Donation Mini-Grant (DMG) Program

The Donation Mini-Grant (DMG) Program, administered by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), is a targeted conservation funding initiative designed to support the permanent protection of North Carolina’s critical natural, cultural, and historic resources. With up to $50,000 in grant support available per project, the DMG program is structured to assist with transaction, stewardship, and property management costs tied to land donations and conservation agreements. The program is distinctive for its frequency—offering three application cycles per year—and its focus on facilitating land donations that yield enduring conservation outcomes across multiple eligible purposes. The core intent of the DMG program is to support land conservation projects that advance water quality, protect biodiversity, enhance riparian corridors, preserve cultural and historic landmarks, and buffer military installations. Eligible project types include the donation of land in fee simple or through permanent conservation easements that protect resources like riparian zones, critical habitats identified by the NC Natural Heritage Program, areas with significant cultural or historical value, and properties located near active military bases. The donated property must be restricted via a qualifying conservation agreement such as a conservation easement, declaration of covenants, or a dedication under the State Nature Preserves Act. Conservation easements must explicitly state that the conveyance was a donation and must provide third-party enforcement rights to the State of North Carolina. Eligible applicants include North Carolina-based state agencies, local government units, and nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is the conservation, restoration, or preservation of the state's natural and cultural resources. The donation must be an absolute gift and must be made to and accepted by the applying organization. Matching requirements stipulate that the value of the donated land must exceed the total amount requested and that at least 50% of any stewardship endowment cost must also be covered through matching resources. State agencies may pass through project administration costs to partner nonprofits or contractors but cannot request those funds directly for internal use. The program reimburses eligible expenses such as surveys, appraisals, legal fees, baseline documentation, stewardship endowment contributions, and specified property management activities. Funding will not be released until the property transfer or conservation agreement is recorded. Reimbursement is also contingent upon full compliance with the grant contract. Projects are eligible only if the donation occurs within the one-year contract period, although limited exceptions may be considered if discussed with a field representative in advance. Applications are submitted online through a dedicated webform, which includes the ability to save and return prior to final submission. Required materials include a location map, property documentation, tax card, draft conservation agreement (if available), and a shapefile of the conserved area. The stewardship monitoring cost estimate is calculated using a standard worksheet and can be supported up to 50% by NCLWF funds. Each application is reviewed by NCLWF staff, with input from relevant agencies such as the NC Natural Heritage Program and the State Historic Preservation Office. Final approval authority lies with the Chair of the NCLWF Board of Trustees, who may consult the Acquisition Committee when necessary. The DMG program operates on a recurring triannual cycle with submission deadlines on January 15, April 15, and August 15 each year. Award decisions are typically made within six weeks of the deadline. This structured cadence provides applicants with multiple annual entry points while ensuring adequate time for project review and grant administration. Contract terms are generally one year, with any extensions beyond six months requiring formal board consideration. This consistent timeline enables applicants to strategically plan for upcoming opportunities, and ensures that awarded funds are tied to current, enforceable conservation actions.