The Veterans and Nature Grant Program is a joint project of the National Environmental Education Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. They support projects that expose veterans to the physical and mental health benefits of time spent in nature.
Applications for up to $10,000 are due by March 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM PT.
Eligibility
This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and groups with a fiscal sponsor who have a partnership with a public lands entity. Public lands staff must be involved in both the preparation of the application and adminstration of the project.
Public Lands – “Any federal, state, local, county, or regional land or waterway held in the public trust and/or spaces that are accessible to the public.”
Allowable Expenses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Recreational and educational services
- Equipment and supplies
- Administrative costs
- Billed labor
Funds may not be used to pay for transportation.
Potential Activities
Potential activities under this grant include:
- Outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, fishing, etc.)
- Community science programming
- Environmental service projects
- Adaptive programming
- Conservation
Priority Consideration
Priority consideration will be given to projects that:
- Work with an organization that serves veterans and include a letter of support from them
- Discuss how they will address accessibility issues
- Work with veterans who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or have disabilities
- Involve Forest Service staff
