Wildlife Grants

Established in 1984, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Conservation Grants Fund (CGF) supports the cooperative conservation-related scientific and educational initiatives of AZA, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and their collaborators. 

The AZA CGF funds projects in the focus areas below:

• Animal Health– Research projects, symposia, or publications that increase knowledge of or develop new approaches to assessing or treating medical conditions affecting animals in managed environments or in the wild.
• Animal Welfare – Research projects, symposia, or publications that increase knowledge of or develop new approaches to assessing the physical health and psychological well-being of individual animals in a managed environment.
• Conservation Education – Programs that raise public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, stimulate conservation action, or transfer skills and technology and empower new conservation leaders, particularly in developing countries.
• Field Conservation and/or Reintroduction – Initiatives on behalf of in-situ endangered and threatened species and their habitats and the reintroduction or translocation of these species to augment their population.
• Management and/or Breeding – Zoo and aquarium-based Animal Program management strategies and technologies for ensuring sustainability as well as genetic and demographic diversity.
• Research – Research projects, symposia, or scholarly publications that increase knowledge of or create new approaches to wildlife conservation.

Overview and Criteria

SNAPP, a first-of-its-kind scientific joint venture between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is a tool for developing sustainable solutions to global conservation challenges. Since inception, SNAPP, through its working groups, has provided science and user-friendly tools backed by hard data to identify and quantify nature's role and value in preventing and solving some of the most complex challenges the world faces around food and water security, climate change, and energy.

Each year, SNAPP provides up to US $1 million total across 4-6 approved working groups, led by academic, governmental agency, multilateral, or nonprofit institutions. SNAPP funds teams of 12-15 people from diverse organizations to gather for 3-4 collaborative sessions over the course of 12-24 months. Between sessions, members collaborate remotely; work with long-term implementation partners; identify emerging opportunities for tangible, lasting change; develop and test tools and products; and publish research.

Houston Safari Club Foundation

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Our members come from a diverse background and have a wide variety of hunting, fishing, outdoor and other interests. But they all have one thing in common-their passion for the outdoors, a love of hunting, a commitment to the responsible management of our national resources, the education of future generations and the responsibilities of being hunter-conservationists. 

HSCF has granted over $4 million to support youth education, shooting sports and conservation efforts to protect wildlife and habitat wildlife at home and abroad. These projects include research, sustainability, species promulgation, wildlife management, urban sprawl, anti-poaching, youth shooting sports and more.

HSCF is a leading advocate for hunter-funded conservation initiatives, which currently make up 99% of the wilderness conservation programs in existence today. Without these programs in place, and the billions of dollars generated in the hunting industry annually, wildlife would quickly become endangered by an imbalance of nature, species overpopulation, habitat destruction, urban encroachment and other threats.

Our Mission

Preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

Grant Requests

Grant requests are considered on a quarterly basis (March, June, September, December). Applications should be submitted by the first of the month prior (February, May, August, November). Requests are reviewed by the HSCF Grants Committee and HSCF’s Board of Directors. The purpose and goal of a grant request must be aligned with HSCF’s mission statement: 

• preserving the sport of hunting through education,
• conservation and
• the promotion of our hunting heritage.

Background

The Summerlee Foundation promotes a new ethic toward our fellow beings, supporting efforts to research, rehabilitate, rescue, protect, and advocate for animals. Our grantees give second chances to companion animals and injured or orphaned wildlife, provide refuge and sanctuary for exploited wild and domesticated animals, increase the understanding and protection of wild carnivores, and bring about the demise of policies and practices that abuse animals.

Collectively, we alleviate fear, pain, and suffering in animals’ lives, advance and expand the rights of animals, defend the laws that protect them, and create policies and programs to address new grievances against them. Through thousands of grants totaling over $60 million and counting, the Summerlee Foundation is honored to play a small role in the accomplishments of so many passionate, committed organizations in their tireless work to protect animals.

Program Goals

Our aim is to help the most overlooked, underfunded, and heavily exploited animals. The majority of our funding goes to small and medium-sized, lean and agile groups where we believe our contribution can be used quickly and have an outsized impact. We believe in balancing hands-on, urgent, direct care for individual animals with efforts to address the root causes of suffering to affect a more enduring, systemic change. We know we can’t often rescue, adopt or rehab our way out of core problems.

Programmatically

Cats only in the United States and Canada

• The tragedy of cat overpopulation and homelessness in this country results in intense and immense suffering due to disease, starvation, and inhumane practices by some local communities and agencies.
• Funding emphasis is on sterilization and vaccination primarily in rural or underserved communities.

Dogs only in the United States, Latin America or living in First Nations/Native American communities

• Emphasis on sterilization, vaccination, and humane euthanasia.

Wildlife

• Primarily mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and black bears, funding only those programs which protect through ethical-based research and advocacy/educational campaigns.

Marine Life

• Emphasis on addressing marine mammal issues, health and well-being and anti-captivity (dolphins and orcas).

Sanctuary for Captive Wild Animals

• Captive wild animal sanctuaries should be verified or accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

• Emphasis on hands-on animal care and well-being (emergency rescue, food, medications, housing improvements).

About Us

The mission of Mzuri Wildlife Foundation is to promote wildlife conservation and outdoor sports education worldwide.

Mzuri Wildlife Foundation exists to do the most good possible for wildlife throughout the world. The name Mzuri is Swahili, pronounced “mm-`zuree,” for “good.”  We fund grassroots organizations working at the community level to protect wildlife and their habitats. We invest in programs connecting people, especially youth and women, to the natural world through hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports and outdoor education programs. Our goal is to cultivate future generations who will enjoy, appreciate and safeguard the natural environment. 

Mzuri Wildlife Foundation (Mzuri) enables individuals to protect the wildlife they value and the sporting heritage they enjoy. We mobilize the financial and volunteer resources of our supporters to achieve more than any one person. 

Grantmaking Priorities

Wildlife Conservation

Since our founding in 1969, half of the world’s wildlife has disappeared. Partnering with grassroots organizations around the world, we are working to reverse this trend.

We seek out and support high-performing programs where our grant funds can make a pivotal difference to the project’s success. We invest in programs that protect wildlife populations through on-the-ground habitat enhancement and anti-poaching activities, wildlife research, community outreach, and other natural resource preservation efforts. The wildlife protections we support benefit all species of native plants and animals in the region. Healthy habitats support both flora and fauna that, once lost, are lost forever.

Outdoor Sports & Education Programs

We invest in organizations that cultivate and inspire future generations of individuals who will treasure the outdoors and protect these natural resources. Engaging more youth, women and others in outdoor experiences connects them to the natural world and fosters an understating of the importance of wildlife conservation.

The programs we support:

• introduce and engage youth in outdoor sports and conservation activities,
• encourage more women to participate in shooting, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports,
• offer hands-on learning opportunities that promote environmental stewardship, and
• build an understanding of the value of wildlife resources within individuals and communities.

Under the visionary leadership of founder Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is leading North America’s largest conservation movement. Together with our partners in conservation, we’re positively shaping the future of the outdoors through donations, grant-making and advocacy.

Cabela's Donation/Sponsorship Request Guidelines

Cabela's is proud to partner with local and national organizations in support of our mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.

At this time, we are investing in programs and initiatives that are aligned with our commitment to conservation. This includes projects and organizations working in the following areas:

• Conserving Wildlife and Habitat
• Connecting New Audiences to the Outdoors
• Advocating for Access and Sportsmen’s Rights
• Supporting Military and Veterans
• Strengthening Communities in the Missouri Ozarks

In an effort to extend the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation footprint, the Zoo has a program to help fund conservation projects in wildlife habitats around the world. The Zoo’s Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program awards small grants to projects promoting the conservation of wildlife.  The funding for this program comes exclusively from private contributions. 

The Ulysses S. Seal Fund honors a man who inspired the Minnesota Zoo to achieve greatness. He served as one of our first board chairs and founded the International Species Information System (ISIS).  He was also the originator and chair of the IUCN’s Conservation Breeding Specialist Group. He believed in the value of all species and worked to conserve as many as he was able. For his extraordinary wisdom and vision, he was showered with medals and awards from zoos worldwide, but it is here at the Minnesota Zoo where his legacy began, and continues in a fund named after him.

Funding priority is given to field-based conservation, but worthy zoo-based projects are considered. To receive support, a Minnesota Zoo staff member needs to champion the project. Since its inception in 2002, the fund has awarded over $460,000 to more than 200 projects in 50 countries.

Program goal

To mitigate climate change, make communities more resilient to climate change, protect public health from the hazards of toxic chemicals and pollutants, and preserve biological diversity.

Grants are made to

Promote more environmentally sustainable, resilient, and just communities that mitigate climate change by:

• Promoting energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy for buildings.
• Shifting to electric or low-emission vehicles and greater use of mass transit.
• Promoting a smarter, more resilient grid and distributed (on-site) generation.
• Reducing emissions from existing fossil fuel-powered facilities and extraction activities.
• Establishing regional programs, performance standards, and regulations that help reduce emissions.

Make communities, especially the most disadvantaged, more resilient to a changing climate by:

• Creating infrastructure that reduces stormwater runoff and absorbs storm surges.
• Protecting shoreline communities by conserving or enhancing natural barriers.
• Encouraging more sustainable building design and land use through policy reforms.
• Better planning and preparation for weather-related emergencies, especially for low-income and other vulnerable residents.

Protect public health from the hazards of toxic pollutants by:

• Supporting targeted scientific research that can be used to develop policy.
• Promoting safer chemical and heavy metal policies and practices, especially for infants, children, and other vulnerable people.
• Eliminating toxic chemicals from products through market campaigns focused on retailers and manufacturers.
• Enhancing protections for low-income communities near polluting facilities.
• Minimizing the hazards of new and expanded fossil fuel extraction on nearby communities.

Preserve biological diversity through habitat conservation by:

• Establishing, enhancing, and monitoring wildlife migration corridors; and
• Supporting functional connectivity between fragmented habitat that enables species to move and live safely

We encourage initiatives that cut across these program areas, especially those focused on smart growth, sustainable agriculture and regional food systems, and sustainable production.

Mission Statement

The Harris Foundation envisions making the world a better place for the well-being and safety of plants, animals and human beings.

Areas of Support

The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation funds organizations that qualify for 501(c)(3) status in five areas:

• The Arts. Youth as participants and/or as audiences.
• Conservation. Forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, deserts.
• Educational Camps. Primarily youth, except for unique camps.
• Preventative Health. Humans only, and any ages.
• Wildlife and Large Animals. All wildlife. Raptors, Birds. Horses, etc.

The Harris Foundation does fund operating budgets.

Established in 1978, the Acorn Foundation is a family foundation dedicated to supporting community-based organizations working to advance environmental conservation, sustainability and environmental justice. The Foundation’s name was taken from the street where the family lived.

The Foundation is particularly interested in small and innovative community-based projects that engage in community organizing in order to:

• Advocate for environmental health and justice, particularly in low-income communities, communities of color and indigenous communities
• Preserve and restore habitats supporting biological diversity and wildlife
• Prevent or remedy toxic pollution.

Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund Grants

The Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund was established in 1999 by the family of Lauren Townsend, a vibrant and inspiring young woman who was a class valedictorian and co-captain of the girls’ volleyball team at Columbine High School. Lauren was one of 13 victims killed in the shootings on April 20, 1999.

Lauren worked at an animal hospital and loved everything from wolves to spiders and any other animal that needed protection. “We established the fund to honor Lauren’s love for animals and learning,” said Dawn Anna, Lauren’s mother. She would be humbled to know that she is still able to help others even after her death. The fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on animal welfare or wildlife preservation.

Background

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC)—in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, FedEx and Southern Company—are pleased to solicit applications for the 2025 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. This program will award approximately $2.5 million in grants nationwide. 

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support. 

Projects include a variety of ecological improvements along with targeted community outreach, education and stewardship. Ecological improvements may include one or more of the following: wetland, riparian, forest and coastal habitat restoration; wildlife conservation, community tree canopy enhancement, wildlife habitat, urban agriculture and community gardens, wildlife and water quality monitoring and green infrastructure best management practices for managing run-off. 

Projects should increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities, particularly underserved communities, in project planning, outreach and implementation. This program expects that applicants will represent a mixture of urban and rural communities. NFWF may use a mix of public and private funding sources to support any grant made through this program and we expect that more than half of projects awarded will engage underserved communities.

Background

Thornton ("Tawny") S. Glide, Jr. and his wife, Katrina ("Scatter") Dangberg Glide, were long-time residents of the T.S. Glide Ranch in Yolo County, California. They owned and operated farms and ranches in and about Northern California. Their interests were horses and other animals, farming, preserving open spaces, and civic endeavors. 

Upon their respective deaths in July 1995, they established the Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation, a perpetual California charitable trust. Its purpose is to provide benefits for qualified organizations committed to animal protection organizations, other land and wildlife conservancy groups, agricultural purposes, preservation of land in its natural state, and opera, symphony, and other similar civic organizations.

Origin and Mission

Temper of The Times Foundation ~advertising for the environment~ was created in 1997 to promote the use of standard marketing concepts for increasing awareness about wildland conservation and restoration initiatives. Recognizing that organizations working to protect the environment, in general, have limited access to paid media, the Foundation provides funds to underwrite advertising designed to promote the conservation and restoration of native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in the United States. The Foundation also supports earned media campaigns and other efforts to communicate about conservation and restoration initiatives and actions.

We know it takes a big heart to protect tiny animals.

That’s why we’re committed to supporting the work of animal rescue organizations year-round through our Rescue Support Program and Annual Rescue Grant Program.

Rescue Support Program

We want to help you perform the important work you do every day. Through our Rescue Support Program, as a qualified animal care organization, you will find the product, support, and education needed to help fulfill your mission of rescue and animal rehabilitation.

Some program benefits include:

• Economical Pricing
  • Oxbow Rescue Program members receive special, economical pricing on our full line of products for in-house use and to support resale and fundraising opportunities.
• Event Support
  • Members are eligible for event support in the form of raffle prizes, handouts, activities, games, product literature and educational materials.
• Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency care demands come without notice, and we’re prepared to provide donations when help is needed the most.
• Educational Support
  • Oxbow Rescue Support Program members have special access to literature, training materials, and nutritional guidance to help train staff, volunteers and adopting families.

Rescue Grant Program

We want to help you perform the important work you do every day. Through our Rescue Support Program, as a qualified animal care organization, you will find the product, support, and education needed to help fulfill your mission of rescue and animal rehabilitation.

Grant Categories Include: 

• Education and Outreach Support
  • Educational and outreach programs, training materials, leaflets and videos
• Capital Improvement Support
  •  Renovations, additions, new structures, and equipment purchases
• Operating Support
  • Support to assist with normal operating expenses such as food, utilities, and veterinary care

The total annual funding for the Oxbow Rescue Grants is approximately $25,000. This amount will be advocated to, on average, 6-10 organizations. Grant amounts will vary, and we reserve the right to allocate a percentage of requested amounts. With this in mind, your funding request amount should be directly correlated to your specific project or annual operating needs.

Background

Established in 1990, the Arthur L. & Elaine V. Johnson Foundation provides grants to organizations that support guide dogs to assist the visually impaired and other assistance animals that aid people with physical disabilities. We also provide grants to organizations that conserve wildlife, especially threatened or endangered species and their habitats. 

Funding Priorities

We desire that the Foundation be a catalyst for change and therefore prefer to fund projects that will assist an organization in a long-term change. 

For funding in the area of handicap assistance animals:

• Our highest priority is dogs that assist the visually impaired, followed by dogs or other animals individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a physical disability.

For funding in the area of nature conservancy:

• Our highest priority is for direct conservation (e.g., preservation or restoration of natural land, animal conservation or preservation) and science-based conservation activities (i.e., research designed to lead to better land and wildlife management).
• We give higher priority to applications focused on critical habitat or environments or on threatened or endangered species.

The trusts were founded "...for the care and well-being of animals, particularly of dogs but not necessarily limited thereto." The late Mr. Rowe was a close friend of the Trustee’s family. This close personal relationship, and understanding of Mr. Rowe’s philosophy, yields the following interpretation of his wishes: the Trusts will consider supporting a program that will care for abandoned and abused pets (primarily dogs), or protects the habitat and/or improves the welfare of wildlife (primarily canid species).

Our Focus AreasWe believe that our Company’s community investments are more genuine and meaningful when there is an obvious connection between our charitable giving and the broader social benefits provided by the products we make. That is why Domtar’s community investment decisions show a preference for programs that promote:

• Education & Literacy
  • We believe that education is key to a young person’s success and are committed to supporting organizations that ensure quality education and literacy programming. 
• Environment & Sustainability
  • Our management and use of forests—a renewable resource—are at the core of our entire business. We partner with organizations that promote responsible forestry, support wildlife habitats and fund related research.
• Humanitarian Needs in our Communities
  • At the heart of our success as a company is the recognition that we are inextricably tied to the success and well-being of the communities we operate in.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here. 

The focus area for this year is Wildlife Conservation. We believe it's our duty to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. We envision a world where everyone works in harmony to protect what is important so that all life on this planet can thrive.

Funding

Cold Noses Foundation receives many requests for aid. While we wish we could help everyone, we have a commitment to our donors to stay within the scope of our mission so that we invest our funds effectively. Therefore, CNF will only provide funding for programs that fall into one of the following categories:

• Domestic Pets,
• Wildlife, and
• Farm Animals.

Our Purpose

The Cold Noses Foundation Inc. Grant program is for the purpose of helping organizations fund special projects relating to humane treatment of animals, finding homes and non-lethal alternatives to euthanasia, veterinary care for needy families or organizations, and humane education. Cold Noses Foundation will grant funds on a case by case basis, to any organization that qualifies that is enhancing the lives of homeless and neglected animals that has an income of $200,000 or less in the last fiscal year. 

Deadlines

• 1st Quarter- Australia, Europe- Opens January 1st Closes January 31st
• 2nd Quarter- Central America, South America - Opens April 1st Closes April 30th
• 3rd Quarter - North America and Territories - Opens July 1st Closes July 31st
• 4th Quarter - Africa, Asia - Opens October 1st Closes October 31st

Our History

Andy has spent a lifetime developing and building sustainable communities. He has expertise in regulatory guidelines, leveraging money, and visionary leadership. His integrity and work ethic have produced communities that continue to thrive on their own beyond his personal or business involvement, both economically and aesthetically. His patience and appreciation for nature come from years of working with recreational athletic teams and hunting in remote areas.

Jan has spent a lifetime in community service with a focus on responsible, fiducially sound leadership practices. Her consensus-building leadership style has developed through involvement in educational cultural arts initiatives, public park and environmental endeavors, and church leadership. Her creative vision coupled with her ability to appreciate and empower volunteers has helped reshape the groups and organizations she has been a part of.

Together, Andy and Jan have raised three children in the Wake County Public School System, always conscious of building community through consistent involvement in Parent-Teacher Associations, church, youth sports leagues, the local business community, and civic organizations. They are North Carolina natives with a global perspective drawn from extensive travel, both nationally and internationally.

Jandy is based on the biblical foundation where two come together to make one. The name is a visual representation of how they have partnered their life for their children and how they would like to partner with groups in the future. They believe in hard work, personal responsibility, integrity to the project and process, avoiding missed opportunities, and doing their absolute best with the resources they’ve been given.

They’ve now created a family Foundation, blending their talents together, to build a Foundation that inspires emulation based on the best of Jandy – Andy’s vision to leave lasting community assets and Jan’s creativity in bringing volunteers together. They intend to provide resources for like-minded Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) public charities that will share in their mission and help further creative visionary volunteer groups with their capital projects.

Mission and Focus

Jan and Andy Ammons established The Jandy Ammons Foundation in November 2012. The foundation’s mission is to improve local communities through innovative, project-driven endeavors that will enhance wildlife habitats, park settings, educational surroundings, artistic installations, or Christian church mission projects.

Grant Focus

The foundation focuses on specific “shovel ready” standalone projects, including the following:

• Wildlife/conservation/hunting projects
• Educational projects
• Artistic installations
• Christian church mission endeavors
• Park settings/community areas
• Other organizations and projects uniquely within the scope of the Foundation’s mission

America the Beautiful Challenge

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), through anticipated cooperative agreements from the Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is pleased to announce the launch of the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) 2022 Request for Proposals (RFP). The ATBC vision is to streamline grant funding opportunities for new voluntary conservation and restoration projects around the United States. This Request for Proposals is a first step toward consolidating funding from multiple federal agencies and the private sector to enable applicants to conceive and develop large-scale, locally led projects that address shared funder priorities spanning public and private lands.

In year three of the ATBC, approximately $119 million will be awarded in nationwide funding to conserve, connect, and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we all depend. The ATBC seeks to fund projects across the following themes:

• Conserving and restoring rivers, coasts, wetlands and watersheds 
• Conserving and restoring forests, grasslands and other important ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks 
• Connecting and reconnecting wildlife corridors, large landscapes, watersheds and seascapes 
• Improving ecosystem and community resilience to flooding, drought and other climate-related threats
• Expanding access to the outdoors, particularly in underserved communities

Collectively, these themes allow applicants to develop landscape-level ATBC proposals that address conservation and public access needs that showcase cumulative benefits to fish and wildlife, carbon sequestration and storage benefits, engage with and benefit underserved communities, support community access to nature, and help safeguard ecosystems through conservation, resilience-focused and nature-based solutions. 

Program Priorities

ATBC will prioritize proposals that implement voluntary large-scale, on-the-ground conservation activities or otherwise lead to on-the-ground implementation through capacity building, community engagement, planning and project design. The overarching goal is to advance existing landscape conservation plans and/or propose to knit together a diverse stakeholder partnership that develops and/or implements new conservation plans. As part of this, projects should address priority species and/or habitat conservation actions identified in existing plans or other species recovery or conservation plans. Projects that are informed by Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) and promote Tribal co-stewardship are also encouraged. 

Competitive proposals will increase interagency and intergovernmental collaboration and address more than one of the program priorities below. 

Benefit At-Risk Fish, Wildlife and Plant Species

Conserve and restore habitat to improve ecosystem function and biological diversity, as identified by conservation plans, ITK, or emerging information for priority fish, wildlife and/or plant resources, such as threatened and endangered species, species of greatest conservation need (including game species). 

Expand Habitat Connectivity

Conserve and restore priority habitat and stopover areas along key migratory routes; conserve, restore or improve fish passage; conserve or restore lands and/or waters that are critical to habitat connectivity; or expand and enhance wildlife corridors that contribute to larger-scale conservation efforts (e.g., removing and right-sizing culverts, removing encroaching trees from grassland and sagebrush ecosystems, rehabilitating areas damaged by fire, treating exotic/invasive vegetation to improve habitat values, or voluntary conservation easements to strengthen habitat connectivity).

Provide a Range of Ecosystem Services

Demonstrate and quantify a range of ecosystem services restored (e.g., improving stream flow for aquatic resources, watershed health, carbon sequestration, restoration of Tribal subsistence resources).

Strengthen Ecosystem and Community Resilience

Conserve and restore natural systems that help ecosystems and/or communities respond to, mediate and recover from disturbances such as floods, wildfire, drought (e.g., enhancing a wetland to improve coastal resilience, invasive species prevention or removal to reduce wildfire risk, restoring fire resilient stand structure and species composition in fire prone forests, water conservation to address drought, expansion of wetlands to protect from flooding, grassland restoration to promote natural prairie ecosystems).

Expand Public and Community Access to Nature

Create, improve or expand opportunities for public access and recreation, in particular for underserved communities that lack access to the outdoors, in a manner consistent with the ecological needs of fish and wildlife habitat. Projects should be conducive to high-quality recreational experiences, such as biking, birding, boating, fishing, hiking, outdoor education, cultural activities, hunting and wildlife viewing. Projects should be predominantly nature-based in application. Hard infrastructure, such as parking lots and visitor center amenities, are not eligible under this funding opportunity.

Engage Local Communities

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that incorporate outreach to communities, particularly underserved communities in accordance with the Administration’s Justice40 initiative, foster community engagement, and pursue collaboration with farmers, ranchers, Tribal Nations, states or other land managers to produce measurable conservation benefits. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes, and incorporating ITK when possible. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations), as appropriate, to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. 

Support Tribally Led Conservation and Restoration Priorities

Consistent with the Administration’s commitment to honoring Tribal sovereignty and advancing equity for Indigenous people, applicants are encouraged to prioritize projects that uplift Tribal and Indigenous-led efforts. These efforts may include but are not limited to Tribal co-stewardship of federal or other lands, restoration of Tribal homelands, access to and/or restoration of sacred sites, and elevation of ITK.  

Contribute to Local or Tribal Economies

Implement conservation projects that, as a co-benefit, directly contribute to local economies and underserved communities. For example, projects could help expand tourism or recreational economies, promote regenerative agriculture, or contribute to working lands and/or community or Tribal forestry. Applicants are encouraged to estimate the economic benefits that are expected because of the project (e.g., number of jobs sustained or created). 

Contribute to Workforce Development

Develop the next generation of conservation professionals, including through support for national service, youth and conservation corps engaged in conservation and climate-related work. Projects that develop the restoration workforce, in particular with AmeriCorps and 21st Century Conservation Service Corps programs, are encouraged.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

We welcome bold proposals that align with our 2021-2030 Strategic Plan.

Our Strategic Plan is a roadmap to award more than $1.2 billion from 2021-2030. It is a plan to focus the Foundation’s resources on the most powerful pathways to greater opportunity and prosperity for the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. And to do even more to protect, steward, and activate environmentally sensitive land in southwestern Pennsylvania and across the United States.

Funding Programs

We strive to improve the competitive position of the region; strengthen the vitality of Southwestern Pennsylvania, particularly the City of Pittsburgh and its neighborhoods; and protect important habitats and natural amenities in Western Pennsylvania and across the United States.

• Conservation
  • Wildlife flourishes and people thrive in once-imperiled habitats, through strategic land protection, stewardship, and activation, and sustainable economic development that deploys renewable energy and new technologies that foster livable communities and healthy natural systems.
• Economic Development
  • To help make Southwestern Pennsylvania an engine for economic growth and vitality by investing in the ingenuity and creativity of its population, enhancing individuals’ economic prosperity, and strengthening our sense of community.
• Economic Mobility
  • All children and youth living in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties will be able to access their most promising future.
  • We invest in pathways to opportunity for vulnerable children and youth to overcome the obstacles to achieving economic mobility.
• Health & Well-Being
  • Everyone in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, particularly the most vulnerable, has the opportunity to live a healthy life.
• Organizational Effectiveness
  • Our partners will have the organizational strength and agility to pursue big ideas and take risks in service of accelerating achievement of their strategic priorities.
• Social-Impact Investments
  • The Foundation's social-impact investing enables mission-driven for-profit companies to secure the risk capital, networks and resources they need to develop products, deploy services and address societal issues at the individual and community level.

We welcome proposals that span funding programs.

General Application

The General Application is for proposals that align with our 2021 – 2030 Strategy and one – or several – of our funding programs.

The General Application is our most flexible application option. The General Application does not have deadlines, so you can submit at any time throughout the year. Through the General Application, you can apply for general operating support or project-specific support. You can also seek funding for planning and innovation, implementation, or scaling activities.

The FairWays Foundation

Environmental stewardship is not an initiative. It is a long-term investment into our future and the future of our industry. The FairWays Foundation directly funds local and global projects that advance the conservation of our natural resources. These projects help to preserve the environment we live and work in whilst encouraging education and stewardship not only within our own industry but also within wider communities.

The FairWays Foundation is a stand-alone not-for-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding our environment. The FairWays Foundation supports conservation-based projects; big and small, as well as educational events for professionals, newcomers to the field and for future minds.

Grant Guidelines

The FairWays Foundation supports conservation-based projects where the belief and commitment demonstrated offer a meaningful contribution to long term change.  The very heart of the foundation lies in the green industry and we are committed to further supporting both industry partners and their local communities, we believe that the push for change must continue to come from the grass roots level, these are the voices which speak loudest to The FairWays Foundation.

We directly fund local and global projects that demonstrate an aspiration to protect our natural resources. 

Focus Areas

The cornerstone of successful applicants will highlight undertakings in the following key focus areas:

• Conservation
  • Globally golf courses occupy over one million acres of land, encouraging conservation of our natural resources helps to ensure a positive use of that land, with benefits that extend beyond the golf course.
• Stewardship
  • Responsible use of resources not only within our industry but also within the wider community protects the environment we live in for future generations.
• Education
  • We have a responsibility to protect the habitats we work and live in, education regarding conversation and sound stewardship in our industry is to be encouraged.

We Fund Work That

• Offers commitment to reduce the facilities ecological footprint
• Increases the boundaries of standard husbandry
• Includes benefits to the local community
• Protects existing natural resources

All successful applicants must:

• Show a clear strategy
• Identify goals / objectives which can be measured to evaluate success

Potential Projects

Projects that make a difference to the community or industry, such as –

• Supporting habitats and wildlife
• Educational events
• Linking landscape and business
• Encouraging sustainable management practices
• Environmental improvement projects

Kentucky Fried Wishes

Non-profit organizations can apply for a $10,000 grant to fund an actionable project on their wish list.

The KFC Foundation will award a total of $1 million to 100 non-profit organizations to make their Kentucky Fried Wishes come true.

Twenty-five grants will be awarded per quarterly cycle.

Caring for the Environment, Animals

Examples:

• Permanent wildlife conservation exhibit
• New vehicle for mobile vet clinic
• Park improvements

Final determinations made within 60 days of submission deadline.