C.D. Besadny Conservation Grants

Investing in grassroots conservation and education

The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund was established to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Grants range from $500 to $2,000.

Grantmaking Priorities:

Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities:

• Projects that benefit Wisconsin’s most imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species.
• Projects that engage and impact underserved communities in Wisconsin and/or support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin’s conservation and environmental education sectors.
• Projects that build climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s natural resources through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation.

All projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes. We encourage innovative projects that leverage resources and partnerships.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations.
• Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s natural resources or people.
• The total project budget may not exceed $10,000, and overhead costs shall not exceed 15% of the grant.
• Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application.
• A one-to-one match is required. Match may include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials.
• Only one application will be accepted per organization per grant cycle.

How to Apply:

1. Determine if your project addresses our grantmaking priorities and meets our eligibility requirements.
2. Complete the application (paper copies of applications are not accepted).
3. Include proof of IRS tax-exempt status (IRS form 501c3 tax determination letter) or letter of support from school administration.
4. Submit all materials to to Lindsey at NRFgrants@WisConservation.org by September 1st.
5. Applicants will be notified six weeks following the submission deadline.

Congratulations to our 2024 CD Besadny Grant recipients

• Bong Naturalist Association — Interpretive Signage on Newly Restored Lot G Accessible Trail
• DNR – Parks & Recreation — Native Seed Restoration of Paradise Springs
• Friends of the Blufflands — Birch Prairie Restoration
• Friends of Wehr Nature Center — Wetland Restoration
• Glacial Lakes Conservancy — Biodiversity Assessment at Grasshopper Hill Project
• Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum — Chorus Pond Wildlife Blind and Wetland Discovery Station
• Historic Indian Agency House, Inc. — Prairie through Persistence
• Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy — Control Buckthorn in Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy
• Mequon Nature Preserve — Avian Bioacoustic Surveys in the Cedarburg Bog
• Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy — Carity Prairie – Grassland bird habitat enhancement
• Mississippi Valley Conservancy — Bat Acoustic Technology System (BATS) program
• Neighborhood House of Milwaukee — Rusty Patch Bumblebee Protection Project
• Sheboygan Senior Community — Pollinator and People Friendly Pond Project
• The Prairie Enthusiasts — Building Bridges to Nature
• Urban Ecology Center — Refreshing Washington Park
• Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council — Supporting Prescribed Fire Training Across Wisconsin
• Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve — Forked Aster Ridge Restoration Project
• Yellow River Protection Conservancy — Yellow River Nutrient Project

Banner photo by Patrick Wilson