The Place-based Conservation funding area recognizes the powerful connection between people and the critical landscapes that nourish the Northwest's ecosystems and communities.

Priorities for funding in this program are grounded in the science of conservation biology and the pressing challenge of maintaining the ecological connections between major wildland habitats, as well as the social and political sciences. Our investments emphasize engagement of local and regional stakeholders in protecting these places they call home. All of our investments in this program serve the larger goal of engaging citizens and ultimately helping them bring conservation-oriented voices to key decisionmakers. Grants are made to organizations conducting work in one or more of the focus areas listed below.

Long-term Goals

• Pro-conservation groups in our focus areas have an increased ability to reach key audiences or decisionmakers and improved credibility among community and policy leaders.
• Support of conservation increases in communities within our focus areas.
• Conservation groups can better understand and respond to trends and threats in their communities.
• Concrete steps are taken towards development, adoption, implementation, enforcement, and defense of conservation policies within our focus areas.
• Significant conservation wins are achieved over time.
• Pro-conservation groups have access to strong leadership resources and best practices. (Read more about our Leadership Initiative.)

Types of Grantees

• Community and stakeholder organizations
• State and regional or national groups promoting effective stewardship and policies
• Local land trust organizations working to protect, sustain and advocate for communities and their landscapes

Funding Details

Typical grants, awarded at one of three board meetings held each year, range from $20,000 to $50,000 and can be awarded for multiple years. Inquiries are accepted on an ongoing basis. Proposals are accepted by invitation only.