Best Grants for Land Conservation in Puerto Rico

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in Puerto Rico can seek funding to partner with producers on projects that address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Focused on large-scale conservation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 for collaborative projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program Alternative Funding Arrangements.

Organizations partnering on land and habitat conservation, sustainable agriculture, or natural resource projects in Puerto Rico and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 to co-invest in on-farm, watershed, and regional conservation solutions. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service help partners implement competitive Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic projects with measurable resource improvements.

Conservation organizations and partners working on land and habitat conservation in Puerto Rico can seek funding to protect and restore coastal fish and wildlife habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program offers cooperative agreements up to US $500,000 for projects in priority coastal ecosystems, developed collaboratively with local Coastal Program staff.

Puerto Rico land and habitat conservation partners working with private landowners can access funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to restore and protect habitats for fish and wildlife. Eligible projects may receive up to US $750,000 and must coordinate with a local Program office before applying.

Puerto Rico land and habitat conservation partners can access funding through the U.S. Department of Defense to support projects near military installations and ranges. The REPI Challenge offers up to US $20,000,000 for efforts that prevent incompatible land use, alleviate environmental restrictions, and enhance military installation resilience across U.S. states and territories.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 seeking US $500 - US $5,000 for specific animal welfare or wildlife preservation projects can apply for support from The Denver Foundation’s Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund. Organizations working on land and habitat conservation, including efforts that benefit Puerto Rico’s ecosystems, may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups defending land, water, and natural resources in Puerto Rico and across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and related island nations can seek support for non-violent direct actions and organizing. With a mission to back urgent Indigenous climate and land defense, NDN Collective provides funding for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel, up to US $15,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on water stewardship projects can apply for Bell's Brewery Grassroots Small Grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for ecosystem health, water resource protection, and climate-related water resilience. Land and habitat conservation groups in Puerto Rico may be eligible if their projects advance freshwater conservation and watershed protection.

501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on land and habitat conservation and related community development in Puerto Rico can apply for support from the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Funding may be provided as program-related investments or grants for self-sustaining projects that strengthen the economic base of disadvantaged communities and preserve rural land or open space.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused individuals in Puerto Rico working on land and habitat conservation can apply for SITKA Ecosystem Grants, which typically range from US $3,000 - US $20,000. These invitation-only awards support ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, outdoor recreation access, and collaborative stewardship projects in the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit organizations and qualified institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in the U.S. can seek funding that may support Puerto Rico projects. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help advance biodiversity conservation on private lands, with typical first-time awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000 and a focus on systemic, nature-based solutions.

Graduate students in conservation-related fields can receive up to US $6,870 for a practicum-based Conservation Connect Fellowship, including remote and place-based projects across the U.S. from the National Forest Foundation. Students interested in land and habitat conservation work that may involve Puerto Rico’s public lands gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional training.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and habitat conservation can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and Indigenous wildlife management efforts. Programs in areas like land and habitat conservation, endangered species protection, and sanctuaries for great apes may benefit, including work connected to land conservation in Puerto Rico.

Nonprofits, research institutions, and other organizations seeking support for land and habitat conservation, coastal resilience, and related environmental research in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, may be eligible for this Broad Agency Announcement. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration invites proposals for innovative research, education, outreach, and sponsorship projects beyond its standard competitive programs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation, environmental protection, human services, economic development, or animal welfare in Puerto Rico can apply for grants from the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation. Funding may support eligible conservation and community-focused projects; applications are due June 30, 2025, with awards distributed by December 2025.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields at a 2- or 4-year college can apply for this scholarship, with financial need considered. With a mission to support education and conservation, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation assists students, including those from Puerto Rico interested in land and habitat conservation careers.

Puerto Rico land and habitat conservation organizations can access funding through the Bureau of Land Management to support rangeland resource management and restoration. Grants of US $50,000 - US $250,000 back projects that improve land health and productivity, enhance soil carbon sequestration, restore rangelands, conduct soils mapping, and engage communities through training and educational programs across U.S. landscapes.

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.

The Conservation Alliance Grants program is currently under evaluation, leading to a pause in the member-directed grant cycle as the organization aligns its funding with its strategic plan launching in 2025. This initiative aims to harness the collective efforts of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America's wild places through impactful and efficient grant-making. Future funding will focus on projects that enhance habitat, support Indigenous initiatives, and address climate change.

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 Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The IDNR: State Duck Stamp Funding program supports the development of waterfowl propagation areas in the Mississippi Flyway. Funded by sales of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps, it focuses on projects in Canada and the U.S. that enhance waterfowl populations. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations aiming to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This initiative not only fosters wildlife conservation but also strengthens ecological sustainability in the region.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.