FWSP Incentive Grant
The FWSP Incentive Grant Program accepts online applications from February to April. Eligible applicants are Friends Groups with Friends of Wisconsin State Parks membership and a Friends Group agreement with the WI State Parks Bureau. Grants up to $3,500 with a 1:1 match are available for projects. Priorities include Seasonal Naturalist wages, Naturalist programs, Outdoor education, and Interpretive signage/exhibits. No funds for administrative overhead, consultation, planning, or design. Competitive selection may apply based on ranking criteria. Grant awards are announced in early May with a Nov. final report deadline for funded projects. Ineligible for the following year. if the closeout report is not received. Projects must be at Wisconsin State Park System properties, and recognition of funding is expected through various channels. Additional information is available when the application date is announced.
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in Wisconsin offers grants for land acquisition, recreational development, and environmental protection. To obtain information on awarded grants, individuals should visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, review official documentation, check news releases, explore local government sites, and contact program administrators. The Application is usually due around November.
The Natural Resources Foundation.
The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks works closely with The Natural Resources Foundation. Specifically, we introduce our Friends Groups to grant opportunities offered by The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin funds projects that have a significant and positive impact on Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural wonders.The Natural Resources Foundation has invested nearly $7 million in public and private conservation efforts—from funding statewide wildlife monitoring programs to creating butterfly gardens at local schools, and from building trails at state parks to helping recover the federally endangered whooping crane.
Please click the following link for information:
The David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks
Photo: David and Joyce Weizenicker pictured at Kinnickinnic State Park at the unveiling of a new trail funded in part by the David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks. Photo by Caitlin Williamson
Eligibility:
Applicant must be a Friends group of a Wisconsin State Park property, with a formal agreement in place with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
A 1:1 match is required. Match may include cash or in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials.
Project expenses may not have been incurred before submitting the application. More information....
Grants for Local Projects
Gov. Tony Evers inaugurated the Grants for Local Projects program on November 6th, a transformative initiative outlined in the Governor's press release. This program, established by 2023 Wisconsin Act 19, aims to financially support nonstate organizations undertaking construction projects with a statewide public purpose. To be eligible, nonstate organizations must secure funding from nonstate revenue sources covering at least half of the total project cost. The state retains ownership interest equivalent to the grant amount if the project diverges from its public purpose. The Department of Administration will scrutinize and approve construction project plans, with the Building Commission awarding grants. After a fully executed grant agreement, the Department of Administration will disburse funds proportionally as reimbursements for actual design and construction costs. This program is a collaborative effort to create a positive impact in Wisconsin communities. More information
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