Best Grants for Land Conservation in Wisconsin

Wisconsin agricultural and forest land operators seeking to enhance land and habitat conservation can receive US $1,500 - US $4,000 annually to maintain and expand stewardship practices. With a mission to support sustainable working lands, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin provides CSP contracts for producers meeting conservation thresholds and actively managing their operations.

Wisconsin agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities can access funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. Administered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin, EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and overall land and habitat conservation.

Wisconsin land trusts, tribal entities, and other conservation-focused organizations can receive support to secure agricultural and wetland conservation easements that limit nonagricultural uses and restore habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin offers Agricultural Land Easements, Wetland Reserve Easements, and Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership agreements to protect working farms, ranches, and critical ecosystems.

Wisconsin communities and public entities seeking to conserve land and expand outdoor recreation in Wisconsin can access funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These programs support acquisition and development of local parks, protection of development rights, urban green space and river projects, plus federal recreation initiatives like trails and land and water conservation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation in Wisconsin can seek funding for environmental protection projects, including wildlife and natural area preservation. The Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund also supports related community needs, so conservation groups integrating education or social services may be eligible within its metropolitan Chicago and statewide Wisconsin focus.

Wisconsin land conservation and agricultural organizations partnering with producers can seek funding to implement conservation activities that restore soil, water, wildlife habitat, and related natural resources. Wisconsin land and habitat conservation groups can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program for projects on agricultural and eligible forest or associated lands statewide.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in Wisconsin can seek funding for land and habitat conservation projects, including public access improvements. Grants from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation help conserve big game habitat, protect migration corridors, and create or enhance public access, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Wisconsin counties with lands in the County Forest Program can seek funding to acquire additional forest lands that qualify for county forest entry and long-term conservation. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help expand public forest holdings in Wisconsin, supporting land and habitat conservation through fee simple acquisition that meets statutory requirements.

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can access funding for land and habitat conservation through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Landowner Grant Program. This cost-share program reimburses up to 50% of expenses for tree planting, invasive species control, forest stewardship planning, forest improvement, and related soil, water, and wildlife habitat protection projects.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation can apply for project-specific support, including overhead costs. The Oak Hill Fund provides continental grants that may benefit Wisconsin land and habitat conservation efforts focused on long-term forest ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Nonprofit or public entities seeking to permanently protect lake- and river-associated land in Wisconsin can receive up to US $200,000 for land acquisition or conservation easements. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants may cover 75% of eligible project costs to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and support long-term land and habitat conservation.

Local governments, tribes, and school districts in Wisconsin can seek funding for outdoor recreation land and water projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. With a mission to expand outdoor recreation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides land and habitat conservation groups with support for parks, trails, and related facilities.

James E. Dutton Foundation provides Wisconsin land and habitat conservation groups with funding for wildlife protection, environmental preservation, and outdoor education projects. Eligible organizations working on land conservation, habitat restoration, or environmental stewardship may be supported, with priority historically given to Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative offers up to $1,000,000 for the acquisition of private forest land in the Lake Superior Basin. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, local governments, and nonprofits. Projects must focus on forested properties over five acres, addressing threats of conversion to non-forest uses while enhancing community benefits. Proposals demonstrating significant public benefits and community engagement will be prioritized, especially those contributing to habitat connectivity and resilience for local ecosystems.

Landowner Incentive Program

The goal of the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is to help private landowners create and manage habitat for species that are rare or declining. The program provides technical assistance to landowners, including management advice and assistance with management plans with a focus on the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.

The biggest threat to plants and animals worldwide is the loss or degradation of habitat. With more than 85% of Wisconsin’s landscape under private ownership, landowners play a key role in helping conserve the beauty and diversity of Wisconsin’s natural heritage for future generations. As a landowner, you can make a difference by:

• improving or creating habitat for native plants and wildlife;
• receiving technical help to improve your property; or
• helping wildlife and plant species, especially rare species.
• If your property is located within the Driftless Area, the Landowner Incentive Program may be able to help.

Technical Assistance

For landowners in the Driftless Area, we may be able to provide technical assistance, depending on your situation. The LIP biologist may work with you over the phone or email, and if your property is located in the Driftless Area, a one-on-one site visit may also be possible. Technical assistance may include:

• identifying what habitats (or species) may be present on your land;
• suggesting approaches to management;
• help in determining priorities and timelines;
• guidance in developing management plans;
• referrals for funding or technical assistance; and
• providing information on land protection options.

Nonprofit or conservation-focused organizations providing technical assistance to private landowners for regenerative agriculture and land conservation in Wisconsin can access funding via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Conservation Partners Grant Program offers US $250,000 - US $750,000 to support management planning, best practice implementation, Farm Bill participation, and sharing conservation lessons learned.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

Wisconsin land and habitat conservation partners working near military installations or ranges can access funding through the U.S. Department of Defense’s REPI Program; awards up to US $20,000,000 support projects that prevent land-use conflicts, enhance installation resilience, and alleviate environmental restrictions across the U.S. and its territories, including Pacific and island locations.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities in southern Wisconsin can seek up to US $3,500 for land, water, and natural resource conservation projects. Grants from the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin help organizations in counties like Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, La Crosse, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon advance land and habitat conservation efforts.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, and related environmental initiatives in Wisconsin may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. land conservation and restoration efforts, with particular interest in projects connected to private lands and nature-based solutions.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation in Wisconsin can gain paid, hands-on experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, earning up to US $6,870. Focused on collaborative conservation, National Forest Foundation invites master’s and doctoral students to complete a practicum supporting National Forests and Grasslands, with some projects offering remote work options.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations working on nationally significant wildlife and land or habitat conservation, including in Wisconsin, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare funding to support policy, advocacy, education, organizing, and Indigenous wildlife management efforts. Grants may also back sanctuaries for great apes and initiatives protecting pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, and related ecosystems.