Federal Government | Wildlife & Conservation Groups | Foundations
States | Corporations | General Sources
CIPM CWMA Grants | Proposal Writing Help
Many grant programs are on an annual cycle, so even if the due date has passed, you may want to study the rfp to prepare for next year's application.
The August 2007 Tamarisk Coalition Newsletter includes a list of 178 funding opportunities (pdf) for addressing tamarisk issues and riparian restoration.
Federal Government
Grants.gov — find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies; subscribe to an e-mail notification service according to selected criteria.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA 2009 Grants Workbook. Lists basic information on programs in USDA that could be used to fund invasive species related projects; also lists many contacts.
Check the USDA CREES website regularly for funding opportunities. CSREES currently advertises all of its funding opportunities through "Find Grant Opportunities" on the Grants.gov website. This searchable site contains summary information on all Federal funding opportunities with a link to the full announcement. Users can search announcement and date, and can subscribe to an e-mail notification service.
ATTRA —National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology. It provides information and other technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture in the United States. Check their list of Funding Opportunities.
USDA Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) is a combined state and federal effort to conduct surveillance, detection, and monitoring of agricultural crop pests and biological control agents. State programs are directed byState Survey Coordinators, who currently are all employees of their State Land Grant University or State Department of Agriculture. Funding for surveys may be offered through state offices. A Google search on "USDA CAPS" and the name of your state should lead you to your State Survey Coordinator, and funding opportunities, if available.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers several financial assistance programs. For more information on these opportunities, contact your state conservationist.
Current USDA RFPs listed by deadline:
- Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grant Program, Western Region. Supports projects that develop individual pest control tactics, integrate individual tactics into an IPM system, and develop and implement extension and education programs. The program is administered by the land-grant university system's four regional IPM Centers (North Central, Northeastern, Southern, Western) in partnership with CSREES. Closes November 17, 2008.
- National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Supports research, education, and extension activities to address key problems of national and regional importance in biological, environmental, physical, and social sciences relevant to agriculture, food, the environment, and communities on a peer-reviewed, competitive basis. To address these problems, NRI advances scientific knowledge in support of agriculture, forestry, and related topics.. Application due dates vary by program.
- Regional Integrated Pest Management Center Ongoing Special Issues - Western Region Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Pacific Territories The Western Integrated Pest Management Center announces the availability of funds and requests proposals to address special issues in the West. Special issues may be requested to bring together a group of people to address emerging issues such as a new pest, water issues, development of proposals for larger grants based on documented stakeholder needs, development of Pest Alerts.The Western IPM Center requests proposals to develop new or update existing Pest Management Strategic Plans in the West. Ongoing Pest Management Strategic Plans See other funding opportunities on the Western IPM website.
Deadline: Ongoing - Western SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that functions through competitive grants conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers and ag professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.
Department of Defense
- See also the SERDP web site
- DOD Legacy Resource Management Program. Supports about 60-80 projects a year dealing with natural and cultural resources conservation on DoD lands; annual budget $7-10 million. Projects are not exclusive to DoD lands and applications demonstrating benefit to DoD are encouraged. About a dozen areas of emphasis, one of which is Invasive Species Control. Call for pre-proposals generally in May. See website for guidelines, forms, other info.
- Faculty Environmental Management Participation at the U.S. Army Environmental Center — opportunities to participate in environmental projects involving cultural and natural resources restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, validation, demonstration, technology transfer, quality assurance and quality control, training, information management and reporting, and related issues. Eligibility: college or university full-time faculty; K-12 educators; U.S. citizens.
- U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC) offers trainings and some funding in natural resource and pest management areas.
Environmental Protection Agency
- Enhancing Ecosystem Services from Agricultural Lands: Developing Tools for Quantification and Decision Support - Opens: January 2009
Department of Interior: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Find more NFWF (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) grants below.
- Pulling Together Initiative (PTI) Currently,PTI is in the process of refining the goals and focus of the program. An announcement will be made on the web site once the planning process and new RFP are completed.
- The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program provides matching grants to States for acquisition, restoration, management or enhancement of coastal wetlands. Check "Breaking News" on website for links to next RFP.
- NAWCA U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or establishment of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. Deadline March 6, 2009.
- North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) promotes long-term conservation of North American wetland ecosystems, and the waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish and wildlife that depend upon such habitat. Principal conservation actions supported by NAWCA are acquisition, establishment, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and wetland-associated uplands. The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) Small Grants program promotes long-term wetlands conservation activities through encouraging participation by new grantees and partners who otherwise may not be able to compete in the Standard Grants program.
Deadline: October 30, 2008 - North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants promote long-term conservation of North American wetland ecosystems, and the waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish and wildlife that depend upon such habitat. Principal conservation actions supported by NAWCA are acquisition, creation, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and wetland-associated uplands. Guidelines online.
U.S. Small Grants Deadlines: October 30, 2008. - The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service work cooperatively together to manage the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP). The MSCGP provides $6 million annually for sport fish and wildlife projects that benefit the state fish and wildlife agencies. State agencies and non-governmental organizations are eligible for grants. Projects must benefit sport fish, wild birds, and/or wild mammals; and must benefit at least 26 states, a majority of states in a USFWS region, or Regional Associations. Grants are awarded on a calendar-year basis for one, two or three years. 2010 cycle will begin in November 2008; check website.
- Partners for Fish and Wildlife (Dept. of Interior, USFWS). The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes who are willing to work with us and other partners on a voluntary basis to help meet the habitat needs of our Federal Trust Species. The Partners Program can assist with projects in all habitat types which conserve or restore native vegetation, hydrology, and soils associated with imperiled ecosystems, or otherwise provide an important habitat requisite for a rare, declining or protected species. Locally-based field biologists work one-on-one with private landowners and other partners to plan, implement, and monitor their projects. Partners Program field staff help landowners find other sources of funding and help them through the permitting process. There is no formal application process. Contact your state coordinator for more information. Private landowners may contact the State Partners coordinators throughout the year. There is no specific deadline.
Wildlife & Conservation Groups, Foundations, & Associations
Foundations tend to have regular annual grant cycles, so if the current deadline has passed, contact the foundation to see if a similar deadline is expected for the next yearly cycle.
- The Acorn Foundation is particularly interested in small and innovative community-based projects which preserve and restore habitats supporting biological diversity and wildlife; advocate for environmental justice; and prevent or remedy toxic pollution. The Acorn Foundation makes grants in the $5,000 to $10,000 range to grassroots organizations; see awards for typical projects; most in the West. Acorn Foundation Letter of Inquiry Guidelines.
Deadlines for Letters of Inquiry are January 15 and June 15. - Alaska Conservation Foundation ACF’s core function is to raise and distribute funds to the most effective conservation organizations addressing the most critical conservation efforts in the state. Through strategic grantmaking, ACF strengthens those organizations, protects Alaska’s magnificent wild places, and supports healthy communities. Several types of grants with various deadlines are given.
- American Forests Global ReLeaf Grants. Funds quality tree-planting projects through Global ReLeaf Forests ecosystem restoration program. Prefers to partner with private and public sector organizations and agencies to plant trees and improve the environment in projects that would otherwise not be feasible. See the evaluation criteria, among which are: "strong, multiple-use ecosystem repair component and a diversity of native species; new or innovative efforts, restorative approaches, or technology that have the potential for application elsewhere; consideration given to the protection of endangered or threatened plant and animal species or ecosystems."
Deadline: January 15 or July 1 annually. - American Nursery and Landscape Association Horticultural Research Institute Grants. HRI strives to fund research that specifically deals with green industry related issues. HRI-supported projects focus on significant problems, regulatory issues or emerging opportunities in the nursery and landscape industry, encourage environmentally responsible management practices, increase nursery crop producers' business or financial expertise or improve and expand the market for plant material. The HRI application is due each year on May 15th.
- American Wildlife Research Foundation, Inc. Support up to $2,000 is provided for grants to be used as seed money and/or start-up funds for many different conservation, wildlife, and conservation education projects. For more information, e-mail jhas@odyssey.net. Link to full program description.
- The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) work cooperatively together to manage the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP). The MSCGP provides $6 million annually for sport fish and wildlife projects that benefit the state fish and wildlife agencies. State agencies and non-governmental organizations are eligible for grants. Projects must benefit sport fish, wild birds, and/or wild mammals; and must benefit at least 26 states, a majority of states in a USFWS region, or Regional Associations. Grants are awarded on a calendar-year basis for one, two or three years. The 2010 MSCGP Cycle will begin in November with the solicitation of National Conservation Needs for the next cycle.
- BoatUS Foundation Clean Water Grants Program funds volunteer, nonprofit organizations for projects that will keep the water and local habitat healthy and accessible for future boaters. 2008 applications will be available in late fall 2008.
- Bonneville Environmental Foundation is dedicated to restoring watershed ecosystems throughout the Pacific Northwest by supporting community-based initiatives that improve water quality, restore habitat, and bolster native salmon and trout populations. To ensure that our investments reinforce scientific and effective restoration strategies, BEF employs a comprehensive 10-year Model Watershed approach that enables us to evaluate cumulative progress over time and improve future actions based on measured results. Letter of inquiry accepted at any time.
- The Brainerd Foundation provides Opportunity Fund Grants ranging from $250 to $3,000 to organizations
confronted with a timely opportunity to impact a conservation policy
debate in the Northwest. Grants from Grassroots Fund are typically made to small organizations
confronting critical challenges on the ground in their communities. See other Funding Areas. Applicants must be involved in direct efforts to defend endangered ecosystems or in programs that augment regional conservation efforts in WA, OR, ID, MT, AK, BC, or Yukon Territory. Searchable database of awards shows wide range of organizations funded and funding amounts. How to apply.
Letter of Inquiry required, accepted any time. - The Bullitt Foundation Mission is to protect, restore, and maintain the natural physical environment of the Pacific Northwest. Terrestrial Ecosystems program goals include "to maintain healthy populations of native species" among many others. Aquatic Ecosystems program "strives to to protect, restore, and maintain the region’s aquatic resources and ecosystems," Conservation and Stewardship in Agriculture program promotes conservation and stewardship of agricultural lands; favors agricultural practices that maintain and enhance biodiversity; see other relevant program areas and extensive searchable list of grantees. Proposals invited from WA, OR, ID, BC, western MT, and coastal AK nonprofits. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted; t o determine eligibility for a Bullitt Foundation grant, send an email to grants at bullitt.org, briefly outlining your proposed project, its intended goals, and the person(s) with primary responsibility for the work. Deadline: May 1 and November 1 annually
- The Burning Foundation supports organizations in WA and OR addressing protecting threatened rivers and forests, nurturing native fish populations, and conserving land and open space for ecological and recreational purposes. Preference given to requests from local groups working to improve their immediate environment and from statewide groups addressing general conservation and protection issues.
Application deadlines Letter of interest dueProposal dueSpring Cycle 3rd Wed. of Jan.1st Wed. of MarchFall Cycle 3rd Wed. of Aug.1st Wed. of Oct. - Captain Planet Foundation. Mission is to fund and support hands-on environmental projects that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Apply online. Grants awarded across the USA.
Deadlines: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. - The Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation If you have an idea for a research or educational project that will contribute to a balance between technology and environmental preservation, you may want to apply for a Lindbergh Grant or refer us to a friend who does. Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted in the English language. The Foundation welcomes candidates who may or many not be affiliated with an academic, non-profit or for-profit organization. Candidates for grants are not required to hold any graduate or post-graduate academic degrees. The Foundation does not support overhead costs of organizations, tuition, or scholarships.
- The Charlotte Martin Foundation A private independent foundation operating in the Western US. Funds projects in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska. Million in Montana Program will award $1.25 million to Montana in 2007. In the Wildlife and Habitat Preservation program area, supports (1) organizations whose missions are dedicated to preservation, protection or perpetuation of wildlife and/or habitat, and (2) protecting habitat sites and wildlife corridors whose conservation value is based on scientific assessment. Apply online. Deadline: Continuous
- The Compton Foundation promotes community-based strategies to support healthy ecosystems and thriving rural communities. Funding priorities are (1) Regional or statewide projects in California, Oregon, Washington (2) Regional or statewide projects in CA, OR, WA, CO, UT, ID, MT, AZ, NM, NV, WY (3) Projects of national significance in the U.S. Application Procedures.
Deadline March 7 and September 7 annually - Ducks Unlimited is a non-profit organization with the aim to conserve and research waterfowls & wetlands. Check with your local chapter for opportunities to partner with Ducks Unlimited.
- Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Research Programs. Funds research proposals and graduate fellowship to ensure the continued development of highly skilled professionals in wetland and waterfowl conservation biology, and move beyond the restraints of provincial, state and national borders when pursuing new knowledge that will help guide conservation programs across North America. Deadline October 15 annually.
- Educational Foundation of America makes grants to qualifying non-profit organizations. Areas of interest include the environment among many others. Check the annual report for types of projects funded. Approximately 40 environmental projects funded in 2005, 14 of them in the west. Awards ranged from $15K-400K. Inquiries welcome at any time; no deadlines.
- FishAmerica Foundation funds freshwater projects and non-habitat restoration projects for marine and anadromous fish. Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round. Projects are funded several times per year. The average conservation grant is $7,500. Funds for non-labor costs are provided for habitat improvement; streambank stabilization;
planting of trees and vegetation; and other projects that directly enhance water quality, habitat and/or sport fish populations. See Funded Projects by State for examples. Deadline: Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round. - Foundation for North American Wild Sheep. Focus on conservation, propagation and intensive management of wild sheep and their habitats, funds projects including biological studies/research, buffer land acquisitions, wild sheep transplants/re-establishment, habitat enhancement, management, safeguarding the environment, repressing poaching/fostering sportsmen’s rights. Invasive plant projects have been funded.
- Fred E. Glockner Foundation. The Gloeckner Foundation awards grants for research and educational projects in floriculture and related fields at universities, colleges and Federal research institutions in the US. The proposed research and educational projects must be of substantial importance, and the results made available to the interested public. See recently funded projects. The research grant may include grad student assistantships. The foundation does not pay any indirect costs (overhead) on its research and education grants nor faculty or PI's salary. Grant requests due Aprl 1 annually.
- The Fund for Wild Nature provides small grants to small groups who get things done. Funds action for wildlife, for rivers, for wilderness, for the places that support the interdependent life that sustains our planet. Deadline November 1, 2008
- Global ReLeaf Grants from americanforests.org. American Forests is always looking for quality tree-planting projects to be funded by our Global ReLeaf Forests ecosystem restoration program. We are particularly interested in partnering with private and public sector organizations and agencies to plant trees and improve the environment in projects that would otherwise not be feasible. See Projects by State. Deadlines January 15 and July 1.
- Great Lakes Protection Fund. The Great Lakes Protection Fund welcomes proposals for projects that enhance the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem and that will return the greatest ecosystem benefits. A preproposal is required; outcomes must be system-wide and concrete.
Preproposals accepted at any time - Kenney Foundation. The mission of the W. C. Kenney Foundation is to protect and restore watersheds in the Western United States. Projects are funded in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. For Discretionary Grants, email inquiries welcome; policy grants and leadership grants also offered. .
- The Kongsgaard-Goldman Foundation Supports non-profits in AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, and BC. Environmental Protection and Conservation program includes citizen involvement, public education, restoration, sustainable land use and environmental justice. Majority of grants in $1,000 to $15,000 range; a few go up to $40,000. Initial contact with the Foundation must be made through a brief pre-application letter. List of 2006 Environment grant awardees here.
Two funding cycles; preapplication due March 16 or Sept. 16 annually. - The Laird Norton Family Foundation makes charitable grants to support watershed stewardship in the Pacific Northwest. The Watershed Stewardship program supports protection, restoration, education, and advocacy efforts in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska). Funds projects in the following areas: K-12 education (students engaged in hands-on activities such as riparian restoration and water monitoring), river and stream channel restoration, terrestrial and land-based impacts, water acquisition and rights transfer, policy and science, community building and outreach, and market incentives. 2008 grant cycle now completed, Check website in late Fall of 2008.
- The Lawrence Foundation Our grants tend towards supporting environmental and human services issues and causes. Our initial grants were generally unsolicited one year program grants. In the future we plan on moving towards making multi year program and operating grants. Due April 30 and October 31 annually.
- Laura Jane Musser Fund Environmental Stewardship Program Funds programs that work to manage resources with the participation of community members and stakeholders in both planning and implementation of the program. Application Guidelines. Deadline Feb 18, 2009. Environmental Initiative Program to assist public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects in rural areas to undertake consensus-based activities in environmental stewardship or dispute resolution.
- Lazar Foundation (OR, WA, BC, AK, ID) The Lazar Foundation's specific environmental interests in the Pacific Northwest are listed below. The Foundation accepts inquiries for projects related to these interests, except from Alaska. Conservation of large, biologically significant terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; Preservation of biological diversity; Projects that broaden the environmental movement; Projects that strengthen or increase the capacity of the environmental movement's ability to develop, shape, and communicate its message. Letter of inquiry required.
- The Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation A focus area is conservation in the US, particularly Montana and Western states historically dependent upon extractive industries and agriculture; see recent grants: Interior West. Encourages local initiatives addressing the problems of diminishing natural resources, technological change and job loss, emphasizes conservation through cooperation, persuasion and the development of sustainable economic alternatives to resource depletion See Guidelines for application information. The Foundation also funds the Red Lodge Clearinghouse.
- Mazamas, a non-profit mountaineering organization in Portland, OR, gives research grants to faculty, graduate students and K-12 students for research relating to wilderness and the mountain environment (including ecology and invasive plants). See website for submission details. Conservation grants, generally given to nonprofit conservation organizations due April 30 annually.
- Mountaineers Foundation promotes the study, protection, and enjoyment of the Pacific Northwest's natural areas. Gives many small ($1,000-$5,000) grants annually for weed control, revegetation, and other projects. (The Mountaineers Foundation is separate from The Mountaineers Club.) See Grants Given for projects, organizations awarded, and grant amount.
Application deadlines: Jan 1, Mar 1, and Sept. 1 (for WA applicants only). - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) provides funding on a
competitive basis to projects that sustain, restore and enhance the
Nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats through Keystone Initiative Grants and other Special Grant Programs. Fifty programs offered; deadlines vary. A few listed below:
- NFWF Bring Back the Natives: A Public-Private Partnership for Restoring Populations of Native Aquatic Species Preproposal due December 1, 2008. Full proposal due February 1, 2009.
- NFWF Conservation Partnership Program. The Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation Board (JHOFF) and NFWF have entered into a conservation program partnership to co-fund stream improvement and native trout conservation projects. Check website for next RFP.
- NFWF Native Plant Conservation Initiative Check website for next RFP.
- NRCS/NFWF Conservation on Private Lands Check website for next RFP.
- NFWF 2007 Pulling Together Initiative. Check website for next RFP.
- The National Forest Foundation offers three grant programs.Community Assistance Program (CAP). Newly forming organizations can apply for start-up grants of $5,000 to $15,000. Matching Award Program (MAP) Provides matching funding for for hands-on stewardship projects. Areas of interest include: community-based forestry, watershed health and restoration, recreation, and wildlife habitat restoration. Wilderness Stewardship Challenge. See website for due dates.
- Patagonia funds only environmental work. Supoorts programs with a clear agenda for change and a strategic plan for achieving the organization's goals. Funding focuses on organizations that build a strong base of citizen support. Most grants range from $3,000 to $8,000. Search Biodiversity category for example projects; e.g., protection of native ecosystems, restoration, and salt cedar removal projects have been funded.
Deadlines: April 30 and August 31 annually - Pheasants Forever A non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvements, land management, public awareness, and education. Contact your local chapters for project and funding information.
- Red Lodge Clearinghouse (LIz Claiborne/Art Ortenberg Foundation) offers an excellent search feature according to keywords, state, and amount.
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Dedicated to the conservation of elk habitat; contact your local chapter for information on funding.
- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (Canada). Organization must be Canadian, using funds in Canada. Focus areas are (1) Protects and preserves the Canadian Environment (2) Assists young Canadians in understanding and participating in Environmental activities in local communities (3) Enhances cooperation among Environmental organizations. Funded Projects listed by province on home page; community weed pulls and similar projects have been funded.
- Trout Unlimited Embrace-a-Stream Program is a matching grant program that awards funds to TU chapters and councils for coldwater fisheries conservation. Project criteria: Conservation Impact, Strengthening TU Impact, Public Education and Outreach, and Technical Merit. Deadline December 12, 2008.
- The Weeden Foundation Domestic Biodiversity Program funds non-profits for conservation of unique western terrestrial and aquatic habitat. Geographic focus on the Pacific Northwest (northern CA, OR, WA, BC, southeast AK); less interest in Intermountain West, except MT. Targeted habitats include mature forest ecosystems, riparian corridors, and riverine/aquatic environments of demonstrated ecological significance. See Grantees for summaries of funded projects. Three grant cycles per year; submit letter of inquiry; see website for deadline.
- The Weyerhauser Family Foundation Sustainable Forests and Communities Initiative. Supports projects that promote solutions to local problems by integrating Ecology: Employing holistic land stewardship approaches involving management, conservation and ecological restoration. Economy: Developing and encouraging enterprise-based conservation and/or job creation strategies that are of appropriate scale and are environmentally soun. Community: Using inclusive, innovative and/or collaborative public processes to meet natural resource and conservation goals. Limited to Idaho, Oregon, Washington, northern California, western Montana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Letter of intent required by April 1.
- The Wilburforce Foundation funds Program, Capacity, and General Support Grants to help preserve our remaining wild places in the Western U.S. and Western Canada. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations with programs in AB, BC, the Yukon Territories; the Yellowstone to Yukon region, AK, AZ, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA,WY, Guidelines. Dozens of regional environmental organizations are on the list of grantees. Three deadlines per year.
- Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund for Implementing State Wildlife Action Plans. Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund provides competitive grants to nonprofit conservation organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are focused on implementing priority actions and strategies identified in State Wildlife Action Plans. No current RFP>
- Wildlife Forever Grants targeted for habitat restoration and acquisition, research and management, and educational projects. Special emphasis is placed upon grassroots programs that involve local conservation, sportsmen's or outdoor recreation groups. Wildlife Forever grants are challenge grants, require 1:1 match. Three programs, the Wildlife Forever Challenge Grants Program, the Sportsmen's Challenge Grants Fund (designed to help small conservation projects in local communities. The grant maximum is $2,500 per project), and the Friend's Challenge Grants Fund.
Application Deadlines: January 1, July 1 of each year. - Wildlife Habitat Policy Research Program Requests for Proposals for research on wildlife habitat conservation in the U.S. now available. Eight RFPs have been issued for projects in the natural sciences, social sciences, and economics. Grants will range from $25-250K for projects of 12 to 18 months, beginning Nov. 1, 2006.
Check website for 2009 dates. - William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Environment program goals include saving the great ecosystems of the North American West. Click on "Grants" on left-hand menu bar; use dropdown box to scroll to "Environment" to see types of projects funded. Grants tend to be very large; general and program support for conservation groups is given. Letters of inquiry accepted continuously.
- The mission of the William C. Kenney Foundation is to protect and restore watersheds in the Western United States. The Foundation provides small grants to encourage policy research and analysis of issues that affect western water. Discretionary grants may be given to projects anywhere in the western US (including Alaska) that focus on a specific strategy for protection of a biologically important western watershed. Inquiry email required.
States
- Alaska Conservation Foundation Small Grants. Small grants are for discrete projects, generally one to two months in duration, that require less than $2,500 to complete. Areas of interest include Ecosystem and lands protection, Marine conservation, Conservation advocacy, and others. Several eadlines annually. Small grant applications are considered monthly. Proposals must be received by the 15th of the month. ACF will accept e-mailed requests to the Small Grants Program. Applicants should contact ACF program staff via e-mail or telephone before sending a proposal to ACF.
- Alaska Conservation Foundation Operating Support Grants .ACF awards operating support grants to in-state, Alaska-based conservation organizations focused on effective conservation advocacy. Operating support grants are used at the discretion of the recipients, within the limits of laws governing the use of ACF funds. These funds can be used to cover administrative and/or program costs including salaries, facilities, travel, equipment, supplies, training, membership, fundraising, and specific program activities.Interested applicants, if they have not received operating support from ACF during the last two years, must contact ACF program staff to determine their eligibility. Maximum Grant Request: $15,000
- Alaska Conservation Foundation Small Grants. Small grants are for discrete projects, generally one to two months in duration, that require less than $2,500 to complete. Small grant applications are considered monthly and should be received by the 15th of the month. Please contact ACF program staff via e-mail or phone before sending a proposal to ACF.
- Alaska Conservation Foundation: Rapid Response Grants. The Rapid Response Fund was established to allow a timely response to fast-breaking environmental issues and needs, often with a national flavor (e.g., fighting off unexpected riders in Congress). Rapid Response requests must address an issue of statewide or national importance.Rapid Response requests must focus on Alaskan issues of statewide or national significance. There are no deadlines for requests to the Rapid Response Fund; however applicants must first contact ACF program staff via e-mail (acfinfo@akcf.org) or phone prior to sending a proposal to ACF. Generally, these projects cannot wait until the grant-making committee or full Board meets.
- California and Oregon: Bella Vista Foundation supports any stage of a restoration project from pre-restoration planning to implementation to post-implementation monitoring and evaluation.The Bella Vista Foundation will consider projects in the following CA locations: The Mattole River watershed, the mid-Klamath/Shasta rivers, the McCloud tributary of the Sacramento River, and the Northern and Central Sierra Nevada; and in the following OR areas: the upper Deschutes Basin and the John Day Basin. See website for next deadline.
- California: Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation supports sustainable agriculture and sustainable resource management projects in California.
Deadline(s): Letters of inquiry are accepted at any time. - California: Dean Witter Foundation Grants support specific wildlife conservation projects in Northern California and seminal opportunities to improve and extend environmental education and to stimulate learning. The Foundation prefers to award matching or challenge grants and to leverage its support with funding from other sources. How to Apply.
- California: Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation. The purpose of the Nature Fund is to conserve the wildlife, lands, waters and air quality of
the Truckee, North Tahoe and Donner Summit regions while creating opportunities for enjoyment of the outdoors Desired outcomes include: Healthy lands, waters and air; Vibrant fish and wildlife populations; Available open spacel; Educated, aware and appreciative community members. Nature Fund deadline January 15 annually. - Pueblo, Colorado, Grants from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. Grants support nonprofit organizations in Pueblo, CO, that directly serve the residents of this area. Requests should seek no more than $50,000 of support. Proposals are reviewed and recommended by a local Advisory Board of Pueblo residents, assisted by Pueblo-based staff. Grant proposals are reviewed at quarterly Advisory Board meetings.
Deadlines for submission of proposals are April 1, July 1, and October 1. - Colorado Division of Wildlife: Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program. CHIP is designed to assist landowners who wish to develop or improve wildlife habitat. This program is offered statewide by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Division of Wildlife will provide technical assistance and provide as much as $4,000.00 per landowner in financial assistance. The Division will also provide assistance to landowners regarding other cost-share programs. CHIP can be used as a stand-alone program for small projects, however many projects can be supplemented and improved by partnering with other habitat programs such as the Conservation Programs within Farm Bill and Partners for Fish and Wildlife. See related programs on the website.
- Hawaii Community Foundation. The Pikake Fund provides support for film or video projects on environmental protection efforts.The sponsor seeks to support film or video projects that describe conservation work that positively impacts the health of terrestrial or nearshore marine ecosystems; community-led projects or programs that demonstrate broad community involvement in the stewardship of natural resources; and projects that integrate natural resource protection with Hawaiian cultural practices and traditions.Grantmaking only occurs in even numbered years. Funds have been granted for 2006. Proposals for the next grant round will be accepted after January 30, 2008.
- Hawaii Harold K. Castle Foundation funds Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation projects, among others. Online Inquiry can be made at any time.
- Idaho Conservation Innovation Grant. CIG is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. Idaho's high priorities include: Integrated Pest Management, on farm energy conservation, and reduction of nutrients in stored animal wastes
- Idaho: Monsanto Fund Priority Areas: Improving Nutritional Well Being through Agriculture, The Environment, Science Education and Our Communities. Priority is given to communities where we have employees, facilities or strategic business interests (includes Soda Springs, ID). Guidelines.
Contact local manager before submitting proposal. - Idaho, Oregon, Washington. Bonneville Environmental Foundation Model Watershed Program. BEF seeks to identify community-based groups and tribes
that have a strong interest in partnering with a non-profit foundation to develop and implement a 10-year watershed restoration strategy that attempts to accomplish the following: a) restore watershed conditions and recover native biota: b) monitor and evaluate restoration progress over a minimum 10-year period; and c) adaptively manage and improve restoration strategies according to measured results. Letter of Inquiry required. - Montana Native Plant Society Small Grants Program for research, study, and appreciation of Montana's native plants. Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to fund projects or studies supporting conservation of native plants in Montana. Proposal deadline January 31 annually. The grant competition is open to residents of Montana or members of MNPS.
- The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant Program provides cost-share funding for local cooperative weed management areas and education and research projects, including non-chemical research and demonstration programs. Funding is generally through a government entity (local weed district, conservation district, extension office, or university). 2009 guidelines and application forms online.
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2008 - Montana PPL Montana Environmental Education grants. Schoolteachers can receive up to $1,500 in funding for school projects that focus on issues like watersheds and wetlands, air quality, renewable and non-renewable resources, energy conservation, the greening of schools, and more. See 2007 Awards. Check website for next RFP.
- Nebraska Environmental Trust, a state program dedicated to the preservation of Nebraska's natural resources. Provides the seed money needed to preserve critical habitat areas, protect water supplies and establish recycling programs in Nebraska.
- Nebraska. The Cooper Foundation gives all its grants in Nebraska, with the majority in Lincoln and Lancaster County. For Enviroment grants, highest priorities are protection of, and education about,endangered and threatened species and the natural systems they need to survive.
- New Mexico Albuquerque Community Foundation benefits the greater Albuquerque community in grants to nonprofit organizations, educational programs, and scholarships. The ACF Competitive Grant Program has six general fields of interest: Arts and Culture, Children and Youth, Education, Health, Human Services, and Environmental and Historic Preservation.
- Oregon and California: Bella Vista Foundation supports any stage of a restoration project from pre-restoration planning to implementation to post-implementation monitoring and evaluation.The Bella Vista Foundation will consider projects in the following CA locations: The Mattole River watershed, the mid-Klamath/Shasta rivers, the McCloud tributary of the Sacramento River, and the Northern and Central Sierra Nevada; and in the following OR areas: the upper Deschutes Basin and the John Day Basin. Check website for next deadline.
- Oregon. Spirit Mountain Community Fund, a charitable foundaton of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Makes grants to nonprofits in 11 Oregon counties, in areas including environmental protection. Letter of Inquiry required for both small and large grant programs; see Application Calendar for acceptance dates. Several acceptance dates per year.
- Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program 2007-2009. Two grant cycles per year. Projects must restore, enhance or protect fish and wildlife habitat, watershed functions, native salmonid populations or water quality. Grant applications must be for on the ground weed control projects for OSWB listed noxious weeds. Applications may include research, survey, project design if required to complete the control portion of the project, although the majority of OSWB funds must go toward on the ground control.
- Oregon, Idaho, Washington. Bonneville Environmental Foundation Model Watershed Program. BEF seeks to identify community-based groups and tribes
that have a strong interest in partnering with a non-profit foundation to develop and implement a 10-year watershed restoration strategy that attempts to accomplish the following: a) restore watershed conditions and recover native biota: b) monitor and evaluate restoration progress over a minimum 10-year period; and c) adaptively manage and improve restoration strategies according to measured results. Letter of Inquiry required. - Texas Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation Supports national and regional conservation programs. See approved grants by year for projects funded. Preliminary letter of inquiry required.
- Utah The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation Preservation and Conservation Grants. Email inquiry required.
- Washington. The Community Foundation serves Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties. The Community Giving Fund supports conservation and environmental projects, among others.
Applications accepted October 1 through December 15 - Washington. Northwest Fund for the Enviroment. Program areas are Aquatic Ecosystem Protection: "protect and restore the
extensive network of fresh and saltwater ecosystems in the state of
Washington and the native species that inhabit these ecosystems," and Growth Management: "prevent damage to environmentally sensitive areas, limit rural growth, and support the use of smart growth policies within urban growth areas by promoting the efficient, sustainable, and environmentally beneficial use of Washington State's land and natural resources." See Application Info. New in 2008, Small Grants Program to help foster smaller organizations and grassroots level work that feeds into our larger programmatic goals.
Letter of Inquiry due February 2009. One grantmaking cycle per year. - Washington: Russell Family Foundation. Environmental protection in western Washington, with an emphasis on the waters of Puget Sound. The Environmental Sustainability program focuses on Puget Sound, Environmental Education, and Green Business. Organizations must be located in and/or provide services within the 12 counties of the Puget Sound region. How to Apply.
- Washington The Seattle Foundation funding areas are grounded in Healthy Community framework; makes grants in several areas, including Environment: working to protect and steward the natural environment.
- Washington, Idaho, Oregon. Bonneville Environmental Foundation Model Watershed Program. BEF seeks to identify community-based groups and tribes that have a strong interest in partnering with a non-profit foundation to develop and implement a 10-year watershed restoration strategy that attempts to accomplish the following: a) restore watershed conditions and recover native biota: b) monitor and evaluate restoration progress over a minimum 10-year period; and c) adaptively manage and improve restoration strategies according to measured results. Letter of Inquiry required.
- Wyoming. Wyoming Community Foundation. Tom Thorne Sage-Grouse Conservation Fund Grants: “To benefit sage-grouse through strategic funding of projects that promote science, education and cooperative management actions”. Applications forms online. Due June 1 or December 1 annually.
Corporations
- Dow Agroscience - Corporate Giving Funds science programs at secondary schools and universities. Most donation spending meets at least one of the following criteria: addresses a demonstrated need in a city or community in which the company has a presence; provides an opportunity for a hands-on science experience for students below the college level, thus improving the pool of future employees; supports a university project or program involving science, engineering, business, or other related areas that also improve the pool of talented students that may be future employees; or enhances the environment.
- Orvis Conservation Matching Grants. Orvis's conservation work is focused on the restoration, enhancement, and long-term protection of fish and wildlife habitat. Grants are targeted toward those habitats that function as integral parts of the landscape and are faced with imminent threat of loss. See Funded Projects and Guidelines. Check website for next deadline.
- 3M Community Giving Envornmental porogram upports projects in 3M communities to preserve biodiversity, positively impact climate change, provide access to natural areas, offer opportunities for local volunteer involvement. Apply online.
- Toyota Tapestry Grants for Science Teachers. The Toyota TAPESTRY program funds the largest national grant program for K-12 Science Teachers. Awards 50 grants of up to $10,000 each and a minimum of 20 "mini-grants" of $2,500 each to K-12 science teachers. Interested teachers should propose innovative science projects that can be implemented in their school or school district over a one-year period. Toyota TAPESTRY projects demonstrate creativity, involve risk-taking, possess a visionary quality, and model a novel way of presenting science. Letter of inquiry required.
General Sources
- CFDA — Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Access to a database of Federal programs; proposal- writing guidelines; and useful links.
- Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection is a searchable database of financial assistance sources (grants, loans, cost-sharing) available to fund a variety of watershed protection projects. Search on keyword "invasive species."
- CyberSierra Conservation Grants Center — Find funding for Environmental Education
- Directory of Watershed Resources through the Environmental Finance Center at Boise State University — searchable database for watershed restoration funding available from federal, state (OR, WA, ID, AK), private, and other funding sources.
- EE-Link — funding sources targeted to environmental education, from North American Association for Environmental Education. Includes state and regional links.
- Environmental Grantmakers Association Provides a list of links for grantseekers.
- Forest Service Guide — Over 200 sources of grants and funding opportunities for region 3 (AZ, NM, and a bit of TX). Some listings specific to R3, but many available nationally. Includes foundations, conservation organizations, etc.
- Grants.gov Find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies; subscribe to e-mail notification service.
- Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit. Scholarships, fellowships and grants related to the National Park System, other CESU partners, other public lands.
- Red Lodge Clearinghouse Mission is to support, nurture and connect collaborative natural resource groups. Search by state, interest, type of funding.
- Rocky Mountain Wildland Fire Information Grants Database. Search for grants and assistance programs sponsored by federal, state, and private organizations.
Help with Proposal Writing
- Basic Elements of Grantwriting from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- Grants and GrantWriting A series of articles from ScienceCareers.org
- GrantProposal.com Free resources to assist nonprofits
- Grantwriting Guide from University of Nevada-Reno Cooperative Extension
- Non-profit Guides free grant-writing tools to assist established non-profits through the grant-writing process.
- Helpful Hints for Technical Writing from Weed Science Society of America.
- How to Write Winning Proposals from the Sustainable Agriculture Network
- Proposal Preparation Checklist from proposalwriter.com
- Propsal Writing Short Course from the Foundation Center. A systematic outline of the elements of a proposal and how to address them; includes good approaches to evaluation plan and sustainability.
- SchoolGrants Grantwriting tips. K-12 funding opportunities; many sample proposals.
- Show Me the Money from Education World. Grant writing tips and resources
- University of Michigan Proposal Writer's Guide
- Web Sites for Proposal Writers from the Foundation Center. Links to seminar series from the Center and the Granstmanship Center, as well as a couple of online sources.
- Writing a Successful Grant Proposal from Minnesota Council on Foundations