Community Conservation Grants Program

The Schoolcraft Conservation District (SCD) has launched the 2026 Community Conservation Grants Program to support conservation-related initiatives in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. SCD is a local conservation authority focused on protecting and enhancing the natural resources of the region through educational outreach and practical land and water stewardship. This grant program offers funding for small-scale, impactful projects that align with the district’s mission to improve environmental quality and foster community engagement through hands-on efforts. The grant program anticipates awarding a total of up to $5,000 across approximately 5 to 7 selected projects. Individual grants will range from $800 to $1,000. Projects must directly benefit the natural environment or serve as educational initiatives that raise awareness and understanding of local ecological systems. Priority will be given to projects that feature interactive environmental education with youth or adults, the establishment of pollinator gardens, rain gardens, or riparian buffers, agriculture education, community or school garden expansion efforts, and public signage related to environmental awareness. Proposals that fall outside of these priorities may still be considered, though preference will be given to those that align with these focal areas. To be eligible, applicants must reside or propose projects within Schoolcraft County. Eligible entities include local school districts, private landowners, Native American tribes, libraries, townships, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, lake associations, and community groups without political affiliations. Ineligible applicants include state and federal agencies, public universities, and applicants from outside the county unless the project is on property they own within Schoolcraft County. Each project must demonstrate at least a 20% matching contribution, which can be in the form of cash or in-kind support. Matching contributions above the required minimum are encouraged and will strengthen the application’s competitiveness. Funding must be used strictly for eligible conservation and educational activities. Prohibited expenses include equipment exceeding $200 in cost, salaries, fringe benefits, travel unrelated to project execution (except bus rentals), permitting costs, or work mandated by legal order. Applicants proposing planting-based projects must use native species, and all planting plans require prior approval. In addition to implementation, all projects must include a permanent sign recognizing SCD as the funding organization. The application deadline is May 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Applications may be submitted via email or dropped off at the SCD office. All applicants will be notified of their status by May 22, 2026. Funded projects must be completed and all funds expended by November 30, 2026. A final project report, which includes at least 10 high-quality photos and a complete accounting of expenses, is due by December 30, 2026. The report must be submitted electronically and should clearly document project outcomes, public impact, and budget use. Interested applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full application guidelines before submission. For assistance or further information, applicants may contact Ashley Reitter, the District Manager at [email protected] or call 906-286-2890. This grant program reflects SCD’s ongoing commitment to grassroots conservation efforts and community involvement in environmental stewardship across Schoolcraft County.

Submit a complete application with required match and native plant list; clearly describe long-term maintenance; ensure signage includes SCD logo.