The Nature Conservancy's Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program
The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant funds projects that permanently protect and connect critical Appalachian lands to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate.
Funder: The Nature Conservancy
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per project; $1.1 million total funding pool; 1-year grant term
Summary: Supports land protection projects advancing landscape-scale conservation, connectivity, and community benefits across the Appalachians.
Key Information: Applicants may submit only one application per year; projects must close within 12 months of grant agreement.
Description
The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, administered by The Nature Conservancy, funds exceptional land protection projects that contribute to landscape-scale conservation and connectivity within the Appalachians. The program aims to permanently conserve lands within or intersecting the Resilient and Connected Network (RCN) and designated focal areas, identified as critical for sustaining biodiversity and ecological functions in the face of climate change. Projects must advance ecological connectivity and resilience, foster collaboration, and embed meaningful community engagement—delivering tangible benefits such as improved access to nature, protection of drinking water sources, recreational opportunities, and flood mitigation. The program encourages partnerships and two-way learning between organizations and local communities to ensure durable and broadly beneficial conservation outcomes.
