Wild East Action Fund – 2025

The Wild East Action Fund is a competitive grant program administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) in support of the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership (ATLP). This grant cycle celebrates the 10th anniversary of the ATLP and the 100th anniversary of the ATC, marking a milestone in collaborative conservation across the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) region. The fund is designed to advance efforts in land protection, community resilience, and conservation planning within the A.T. Landscape, a region defined by the Hydrological Unit Code 10 (HUC10) shell, which includes sub-watersheds intersected by or adjacent to the A.T. treadway. Projects occurring partially or fully within this defined boundary are eligible, and those outside may also be considered if they demonstrably benefit the A.T. Landscape or user experience. The ATLP is a coalition initiated by the ATC and the National Park Service in 2015, now encompassing federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and private sector partners. Its mission is to connect the wild, scenic, and cultural elements of the A.T. region through collaborative conservation. The Wild East Action Fund supports this mission by offering flexible, private funding to enable diverse stakeholders to pursue high-impact conservation outcomes. Applicants must align with the ATLP’s objectives and may be Tribal, State, or Local government entities or qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Regional partnerships without 501(c)(3) status may apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor. The 2025 grant cycle opens on June 11, 2025, with applications due by 11:59 PM Eastern on July 18, 2025. Awards will be determined by the ATLP steering committee and announced in early fall, with disbursements expected in Q4 2025. Grantees are required to sign agreements detailing scope and spending expectations and must submit a six-month progress report, a final project report, and a final financial report. Projects will also be publicly showcased through ATC and ATLP channels. The total available funding for 2025 is $400,000. Three grant categories are offered: Land Protection (up to $75,000 per award, $300,000 total funding), Conservation Planning, and Community Resilience (each with award ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 and a combined funding pool of $100,000). All grant categories require a cash or in-kind match, which will be assessed based on the project’s context and the organization's capacity. Applications must include a detailed budget, a project description (maximum two pages), a letter of nonprofit status if applicable, and letters of support. Evaluation criteria vary slightly by category but generally prioritize climate resiliency, collaborative approaches, community benefit, alignment with regional conservation priorities, and demonstrated organizational capacity. The Land Protection category focuses on securing and conserving privately held lands, especially with public access components. The Conservation Planning category supports strategic planning initiatives, particularly in the Hurricane Helene-affected areas, that lay the groundwork for future conservation. Community Resilience projects aim to rebuild, stabilize, or improve ecological and social infrastructure in response to climate change and natural disasters. Applicants needing assistance may contact Max Olsen at molsen@appalachiantrail.org or by phone at +304.535.6331. All application forms, budget templates, and project prompts are available through the ATC’s website. Projects must be completed with funds expended by December 31, 2026. Additional supporting materials such as maps, photos, and viewshed analyses are encouraged but not mandatory.

Projects with strong match ratios, community support, and climate or conservation impact are prioritized.