Fields Pond Foundation Grant

The Fields Pond Foundation Grant aims to support community-based nature and land conservation initiatives that enhance public access and awareness. Grants typically range from $500 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that involve local residents in conservation efforts. The foundation prioritizes trailmaking, land acquisition, and educational programs, encouraging collaboration among organizations. It seeks to empower communities to connect with their environment while ensuring ecological integrity.

The Foundation hopes to nurture such efforts by making grants under the following priorities:
Project grants for trailmaking and other enhancement of public access to conservation lands, rivers, coastlines and other natural resources;Land acquisition for conservation;Assistance in establishment of stewardship as a component of a land protection project; andDirectly related education programs and publications as components of a land protection project.
The Foundation is looking for grantmaking opportunities where a modest investment of grant funds can help in a significant way to improve public access to and enjoyment of natural areas, while maintaining the health and integrity of the environment.
Grant Size and Type
The expected range of grants is $500 to $25,000, with most falling within the range of $2,000 to $15,000.
Whenever possible we seek to expand the impact of limited funds through challenge grants, conditional grants, matching grants, and special initiatives, and by collaborating with other donors in joint funding efforts.
We welcome joint applications by two or more organizations coordinating their efforts on a single project.

Eligibility

Must be a tax-exempt organizations under IRS under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code, and  "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a). Our regular grantmaking programs are presently limited to organizations in New England and upper New York State.The Foundation encourages proposals from municipal government agencies. The Foundation may also consider short-term loans to conservation groups for the purpose of acquiring conservation lands.

Ineligibility

As a normal practice, the Foundation is unlikely to make the following kinds of grants:support for deficits, for routine operating budgets or general appeals, or where the Foundation may become the predominant source of an organization's funding.for funding efforts usually supported by public subscription or through national appeals, or for purposes which are generally understood to be the responsibility of government.support for sectarian religious activities.to individuals, such as for personal needs, welfare, travel, or research.