Wildlands Grassroots Fund

The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is accepting applications for the California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands) to support the heroic efforts of activists to preserve California’s wildlands. Donor Name: Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Cal Wildlands supports conservationists advocating for the permanent protection, including restoration and stewardship, of intact wildlands on both public and private lands to help preserve California’s wilderness and native biological diversity. Cal Wildlands defines “wildlands” as natural habitats, privately or publicly owned, that are (or have the potential to be) permanently preserved through legislation or deed restrictions, and are on a scale necessary to support significant native plant and animal life. Though many of the grantees’ projects are in rural areas, they may also support projects near urban or suburban settings, provided they feature connectivity to larger protected areas and/or are located along critical wildlife corridors. Efforts to advance wildlands and open space protection through county general plans and other local planning mechanisms may be eligible for funding. Cal Wildlands also supports policy advocacy, litigation and regulatory watchdogging at the local, state and federal levels if the project objective is to protect wildlands. Funding Priorities  Requests for discrete, project-specific support in which both the site and strategy are concrete and specific, e.g., saving the River Styx from hydroelectric development by getting stakeholders and community members to a hearing in Sacramento. Geographic or issue areas that have not received significant financial support in the past, including rural communities and other regions without easy access to financial and political support. Community-based advocacy and organizing efforts in which the campaign/project is steered by affected community members and interest groups. Effort is predominantly driven and staffed by volunteers. Project will establish or combat a critical precedent that will influence other wildlands protection efforts. Innovative strategies. Project seeks to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection and engage non-traditional stakeholders, especially communities of color. Funding Information Typical grants range between $4,000-$7,500. Maximum grant is $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Because of the complex network of agencies, stakeholders, processes, and programs that affect land and habitat issues in California, wildlands protection efforts are challenging. That is why the Cal Wildlands Fund provides a broad range of support for activists and organizations working to protect wildlands and habitat throughout the state. The Fund supports: Small nonprofit organizations with annual actual expenses and income of $200,000 or less; and Individual activists (with a sponsoring organization) with a solid track record of protecting California’s natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. Geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not received significant foundation support. The strategies they support include, but are not limited to the following: Grassroots organizing; organizational capacity building; participation in public meetings and hearings; public education; communications; legislative and regulatory advocacy; media campaigns; lawsuits; listing petitions; conferences and meetings; skills and leadership trainings; restoration and trail maintenance; scientific research, including citizen science; coalition building; and developing partnerships with government agencies, private entities, nonprofit organizations, and communities. The activities they support include, but are not limited to the following: Communications campaigns (including mailings, web-based communications and social media, paid advertising, etc.); strategic campaign planning and implementation; advocacy-related travel or other expenses; research; hiring technical, legal, or scientific experts or consultants; equipment purchase or rental; training; conferences; retreats; monitoring; mapping; and restoration and trail maintenance. Educational activities targeting legislators are allowable, but grant dollars may not be used for lobbying as defined by IRS 501(c)(3). For more information, visit RFCE.