The Conservation Alliance (TCA) announced the Land and Water Defense Fund, which will award discretionary grants to grassroots organizations working to protect public lands and waters.
Donations to the fund are pooled and distributed as grants to conservation organizations on the ground working to protect public lands and waters, local economies and recreation opportunities. The grants are typically between 6-12 months, and can be for as much as $50,000. Priority will be given to projects supporting TCA priority campaigns, include a parallel process for securing durable protection, addressing urgent threats to public lands and amplifying the voices and leadership of local communities and tribes.
Specific program priorities include:
- Defending foundational conservation laws such as the Wilderness Act, Antiquities Act, National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act.
- Protecting landscapes, rules, regulations and management plans previously supported by TCA.
- Opposing any proposed transfer of federal lands to state or private ownership.
Since its founding in 2017, the Land and Water Defense Fund has awarded 43 grants – totaling $777,000 – that have been instrumental in supporting conservation laws such as the Antiquities Act, National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act. Key achievements include stopping the transfer of the Elliott State Forest in Oregon and public lands in Utah, in addition to protecting six national monuments that were at risk of reduction.
Companies and individuals, regardless of their affiliation with TCA, are invited to contribute to the Land and Water Defense Fund. Contributions from TCA members are accepted as additional donations beyond regular membership dues.
