North Carolina Land and Water Fund: Donation Mini-Grant Program

North Carolina Land and Water Fund: Donation Mini-Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Summary

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) has been a cornerstone in conserving the state's natural resources since 1996, protecting over half a million acres and 3,000 miles of waterways. The Donation Mini-Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for stewardship and management costs of donated properties, emphasizing ecological preservation and public access. This initiative highlights NCLWF's commitment to enhancing North Carolina's water quality and cultural heritage, ensuring these vital resources are safeguarded for future generations.

Overview

North Carolina Land and Water Fund Since its creation in 1996 by the General Assembly, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), formerly known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, has conserved well over one-half million acres and protected or restored 3,000 miles of streams and rivers. “For 25 years, the Land and Water Fund has played a vital role in protecting North Carolina’s water quality, open spaces, and treasured cultural resources,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “These grants have been used in all 100 N.C. counties to help ensure clean drinking water, protect natural habitat and preserve our unique natural and cultural resources for future generations.” “Access to trails, greenways and open space is so important to our health and well-being,” said John Wilson, chair of the NCLWF board. “This critical need has been especially apparent recently as North Carolinians are seeking fresh air, exercise and recreation in record numbers. Public access will continue to be a priority for the Fund.” The North Carolina Land and Water Fund has protected the state's natural and cultural resources for 25 years under its old name and will continue to do so long into the future under the new name. Donation Mini-Grant Program Donation Mini-Grants provide a maximum of $50,000 for transaction, property management, and stewardship costs associated with the donation of property in fee simple or a permanent conservation agreement. All project acres must be restricted with a permanent conservation agreement to protect natural or cultural resources. The donation must be for at least one of the following purposes: Land that is within the first 300 feet from the top of the stream bank, or the width of the 100-year floodplain, whichever is greater for the purpose of protecting surface water quality or developing a riparian greenwayLand containing natural areas, element occurrences, or species of concern as defined by NC Natural Heritage Program or adjacent buffer land that is critical to protecting the viability of those areas for the purpose of protecting ecological diversity.Land buffering military installations for the purpose of minimizing incompatible land use for installations and training.Properties on which historic or cultural events can be interpreted and that help develop a balanced state program of historic properties.

Eligibility

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