Best Grants for Land Conservation

Grants from 11th Hour Racing help organizations advance marine and coastal conservation through ecosystem restoration, clean technologies, and ocean stewardship. While not limited to land conservation, projects that restore coastal habitats, improve water quality, or promote environmental stewardship may be eligible. Funding is available to nonprofits globally for impactful, measurable projects.

Big G Charitable Foundation provides land conservation organizations with support for sustainability, environmental conservation, and emergency relief initiatives. Nonprofits focused on preserving habitats, restoring lands, and promoting sustainable land use may be eligible for funding. This grant offers resources for projects that protect vulnerable ecosystems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Grants from Biophilia Foundation Inc help U.S. organizations advance land and habitat conservation, with particular interest in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Nonprofits working on private land protection, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity stewardship may be eligible. Awards typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with occasional larger multi-year grants.

With a mission to foster opportunity and prosperity, Richard King Mellon Foundation provides U.S. land conservation organizations with support for strategic land protection, habitat stewardship, and sustainable economic development. Nonprofits working on land or habitat conservation may be eligible for funding to activate and preserve environmentally sensitive areas and promote healthy natural systems.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

With a mission to support ecosystem health, W.L. Gore & Associates Inc provides Canada land conservation organizations with funding for habitat restoration, biodiversity, and stewardship projects. Grants may benefit nonprofits and researchers working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or collaborative stewardship efforts across Canadian landscapes.

With a mission to protect threatened habitats, World Land Trust provides land conservation organizations with funding for land acquisition, reserve creation, and habitat restoration. Projects focused on safeguarding biodiversity and establishing new protected areas may be eligible. Priority is given to partners working in regions with high biodiversity and limited conservation resources.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Land conservation organizations in the U.S. can access funding through Yamaha Motor Corporation to promote responsible outdoor recreation, enhance trail maintenance, and improve public land access. Projects that support sustainable use of off-highway vehicles, environmental education, and stewardship may be eligible. This opportunity may benefit groups focused on land and habitat conservation.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.

The Sustainable Forests and Communities Grant aims to foster environmentally and economically sustainable forest communities in the U.S., particularly where the Weyerhaeuser Family has interests. It prioritizes projects enhancing the environment, economy, and community through sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating in forested areas, focusing on integrated approaches that value forest ecosystem services. This initiative encourages local job creation, sustainable economic activities, and innovative partnerships to achieve sustainability goals.

Focused on water resource management, Woodard & Curran Foundation invites U.S. organizations to propose projects that protect, restore, or manage watersheds and groundwater basins amid climate change. Nonprofits working at the intersection of land and habitat conservation may be eligible, especially if their efforts address water sustainability and environmental stewardship.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

United States land conservation nonprofits can access funding through Bolger Foundation for capital projects that enhance tangible property. Eligible projects include land acquisition, facility construction, or equipment purchases supporting environmental conservation. Organizations working on land and habitat preservation may benefit from this opportunity to advance their stewardship and sustainability initiatives.

With a mission to support educational and community initiatives, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust provides U.S. land conservation organizations with funding for projects that protect natural habitats and promote environmental education. Nonprofits engaged in land or habitat conservation, stewardship, or environmental awareness may be eligible for grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

Focused on environmental conservation, Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) invites land conservation organizations to apply for the Conservation Innovation Award. This opportunity recognizes innovative programs that advance soil, water, and natural resource conservation. Land conservation nonprofits with impactful, large-scale initiatives may be eligible for recognition and support.

With a mission to advance marine and coastal conservation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) provides organizations focused on ocean and reef stewardship with funding for coral reef management, threat reduction, and restoration. Land conservation nonprofits working on projects that intersect with marine habitat protection may be eligible for support through this program.

With a mission to advance bird conservation, Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides U.S. land conservation organizations with funding for projects that protect and restore bird habitats on private lands. Land trusts working on stewardship, habitat management, or community collaboration may be eligible for support to enhance land and habitat conservation efforts.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

With a mission to protect wild places, Conservation Alliance provides U.S. land and habitat conservation organizations with funding for projects that secure lasting protection of specific lands or waterways. Priority is given to initiatives with recreational benefits, Indigenous leadership, or climate resilience. Nonprofits advancing land conservation may be eligible.

Disney Foundation

Disney Foundation Established in 1951 as a nonprofit corporation dedicated exclusively to the support of charitable and educational activities. Contributions to the Foundation come from The Walt Disney Company. In addition to the active support of numerous health, community, educational, and youth organizations in California, Florida, and New York, the Foundation from time to time sponsors its own activities, such as a College Scholarship Program for the children of Disney employees.

Disney Conservation Fund - Corridors and Pathways Grants

Disney Conservation is committed to saving wildlife and building a global community inspired to protect the magic of nature together. Since 1995, Disney Conservation has directed more than $141 million and the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

We are pleased to offer a new opportunity for eligible organizations to apply for a two-year conservation grant to advance their community-based efforts to protect, connect, and/or restore wildlife corridors or migratory pathways across both terrestrial and/or aquatic habitats.

Corridors & Pathways Grant Categories

This year, grants will be considered in two categories: 1) Protection, Connection, and Restoration; 2) Innovation

Corridors and Pathways Grants: Protection, Connection, and Restoration

Focus: Protecting, connecting, and/or restoring wildlife corridors or migratory pathways. Air, land, and water/ocean-based corridors will be considered.

Use of funds should align with The Walt Disney Company global charitable giving guidelines here.

With a mission to support environmental and wildlife initiatives, Arthur L Bud Johnson In Memory Of Elaine V Johnson Foundation provides U.S. conservation organizations with funding for land and habitat preservation. Nonprofits working on land conservation, habitat restoration, or protection of threatened species may be eligible for support to advance long-term environmental sustainability.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a prestigious global award established in 2008, recognizing impactful sustainability solutions in health, food, energy, and water. It honors the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, promoting innovation and inspiring organizations to advance sustainable practices. Eligible participants include SMEs and non-profits, while early-stage projects and those without demonstrated impact are excluded. This award aims to foster a sustainable future through innovative solutions and long-term vision.

With a mission to advance environmental and land conservation, the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation provides U.S. organizations with funding for land and habitat protection. Nonprofits working on land conservation, environmental stewardship, or related human services may be eligible to apply for support for their conservation initiatives.

Delaney Family Foundation 

The Delaney Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support Wildlife and Land Conservation, Education, Healthcare and Community Betterment.

The Delaney Family Foundation was established in 2013. We make both program and operating grants and do not have geographical restrictions.  

Grant Information

Grants are awarded annually. The following criteria will be used in confirming that grant requests match the goals of The Delaney Family Foundation.

• Clarity of Purpose – the request should be clearly defined with a specific description of how goals/tasks will be achieved and how funds will be spent.
• Potential for Success – the organization must demonstrate that they have funding sources, manpower, and community support as well as the time to achieve their goals. Projects must be realistic.
• Leadership – stability in the organization is a requirement, as well as a well-deserved reputation for results.
• Site Visits – While not always possible, site visits by board members prior to gifting, during gifting or following may be considered.

 We may consider multi-year grants.

California land conservation organizations can access funding through T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation for projects that protect natural habitats and preserve open spaces. Grants prioritize land and wildlife conservation, including acquisition of capital items. Nonprofits working on land conservation initiatives may benefit from this opportunity, especially those with a proven record of effective service.

Weeden Foundation supports land and habitat conservation in the U.S. and internationally by funding projects that protect biodiversity, preserve wildlife corridors, and acquire critical habitats. Organizations focused on land conservation efforts may be eligible for grants supporting bird conservation, environmental education, and sustainable land use initiatives.