Best Grants for Land Conservation in Nevada

Nevada Department of Wildlife

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. NDOW is organized into seven divisions (Conservation Education, Habitat, Game, Data and Technology Services, Law Enforcement, Biodiversity and Fisheries) that develop programs and projects, and three regions (eastern, southern and western) that implement these programs.

Habitat, Research & Management (HRM) Funding

As of the June 28, 2024 Board of Wildlife Commissioners meeting, pursuant to changes made to NRS 502.253(1)(b) during the 82nd session of the Nevada State Legislature, NDOW is authorized to expend funds from the $3 fee charged for processing game tag applications directed for the use of “improvement of wildlife habitat and research or management activities beneficial to nonpredatory game species”. Changes to this statute also included the removal of the 80% minimum spending requirement for the management and control of predatory wildlife (lethal removal). All awards shall be made in the form of grant awards through the Wildlife Heritage Committee following the same process as prescribed by NDOW’s Heritage Program Grant Manual.

Rules and regulations governing the Wildlife Heritage Account have evolved since its establishment; however, the original concept remains the same: to award grant money to projects “for the protection, propagation, restoration, transplantation, introduction, and management of any game fish, game mammal, game bird or fur-bearing mammal and the management and control of predatory wildlife in this state.” (NRS 501.3575)

Funding priority will be given to applicants who have obtained outside funding sources as partial support for the project. Additional priority will be given for projects of habitat restoration and improvement of a long term or permanent nature and projects that demonstrate in writing a need for money to fund the project. 

Nonprofit or conservation-focused organizations supporting land and habitat conservation in Nevada can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 to expand regenerative agriculture and conservation practices on private lands. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program funds technical assistance that helps landowners plan, implement best practices, engage in Farm Bill programs, and improve soil, water, and wildlife outcomes.

Nevada agricultural producers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest landowners seeking to improve land and habitat conservation can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. This program offers technical and financial assistance to address soil health, water and air quality, erosion, wildlife habitat, and climate-smart conservation on working lands.

Nonprofit conservation partners and Tribal or state-supported projects enhancing big game seasonal habitat, stopover areas, and migration corridors in Nevada and other western states can apply for support; funding is available for work on federal, private, or Tribal lands. With a mission to protect wildlife and habitats, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports land and habitat conservation efforts that improve connectivity and climate resiliency.

Qualified youth corps and tribal-serving youth organizations in Nevada can seek US $30,000 - US $220,000 to run land and habitat conservation projects, youth workforce programs, and environmental stewardship initiatives. The Bureau of Land Management supports hands-on trail work, habitat restoration, cultural resource preservation, wildfire risk reduction, and related educational and research activities through its Youth Conservation Corps program.

Nevada land and habitat conservation nonprofits restoring diminished native tree species can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund for research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may apply, with support available for project-specific costs and necessary administrative and fundraising expenses.

Nevada agricultural producers and land stewards seeking support for land and habitat conservation can receive more than US $4,000 to enhance working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Nevada’s Conservation Stewardship Program funds custom conservation plans, including practices for grazing improvement, crop resiliency, water and soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture.

Nevada agricultural landowners, tribes, land trusts, and public entities can secure funding to place conservation easements that protect working farms, ranches, grazing lands, and wetlands. With a mission to conserve natural resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Nevada provides support to preserve agricultural viability, restore degraded wetlands, and enhance long-term land and habitat conservation values.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

Nevada land and habitat conservation nonprofits serving economically or educationally disadvantaged communities can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation to support self-sustaining economic development, housing, education, and related services. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive program-related investments or grants, including projects that preserve rural land or open space while strengthening local economic opportunity.

Nevada land and habitat conservation groups, researchers, and other experienced environmental stewards can apply for US $3,000 - US $20,000 projects that restore ecosystems, enhance wildlife habitat, and support outdoor access. Focused on ecosystem health and collaborative stewardship, W.L. Gore supports work such as habitat restoration, biodiversity projects, trail maintenance, and conservation education across the U.S. and Canada.

Eligible partners working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Nevada and other U.S. locations can apply for the REPI Challenge, which offers up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use projects. Funding from the U.S. Department of Defense supports efforts that prevent land use conflicts and enhance installation resilience.

Nonprofit organizations and institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Nevada and other U.S. regions can seek support from the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants may benefit Nevada land conservation projects that advance private land protection, watershed restoration, or innovative conservation policy.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation in Nevada and across the U.S. can gain paid practicum experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, earning up to US $6,870. With a mission to develop collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides hands-on projects, mentorship, and training tied to National Forests and Grasslands.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on nationally significant wildlife and land or habitat conservation, including in Nevada, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports policy, advocacy, education, organizing, and Indigenous wildlife management, with priorities such as endangered species, pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, sanctuaries, and related ecosystems.

Nevada land and habitat conservation organizations can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for research, education, outreach, and innovative projects related to marine, coastal, climate, and atmospheric science. This Broad Agency Announcement covers activities across the U.S., including work that advances climate change resilience, coastal conservation, and improved environmental information and services.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation in Nevada can apply for the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation’s grants to support their programs. Funding may also benefit organizations addressing environmental protection, human services, animal welfare, and related economic development across the U.S., if they meet the foundation’s priorities and deadlines.

Nevada landowners and land stewards working on land and habitat conservation can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with awards up to US $750,000. This program supports voluntary projects that restore and protect habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants on private and non-federal lands nationwide.

Graduating high school seniors in Nevada planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields at a 2- or 4-year college may be eligible for this scholarship. With a mission to support education and conservation careers, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation considers financial need and applicants’ engagement in outdoor sports and conservation values.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program offers vital technical and financial support for projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with conservation partners, the program ensures that all projects are scientifically sound and align with the missions of the Department of the Interior. Applicants must contact a local office for guidance before applying, ensuring projects meet strategic conservation goals.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 seeking project-specific support for animal welfare, wildlife preservation, or land and habitat conservation can apply for The Denver Foundation’s Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Nevada conservation groups working on habitat protection or restoration may be eligible.

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.