WCF Impact Grant

The Woodard & Curran Foundation's 2026 Impact Grant is a competitive one-year funding opportunity awarding $100,000 to a single U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation is committed to supporting innovative projects focused on the protection, restoration, and/or management of water and environmental resources. With an emphasis on responsible land and water management practices, educational outreach, and the implementation of proven strategies, the Foundation seeks to fund high-impact initiatives that can deliver measurable environmental improvements. Applicants must be established 501(c)(3) organizations as of the application date and maintain that status throughout the grant period. Proposals must not come from political organizations, political action committees, or houses of worship, although religiously affiliated nonprofits are eligible if the project is secular in nature. The Foundation prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. The grant aims to fund projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and community-scale impact. Eligible projects should clearly articulate a scope of work, schedule, milestones, staffing plans, and volunteer engagement opportunities. Projects should be action- and outcome-oriented rather than primarily research-focused. The Foundation is particularly interested in proposals that show strong potential for real-world implementation and enduring results. The application process requires completion of an online form and submission of key documents, including the IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, a proposed project budget in PDF format, and a detailed scope of work (limited to three pages). Applicants may also include a community endorsement if referred by a member of the Foundation. The application is not saveable; thus, materials should be prepared in advance for submission. Reporting obligations include two comprehensive updates: an interim narrative and financial report at the six-month mark, and a final report upon project completion. Continued funding is contingent on submission and approval of the interim report by the Foundation's Board of Directors. The 2026 application deadline is January 2, 2026. The award notification will occur in May 2026, with the grant period running from summer 2026 through summer 2027. While no cost-sharing is required, the Foundation emphasizes efficient budgeting, especially minimizing indirect and ineligible costs such as unrelated salaries or subcontracts. This is an annual grant opportunity, with similar thematic focuses considered in future years depending on board priorities. All grant inquiries should be directed to grants@woodardcurranfoundation.org.

Focus on innovation, measurable impact, sustainability, and minimized indirect costs.