The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) requests proposals from landowners or land stewards of small tracts, less than 25 acres total, who seek funding to make a meaningful long-term impact on wildlife habitat and biodiversity.
Donor Name: Cheshire County Conservation District
State: New Hampshire
County: Cheshire County (NH)
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 02/01/2024
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The mission of the Conservation Opportunity Fund is to provide funding for owners or stewards of small tracts of land who are interested in improving the wildlife habitat on their property. This program is an annual opportunity to support environmental stewardship and the ecological integrity of Cheshire County, NH.
Project Types
- Pollinator Habitat – Areas planted with native vegetation that provide nectar and pollen sources as well as offering a low-disturbance area for nesting and egg-laying.
- Rain Gardens – Depressed areas of a landscape that collect rainwater from a roof, driveway, or street and allows water to soak into the ground. They are planted with native perennials and shrubs and are important for managing stormwater runoff and improving water quality.
- Early Successional Habitat – Old fields, shrublands, and young forests are often referred to as early succession habitat. These are increasingly uncommon in the NH landscape and are important for a diversity of wildlife.
- Vegetated Buffers – Along surface waters buffers are planted with native trees, shrubs, and perennials to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
Funding Availability
Awards no greater than $1,500 will be considered. Program administrators reserve the right to offer funding to selected projects at an amount less or more than what is requested in the application budget. Grants are paid on a reimbursement basis.
Eligible Projects
The following project types are eligible:
- Installation of native pollinator habitat
- Installation of rain gardens
- Creation/maintenance of early successional habitat
- Creation of vegetated buffers on surface waters (e.g. lakes, streams, etc)
- Conversion of lawns and/or fields to native plant gardens
Eligible Applicants
- Landowners and land stewards with site security (e.g. long-term lease) in Cheshire County, NH with tracts of land 25 acres or less. This can include individuals, businesses, farmers, and/or forestland owners.
- Funding is not eligible for projects that have already been installed or are in progress. Successful grantees from past years must wait 2 years before applying again (Example: If you received a grant in 2021 you can apply again in 2024).
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Follow application guidelines
- Answer all questions with detail and use the application form directly
- Have a detailed plan for site preparation, education, long-term maintenance and sustainability
- Demonstrate landowner inputs of time and resources
- Are informed by the ecology of the region
- Provide opportunities to partner with the CCCD to offer community education
The following will not be funded:
- Landowner/land manager time
- Research and feasibility studies
- Efforts that will not lead to improved wildlife habitat
For more information, visit CCCD.
