Conservation Partner Grants

Geographic Scope: Northern Rockies region

Focus Areas: Grizzly bear habitat conservation, wildlife protection, land conservation

Organization Type: Land trust providing grants to conservation partners

Contact Information:

• Address: 30 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804
• Phone: 406.549.8650
• Email: info@vitalground.org
• Website: vitalground.org

About Vital Ground:

• Status: Active 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization
• Federal Tax ID: 87-0483446
• Mission: Works in the Northern Rockies region to conserve land for grizzly bears and other wildlife, focusing on private lands that connect larger wild strongholds and build lifelines for grizzlies and wildlife
• History: Founded 35 years ago; co-founders Doug and Lynne Seus completed the first habitat protection project in Pine Butte area along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front
• Impact: Directly conserved more than 6,500 acres on private lands in Montana; partner projects positively impact hundreds of thousands more
• Recognition: Named 2025 Conservation Organization of the Year by Montana Wildlife Federation

Grant Programs Offered:

• Conservation Partner Grants (specific details limited in provided content)

Programs & Initiatives:

• Habitat protection projects and conservation easements
• Land acquisitions
• Conflict prevention partnerships
• One Landscape Initiative - blueprint to protect nearly 200,000 acres in wildlife corridors
• Bridge to the Bitterroots project (2019) - protected habitat along Clark Fork River with natural underpass for wildlife crossing Interstate 90
• Bart the Bear Memorial Campaign (annual year-end fundraising initiative)

Related Giving Options:

• Planned giving through bequests, life insurance, retirement plans, securities, real estate
• Donor-advised funds (DAF)
• Charitable gift annuities and trusts
• Silvertip Legacy Circle membership for planned gift donors