[Richard King Mellon Foundation](https://www.rkmf.org)

Rolling (General Application)

No set minimum or maximum; most grants are for 12–18 months. In 2024, $55.8M was awarded across 104 grants/PRIs.

Supports projects that protect, restore, and sustainably manage habitats and communities across the U.S. via land conservation, stewardship, and innovative environmental solutions.

--- ## Description The Conservation Program of the Richard King Mellon Foundation funds efforts to conserve and restore critical habitats across Pennsylvania and the United States. The program emphasizes four investment areas: habitat conservation, stewardship, activation, and sustainable communities. Funding supports large-scale land protection, ecosystem restoration, sustainable economic development in rural communities, advancement of environmental technologies, and projects that enhance biodiversity, ecosystem health, and quality of life. Both grants and program-related investments (PRIs) are available, with a focus on innovative, impactful, and collaborative solutions. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the General Application; there are no set deadlines. - Requests for Proposals (RFPs) may have specific deadlines, announced as needed on the Foundation’s website. --- ## Funding Amount - There is no published minimum or maximum award size; funding is determined based on project scope and alignment with program priorities. - Most grants are for a duration of 12–18 months; multi-year grants are generally not provided. - In 2024, the Foundation awarded $55,779,005 across 104 grants and PRIs for conservation. --- ## Eligibility - Open to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and public sector agencies with a valid IRS Tax ID. - Fiscal sponsorship is permitted for projects lacking 501(c)(3) status. - Projects must generate positive conservation impact anywhere in the United States; the program is national in scope. - The Foundation does not fund individuals or organizations based outside the U.S. - Postsecondary and research institutions are not eligible for general operating or indirect expense support. - The Foundation does not fund lobbying, advocacy, or political activities. - Regranting to individuals is not allowed. Regranting to agencies within a collaboration is permitted if participants are identified. --- ## Application Process - Review the [Foundation’s 10-year strategic plan](https://www.rkmf.org/about/2021-2030-strategic-plan/) and [Conservation funding program page](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/conservation) to ensure alignment. - Apply online via the [General Application portal](https://www.rkmf.org/apply/); applications are accepted year-round. - Select the appropriate type of support in the application: Capital Support, General Operating Support, Land Acquisition, or Project Support. - For-profit applicants seeking PRIs should demonstrate charitable impact in line with IRS guidelines and the Foundation’s strategic plan. - Collaborative proposals should include documentation of partner commitment (e.g., MOUs or letters of support). - Indirect expenses can be included in budgets for eligible organizations. - There is no recommended direct/indirect expense ratio. --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation encourages innovative financial approaches, including PRIs (loans, equity investments, guarantees) for conservation impact. - Priority is given to large-scale projects (often 1,000+ acres) and those addressing high-priority landscapes or species. - Research and planning projects are supported if they advance conservation strategy. - Review previously awarded grants for insight into funding scope: [Grants page](https://www.rkmf.org/grants-program-related-investments/). - Program officers are generally not available for pre-submission discussions; email inquiries are welcomed. - Applicants will receive email confirmation upon submission. Review timelines are not specified. --- ## External Links - [Conservation Program Overview](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/conservation) - [General Application Portal](https://www.rkmf.org/apply/) - [Foundation’s 2021–2030 Strategic Plan](https://www.rkmf.org/about/2021-2030-strategic-plan/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.rkmf.org/faqs/) - [View Previously Awarded Grants](https://www.rkmf.org/grants-program-related-investments/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Form | |---------------------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [rkmf@rkmf.org](mailto:rkmf@rkmf.org) | (412) 392-2800 | [Contact Page](https://www.rkmf.org/contact/) | | Grants Portal Assistance | [npirain@rkmf.org](mailto:npirain@rkmf.org) | | |

Conservation Program

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