OVERVIEW
The goal of the National Conservation System Foundation’s grantmaking is to support and develop local nonprofit organizations working to protect, restore and expand the National Landscape Conservation System through on-the-ground conservation projects, community outreach and education, and advocacy. Projects and organizations that contribute to the conservation of the natural, cultural, and historic values of the Conservation System are the focus of our grantmaking.
The National Conservation System Foundation has two grant-making programs:
In addition to our grant-making, the Foundation has a number of other integrated programs designed to assist local organizations working to protect the Conservation System. These include our training programs and tools to connect you to issue and technical experts and to your peers. Organizations that receive funds through our Capacity Building Grants program and Opportunities Fund will be expected to participate in these programs. However, you do not have to be a Foundation grant recipient to participate; all local organizations focused on a particular unit of the Conservation System are encouraged to make use of these resources. For more information about our training programs and other resources see [COMING SOON].
Capacity Building Grants are awarded in the spring and fall and are accepted on an invitation only basis. If you believe your organization might be a good candidate for a Capacity Building Grant you may submit a Letter of Interest. Letters of Interest may be submitted to the Foundation at any time, but keep in mind that letters submitted well in advance of Invitation announcements will have the greatest chance of success. Please see our Letter of Interest guidelines for more information on what should be included. After your Letter is submitted and reviewed you may be invited to submit a draft proposal for a Capacity Building Grant. Please do not submit a proposal until you receive an invitation to apply. In some circumstances, grants may be made outside of our normal cycle; please note any special time considerations in your Letter of Interest.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS*
Invitation to Submit Proposal - July 15, 2008
Draft Proposal Due - September 15, 2008
Final Proposal Due - October 15, 2008
* Please note that we have a full docket of grants for the fall of 2008. Dates for our Spring grants will be posted soon.
ELIGIBILITY
Capacity Building Grants are made to local organizations working to protect, restore or expand the National Landscape Conservation System through on-the-ground conservation projects, community education, and advocacy. Our grantees are organizations focused on a particular National Monument or other area that is part of the National Landscape Conservation System and make substantial use of volunteers to help study and protect that area. The organization must work to further the conservation of the natural, historic, or cultural values of the Conservation System. All work must be consistent with 501(c)(3) requirements. Please contact us if you have questions about your eligibility.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Please see our Capacity Building Grant proposal requirements.
Opportunity Fund grants are awarded on a rotating basis throughout the year. The Opportunity Fund is designed to support projects and creative approaches to protecting National Monuments and other units of the National Landscape Conservation System. Opportunity Fund grants fund a discrete project that will meet a specific program or organizational goal. The project must further the conservation of the natural, historic, or cultural values of the Conservation System.
ELIGIBILITY
Opportunity Fund grants are made to organizations working to protect the National Landscape Conservation System through on-the-ground conservation projects, community education, and advocacy. The project must be consistent with 501(c)(3) requirements. Please contact us if you have questions about your eligibility.
APPLICATION
Please see our Opportunity Fund proposal requirements.