Grants to Friends Groups
Grants to Friends Groups supports friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations improving facilities and restoring habitat on Wisconsin state properties to expand nature-based recreation.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Preferred property-manager review) | November 15, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per property annually and 50% of project costs; phased projects up to $60,000
Summary: Supports friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations improving recreation facilities and restoring habitat on Wisconsin state properties.
Key Information: Friends groups receive funding priority; nonprofit conservation organizations receive awards only if funds remain.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers this grant through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to support facility improvements, new recreation projects and habitat restoration on state properties. The program recognizes friends groups’ role in meeting state properties’ development and restoration needs.
Projects must support nature-based outdoor recreation, including hiking, bicycling, wildlife observation, camping, fishing, hunting, boating and cross-country skiing. Support facilities can include access roads, parking, sanitation systems, shelters, signs, interpretive features and accessibility improvements. Priorities include expanding recreation access, addressing public health and safety or environmental concerns, and strengthening environmental education, interpretation and outdoor skills development.
