Conservation Opportunity Fund

The Conservation Opportunity Fund is a grant initiative administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), a locally focused organization committed to promoting conservation and the responsible use of natural and agricultural resources throughout Cheshire County, New Hampshire. CCCD provides educational, technical, and financial assistance to landowners and community stakeholders. This grant program, offered annually, supports landowners and stewards of small tracts of land in implementing projects that improve wildlife habitat and contribute to the ecological resilience of the region. The 2026 Conservation Opportunity Fund invites proposals from individuals and organizations managing land parcels 25 acres or less in Cheshire County. Eligible applicants include private landowners, farmers, forestland owners, and businesses, including those operating on long-term leases. The program encourages community engagement, and priority is given to projects developed by schools, municipalities, neighborhood groups, or other community-based institutions that integrate conservation with education. Applications are also evaluated on long-term sustainability plans, regional ecological alignment, and demonstrated investment of the applicant's own resources. Grants of up to $1,500 are available per project, awarded on a reimbursement basis. Approved expenses include only the cost of eligible plants, shrubs, and seeds, all of which must be native to the northeastern United States. The fund will not support tree purchases, feasibility studies, landowner or manager labor, or any efforts not directly resulting in improved wildlife habitat. All applicants must use native vegetation exclusively, and projects that do not comply will not be considered for funding. The range of eligible project types includes the installation of pollinator habitats and rain gardens, the creation and maintenance of early successional habitat, vegetated buffers along water bodies, and the conversion of lawns or fields into native plant gardens. Final eligibility for projects outside these categories can be determined by contacting CCCD directly. The CCCD will support successful applicants through a required pre-project site visit to provide technical guidance, and project plans must be submitted and approved prior to implementation. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is February 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals electronically, though hard copy submissions are accepted. Funding decisions will be announced by March 15, and all project activities must be completed and reported by December 31, 2026. Required documentation for selected grantees includes a signed contract, W-9 form, proof of site liability insurance, and finalized project plans. Final reporting must include documentation of outcomes, expenses, and a blog post accompanied by a photo, which CCCD may assist in producing. This fund is privately financed and emphasizes not only environmental impact but also public education and community participation. The Conservation Opportunity Fund offers a unique platform for local land stewards to translate their conservation goals into action while contributing to the broader ecological health of Cheshire County. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process based on ecological value, feasibility, community involvement, and adherence to program guidelines.

Use native plants only; demonstrate community impact; prepare for site visit; prioritize sustainability and education