Natural Resources Grants

The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund is a grant opportunity that invests in grassroots conservation and education projects benefiting Wisconsin's lands, waters, and wildlife, while also connecting people to the state's natural resources. The grants range from $500 to $2,000. The fund has several grantmaking priorities, including projects that benefit Wisconsin's imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species, engage and impact underserved communities or support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin's conservation and environmental education sectors, and build climate resiliency through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and encourage innovation through resource leverage and partnerships. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II), federal, state, or local governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, or accredited schools, colleges, or universities. Ineligible organizations include individuals, businesses, section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations, private foundations, and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin's natural resources or people. The total project budget cannot exceed $10,000 with overhead costs limited to 15% of the grant amount. Project expenses incurred prior to submitting the application are not eligible. A one-to-one match is required and can include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application per organization per grant cycle will be accepted. To apply for the grant opportunity: 1. Ensure your project addresses the grantmaking priorities and meets eligibility requirements. 2. Complete the application (paper copies not accepted). 3. Include proof of IRS tax-exempt status (IRS form 501c3 tax determination letter). 4. Submit all materials by email to Lindsey at NRFgrants@WisConservation.org by September 1st. Applicants will be notified within six weeks following the submission deadline. For more information or inquiries, contact Lindsey Taylor, Conservation Programs Coordinator, at (608) 409-3145 or Lindsey.Taylor@WisConservation.org. The grant is renewed every year with a deadline of September 1st.

The Well Abandonment Grant program provides financial assistance to properly fill and seal abandoned or unused private wells. Eligible applicants include landowners, their spouses, heirs, legal representatives, renters of the land, and shared well owners of a private residential water supply. To qualify, applicants must have a family income of $65,000 or less from the prior calendar year, with reduced reimbursement for those earning between $45,000 and $65,000. The grant covers the costs of materials and labor required for well abandonment. Applications must be submitted and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before any work begins to qualify for reimbursement. The application process involves obtaining an itemized estimate from a licensed well driller or pump installer, completing the necessary DNR forms, and submitting them via email or mail. Approved applicants will receive a grant award packet and must complete the well abandonment within one year. Reimbursement, which covers 75% of eligible expenses, is processed after submitting the completed reimbursement forms.

This program provides financial support to Wisconsin fire departments and county fire associations to improve their capabilities in fighting forest fires through equipment, training, and resources.

Grant Opportunity: Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier (SFR-FP) Funding Organization: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Contact Information: - Name: Faith M Murray - Email Address: Faith.Murray@wisconsin.gov - Work Phone: (920) 461-8206 - Work Address: NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPT OF, GREEN BAY, WI 54313 Intent and Eligibility: The Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier grant program provides funding for the construction and renovation of fishing piers primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible applicants include counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations. Matching contributions must come from non-federal sources. Application Deadline: Applications for the Sport Fish Restoration Fishing Pier grant must be submitted by October 1 each year. Application Materials: To apply for the grant, applicants must submit various materials including the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Programs Application (Form 8700-385), Grant Project Authorizing Resolution (Form 8700-388), project location maps, topographical maps of the project area showing land disturbance area, illustrations of the current condition of the project area, drawings or site plans of the proposed project area including buildings and facilities, preliminary or final engineering plans with pier designs, draft easement/lease/MOU documents if applicable, and copies of required permits if already received. Submission Process: All grant applications should be emailed to DNRBIGCVASFRGrants@wisconsin.gov. The subject line of the email should indicate the type of grant being applied for. Application materials should be saved in PDF format and not exceed 15 megabytes in size. If email size exceeds 15 MB, documents can be sent in multiple emails. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted by the deadline. Additional Resources: Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidance for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Subaward Grant Program: Boating Infrastructure Grant, Clean Vessel Act, and Sport Fish Restoration for Boat Access and Fishing Piers [PDF]. Accessibility guidance for grant-funded projects (CF-031) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

Grant Opportunity: County Conservation Aids (CCA) Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Grant Program Manager, WI Dept of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313, 920-461-2595 Program Description: The County Conservation Aids (CCA) grant program provides financial assistance to county and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs. The program aims to enhance fish and wildlife resources through the funding of various projects related to outdoor recreation use, habitat restoration/enhancement, stocking projects, maintenance projects, and miscellaneous projects. The grants are funded by the revenue generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and state sales tax on hunting and fishing equipment. Eligibility: County and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs are eligible to apply for this grant. Award Details: The statewide allocation for the current fiscal year is $148,500. Funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state. Unused funds revert to five regions available to county and tribal governments within region boundaries. Application Process: Interested applicants can download the County Conservation Aids (CCA) Application & Grant Agreement Form #8700-045A from the website. The form should be completed online and submitted via email or postmarked no later than October 1. Applicants may need to obtain permits if required or seek approval from the property manager if their project is occurring on DNR-owned land. A letter of final award notification will be sent out by October 31. Matching Requirement: If an applicant receives a grant of federal pass-through funds from the DNR, those funds can be used as a match for the 50% cost-share required by the CCA program. State funds cannot be used as a match for a CCA grant. Reimbursement Information: Expenditures made prior to the effective date of the appropriate DNR regional grant specialist approval will not be allowed. All work must be done within the project period. Local equipment rates may be used but should not exceed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) equipment rate for the year of the project activities. Re

Grant Program: EC-SDC Grant Program for OTM / Non-Profit NN Systems Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: - Application Questions: DNRECSDCGrants@wisconsin.gov - Technical Program Coordinator: Briana Harter, Briana.Harter@wisconsin.gov, (608) 893-0709 Program Intent: The EC-SDC Grant Program aims to provide financial assistance to Other-Than-Municipal (OTM) and non-profit Non-Transient Non-Community (NN) public water systems serving small or disadvantaged communities in addressing emerging contaminants, specifically PFAS and manganese. Eligibility: 1. Applicants must be the owner or authorized representative of an OTM or non-profit NN public water system. 2. The public water system must serve a community with a population less than 10,000. 3. The public water system must have either PFAS or manganese contamination. Project Eligibility: Projects must include actions to address PFAS or manganese contamination. Eligible items include project planning and design, technical assistance, construction or treatment to address contamination (such as consolidation with another water system, new well construction and old well abandonment, and treatment installation). Application Process: 1. Review the eligibility requirements and grant announcement. 2. Develop your project plan, considering technical assistance if needed. 3. Complete all application materials once they become available on Jan. 16, 2024. 4. Submit the application materials and required documents to DNRECSDCGrants@wisconsin.gov. 5. The DNR will review complete applications and attachments. 6. If approved for a grant award, the DNR will notify you. 7. Reimbursement requests can be submitted quarterly for eligible expenses incurred. Deadlines: Application period opens on Jan. 16, 2024. Application period deadline: July 31, 2024. Funding: Eligible projects may receive funding up to $240,000 per public water system. $3 million is allocated for eligible PFAS projects, and $1 million for eligible manganese projects. Grant award payments are made on a reimbursement basis. Reimbursement Materials: Materials will be available once

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit Friends Groups dedicated to maintaining and operating Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.

Grant Opportunity: All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Enforcement Patrol Grant Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For information on these grants, please contact your local recreation warden [PDF]. Award Details: The DNR can provide up to 100% of county net costs for the enforcement of ATV regulations. Actual funding received is based on total allotted funds split between participating agencies. Eligibility: Sheriff departments in Wisconsin are eligible to receive grants for All Terrain Vehicle patrols. Application Process: 1. Read the Snowmobile/ATV Safety Patrol Manual (LE-503) [PDF] for details on how to apply. 2. Submit a Notice of Intent to Patrol (Form 8700-059) [PDF] on or before June 1 of the patrol year. 3. Submit the form to: DNR ATV Administrator, LE/8 PO Box 7921 Madison WI 53707-7921

The OCCF Community Investment Grant Program is accepting applications throughout the year, with no specific due dates or deadlines. The grants aim to provide broad and diverse funding to support a strong and vibrant Owen County community. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations, schools, churches, and governmental agencies in or serving Owen County. If an organization does not meet the criteria but their project aligns with OCCF's charitable goals, they may be able to partner with a fiscal sponsor. The grant awards range from $1,001 to $5,000, with the option for organizations to crowdfund up to $10,000 or leverage OCCF's dollars through a matching campaign. The application deadlines for the Grants Committee review in 2024 are May 31st and September 30th. The funding categories include improving access to information on local issues and events, parks, trails, recreational programs, high-quality childcare and early childhood education. Additionally, requests for initiatives related to community wellness, culture, economic development, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, broadband access, historic & archaeological resources, hazard mitigation, innovation & entrepreneurship, and quality of place will be considered. Organizations that have previously received grants must submit a final report before applying again. For more information and to access the application form: [Link](https://www.grantinterface.com/Form/Preview?form=1113651&urlkey=occf)

This grant provides financial support to individuals and organizations in Wisconsin for projects that promote safe and ethical hunting by recruiting new hunters, especially adults, women, and families, while addressing barriers to participation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit groups and friends organizations in Wisconsin for improving recreational facilities and restoring habitats on state properties.

City of Phoenix Community Canopy Grant is offering up to $2,000 in funding to improve tree canopy coverage in neighborhoods within Qualified Census Tracts throughout Phoenix. The grant aims to assist communities in increasing their tree canopies and creating a more resilient, sustainable, equitable, healthy, and thriving environment. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations, community nonprofits, multi-family residential sites, non-residential sites, and community members. The grant covers trees, supplies, and support for tree planting projects. The maximum number of trees that can be requested is 200 for neighborhoods and two for individuals. Additionally, the grant supports event expenses such as food and beverages for planting events. All project locations must be within the City of Phoenix and a Qualified Census Tract. For more information and to apply, visit the City of Phoenix website.

This program provides funding to local governments and eligible organizations in Wisconsin to conduct environmental assessments of brownfield sites, facilitating their redevelopment and revitalization.

Call for Applications for Tribal Energy Plan Grant Program. The program aims to support tribal communities in developing energy plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and operate more sustainably. The grants can be used to compensate planning teams, hire consultants or experts, and cover the costs of public meetings and gathering public input. Eligible renewable energy types include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, bioenergy, biogas, biofuel, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, hydropower, nuclear, marine energy, ethanol, wave power, geothermal and ground source heat pumps.

This grant provides funding for various organizations in Delaware to support tree planting initiatives that enhance climate resilience and promote environmental justice.

This program provides funding to Massachusetts-based clean technology startups and academic institutions for projects that advance innovations in areas like high performance buildings, clean transportation, offshore wind, and net zero grid technologies.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations and individuals working to improve the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops through projects focused on marketing, research, sustainability, and food safety.

This grant provides financial support to community-based nature and land conservation organizations in New England and upper New York State to advance impactful conservation projects that benefit the environment and local communities.

This grant provides Virginia landowners who harvest timber with a tax credit for preserving streamside forest buffers, promoting water quality protection while incentivizing sustainable forestry practices.

This grant provides funding to local governments in Mississippi to develop or improve public boating access facilities on lakes and rivers.