Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a public charity based in Madison, Wisconsin. It supports conservation and education through grants, partnerships, and opportunities for people to connect with nature, with a focus on Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
Key facts about Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
In short: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi gave $662K across 28 grants in 2025 (avg $24K), mostly in Wisconsin. 29% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 39-1572034
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $661,990
- Grants made (2025)
- 28
- Average grant
- $23,643
- Median grant
- $9,875
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (8 of 28, 2025)
- Total assets
- $27,802,964
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (96% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$27.8M
+19.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$662K
-16.0% YoY
Grant Count
28
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$24K
-16.0% YoY
Is Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 8 of 28 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $29K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 57% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−10%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is “to protect Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by providing funding, leading partnerships, and connecting all people with nature.” Its funding supports on-the-ground work such as habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, trail building, and rare plant preservation; wildlife research, monitoring, species recovery, and habitat protection; and outdoor education for youth and adults.
The Foundation describes supporting projects on state natural areas, state parks, and other public lands, including restoration, climate resilience, and accessibility. It also funds work benefiting rare and endangered species and projects that engage people with nature. Its stated vision is that Wisconsin’s flourishing ecosystems are protected, sustained, and cherished by diverse communities.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grantees. Landmark Conservancy describes its mission as conserving Wisconsin’s natural legacy for everyone, forever. The Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance says it works to protect and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife through land acquisition and management, education, and advocacy. The Prairie Enthusiasts describes its work as protecting, managing, restoring, and educating about prairie, oak savanna, and associated ecosystems of the Upper Midwest.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 28 grants totaling $788,394. Grant amounts ranged from $5,219 to $306,711, with a median of $9,754. Its largest grants included $306,711 to DNR – Natural Heritage Conservation for restoration, management, and conservation of state natural areas; $82,914 to DNR – Wildlife Management to support and enhance Wisconsin state areas; and $62,900 to DNR – Parks & Recreation for campground infrastructure, restoration, and management of state parks.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
C.D. Besadny Conservation Grants
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
Amount
US $500 - US $5,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Go Outside Fund Grant
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
Amount
US $100 - US $1,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund Grant
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
Amount
US $500 - US $1,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation describes its work as protecting Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife. In 2024, 97% of its grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin and 3% to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 28 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
102 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DNR - NATURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION Madison, WI | TO SUPPORT THE RESTORATION, MANAGEMENT, AND CONSERVATION OF VARIOUS STATE NATURAL AREAS. | $227,770 |
| DNR - WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Madison, WI | TO SUPPORT, RESTORE, MAINTAIN, AND ENHANCE VARIOUS WISCONSIN STATE AREAS. | $98,440 |
| DNR - PARKS & RECREATION Madison, WI | TO SUPPORT THE CAMPGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE, RESTORATION, AND MANAGEMENT OF WISCONSIN STATE PARKS. | $49,996 |
| SOUTHERN WISCONSIN BIRD ALLIANCE Madison, WI | TO SUPPORT SOUTHERN WISCONSIN BIRD ALLIANCE AND THEIR BIRD PROTECTION EFFORTS, INCLUDING RAISING AWARENESS OF BIRD DECLINE IN WISCONSIN AND SPUR ACTION AT HOME. | $29,352 |
| LANDMARK CONSERVANCY Menomonie, WI | TO SUPPORT LANDMARK CONSERVANCY WITH THE CONSERVATION OF LOVE LAKE AND AQUISITION/EXPANSION OF PUBLIC LANDS HELD UNDER CONSERVATION EASEMENT IN NORTHEAST WISCONSIN. | $28,368 |
| THE PRAIRIE ENTHUSIASTS Viroqua, WI | TO REMOVE DENSE WOODY THICKETS FROM TWO REMNANT PRAIRIES IN THE SOUTHWEST SAVANNA REGION TO IMPROVE HABITAT FOR ALREADY PRESENT GRASSLAND BIRDS OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED AND TO REPAIR A VITAL BRIDGE CONNECTING THE TWO PARTS OF THE SYLVAN ROAD CONSERVATION AREA, A RARE REFERENCE QUALITY WETLAND/STREAM COMPLEX, TO ENSURE SAFE ACCESS. | $25,547 |
| FRIENDS OF CEDARBURG BOG Saukville, WI | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE, SCIENTIFIC, OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES OF THE FRIENDS OF CEDARBURG BOG. | $23,173 |
| LAKE MICHIGAN BIRD OBSERVATORY Port Washington, WI | TO FORM AND DEVELOP A PARTNERSHIP TO ACHIEVE URBAN BIRD TREATY CITY DESIGNATION, WHICH WILL SERVE AS AN ORGANIZING POINT FOR SILOED ORGANIZATIONS AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO COORDINATE BIRD CONSERVATION AND OUTREACH IN THE REGION. SPECIAL FOCUS WILL BE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS TO ENSURE HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS IN BIRD CONSERVATION AND BIRDING ARE A PART OF THE PROCESS FROM THE BEGINNING. | $17,500 |
| COLOR IN THE OUTDOORS Mayville, WI | TO SUPPORT THE MISSION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COLOR IN THE OUTDOORS | $12,000 |
| OZAUKEE WASHINGTON LAND TRUST West Bend, WI | TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE OZAUKEE WASHINGTON LAND TRUST. | $10,525 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23,295,000 | $4,782,615 | $2,670,758 | $788,394 |
| 2023 | $21,475,126 | $3,608,303 | $2,679,485 | $772,505 |
| 2022 | $18,403,242 | $2,879,637 | $2,236,677 | $734,054 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $27,802,964 | $23,295,000 | $21,475,126 |
| Revenue | $3,767,327 | $4,782,615 | $3,608,303 |
| Expenses | $2,558,819 | $2,670,758 | $2,679,485 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $523,811 | $2,051,639 | $535,290 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Tom Dott as chair and the following directors: Kristine Krause, Mark LaBarbera, Amy Alstad, James P. Bennett, Bruce Braun, Rebecca Haefner, Linda Bochert, Tom Olson, and Halie Tenor. The Foundation’s grants webpage identifies Marie Jensen as Conservation Program Specialist.
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi is led by David Clutter, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 16 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
David Clutter
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$85K (2020) → $115K (2025)
Dave Adam
Chair
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James P. Bennett
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristine Krause
Director
Chair → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Linda Bochert
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Labarbera
Director
Vice Chair → Chair, 2021
Chair → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Haefner
Director
Director → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Alstad
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Beckie Gaskill
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Zeug
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jaimes Johnson
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Gaumnitz
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Valitchka
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristine Euclide
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Martin Henert
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Williamson
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: Bruce Braun (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Tom Dott (2020–2024) — Chair
- Former: Tom Olson (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Halie Tenor (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Mary Gade (2024) — Director
- Former: Jim Hubing (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: William Lunney (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Diane Humphrey-Lueck (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jim Matras (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: William Smith (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
Contact
Mailing address: 211 South Paterson Street 100, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 409-3122
Website: https://wisconservation.org
Frequently asked questions about Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi
How much does Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi give each year?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi gave $662K across 28 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $788K across 28 grants.
What is Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's typical grant size?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's median grant in 2025 was $9,875, and its average grant was $23,643, across 28 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi that year got $10K on average.
Where does Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi give grants?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi gives mostly in Wisconsin: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Madison, WI (8 grants).
Does Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 28 grants with a stated purpose on Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's largest grantees?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's largest 2025 grantees include DNR - Natural Heritage Conservation ($227,770), DNR - Wildlife Management ($98,440) and DNR - Parks & Recreation ($49,996), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 57% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi reported $27.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.8M.
What does Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi fund?
The Foundation’s mission is “to protect Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by providing funding, leading partnerships, and connecting all people with nature.” Its funding supports on-the-ground work such as habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, trail building, and rare plant preservation; wildlife research, monitoring, species recovery, and habitat protection; and outdoor education for youth and adults. The Foundation describes supporting projects on state natural areas, state par…
How do I apply for a grant from Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi?
In 2024, the Foundation reported 28 grants totaling $788,394. Grant amounts ranged from $5,219 to $306,711, with a median of $9,754. Its largest grants included $306,711 to DNR – Natural Heritage Conservation for restoration, management, and conservation of state natural areas; $82,914 to DNR – Wildlife Management to support and enhance Wisconsin state areas; and $62,900 to DNR – Parks & Recreation for campground infrastructure, restoration, and management of state parks. Other 2024 grants incl…
What is Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's EIN?
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1572034. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsi by hand.
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