The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation‘s Acres for America is a land conservation program that provides urgent funding for voluntary land acquisitions and perpetual conservation easements. Since it was established in 2005, this program has  helped to permanently protect over 2 million acres in the United States.

Up to $4 million will be split between 4 – 8 projects in 2023. Pre-proposals are due by May 3 at 11:59 PM ET. Invitations to submit a full proposal will be issued in late May; full proposals will be due by July 12 at 11:59 PM ET. This grant requires a 1:1 match of cash and in-kind donations.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

• 501(c) nonprofits
• State and local government entities
• Tribal governments and organizations
• Educational institutions

Matching Requirement

Although a 1:1 match is required, successful projects commonly have a match of 5:1 or greater. However, both Federal and non-Federal funds may used. Eligible matching sources includes:

• Cash
• Contributed goods and services
• Volunteer hours
• Property

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may only be used to purchase property.

Conservation Criteria

Land acquisitions and conservation easements under this program should address:

• Project Scale and Program Priorities – Protect a significant amount of land and address at least one of the program priorities (see below)
• National or State Conservation Priority – Projects should be endorsed by federal, state, and local government agencies as well non-profit conservation organizations. Make note of whether the project is part of a larger conservation plan.
• Protect Critical Fish and Wildlife Species – Projects should protect endangered species and areas of biodiversity.
• Expand Wildlife Connectivity – Reduce habitat fragmentation
• Expand Public Access to Nature – Increase access for public outdoor recreation
• Benefit Local Economies – Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate local economic benefits
• Provide a Range of Ecological Services – Ecological services include conserving drinking water sources, protecting stream flow, and carbon sequestration
• Under Threat of Conversion – Is the property in danger of being converted into a different land use?

Projects are also encouraged to engage in Community Impact and Engagement. Ideally, community input should be incorporated into the project design.

Program Priorities

Preferred consideration will be given to projects that address more than one of these priorities.

• Conserve critical habitats for birds, fish, plants, and wildlife
• Connect existing protected lands and protect migration routes
• Provide access for people to enjoy the outdoors
• Secure local economies that depend on forestry, ranching, wildlife, and recreation

Pollution prevention or P2 can significantly reduce human exposure to harmful chemicals and the negative health impacts of that exposure. Low income and BIPOC communities are at much more likely to suffer negative environmental effects because they are underrepresented in decision making processes. The Pollution Prevention Grant: Environmental Justice in Communities program funds projects that provide technical assistance on P2 to businesses in disadvantaged communities.

The Environmental Protection Agency expects to award $8 million in 2023, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Individual awards will range from $100,000 to $800,000 or up to $1.2 million for multi-state or multi-tribal projects. Applications are due by June 6, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. No match is required.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

• State government entities in the United States and its territories
• Federally recognized Native American Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
• Any agency or instrumentality of a State or Tribe
• Publicly owned and operated colleges and universities

Definitions

Pollution prevention – any practice which reduces the amount of a hazardous substance released into the environment prior to treatment or disposal and which reduces public health hazards associated with those substances

Environmental justice – the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies

Project Requirements

Projects submitted under this program must:

• Target disadvantaged communities
• Support the EPA’s FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, Goal 7: Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment, Objective 7.2: Promote Pollution Prevention
• Develop at least one P2 case study on novel approaches to address environmental and human health concerns in disadvantaged communities

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to develop partnerships to better deliver P2 technical assistance. Potential partners can be found through the EPA’s P2 Technical Assistance Resources.

Tools

There are multiple tools that may be useful in identifying target communities. These include:

• The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
• EJSCREEN: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
• P2 EJ Facility Mapping Tool

Upcoming Webinars

The EPA’s national P2 Program will host several informational webinars for potential applicants. All webinars will be from 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET.

• March 21
• March 23 (for tribal entities)
• March 28
• March 30

Quadratec has been a leader in the field of Jeep parts and accessories since 1990. Their company was built on a love of Jeeps and outdoor recreation and as nature lovers, they feel it’s their responsibility to help preserve the environment for future outdoor enthusiasts.

To meet this goal, they started the Quadratec Cares ‘Energize The Environment’ Grant Program in 2017. Through this program, they award two $3,500 grants each year to projects that will benefit the environment. The deadline for the Fall Round of grants is June 30th each year and the deadline for the Spring Round is October 30th.

Eligibility

This grant is open to any person or organization in the United States that wants to improve the environment and has an idea for how to do it.

Allowable Expenses

Quadratec does not specify what types of projects or expenses are permitted under this grant. Example projects include:

• Trail building or restoration
• Park beautification
• Litter prevention programs
• Sustainable Land Management projects
• Community educational programs
• Youth engagement programs

Application Process

Applicants should write 1,000 – 1,600 word essay describing

• Themselves or their organization
• What motivates them to do this work
• Their goal
• How this grant will be used to achieve that goal

Essays should be emailed as a PDF or Word document to grants@quadratec.com. Winners will be notified within 20 days of the close of the application window for that Round.