Best Grants for Land Conservation in Washington

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources launched its Prescribed Fire Program in the fall of 2021 with the goal of reintroducing a cost-effective tool with a high rate of success for forest restoration and wildfire risk reduction in the dry forests of central and eastern Washington. Prescribed fire is a critical tool for completing objectives with the 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan: Eastern Washington.

Prescribed fire is a tool long used on dry-forest ecosystems in central and eastern Washington by Tribes, land management agencies and conservation groups. These types of forests, with their ponderosa pines and other fire-adapted plants, historically had low-intensity fires burn through their understories on a regular basis. These low-severity fires reduced the amount of ladder fuels capable of taking fires up into tree canopies, where they spread much more rapidly than at ground level.

A prescribed fire applies low-severity fire to the forest floor in order to reduce built-up vegetation while helping mature trees stay healthy and resilient. Trained fire professionals follow burn plans guided by state and federal regulations to reduce wildfire fuels on the ground, reintroduce vital nutrients into the soil, and restore natural, fire-adapted habitats for wildlife.

Safety is the number one priority of DNR's official prescribed fire policy - scheduled burns do not take place as planned if conditions do not meet strict and uncompromising standards. Skilled professionals within the agency conduct prescribed fire operations on DNR-managed lands, assist partner agencies with prescribed burning on land they manage, and oversee a certification program for people who want to lead or participate in prescribed burns.

The Burning Foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, totaling around $650,000 annually, to support environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon. The foundation focuses on preserving habitats that enhance biodiversity and promote quiet recreation. Eligible projects must align with their mission of protecting local rivers, forests, and ecosystems. Preference is given to local initiatives over national organizations, encouraging grassroots efforts in environmental conservation.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation's Wildlife and Habitat Program focuses on promoting biodiversity and habitat conservation in the Northwest. It engages communities in addressing climate change impacts while emphasizing the importance of ecosystem resilience. Through collaboration with local organizations, the program aims to restore critical habitats, enhance landscape connectivity, and support underserved populations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This initiative recognizes the vital role of community engagement and sustainable practices in protecting wildlife and natural resources.

The WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Washington's specialty crops through annual competitive grants funded by the USDA. This program supports various projects including environmental stewardship, pest management, plant health, food safety research, and innovative technologies. By fostering education and marketing initiatives, it seeks to improve the industry's sustainability and productivity, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Paul Wiseman Conservation Education Grant, offered by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation-focused non-profit organizations in the Salish Sea region. With a funding limit of $15,000, this grant encourages impactful educational projects and restoration initiatives that promote environmental awareness. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and community agencies. The foundation aims to enhance conservation efforts and foster community engagement in preserving the region's unique ecosystems.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Innovia Foundation's Community Grant Program offers funding to organizations in a 20-county region, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. This program prioritizes impactful community initiatives in education, arts, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life. Eligible applicants include public charities and federally recognized tribes. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, aiming to address basic human needs and reduce inequity, while fostering vibrant and sustainable communities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The WA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focuses on preserving agricultural land through Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). This program helps landowners protect their land's agricultural viability and conservation values by limiting non-agricultural uses. To participate, landowners must collaborate with eligible partners and adhere to specific compliance requirements. The USDA's NRCS plays a key role in funding and supporting these conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in Washington.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Headquartered in Olympia, the department maintains six regional offices and manages dozens of wildlife areas and hundreds of water access areas around the state, offering fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities for the residents of Washington.

Wildlife Diversity Grant Program

WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations, with priority for SGCN whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Coordination with WDFW species leads and alignment with WDFW priorities is critical to the success of grant-funded projects. 

Projects must take place within Washington Biennium 2025-2027 (BN25-27). We strongly encourage prospective applicants to consult WDFW species leads before submitting an application to ensure their proposals are well-informed and aligned with WDFW priorities and plans for specific species.

The Floodplains by Design Grants program aims to enhance community resilience to flooding and restore vital habitats in Washington's river corridors. This initiative, led by the Washington Department of Ecology and various partners, supports projects that mitigate flood risks while preserving agriculture and promoting outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits, focusing on integrated floodplain management to address climate impacts and ensure sustainable development.

The Icicle Fund Community Grants support nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington that promote the arts, history, and environmental stewardship. These unrestricted grants allow organizations to address community needs flexibly and innovatively. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, the program prioritizes engaging local communities in appreciation and understanding of their unique cultural and natural heritage. Eligible organizations include public schools, governmental entities, and faith-based groups focusing on these core areas.

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) offers funding for diverse land conservation projects, from urban habitat protection to the preservation of rare plant species. Established in 1990, the WWRP aims to acquire and develop recreation and habitat lands to serve a growing population. Grants require a 50% match from local agencies and nonprofits, with specific funding caps based on project type, ensuring that vital ecosystems and recreational spaces are preserved for future generations.

The Keta Legacy Foundation offers Level 1 Community Conservation Education Grants to support conservation-focused non-profits in the Salish Sea region. Grants are capped at $5,000 for short-term educational projects that promote environmental awareness. Eligible projects include educational programs, workshops, and instructional materials. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community involvement and collaboration among various organizations while adhering to its commitment to environmental preservation.

The WA New & Recompete AmeriCorps Operational Grant supports organizations ready to launch or renew AmeriCorps programs, enhancing national service and community engagement in Washington. This funding is ideal for new applicants or those completing a three-year grant cycle. It focuses on impactful service areas such as disaster relief, education, and economic opportunity, aiming to strengthen community resilience and address local needs effectively.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Farmland Preservation Grants through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program aim to secure development rights on farmland, ensuring its future use for agriculture. This initiative not only protects vital farming land but also allows for restoration projects to enhance its productivity. Established in 1990, the program reflects a commitment to balancing land conservation with the needs of a growing population, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices within the state.

The Forestland Preservation Grant Program in Washington provides financial support for the acquisition of conservation easements to protect forests from development. This initiative, part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, aims to maintain timber production while promoting ecological benefits and public access. Eligible applicants can request funding up to $500,000 for projects that ensure sustainable forest management and habitat enhancement, contributing to the conservation of vital natural resources.

The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account supports the protection and enhancement of aquatic lands in Washington State. Established in 1984, it funds projects that improve public access and restore ecological health. Eligible applicants include local and state agencies, as well as Native American tribes. Projects may involve the acquisition or restoration of aquatic lands, with a funding cap of $1 million, of which $500,000 can be allocated for development or restoration efforts.

The WSRCO Community Forests Grant Program empowers Washington communities to safeguard their working forest heritage. It balances ecological preservation with recreational opportunities, ensuring that forestlands remain resilient against development pressures. Eligible applicants include cities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations, enabling diverse groups to engage in vital conservation projects. Typical initiatives include purchasing land for forest conservation and enhancing habitat health. This program plays a crucial role in maintaining the environmental and cultural integrity of Washington's forests for future generations.