Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Puerto Rico

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

The USDA Forest Service's Invasive Species Program funding opportunity invites proposals aimed at enhancing invasive species prevention. By leveraging existing research and knowledge, projects can create actionable solutions to protect American agriculture. This initiative seeks to connect scientific insights with practical regulatory improvements, thereby reducing the introduction and establishment of new invasive pests. Previous research, including horizon scanning and monitoring sentinel trees, serves as a foundation for developing effective strategies.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Society for Conservation Biology provides Puerto Rico environmental conservation researchers with US $142,100 fellowships for two years of applied postdoctoral work based at a U.S. institution. Early-career Ph.D. scientists focusing on conservation biology or conservation social science may use funding for cutting-edge research, mentorship, and partnerships that inform U.S. and territorial conservation practice.

Conservation districts, state or territory associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Puerto Rico can access funding through the National Association of Conservation Districts to hire technical assistance staff and expand conservation services. Grants support outreach, conservation education, land stewardship, environmental justice, and civic engagement to help producers implement sustainable practices and strengthen communities.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Puerto Rico can seek funding for ecosystem protection, environmental education, and related community projects through La Roche’s corporate donations program. Roche provides accredited charities with support for high-quality initiatives in humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture, managed locally by in-country affiliate offices.

Environmental conservation teams that are alumni of the Conservation Leadership Programme and working in biodiverse countries, including Puerto Rico, can receive the Kate Stokes Memorial Award to advance their ongoing conservation efforts. Grants from the Conservation Leadership Programme provide US $5,000 annually to one exceptional CLP alumni team showing strong passion and long-term commitment to conservation work.

Environmental conservation organizations in Puerto Rico working on forest and water resource projects can seek US $250,000 - US $2,000,000 to implement two-year initiatives. Focused on forest health and related water resources, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports 10–15 projects, with required non-federal match and potential added match for Tribally led efforts.

Environmental conservation nonprofits in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories can seek project funding to protect wild species and habitats. Grants from Fund for Wild Nature help small, tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. or Canada that challenge destructive policies and defend native ecosystems, provided they have budgets under $250,000 and receive no government support.

Research institutions and universities in Puerto Rico working on environmental conservation and engineering can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Environmental Resiliency program. This program supports fundamental research on resource and energy conservation, circular economy, pollution fate and transport, nanomaterials, and engineered systems that protect human health and the environment across U.S. jurisdictions.

Nonprofits and community partnerships working on environmental conservation and habitat restoration projects in Puerto Rico can apply for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Five Star Grant Program, with awards of US $30,000 - US $150,000. Funding supports water quality improvements, community tree canopy, gardens, and outreach that engage residents in stewardship and expand access to nature.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through environmental conservation and related initiatives in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories can seek up to US $100,000 in project funding. Impact100 Global Veterans supports new or expanding programs that restore, revitalize, or enhance natural resources, parks, recreation, and environmental justice for veterans, with funds spent within two years.

Puerto Rico environmental conservation partners working near military installations can access funding through the U.S. Department of Defense’s REPI Program; awards up to US $20,000,000 for projects that prevent land-use conflicts, alleviate environmental restrictions, and enhance installation resilience. Eligible efforts must support critical testing and training capabilities across DOD installations and ranges in U.S. states and territories.

Women-identifying individual artists creating environmental art projects with free public engagement in Puerto Rico and other U.S. locations can apply for up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress work. Focused on themes like regeneration, eco-social engagement, and climate issues, New York Foundation for the Arts supports projects emphasizing ecological and social ethics.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Puerto Rico planning capital projects can seek US $10,000 - US $250,000 to improve facilities, land, or long-lasting equipment. Focused on conservation, community, health, and education, the Bolger Foundation supports U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities with tangible property projects under $2.5 million in total cost.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations with programs in environmental conservation, sustainability, or community development in Puerto Rico can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding. Eligible projects may advance environmental protection, sustainable energy, or related community initiatives as part of BMO’s broader commitment to thriving, inclusive communities.

Puerto Rico environmental conservation organizations and related nonprofits can access funding through the Yocha Dehe Community Fund to support programs that protect ecosystems and natural resources. Initiatives that also incorporate education, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, or Indigenous rights and sovereignty may be especially competitive within this nationwide funding opportunity.

Youth-led environmental initiatives in North America, including Puerto Rico, can receive US $3,000 awards for impactful conservation and climate projects. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards recognize leaders ages 13 to 22 with a cash prize, a short film, and a week of leadership, media, and career development programming.

Young people leading environmental projects in Puerto Rico can receive microgrants to advance their conservation, sustainability, or environmental justice ideas. Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative awards the John Goddard Prize multiple times a year to support ambitious, youth-led environmental initiatives nationwide, including projects based in Puerto Rico.

Environmental conservation nonprofits and NGOs in Puerto Rico can apply for Brevard Zoo Conservation Fund’s GEAR grants, awarding up to US $1,000 for field equipment, outreach, or professional development tied to in-situ conservation. Eligible 501(c)(3) or equivalent, governmental, and non-governmental organizations may use funds for mission-critical, on-the-ground conservation needs.

Nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico working on confidence, inclusion, or sustainability programs for young women may be eligible for support from the Aerie Real Foundation. Focused on building confidence, fostering inclusive communities, and protecting the planet, this grant offers up to US $10,000 for program-based projects; U.S. and Canada 501(c)(3)s can apply.

The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is the leading business coalition for conservation. Uniting companies across industries, perspectives, and geographies, we harness the collective power of our members to protect lands and waters for future generations. Our dual top-down and bottom-up approach pairs corporate advocacy with funding for grassroots action on the ground. Investing in The Conservation Alliance is not only an investment in protecting the resources outdoor businesses depend on—it’s a way to strengthen the outdoor economy and ensure long-term business resilience.

Mission: We harness the collective power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s natural places.

Confluence Program

Why Confluence?

The Confluence Program, launched in 2021, seeks to expand The Conservation Alliance’s network of grassroots and community partners. We know that our network does not represent a coalition of everyone working to protect natural places. Great things happen when a diverse coalition of voices and perspectives comes together to champion solutions that balance the best interests of land and water, wildlife, and people. The Confluence Program is a first step in our efforts to help create new systems and structures that bring all of the groups, organizations, and businesses committed to this work closer together to protect our shared natural places.

Only in special cases do we fund more than one group working on a campaign – this is typically reserved for TCA Priority Campaigns.

We prioritize the following types of projects:

• Advance TCA’s Conservation Strategy
• Measurably mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect biodiversity
• Are led by or increase engagement opportunities for Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Latin American, Black, Brown, or additional communities who identify as People of Color
• Projects that uplift/center traditional ecological knowledge, history, and culture in relation to land and water conservation
• Expand outdoor recreation opportunities and/or access to nature in an effort to help create connections to and a sense of belonging in the landscape
• Aim to improve long-term and sustainable economic impacts for local communities
• Increase connectivity to other protected lands
• Incorporate efforts to mobilize / engage local communities
• Projects that focus on groups working in collaboration with others to protect land or water
• Conservation projects that address the social, cultural, and environmental needs of a community and/or region.
• Projects where the resources (e.g., staff, revenue) and strategy align well with the intended goals and outcomes.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, honors a graduate student dedicated to advancing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, and public health. Established in 2020 by the American Water Works Association, this $3,000 scholarship aims to support innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in the water industry. By investing in future leaders, AWWA reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all.

The Woman's National Farm and Garden Association (WNF&GA) Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing careers in conservation and natural resource management. This annual scholarship aims to continue the legacy of conservationists dedicated to protecting our planet's resources. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through their academic and community involvement. However, WNF&GA members and their immediate families are excluded from eligibility. The scholarship is a vital resource for future leaders in conservation.

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.