2026 Urban Conservation & Community Catalytic Grants

These grants are designed to spark momentum—providing strategic, early-stage investments that help organizations move bold ideas into action. We are seeking proposals for projects or programs that are catalytic in nature, supporting or advancing a larger effort with the potential for significant, long-term impact in the communities you serve.

Up to 10 grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to initiatives that unlock future opportunity, attract additional investment, and build community confidence.

Funding Details

Funded projects should lay the groundwork for lasting change, such as:

• Seed funding for a capital project
• Development of a neighborhood-level land-use or site-control plan
• Identification and evaluation of properties for conservation or community ownership
• Planning and design for a new or restored urban green space
• Strategic visioning or predevelopment work that positions a project for future funding

Proposed budgets may include funding for professional services, such as landscape architects, planners, designers, consultants, or other technical expertise needed to advance the work.

Timeline

Applications are due Monday, March 9.

Decisions will be announced by end of April, 2026.

Eligibility

• Open to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or federal government agencies, federally recognized tribes and local governments, and educational institutions. Community groups that are not eligible are encouraged to partner with an eligible group.  If you have a great project but your group is not eligible, please reach out to us if we can help match you with an eligible partner. Private for-profit firms and individuals are not eligible to apply.
• Grant funding may not be used to support political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities, or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.

Ready to apply or want to learn more?

Questions?

• Please reach out to Kelsey Pramik at kpramik@conservationfund.org with any questions.