Conservation Innovation Award Grant

Conservation Innovation Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS)
Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Summary

The Conservation Innovation Award, presented by the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), honors exemplary efforts that advance soil, water, and natural resource conservation. Eligible candidates include organizations that align with SWCS's mission and demonstrate significant impacts in conservation practices. This award recognizes initiatives that enhance public understanding of conservation issues while fostering sustainable practices, aiming to inspire a broader community engagement in environmental stewardship.

Overview

Our Organization Our mission is to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation. We believe sustainable land and water management is essential to the continued security of the earth and its people. Our goal is to cultivate an organization of informed, dynamic individuals whose contributions create a bright future for agriculture, the environment, and society. Who We Are Our community of more than 2,000 conservation leaders represents nearly every academic discipline and many different public, private, and nonprofit institutions around the world. Our skilled members include researchers, administrators, planners, policymakers, technical advisors, teachers, students, farmers, and ranchers, all who share the common goal of building a more sustainable future. SWCS members lead at the chapter level to tackle critical conservation issues of regional and local significance. Chapter events and initiatives engage members in field tours and other learning opportunities, provide a network of experts in the area, and educate local leaders regarding environmental issues in their communities. Members of student chapters on university campuses participate in activities that foster their interests in natural resource management and prepare them for successful professional careers. Conservation Innovation Award The Conservation Innovation Award recognizes an outstanding activity, product, or service by a group, business firm, corporation, or organization that promotes the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. Criteria: The effort or activity is in line with the SWCS mission The effort or activity contributed to bringing about better conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources and/or better understanding of natural resource conservation issues The effort or activity is a result of an organized program and may include the activity of an agency or government The effort or activity had an effect over a large area, at least a large part of a state or province, or parts of several states or provinces The principal effect of the effort or activity was directed to other than professional conservationists

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible organizations include SWCS partners in the public and private sectors, for profit and nonprofit organizations, retailers, industry partners, media, churches, societies, foundations, civic clubs, scout groups, and other organizations, public or private, that have carried out a noteworthy conservation activity.The effort should be in line with the SWCS mission and shall have clearly contributed to bringing about better conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources and/or better understanding of natural resource conservation issues. The effort should be the result of an organized program and may include the activity of an agency or government. The effort shall have an effect over a large area, at least a large part of a state or province, or parts of several states or provinces. The selection of the organization should not bring discredit to similar or competing organizations. Applications should include details on the geographic extent and scope of the nominee's contribution, the audience to which the contribution was targeted, and details on how the nominee's contribution improved the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources and/or improved the understanding of natural resource conservation issues.

Ineligibility

SWCS chapter activities are not eligible in this category.