Partners in Conservation (PIC) Grant Program

The Teton Conservation District (TCD) administers the Partners in Conservation (PIC) Grant Program, offering financial support to projects that advance natural resource conservation within Teton County, Wyoming, and the Wyoming portion of Yellowstone National Park. As a local conservation entity, TCD focuses on initiatives that reflect its 2026–2030 Strategic and Long-Range Plans, which emphasize environmental stewardship and community impact. Each year, the PIC program provides funding to a variety of applicants, aiming to catalyze projects that improve land, water, vegetation, wildlife, sustainability, education, and geographic information systems (GIS) infrastructure in the region. PIC grants are open to a broad spectrum of applicants, including nonprofits, educational institutions, businesses, individuals, landowners, and government agencies. The program supports initiatives that take place within the Teton Conservation District or clearly benefit the district’s environment and residents. Applicants can request funding without a minimum or maximum cap, although typical awards range from $2,000 to $10,000. Importantly, TCD will fund up to 50% of a project's total budget. The remaining funding must be secured through matching contributions—either financial or in-kind—from the applicant or project partners. The application deadline for the FY2026 grant cycle is February 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. After the submission deadline, applicants selected as finalists will be invited to present their project proposals to the TCD Board of Supervisors. These presentations, scheduled for February 12, 2026, can be conducted remotely or in person and consist of a five-minute overview followed by a ten-minute question and answer session. Grant funding may be disbursed either in advance of a project start date or as reimbursement following project completion, depending on the needs and circumstances of the recipient. The types of projects supported under the PIC Grant Program are diverse but must align with one or more of TCD’s key focus areas. These include land-based initiatives like soil sampling, irrigation upgrades, and community garden projects; water-focused efforts addressing stormwater management and nutrient pollution; and vegetation projects aimed at restoring native plant ecosystems and mitigating wildfire risks. Wildlife grants seek to preserve native species, improve habitat connectivity, and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. In addition, TCD supports GIS-related data analysis and mapping efforts, sustainability programs in waste management and alternative energy, and educational initiatives spanning school curricula, events, and public awareness. TCD has established clear guidelines for application submission. Interested parties must complete a grant application form and a project budget. If the project involves private land not owned by the applicant, a letter of authorization from the landowner is required. Optional supplemental materials such as maps, photos, or letters of support may also be included. TCD staff offer assistance during the application process and encourage applicants to reach out at least two weeks before the deadline to receive feedback on draft materials. For inquiries and submission, applicants are instructed to contact Cam Bahnsen, the district’s Grants and Communications Specialist, via email or phone. The PIC grant program emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and ecological impact, and continues to foster community partnerships through conservation-oriented funding opportunities.