Conservation Partnership Grant
Forecasted
Conservation Partnership Grant supports nonprofits and conservation districts in acquiring Massachusetts land and covering donation due diligence to protect open space and expand outdoor recreation.
Funder: Division of Conservation Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $425,000 for purchases or $20,000 for donation due diligence; reimbursement up to 50% of eligible costs
Summary: Supports permanent protection of Massachusetts land for conservation or recreation through acquisitions and donation-related due diligence.
Key Information: Projects require appropriate public access and a perpetual conservation restriction, with co-holding required for CR acquisitions.
Description
The Conservation Partnership Grant is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). It helps qualified nonprofit organizations and conservation districts acquire interests in land for conservation or recreation and cover due diligence costs associated with donated land or conservation restrictions (CRs). The program seeks to preserve natural resources and open space permanently while expanding outdoor recreational opportunities.
Selection priorities include landscape connectivity, biodiversity, working farms and forests, climate resilience, carbon storage, and recreation in underserved communities. Projects are also evaluated against local Open Space and Recreation Plan and Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan objectives. Smaller, volunteer-led organizations receive additional consideration through the scoring system, but eligible organizations of any staff size may apply.
