Land & Water Defense Fund (LWDF)

Grant Duration: 6-12 month grants

Geographic Scope: North America (US, Canadian, and Mexican organizations)

Focus Areas:
The majority of awards focus on these categories:

• Defending bedrock conservation laws (e.g., Wilderness Act, Antiquities Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act)
• Defending landscapes, rules and regulations, and management plans that TCA previously supported
• Opposing the proposed transfer of federal lands to states or private ownership

Priority Considerations:
Priority will be given to efforts that:

• Defend TCA Priority Campaigns
• Include a parallel process for securing durable protection
• Address an urgent threat to public lands
• Elevate marginalized voices and leadership

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) organizations
• Tribal organizations
• Canadian Registered Charities
• Mexican Registered Charities
• Other charitable organizations
• Fiscally sponsored organizations (with fiscal sponsor listed)
• Organization/group and project must be located in North America

Funding Process:

• TCA reviews and funds proposals as they are received, given available resources
• Due to the urgent nature of these efforts, all funding decisions are made by TCA staff
• Organizations complete an online inquiry form for funding consideration

Background:
Established to support organizations strategically confronting efforts that would diminish the public lands system. Part of The Conservation Alliance's broader grant portfolio, which has contributed over $25.3 million in total funding since 1989.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete Online Inquiry Form
Organizations interested in funding must complete The Conservation Alliance's online inquiry form.

Required Information:

Applicant Information:

• Organization Name (Required)
• Contact Name (Required)
• Contact Title
• Contact Email (Required)
• Organization Website

Eligibility Information:

• Type of Organization (501c3, Tribal, Canadian Registered Charity, Mexican Registered Charity, Other)
• If other type, specify
• Fiscal sponsor information (if fiscally sponsored)
• Organization State/Territory (dropdown menu with all US states, Canadian provinces, and territories)
• Project State/Territory (dropdown menu)

Project Information:

1. Final Outcome (Required): In one sentence, detail the final outcome your group is seeking to achieve (e.g., "defend the conservation of 1,000 acres of forest land through public education and coalition building efforts")
2. Strategy Description (Required): In 300 words or less, briefly describe:
   • The strategy your group will engage in
   • The particular role your organization will play

Submission:

• Form submission is online
• All decisions made by TCA staff
• Funding decisions made as proposals are received, given available resources