Several grant programs are available to Friends Groups projects that support the mission and activities at Wisconsin State Park Properties.

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Grants

INCENTIVE GRANTS - This fund supports naturalist projects and programs at park, forests, trails and recreation areas. Deadline: Spring

TREES AND FLOWERS GRANTS - Designed for tree/plant beautification projects at parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. Deadline: Spring.

Other Grant Sources

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant Through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship State Property Development Grant program, the DNR partners with friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations to develop recreational facilities and restore habitat on state properties. Application information and program staff contacts for 2023 can be found at the following web link:

ApplyFriends

Friends grant applications are due on November 15, 2023.

Recreational Trails Program - The Recreation Trail Program is a federal program administered nationwide. Municipal governments and incorporated organizations are eligible to receive reimbursement for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. Funds may be used in conjunction with funds from the state snowmobile or ATV grant programs and Knowles-Nelson Stewardship development projects. Eligible projects include: Existing trail maintenance and restoration; Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages; Construction of new trails (some restrictions apply); and Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors (some restrictions apply). Deadline: May 1. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/RTP.html

Heritage Trust Fund - The Wisconsin Legislature created the State Park and Forest Heritage Fund to provide grants to Friends Groups for the maintenance and operations of state parks, southern state forests, state trails or state recreation areas. A Friends Group must have established an endowment fund for the benefit of the property. Only interest generated by the endowment fund can be used as the applicant’s match. Deadline: Nov. 15. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/friends/grants/heritagetrust

Environmental Education in Wisconsin The goal of Environmental Education in Wisconsin is to assure that Wisconsin citizens have opportunities to learn about, participate in, and promote environmental education activities and resources. Deadline: Varies by grant. http://eeinwisconsin.org/core/item/page.aspx?s=118191.0.0.2209

National Park Service The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives. Guidance is provided to develop plans to preserve open space and develop trails and greenways. Deadline: June 30. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm

Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin supports efforts that protect Wisconsin's natural resources through several grantmaking programs. https://www.wisconservation.org/grants/

NORMA AND STANLEY DEBOER QUIET TRAILS FUND The fund provides grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to support the creation and maintenance of quiet trails (e.g. hiking, skiing, paddling, biking) in Wisconsin. Deadline: March 1

DAVID AND JOYCE WEIZENICKER ENDOWMENT FUND FOR STATE PARKS The David and Joyce Weizenicker Endowment Fund provides grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to Wisconsin State Park System Friends Groups for the primary purpose of supporting projects that facilitate accessibility for senior citizens, especially trail development, maintenance and restoration, rest stops including benches, overlooks, and interpretive signage. Applicants must match the gift with cash or in-kind support on a 1:1 basis. Contact NRF directly for details. Deadline: March 1.

TEACHERS' OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FUND Grants up to $1,000 are awarded annually to public school teachers (K-12) for outdoor environmental education learning experiences that occur on state property. Deadline: May 1.

C.D. BESADNY CONSERVATION FUND Grants up to $1,000 are awarded to projects for projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Deadline: Sept. 1.

GO OUTSIDE FUND Grants up to $500 for projects that connect students and teachers with outdoor nature-based learning experiences. Deadline: Rolling - March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31.

Foundation Directory Online Foundation Directory Online contains in-depth profiles of grant makers, plus their histories of grantmaking. An effective way to find potential funders. Some Wisconsin library systems carry the directory. A subscription is required to obtain online access. Deadline: Varies by grant. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Foundations of Wisconsin Foundations is a directory of various foundations available in a book format or an online searchable catalog. Some Wisconsin library systems carry the directory. Fees are required to purchase the book or access the online version. Deadline: Varies by grant. https://www.marquette.edu/library/services/fic-order-info.php