses due to wolf depredation. Funded by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, it promotes nonlethal strategies for livestock protection, such as fencing and livestock-guarding dogs, while also providing reimbursement for confirmed losses. This initiative enhances coexistence between wildlife and agriculture, ensuring sustainable practices for livestock producers.

The Cooperative Agreement with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU aims to enhance climate adaptation through research funded by the USGS. This initiative focuses on managing Midwest prairies, combating invasive species, and improving habitat for wildlife while ensuring water security and resilience against climate impacts. By utilizing a comprehensive database from the Prairie Reconstruction Initiative, the project seeks effective management strategies to support decision-making for resource managers, thereby addressing critical environmental challenges.

Nonprofit or conservation-focused organizations providing technical assistance to private landowners for regenerative agriculture and land conservation in Wisconsin can access funding via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Conservation Partners Grant Program offers US $250,000 - US $750,000 to support management planning, best practice implementation, Farm Bill participation, and sharing conservation lessons learned.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation can apply for project-specific support, including overhead costs. The Oak Hill Fund provides continental grants that may benefit Wisconsin land and habitat conservation efforts focused on long-term forest ecosystem health and biodiversity.

James E. Dutton Foundation provides Wisconsin land and habitat conservation groups with funding for wildlife protection, environmental preservation, and outdoor education projects. Eligible organizations working on land conservation, habitat restoration, or environmental stewardship may be supported, with priority historically given to Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities in southern Wisconsin can seek up to US $3,500 for land, water, and natural resource conservation projects. Grants from the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin help organizations in counties like Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, La Crosse, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon advance land and habitat conservation efforts.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, and related environmental initiatives in Wisconsin may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. land conservation and restoration efforts, with particular interest in projects connected to private lands and nature-based solutions.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation in Wisconsin can gain paid, hands-on experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, earning up to US $6,870. Focused on collaborative conservation, National Forest Foundation invites master’s and doctoral students to complete a practicum supporting National Forests and Grasslands, with some projects offering remote work options.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations working on nationally significant wildlife and land or habitat conservation, including in Wisconsin, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare funding to support policy, advocacy, education, organizing, and Indigenous wildlife management efforts. Grants may also back sanctuaries for great apes and initiatives protecting pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, and related ecosystems.

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.