Best Grants for Land Conservation in Rhode Island

Private and tribal landowners in Rhode Island can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service wetland reserve easements to protect, restore, and enhance previously degraded agricultural wetlands. This program funds conservation easements and restoration work that improve wildlife habitat, water quality, flood control, and long-term land and habitat conservation outcomes.

Rhode Island land and habitat conservation organizations restoring diminished native tree species can access funding through the Oak Hill Fund for project-specific work in the continental U.S. Eligible 501(c)(3) applicants may propose scientific research, seed orchard development, or forest land preservation tied to specific species restoration, with reasonable project overhead supported.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital support for land and habitat conservation projects can apply for funding to purchase equipment, tangible property, or real estate, or to undertake construction or renovations. The Champlin Foundation also considers limited requests to reduce debt tied to conservation-related facility acquisition or improvements.

Fields Pond Foundation provides Rhode Island land and habitat conservation groups with funding for trail creation, public access improvements, land acquisition, stewardship, and related education projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, municipal agencies, and conservation organizations in New England and upper New York State, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $25,000.

Grants to private landowners and Indian tribes in Rhode Island help restore, protect, and enhance degraded agricultural wetlands while conserving land and habitat. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island fund wetland reserve easements, including permanent, term, and 30-year options, with technical and financial assistance for restoration and related costs.

Private forest landowners in Rhode Island seeking to conserve working forests can receive funding for land purchases or permanent conservation easements that prevent conversion to non-forest uses. The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management partners with the USDA Forest Service to support priority tracts over 25 forested acres within the designated Forest Legacy Area.

Agricultural producers, non‑industrial forest owners, Tribes, and other land stewards in Rhode Island can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve land and habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island supports projects enhancing soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, on‑farm energy efficiency, and oyster reef and source water protection.

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.

The Jandy Ammons Foundation, established in 2012, is committed to enhancing local communities through innovative, project-driven initiatives. Focused on 'shovel ready' projects, it supports wildlife conservation, educational efforts, artistic installations, and Christian mission endeavors. By providing resources to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities, the foundation aims to inspire community engagement and sustainable growth. The foundation reflects the collaborative spirit of its founders, Andy and Jan Ammons, who believe in hard work, integrity, and maximizing available resources.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous organizers in Rhode Island and across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and community organizing. Funding covers supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel for efforts defending land, water, air, and natural resources.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with land or habitat conservation, freshwater, or water resource projects can apply for Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000. Focused on water stewardship, these grants support ecosystem health, climate-related water resiliency, and protection of public health, which may benefit Rhode Island land conservation efforts.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation, community development, or related self-sustaining initiatives can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Support includes program-related investments and grants for economic development, housing, education, health, and open space preservation in disadvantaged communities in the U.S. and select developing regions.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and other experienced conservation practitioners in Rhode Island and beyond can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem, habitat, and land conservation projects. Focused on ecosystem health, W.L. Gore & Associates invites proposals that restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, improve access to outdoor recreation, and promote collaborative stewardship across wild, suburban, and urban landscapes.

Eligible partners conducting land and habitat conservation near military installations in Rhode Island and other U.S. locations can apply for the REPI Challenge, with awards up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use and resilience projects. The U.S. Department of Defense program supports efforts that prevent land use conflicts and alleviate environmental restrictions around key mission areas.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Rhode Island can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, nature-based restoration, and conservation policy efforts, with a broader focus on the U.S., especially the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay.

Graduate students interested in land and habitat conservation in Rhode Island can apply for the Conservation Connect Fellowship, which funds up to US $6,870 for a practicum with the National Forest Foundation. With a mission to build collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides applied project experience, mentorship, and professional development with conservation partners.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation, wildlife protection, and related advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports policy, organizing, education, legal advocacy, and Indigenous wildlife management, including efforts benefiting pollinators, wolves, whales, and birds, which may include work connected to Rhode Island landscapes and ecosystems.

Rhode Island land and habitat conservation organizations, research institutions, and education partners can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for climate, coastal, and marine-related research, education, outreach, and innovative projects. This national Broad Agency Announcement may benefit Rhode Island groups working on land conservation connected to coastal ecosystems and climate resilience.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation in Rhode Island can apply for Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation grants to support conservation, environmental protection, human services, or animal welfare initiatives. Organizations focused on protecting natural landscapes and habitats may be especially competitive for this national funding opportunity.

Rhode Island land and habitat conservation groups can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to restore and protect habitats on private lands. Eligible projects across all states and territories may receive up to US $750,000 in cooperative support for fish, wildlife, and plant conservation efforts.

Graduating high school seniors in Rhode Island 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 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.

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 Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, established in 1999 in memory of Lauren Townsend, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. focused on animal welfare and wildlife preservation. Grants are awarded to organizations with specific project funding needs and budgets under $250,000. Smaller nonprofits are encouraged to apply, while general operating expenses and lobbying activities are not funded. The fund honors Lauren's passion for animals, continuing her legacy of support for those in need.