Best Wildlife Grants in Wisconsin

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can apply for cost-share funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect and enhance their forests through the Forest Landowner Grant Program. This program reimburses up to 50% of costs for practices like tree planting, invasive plant control, forest improvement, and habitat-related work that may benefit wildlife.

Friends Groups that are 501(c)(3) or (4) nonprofits supporting Wisconsin state parks, southern state forests, state trails, or recreation areas can receive up to US $30,000 for operations and maintenance projects. Grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may benefit groups whose work enhances wildlife-related recreation, accessibility, interpretation, and habitat in these public spaces.

Friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants up to US $20,000 per state property to improve nature-based outdoor recreation facilities and restore habitat. Funding covers up to 50% of project costs for long-term capital improvements on state properties, which can benefit wildlife-focused recreation and conservation efforts.

Friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in Wisconsin can use this grant to improve facilities, build new nature-based recreation projects, or restore habitat on state properties. With a mission to preserve Wisconsin’s natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides up to US $20,000 per phase, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Aquatic Invasive Species Control – Large or Small-Scale Population Management

(See page 31 of attatched PDF)

When an established population of aquatic invasive species is having adverse effects on a waterbody or wetland, funding is available for control activities. Managing aquatic invasive species can be challenging, but adaptive and integrated pest management can help. Participation in the large- or small-scale control program requires an approved recommendation in an aquatic plant or aquatic invasive species management plan. Eligible projects will implement one or more of the resulting recommendations. Public access required, unless controlling a prohibited species.

DNR cost share: Grants may cover up to 75% of total project costs.

The AIS Population Management Grant includes Small-Scale Population Management Projects and Large-Scale Population Management Projects.

Large-Scale Population Management Projects

Large-Scale Population Management projects will result in long-term, multi-season suppression of one or more established populations of aquatic invasive species. Projects are large in scale, affecting a substantial portion of a lake, stream reach, or wetland.

Projects that address multiple populations across a region should employ a strategic approach to managing multiple populations, prioritizing control actions in a way that ensures wise spending of grant funds. For example, a regional wetland control project might focus on populations that threaten high-functioning natural wetlands or focus on small, more easily controlled populations. For Phragmites-focused projects seeking AIS planning and control grant funds, please see the Phragmites Statewide Management Strategy for more specific guidance.

Local governments and related public bodies in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Ordinance Development funding, awarding up to US $50,000 for creating and implementing surface water protection regulations. Support covers ordinance drafting, legal work, training, outreach, and enforcement capacity, which may benefit wildlife by improving aquatic and shoreline habitats.

Organizations improving lake and river habitat and water quality in Wisconsin can receive up to US $25,000 to install approved shoreline and runoff practices. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources funds fish sticks, native plantings, diversions, rock infiltrations, and rain gardens that follow the Healthy Lakes and Rivers Action Plan and technical guidance.

Nonprofit or public entities seeking to permanently protect lake and river habitats in Wisconsin can apply for funding to acquire land or conservation easements, with awards up to US $200,000 covering 75% of eligible costs. With a mission to preserve natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports long-term freshwater and wildlife habitat protection projects.

Qualified lake and river groups, surface water management organizations, nonprofit conservation organizations, and school districts in Wisconsin can receive up to US $50,000 for surface water education, planning, and management projects. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources funding can help with outreach, surveys, planning, and on-the-ground work that protects water quality, aquatic habitat, and related wildlife resources.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with project funding in environment, wildlife, and natural resource conservation. Eligible organizations must be in the WPS service area and may apply for programs improving fish and wildlife, habitat, water and air quality, energy efficiency, and related education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can seek funding for programs in environment, wildlife, and natural resource conservation, as well as related community initiatives. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides project, program, and capital support across its service-area counties.

Public agencies, municipalities, tribes, nonprofits, private landowners, and other qualified entities in Wisconsin can seek funding to restore, establish, enhance, or preserve wetlands within eligible watersheds. With a mission to protect natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports projects that use conservation easements to permanently maintain wetland mitigation sites, which may benefit wildlife habitat and ecosystem health.

Wisconsin public agencies and other eligible entities seeking to build or improve boating facilities in Wisconsin can access funding through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Grants support construction or renovation of boat ramps and related amenities like parking, accessible paths, lighting, and restrooms, which may benefit wildlife-focused recreation and sport fishing access projects.

Wisconsin community-based organizations, schools, tribes, and local governments running angler education and recruitment programs in Wisconsin can access funding through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for staff time, consultants, supplies, equipment, and transportation. Wildlife-focused groups that promote safe, ethical adult angling and seek to expand fishing participation may be eligible.

Wisconsin municipal governments and incorporated organizations can receive reimbursement to develop, rehabilitate, and maintain recreational trails and related facilities, including projects that support wildlife habitat and outdoor access. Wisconsin trail-focused groups can access funding through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with awards up to US $100,000 covering up to 80% of eligible project costs.

Wisconsin conservation nonprofits, tribes, governments, and other eligible partners working with agricultural producers can seek funding to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and related natural resources through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service help Wisconsin wildlife-focused projects address priorities like habitat for fish and wildlife, water quality, soil health, and degraded plant conditions.

Grants for nonprofits and other organizations in Wisconsin supporting wildlife, animal welfare, environmental preservation, or outdoor education may be eligible; projects should directly benefit animals, habitats, or nature-based learning. Grants from James E. Dutton Foundation primarily support Wisconsin and Midwest efforts that positively impact the environment, wildlife, domestic animals, and human life through nature-related activities.

The Cudahy Fund offers general community grants focusing on social services, health, education, environment, and arts for under-resourced populations in Metropolitan Chicago and Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The fund aims to support initiatives that enhance community well-being, providing safety nets for marginalized groups and promoting access to quality education and cultural experiences. This fund does not support individual grants or projects outside its geographic focus.

Nonstock nonprofit corporations in Wisconsin that promote safe, responsible ATV/UTV recreation can use this funding for statewide safety education, data collection, outreach, and volunteer training. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides Wisconsin outdoor recreation and trail organizations with biennial support, including eligible projects for mapping software and communications equipment to enhance ATV/UTV safety efforts.

Public agencies or partners in Wisconsin seeking to construct, renovate, or maintain infrastructure for transient recreational boats 26 feet or longer can use this program to fund eligible projects and related educational materials. With a mission to preserve natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides state boating facilities with up to US $300,000 in Tier 1 support.

Wisconsin organizations planning boating infrastructure for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer in Wisconsin can access funding through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Grants support construction, renovation, and maintenance of public tie-up facilities, plus related educational materials. Wildlife and conservation groups managing waterfront access points may be eligible for up to US $1,500,000 per project.

Wisconsin wildlife and conservation nonprofits can access funding through Tree Fund’s Bob Skiera Memorial Fund to support collaborative urban forestry research and projects. Awards of US $10,000 - US $30,000 back work that helps arborists and urban forest managers communicate the value of trees and urban forests with planners, engineers, and other professionals.

Wisconsin nonprofits, government agencies, tribes, and accredited schools working on conservation, environmental education, or climate resilience projects that benefit the state’s wildlife and natural resources can access funding through the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Grants of US $500 - US $5,000 support grassroots projects, with total project budgets up to $10,000 and encouraged matching contributions.

Grants from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources help Wisconsin small or disadvantaged community public water systems address emerging contaminants in drinking water. Eligible Other-Than-Municipal and nonprofit Non-Transient Non-Community systems, including schools and childcare centers, can receive up to US $240,000 for system improvements and contamination mitigation, which may benefit wildlife habitats through improved water quality.

Eligible organizations in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Sport Fish Restoration grants to construct or renovate public fishing piers and related access facilities. Projects that expand shore fishing access and amenities may be eligible, offering potential support for wildlife and aquatic recreation initiatives in the state.