Knowles-Nelson Nonprofit Conservation Organization Grant Subprograms

Nonprofit conservation organizations (NCOs) may apply for funding from eight Stewardship grant subprograms to help fund the acquisition of land and conservation easements.

Four grant subprograms are open only to NCO applicants:

1. Habitat area grants are awarded to conserve wildlife habitat in Wisconsin in order to expand opportunities for wildlife-based recreation such as hunting, trapping, hiking, bird watching, fishing, nature appreciation and wildlife viewing.

2. The State Natural Areas (SNA) Program is dedicated to the preservation of Wisconsin's native natural communities and habitat for rare plant and animal species.

3. Streambank protection grants are awarded to protect water quality and fish habitat.

4. State trail grants are awarded to purchase lands or easements identified as part of the State Trail system including designated State Water Trails.

Eligibility

An eligible nonprofit Stewardship grantee must be a nonprofit corporation.

Grants to NCOs must fund land or easement acquisition.

Stewardship grants cannot fund:
a. property acquired more than one year before a grant application is submitted;
b. property subject to conservation or recreational use restrictions;
c. licensed game farms, deer farms, shooting preserves, forest nurseries or experimental stations properties;
d. property that will not be used for nature-based outdoor recreation;
e. land purchases for activities not defined by appreciation or enjoyment of nature; or
f. property purchases not conducted on a willing seller - willing buyer basis.

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