Best Water Grants

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.

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program

A total of $75,000 is available across three grant types for volunteer benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring and habitat assessment in wadeable streams and rivers. Benthic invertebrates are small, bottom-dwelling aquatic animals such as larval insects, snails, worms, and beetles. Local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for the following:

• Startup grants
• Implementation grants
• Maintenance grants

Implementation Grants

These funds support volunteer training and macroinvertebrate data collection for the purpose of assessing water quality that help state and local efforts to protect and manage water resources. Grants may be used to fund a monitoring coordinator and/or purchase water quality monitoring supplies. There is a maximum dollar amount of $20,000 per grant award for two-year projects under this funding area.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for land acquisition or conservation easements in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. The initiative aims to enhance water quality and ecosystems while prioritizing projects that protect native habitats and provide flood resiliency. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $4 million per project, supporting efforts that align with LCBP’s goals, including increasing public access to recreational areas as a secondary benefit.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust

The Wyoming Legislature created the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust in 2005. Funded by interest earned on a permanent account, donations and legislative appropriation, the purpose of the program is to enhance and conserve wildlife habitat and natural resource values throughout the state.

The Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust is an independent state agency governed by a nine-member citizen board appointed by the Governor. Legislative oversight is guided by a select committee of six members, three each from the House and Senate.

The trust account is governed by a Board of nine citizens, each representing a geographic district, and collectively reflecting "a broad spectrum of experiences including wildlife, agriculture, energy, sportsmen, and tourism" (WS 9-15-104a). Income from the trust account will be used to fund a wide variety of wildlife and natural resource conservation programs.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Funding

Projects

Any project designed to improve wildlife habitat or natural resource values is eligible for funding.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust funding is available for a wide variety of projects throughout the state, including natural resource programs of other agencies. Some examples include the following: 

• Projects that improve or maintain existing terrestrial habitat necessary to maintain optimum wildlife populations may include grassland restoration, changes in management, prescribed fire, or treatment of invasive plants.

• Preservation of open space by purchase or acquisition of development rights, contractual obligations, or other means of maintaining open space.

• Acquisition of terrestrial or aquatic habitat when existing habitat is determined crucial/critical, or is present in minimal amounts, and acquisition presents the necessary factor in attaining or preserving desired wildlife or fish population levels.

• Mitigation of impacts detrimental to wildlife habitat, the environment and the multiple use of renewable natural resources, or mitigation of conflicts and reduction of potential for disease transmission between wildlife and domestic livestock.

Funds may be used for planning, development, and monitoring programs at the sole discretion of the Board.

Public Benefit

Projects are required to provide a public benefit. Applicants are encouraged to fully document all public benefits, such as continued agricultural production to maintain open space and healthy ecosystems; enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation; enhancements to air, land, or water quality; maintenance or enhancement of wildlife habitat; preclusion of soil loss or disease; or other perceived public benefits.

Project Size

Projects are designated legally as either "large" or "small" in scale. Large projects are defined as individual projects which require $400,000.00 or more in funding from the WWNRT and projects spanning multiple years will be considered as a single project. Applicants should understand that approval of large projects will require a sufficient amount of time for both board and subsequent legislative review prior to approval.

Rhode Island Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRCS works hand-in-hand with the people of Rhode Island and the Ocean State's three conservation districts to improve and protect their soil, water, air, plants, animals and energy. We employ conservation experts who help farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers and urban growers develop conservation plans for sustainable and resilient operations, create and restore wetlands, restore and manage other natural ecosystems, and advise on flood protection, nutrient and animal waste management and watershed planning.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) - Rhode Island

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, tribes, and other entities to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values, protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land, and protecting and restoring and enhancing wetlands on eligible land.

ACEP has two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).

Wetland Reserve Easements

(See page 130 of attached PDF document)

Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) help private and tribal landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.

Benefits

Wetland Reserve Easements component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; improves water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduces flooding; recharges groundwater; protects biological diversity; and provides opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

What land is eligible?

Land eligible for wetland reserve easements includes privately held farmed or converted wetlands that were previously degraded due to agricultural uses and can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. NRCS will prioritize applications based the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

How does it work?

To enroll land through wetland reserve easements, NRCS enters into purchase agreements with eligible private landowners or Indian tribes that include the right for NRCS to develop and implement a Wetland Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPO). This plan will detail practices to help restore, protect and enhance the wetlands functions and values.

Wetland Reserve enrollment options include:

• Permanent Easements – Permanent easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs.
• 30-year Easements – 30-year easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
• Term Easements - Term easements are easements that are for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws. NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the term easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
• 30-year Contracts – 30-year contracts are only available to enroll acreage owned by Indian tribes and program payment rates are commensurate with 30-year easements.

For all Wetland Reserve Easements options, NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees and title insurance.

The Max W. Johnson Scholarship, established by Max Johnson, supports students from Montgomery County, Indiana, enrolled in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. This educational scholarship recognizes achievements in soil and water conservation practices. The award is renewable for up to four years and covers tuition only. Eligible applicants must be graduates from local high schools and demonstrate a commitment to conservation efforts, enhancing the importance of sustainability in agriculture.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Management Grant, offered by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, aims to combat the spread of invasive species in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $450,000 available, grants of up to $25,000 will support projects that prevent new invasions and manage existing populations through effective on-the-ground strategies. Eligible projects include species mapping, removal efforts, and community outreach initiatives to promote awareness and action.

The Butler Family Foundation Community Grant provides two-year funding to 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota focused on arts, environment, and human services. Grants support general operations or specific projects, with minimum awards of $30,000 for operating costs and $20,000 for program support. Priority is given to organizations serving urban areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis, promoting community arts, environmental stewardship, and essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly youth and families.

The Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund Grant, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Berkshire County to enhance water quality and address related land issues. Since its inception in 2000, this fund has become a vital resource for preserving the region's unique and diverse natural environment, benefiting the local community and ensuring sustainable practices for future generations.

The Development Partnership Grants, offered by the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, fund initiatives aimed at fostering long-term economic growth in northeastern Minnesota. Applications are open from July 1, 2025, until May 29, 2026, or until funds are allocated. These grants support research, planning, and education projects that align with community development goals, helping to strengthen the region's economy and enhance local resources.

Native Seed growing Program (NV)

The State of Nevada, Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide native seed growing services as described in the scope of work and attachments. The State intends to award up to six (6) contracts in conjunction with this solicitation, as determined in the best interests of the State. The Department of Agriculture shall administer contract(s) resulting from this solicitation. The resulting contract(s) are expected to be for a contract term of four years, subject to Board of Examiner’s approval.

This project is a subset of a larger, partnership-driven project that aims to target 4 main objectives:

• Native seed collection;
• Native seed cleaning and storage;
• Native seed production; and
• Creation of a native seed equipment network.

This particular project addresses one primary objective: enhancing native seed production in Nevada. We intend to achieve this through both a physical increase in the total supply of a diverse cache of native species and increasing the technical knowledge and experience of growing native species for Nevada-based producers. The achievement of this objective is entirely reliant upon the ability of local landowners and agricultural producers to plant seed stock that will enable restoration practitioners to have access to desirable, locally adapted speciesfor re-seeding projects.

 Project managers will be tasked with the goal of obtaining the appropriate starter seed and providing those species to eligible producers for increase, while simultaneously selecting seed that is genetically appropriate for replanting within the Great Basin region. Eligible producers will be provided with technicalsupport and the best possible plant materials throughout the project period. It is the intent of this project to fund production efforts for increase by way of state contracting and to obtain an increase in materials used for public restoration projects statewide. Seed yields from increase efforts will be re-admitted to the funding agency and ultimately will be re-allocated to federal and state agencies for use on restoration projects throughout the Great Basin. Funding for production will vary based upon species selected and is limited to 3 overarching categories:

• $4,000.00/acre, 
• $5,000.00/acre,
• $6,000.00/acre

The total amount of funding available to support this initiative is $316,445.00. 

Common Waters: Strengthening Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship

Opportunity Overview

Projects supported by this RFP must be community-based stewardship initiatives (including but not limited to stewardship driven by Indigenous and descendant communities); they should be led by an individual with a strong connection to and/or an existing track record of work in the community(ies) where the project will take place, or by a member of the community themselves, and be designed in response to community needs. Projects can focus on a wide range of specific issues, including (but not limited to) local conservation and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and resilience, or sustainable fishing/agriculture. The RFP will prioritize projects in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions destinations, including the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.

The RiverSmart Homes Rain Barrel Installation and Rebate Program, administered by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), aims to reduce stormwater runoff and enhance water conservation in Washington, D.C. This grant invites eligible nonprofit organizations, faith-based entities, and educational institutions to apply for funding to install rain barrels, recycle them, and issue rebates. The program seeks to improve public understanding of stormwater management and its impact on local waterways.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, established in 1964, aims to protect natural areas and provide recreational opportunities across the U.S. Funded by offshore oil and gas leasing revenues, the program supports state and local governments in acquisitions and developments for public outdoor recreation. Administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the program has funded over 44,000 projects, enhancing parks, trails, and recreational facilities while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization, aligns its grantmaking with Portland General Electric’s commitment to the communities it serves.

Founded in 1997, the Foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Since our inception, more than $33 million in investments has helped community-based organizations expand access to education, creative expression, and career pathways that strengthen long-term economic prosperity.

Climate Resilient Communities Fund

The PGE Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Climate Resilient Communities Fund. Opening in March 2026, the Climate Resilient Communities Fund will help strengthen community preparedness, protect vulnerable populations, and support long-term environmental and economic vitality across Oregon. This new investment builds on extensive engagement with community partners and reflects the growing urgency of climate-related risks facing Oregon communities today, particularly those historically under-resourced.

Record-breaking wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-related disasters are challenging our communities like never before—especially those in historically underinvested areas. We support locally driven, community-based programs that address some of the most pressing climate challenges facing Oregonians. We believe solutions rooted in local leadership are best informed by the needs and lived experiences of the communities most affected.

We prioritize organizations and programs that demonstrate elements of the following:

Core Mission

The mission of the organization prioritizes:

• Wildfire Hazard and Preparedness: Supporting community-driven strategies to reduce wildfire hazards, enable preparedness and response, and build long-term recovery capacity in fire-prone areas before fire comes.
• Nature-based Solutions: Investing in community stewardship through habitat restoration, tree canopy, and green infrastructure projects that cool communities, improve water and air quality, and protect ecosystems
• Parks and Public Spaces: Expanding, enhancing, and sustaining equitable access to safe, climate-resilient outdoor community gathering spaces where people connect and find refuge.

Outcomes

The proposed project will result in:

• Increased local community capacity and ongoing stewardship for resilience (especially for small and rural organizations)
• Measurable improvements in wildfire preparedness, canopy cover, restoration and green infrastructure
• Greater access to climate-resilient public spaces
• Stronger collaboration and learning networks across sectors

Reiter Family Foundation Grant

The Reiter Family Foundation seeks to support organizations that are doing meaningful work to shape and sustain Colorado communities. Our areas of focus are housing and food security, education and youth programming, and environment and conservation, but we do welcome inquiries from non-profits who do not necessarily fit neatly into our focus areas. In terms of geographic location, we tend to focus our giving in the Denver Metro and Grand County areas of Colorado.

Environment and Conservation

Environment/Conservation: With our family roots in this beautiful state, we want to support the protection and conservation of our Colorado’s lands and waterways as well as help to cut down on the pollution that threatens the health and longevity of our planet as a whole. 

Grants typically range from $2,000 - $15,000, but additional funding may be available.

Applicants can only submit one grant proposal each calendar year (January - December), but may apply again the following year unless otherwise advised. 

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026 RFA

About the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF)

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a proposal for funding.  

This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  

For LISCIF, the geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.

Funding Priorities

LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds  
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife  
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities   
• Informed and Engaged Public  

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund aims to build capacity for organizations located in communities affected by environmental and human health risks. The Fund seeks to provide technical assistance for communities and support proposals which ultimately improve access to the Long Island Sound, while reducing overall environmental health risks. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address one of the funding priorities below:   

Funding is available for:   

• Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.   
• Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LIS Partnership.  
• Projects that foster a diverse balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.    
• Public engagement, knowledge, and stewardship.  
• Projects that enhance community resilience and sustainability.   
• Planning and design that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects, eligible habitat restoration projects and resilience projects.   
• Community-based science projects.  
• Data management and integration projects.   
• Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with Section 119 of the Clean Water Act.

What is a One Young World Scholarship?

One Young World scholarships open doors for extraordinary young changemakers to join the One Young World Summit and global Community, fully funded. These fully funded leadership scholarships cover travel, accommodation, and meals so your ability to make an impact is never limited by financial constraints.

From worldwide initiatives to regional programmes, we offer scholarships for young changemakers and scholarships for social impact leaders working on today’s most urgent challenges.

We partner with civil society organisations, governments, businesses, universities, and philanthropies to make these fully funded leadership scholarships possible — ensuring the brightest minds have the platform they deserve.

Our Scholars

Our scholars demonstrate proven leadership ability, creating change in their communities. Many of our scholars are changing the world at the grassroots level, some are top-performing industry professionals, while others are paving the way politically in their countries.

dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship

About the scholarship

At dsm-firmenich, we believe that with capability comes responsibility. By focusing on societal impact and tackling challenges at their core, we bring progress to life, creating sustainable solutions for a better future.

This commitment to lasting impact is at the heart of our purpose. We're helping to realize progress for people everywhere - from our colleagues to our wider value chain and to the societies and people we reach through our solutions. And we don't want to stop there.

That's why we have established the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation, to make a positive difference in the world. The independent dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation is focused on driving sustainable change, empowering communities and supporting the next generation of changemakers.

The foundation is proud to offer five impactful young leaders the opportunity to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 - 6 November.

Join Us

The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship is looking to support young entrepreneurs making a local or global impact in communities around the globe in one of three focus areas:

• Fighting Malnutrition.
• Strengthening community resilience.
• Protecting and restoring ecosystems.  

Examples of relevant work include, but are not limited to:

• Initiatives which address micronutrient deficiencies and ensure food with the highest quality and nutritional value reach the most vulnerable.
• Initiatives which strengthen community resilience and address social inequality.
• Initiatives that restore and protect ecosystems, building nature's resilience by addressing climate action, biodiversity protection and safeguarding water systems. 

What will you receive?

Selected scholars will receive:

• Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town, checking in on 31 October and checking out on 8 November.
• Travel to and from Cape Town (flights in economy).
• Catering which includes breakfast at the hotel accommodation and lunch and dinner during the core Summit days.
• Ground transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.
• Pre and post-programme in Cape Town and the opportunity to join the dsm-firmenich delegation during the Summit. 

World Wildlife Fund

Since our founding in 1961, WWF has been committed to protecting nature and its resources. We understand that nature is our planet’s greatest asset, intrinsically linked to human survival — and that it needs our help. Our work to reverse nature loss and conserve biodiversity has never been more urgent.

As the world’s leading conservation organization—with offices on six continents and in nearly 100 countries—our global reach includes the world’s most critical forests, river systems, wetlands, savannas, and ocean habitats. By conserving these places and supporting sustainable livelihoods within them, we can keep the Earth in balance for people, wildlife, and the planet.

Environmental and Social Impact Grant

WWF’s Russell E Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) invites proposals focused on collaborative capacity building related to (i) environmental and social impacts and risks of development projects on ecosystems and their services and (ii) enhancing inclusive conservation and sustainable development. The Environmental and Social Impact Grant aims to provide competitive financial support to teams and institutions working in Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar focusing on enhancing capacities to address environmental and social impact assessment capacity building needs with an emphasis on local communities and local practitioners.

The proposals should target diverse audiences involved in addressing social and environmental issues associated with the execution and management of conservation and development initiatives, particularly with a focus on WWF key goals including climate, food, forests, freshwater, oceans, and wildlife.

Mission

The Biodiversity Fund supports efforts to maintain and strengthen biodiversity in the Duluth-Superior region through preservation and restoration of habitat, help for particular species and ecosystems, planning for changing conditions, research and education. The purpose is to consider now the value to future generations of the species and ecosystem diversity that will remain when/if human population stabilizes.

Biodiversity Fund

The Biodiversity Fund supports projects that preserve and restore habitats, assist vulnerable species and ecosystems, plan for environmental change, and promote research and education in the Duluth-Superior region.

The fund aims to protect the region's biodiversity through conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

Biodiversity Fund- Large & Multi-Year Grants

The Fund may also support larger initiatives of up to $50,000 per year for up to three years, for projects that require sustained investment to achieve meaningful, long-term impact. ‍

Multi-year requests should demonstrate:

• A clear long-term vision with defined milestones that allow progress to be assessed prior to subsequent years of funding each year
• How the work will scale, adapt, or deepen impact over time
• Strong partnerships, stewardship plans, or systems-level outcomes
• A plan for sustainability beyond the grant period

What We Mean by Biodiversity

‍Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems and the complex relationships that sustain them. Biodiversity underpins ecosystem stability, climate resilience, and human well-being by providing essential services such as clean air and water, natural food systems, nature-derived medicines, and climate adaptation and regulation.

This grant recognizes that healthy natural ecosystems and sustainable native plant and animal communities are deeply interconnected — environmental degradation often exacerbates social inequities and instability of communities of habitats and ecosystems. Community-led solutions strengthen ecological outcomes.

Biodiversity Fund Priorities

Funded projects should demonstrate strength in several of the following areas. Not every project must address all principles, but competitive proposals will show clear alignment across multiple dimensions.

• Upstream & Preventative Focus
  • Projects address root causes rather than symptoms.
  • Prioritize prevention, restoration, and long-term solutions
  • Reduce risk and vulnerability for people, species, and ecosystems
  • Anticipate environmental and social change rather than reacting after harm occurs
• Collaboration & Community Voice
  • Projects are grounded in authentic partnership.
  • Build cross-sector collaboration (e.g., nonprofits, Tribal Nations, schools, governments, researchers, community groups)
  • Center the expertise and leadership of people with lived experience, including Indigenous knowledge and local ecological expertise
  • Share power in design, decision-making, and implementation
• Equity-Centered Impact
  • Projects advance equity for both people and place.
  • Prioritize historically marginalized communities and/or vulnerable species and ecosystems
  • Focus resources, decision-making power, or stewardship closer to impacted communities
  • Recognize how environmental harm and social inequity intersect
• Systems, Policy & Practice Change
  • Projects have transferability and relevance beyond a single site or program.
  • Improve institutional practices, policies, land-use decisions, or resource flows
  • Strengthen community-level systems related to housing, food security, climate adaptation, education, or conservation
  • Demonstrate potential for replication, scaling, or broader adoption
• Sustainability & Capacity Building
  • Projects plan for impact that lasts beyond the grant period.
  • Strengthen organizational, community, or ecosystem capacity
  • Build skills, infrastructure, stewardship, or long-term management plans
  • Promote ongoing care, monitoring, or adaptive management of natural systems
• Evidence of Change & Learning
  • Projects contribute to shared learning and understanding.
  • Use data, research, community knowledge, or storytelling to demonstrate impact
  • Measure ecological, social, or systems-level outcomes
  • Share lessons learned to inform future equity-, resilience-, and biodiversity-focused work

About Us

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation.

SWCS Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Award

The Emerging Leader Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) who have demonstrated a commitment to conservation leadership and active participation in the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Three $500 cash awards will be granted to support professional development, Society membership, conference fees, or other career-enhancing opportunities.

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Proposition 68 Grant Program

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is pleased to assist non-profit organizations, local public agencies, and tribes by providing grant funding for projects that preserve open space and habitat, increase public access to it, and help create healthy and climate resilient communities.

Funding for Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy grant programs is periodically authorized by the California State Legislature. During the pre-application consultation, Conservancy staff will discuss current opportunities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants Program delivered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports efforts to improve the condition and connectivity of habitats for at risk and federally listed species.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.  

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has three distinct tracks:

• Collaborative Conservation
  • Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects that support and enhance the capacity of partnerships, networks, and other collaborative models working collaboratively to advance place-based, landscape-scale, and crossjurisdictional habitat restoration, conservation, and connectivity outcomes.
• Planning and Technical Assistance
• Implementation

The AIS Grants to Great Lakes States (CAFWS-179) program offers crucial technical and financial support for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem. It focuses on priority actions to identify, conserve, and restore habitats and species across both public and private lands within the Great Lakes Basin. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of these vital natural resources for future generations.

Through the Water Quality Monitoring Grant (“WQMG”) program, MassDEP seeks to support both new and ongoing water quality monitoring initiatives conducted by federally recognized tribal nations located in the Commonwealth, community water quality monitoring groups, and other non-profit organizations. Such initiatives, include: (1) direct monitoring of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries through field and laboratory work; (2) associated capacity-building actions (including, but not limited to training and outreach) that improve the organization’s ability to monitor surface waters through field and laboratory work; and (3) developing regional and long-term monitoring programs and networks.