Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Utah

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on environmental protection projects can seek support for wilderness and wildlands protection, river and wetlands conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Focused on these priorities, Maki Foundation invites organizations in Utah and nearby Western states to apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000, generally for groups under $1 million in annual budget.

Utah environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities can seek support for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities projects. Grants from Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation help fund environmental conservation, clean water and food access, parks and green spaces, disaster preparedness, first responder support, and youth and vocational education initiatives across its regional marketing areas, including Utah.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah working on environmental conservation, wildlife habitat, or related education can seek funding to support their programs. With a mission to assist youth education, homeless and oppressed populations, wildlife and habitat conservation, and dog welfare and service animals, Cross Charitable Foundation provides invitation-only grants across the Northwest, including Utah.

Utah-based 501(c)(3) organizations and government units working on environmental conservation, historic preservation, or related community projects can apply for the George S and Delores Dore Eccles Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $2,000,000. Funding supports impactful programs that preserve natural environments and historic resources while strengthening quality of life across Utah communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, primarily in Utah with a preference for Northern Utah, can apply for Willard L. Eccles Foundation grants supporting environmental conservation, education, basic science, social services, and healthcare for underserved people. Organizations in Idaho may also receive limited support, and projects spanning multiple focus areas, especially healthcare-related, are particularly encouraged.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Utah can receive financial and technical help to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah provides assistance for soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, fire management, and other environmental conservation priorities.

Utah farmers, ranchers, and private agricultural landowners seeking to improve environmental conservation on crop, pasture, or range lands can access financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program: Conservation Incentive Contract. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah supports projects addressing soil health, water quality, habitat, fire management, and pollutant storage while improving agricultural operations.

Producers and agricultural landowners in Utah can receive annual payments to maintain and enhance conservation practices on working lands through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah help environmental conservation efforts on cropland, pasture, rangeland, farmsteads, and nonindustrial private forest land via five-year stewardship contracts that reward improved resource management.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on conservation and environment in Utah communities where Cox Enterprises operates can apply for James M Cox Foundation support. Funding focuses on capital projects and special initiatives, such as facilities, equipment, program expansion, or capacity-building, and may benefit environmental conservation efforts connected to local Cox business engagement.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, land and habitat protection, or parks and green spaces can apply for the Joan And Tim Fenton Family Foundation’s broad charitable grants. Funding may support programs that protect and enhance the environment while also advancing community development, youth, family, education, arts, or health initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental or nonprofit educational institutions in Utah can receive up to US $2,000 for conservation, education, or academic research projects. With a mission to protect and enhance habitat, Great Salt Lake Audubon prefers to fund hard costs such as equipment or supplies that advance environmental conservation.

Utah environmental conservation and wildlife organizations that are 501(c)(3)s or government entities can access funding through the Marc C And Deborah H Bingham Foundation to support sustainable fish and wildlife habitats. Higher education institutions and medical research organizations, including those focused on cancer and other diseases, may also be eligible if they meet the foundation’s priorities.

Academic researchers and graduate students in Utah and other eligible locations can apply for National Geographic Society grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support non-commercial geography education research. Projects must advance educational approaches or tools, support geographic education locally, and align with at least one of the Society’s environmental and planetary focus areas.

Utah local governments and public agencies seeking to acquire or develop outdoor recreation spaces in Utah can use this program to fund parks, trails, and other public facilities. Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation provides Utah environmental conservation efforts with US $200,000 - US $2,000,000 to protect public lands, preserve natural landscapes, and expand outdoor access in perpetuity.

Organizations and agencies working on wildlife and habitat conservation in Utah can apply for grants supporting protection, research, management, and recovery of at-risk species. Grants from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources help environmental conservation efforts focused on species of greatest conservation need and those listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing funding for research aimed at enhancing rangeland drought forecasts, crucial for effective land management. This project will develop comprehensive ecological drought forecasts and deliver them to resource managers, focusing on restoration efforts in the western U.S. By creating real-time weather data-driven forecasts, the initiative aims to improve decision-making for ecological restoration, wildfire risk management, and sustainable resource development, ultimately supporting the resilience of western dryland ecosystems.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

Nonprofit conservation organizations working to protect lands, waters, and wildlife in Utah and other priority regions of Western North America can seek project support through Wilburforce Foundation. Wilburforce supports efforts that expand protected habitat, maintain ecological connectivity, reduce threats, strengthen management of protected areas, advance conservation science and policy, and build organizational capacity.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Clarence W. Winter Charitable Trust, established from Mr. Winter's Will, provides annual grants of $3,000 to $5,000 to support tax-exempt organizations focused on charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. While there are no geographic restrictions, the Trust prioritizes organizations in Bucks County, PA. With a commitment to community betterment, Mr. Winter's legacy continues to support impactful initiatives for years to come.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund supports conservation-focused nonprofits through fundraising events and donation of merchandise or gift cards. Organizations eligible for funding must be registered 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. or provincially registered nonprofits in Canada. This initiative aims to connect communities to outdoor activities while promoting wildlife conservation and support for military veterans. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to enhance local fundraising efforts.

The Outdoor Fund - Local Impact Grant supports local organizations and projects that enhance community engagement and align with conservation goals. With grants up to $5,000, eligible projects include youth fishing clinics and trail maintenance. Funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, this initiative exemplifies their commitment to wildlife conservation and connecting communities to the outdoors. Eligible applicants include municipalities and registered nonprofits in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on specific conservation efforts.

The Howe Foundation, established by Thomas E. Howe in Clark County, Nevada, supports U.S. charitable organizations focused on education, medical advancements, and game hunters associations. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank, with applications reviewed annually in September. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for meaningful community initiatives.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The Curtis Gates Lloyd Research Fellowship, provided by the Lloyd Library and Museum, supports research in various fields, including botany, conservation, and history of science. This fellowship offers a stipend of $2,000 for local applicants and $3,000 for those from outside the region. To be eligible, applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and commit to conducting research at the library for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The fellowship duration ranges from one to three months.