Groups interested in this grant opportunity are encouraged to contact the Property Manager early in the process to discuss eligible recreation, habitat, and education projects.

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grants for Friends Groups

This year, $250,000 from the Stewardship program has been set aside for friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations (NCOs) to improve facilities, build new recreation projects, and restore habitat on state properties. The program recognizes the important role friends groups play in meeting the development and restoration needs of state properties.

*Friends Groups may apply for multiple projects with a maximum total limit of $20,000 per property.

*Funding for large projects may be applied in three phases with a limit of $20,000 per year or a maximum of $60,000 per project. There must be a usable component of the project at the end of each phase.

Grants are awarded for up to 50% of project costs. The other 50% of project costs shall be provided by the project sponsor. Up to 50% of the sponsor's share of project costs may be non-cash donations such as materials, equipment use, services and labor. See eligibility requirements on the new Knowles-Nelson Friends Stewardship Grant web page.

Friends Groups are requested to submit applications to the Property Manager by Oct. 15, 2020, for review and approvals in advance of the official submission deadline of Nov. 15, 2020. See eligibility requirements and access the application on the new Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Friends Grants web page. Contact Janet Hutchens or Noah Balgooyen, grant administrator, with questions.

2020 Gift Packages:

“Gifts that keep on giving – Give the Gift of Recreation!”

 

• 2020 Incentive Grant Friends groups were invited to apply for up to $1,000 for the 2020 Incentive Grant, with an equal amount in Friends match. This grant could be used for things such as Naturalist programs, exhibits, interpretive signage, or naturalist time at the park system property during the spring, summer, and fall of 2020. 

Click the map to enlarge. (Courtesy of WI DNR)

• Every year friends groups provide thousands of volunteer hours to help support the mission and activities of more than 70 Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. Friends members: serve as campground hosts, visitor center hosts, naturalists and nature center hosts, adopt a trail volunteers, and assist with other special projects at the property; 
• raise money to purchase playground equipment, interpretive displays, signs, shelters, kiosks, educational materials, and more; 
• organize annual park cleanups and regular trail work days;
• plan and help with special events including Candlelight nights, Community campfires, festivals/concerts, educational programs, and other special events; 
• provide and assist with concessions; and assist with the construction of trails, shelters and accessible cabins, birdhouses, and more.