Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in New Hampshire

Eligible New Hampshire conservation districts, municipalities, nonprofits, K–12 schools, and scout groups can apply for the Conservation Grant Program, with awards up to US $35,000 for on-the-ground natural resource projects. Administered by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, it funds tangible work in water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, land protection, and related planning.

Environmental conservation nonprofits in New Hampshire can seek project or capital funding for conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health initiatives. Grants from James M Cox Foundation support 501(c)(3) or eligible government entities in U.S. communities where Cox Enterprises operates, with New Hampshire organizations needing local Cox business engagement and, if applicable, endorsement.

Publicly supported charities and governmental units in New Hampshire can seek funding for direct land conservation projects, including land or conservation easement purchases and related transaction costs. Focused on natural resource protection, the William P. Wharton Trust favors projects with lasting, tangible results and those that help leverage matching funds and collaboration among conservation-minded organizations.

Environmental and community-focused nonprofits, charities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and associations in New Hampshire near TC Energy operations can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, education, environment, and resilient communities projects. Focused on measurable community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites initiatives that protect and enhance the environment and promote community well-being.

Grants from the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund help New Hampshire environmental conservation organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits across New England and New York fund charitable, educational, scientific, religious, and community programs. Eligible groups working on environment, animals, health, human services, arts, or public benefit initiatives may be especially competitive, with historical preference for Connecticut organizations.

Nonprofit and conservation-focused organizations undertaking land and habitat conservation projects in New Hampshire can seek up to US $4,600,000 to protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and support local communities. Grants from Open Space Institute help fund capital projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area that retain forest carbon and improve landscape connectivity.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for capital projects can apply for the Madelaine G. von Weber Trust Grant to fund impactful, well-conceived initiatives. The trust supports environmental and conservation projects, energy efficiency improvements, arts, music, and social services that create lasting benefits for New Hampshire communities.

With a mission to support grassroots environmental efforts, New England Grassroots Environment Fund provides New Hampshire community-based groups with US $1,000 - US $4,000 to deepen local environmental projects. Volunteer-driven initiatives with small budgets can use funding to broaden participation, engage new stakeholders, and bring more community voices into environmental decision-making.

Grassroots community groups in New Hampshire launching new or significantly refocused environmental projects can apply for New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s Seed grants, awarding US $500 - US $1,000 for early-stage work. Volunteer-driven groups with small budgets and broad community representation in local environmental conservation and justice efforts may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations with prior AmeriCorps experience in New Hampshire can apply for competitive funding to operate full AmeriCorps programs, supporting initiatives such as environmental conservation and community services. Volunteer NH administers the state-level competition and submits selected applications to the federal AmeriCorps agency for three-year funding decisions.

Focused on environmental conservation, The Nature Conservancy invites New Hampshire conservation nonprofits, community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies to seek funding for land acquisition and related project costs. Eligible Appalachian projects can receive up to US $100,000 for fee or easement purchases, stewardship, community engagement, and operational expenses that advance resilient, connected habitats and community benefits.

Producers and landowners managing working agricultural or forest lands in New Hampshire can receive US $1,500 - US $4,000 to enhance on-farm conservation and environmental stewardship. With a mission to strengthen natural resource conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Hampshire offers five-year contracts for practices that improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.

New Hampshire environmental conservation nonprofits and public agencies can seek funding for alpine-area stewardship, education, trail work, and research projects. New Hampshire environmental groups can access funding through The Waterman Fund for initiatives in alpine and adjacent subalpine zones, including start-up efforts and multi-year sponsorships that strengthen the understanding and protection of high-elevation ecosystems.

New Hampshire environmental conservation nonprofits can access funding through Davis Conservation Foundation for projects involving wildlife, habitat protection, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation. 501(c)(3) organizations classified under 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) working in areas like the Northern Forest, Gulf of Maine, or climate change resilience may be especially competitive.

New Hampshire environmental conservation nonprofits can access funding for species-focused project support through the Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in the Northeast may receive US $20,000 - US $75,000 per year, with priority for projects protecting endangered or at-risk wildlife and their habitats, including multi-year efforts.

The National Park Service (NPS) invites applications for Master Cooperative Agreements from participants in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network across various regions. This initiative fosters collaboration among federal agencies, tribes, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to enhance resource stewardship. With 390 non-federal partners and 15 federal agencies, the CESU network supports interdisciplinary projects addressing diverse environmental and cultural heritage issues. Applications are continually accepted until the announcement's closing date.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align with their 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to invest over $1.2 billion to enhance opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their funding focuses on conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health and well-being, organizational effectiveness, and social-impact investments. The General Application offers flexibility without deadlines, allowing for a variety of support types, including project-specific and general operating funding, aimed at enriching community vitality and environmental stewardship.

The Aerie Real Foundation™ Community Grant aims to enhance confidence, inclusion, and sustainability among young women while supporting non-profit organizations in the US and Canada. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to programs focused on mental well-being, fostering inclusive communities, and environmental protection. Applications are accepted from certified 501c3 nonprofits, with funding allocated for projects that align with the Foundation's mission. The goal is to empower the next generation and create a positive impact in local communities.

Overview

GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.

We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.

Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:

• Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.
• Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.
• Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

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.

Young people leading environmental projects in the U.S., including New Hampshire, can apply for microgrants to grow ambitious conservation and sustainability initiatives. Grants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative help youth advance environmental conservation, stewardship, justice, and pollution-related projects through the John Goddard Prize, with adult advisors allowed only in a supporting role.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in North America working on conservation and related issues can receive US $3,000 plus leadership development support. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards honor impactful, scalable projects, and New Hampshire youth advancing environmental conservation or justice may be strong candidates.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on environmental protection and conservation in New Hampshire can seek support through the Yocha Dehe Community Fund. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation prioritizes initiatives that help people help themselves in areas including environmental protection, health and wellness, education, and Native rights and Tribal sovereignty, and accepts applicants from across the U.S.

The Oak Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations worldwide aiming to create a safer, fairer, and sustainable future. With a commitment to social justice, the foundation encourages innovative approaches and long-term partnerships. Grants range from USD 25,000 to USD 10 million, focusing on projects that address root causes, ensure sustainability, and foster collaboration. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity and flexibility, aiming to build resilient organizations capable of making lasting impacts.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations working on environmental conservation and sustainability can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding; awards support programs in Canada and the U.S. Eligible projects may include ecosystem protection, sustainable energy, and community environmental initiatives, which can benefit conservation efforts in New Hampshire.