C.D. Besadny Conservation Grants

The C.D. Besadny Conservation Grants support grassroots conservation and education projects in Wisconsin, with funding ranging from $500 to $5,000. The grants prioritize initiatives that engage marginalized communities, protect rare species, and enhance climate resiliency. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and accredited educational institutions. The total project budget cannot exceed $25,000, and matching contributions are encouraged. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen connections between people and Wisconsin's natural resources.

Investing in grassroots conservation and education
The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund was established to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Grants range from $500 to $5,000.
Grantmaking Priorities:

• Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities:
• Projects that engage communities in Wisconsin who have been historically marginalized, underrepresented, or excluded.
• Projects that benefit Wisconsin’s rare species and/or natural communities identified in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan.
• Projects that builds climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation.
• We encourage innovative projects that leverage resources and partnerships.

Eligibility

Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s natural resources or people.
The total project budget may not exceed $10,000, and overhead costs shall not exceed 20% of the grant.Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application.A one-to-one match is encouraged, but not required. Match may include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials.
Only one application will be accepted per organization per grant cycle.

Ineligibility

The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations.