[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” module_class=”sub-head” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/52345379741_6242fe26a6_o.jpg” min_height=”400px” top_divider_flip=”vertical” top_divider_arrangement=”above_content” bottom_divider_style=”curve” bottom_divider_color=”#FFFFFF” bottom_divider_height=”80px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png” alt=”The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin – Logo Circle” title_text=”Natural Resources Foundation – Logo Circle” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”nrf-icon” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”23876″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”sub-h1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund was established to invest in conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin\u2019s outdoors. Grants up to $5,000 are available. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. We are making efforts within our own organization and by working with our grantees to advance this important work across Wisconsin\u2019s conservation field. Learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/C.D.-Besadny-Conservation-Fund-Application.docx” button_text=”Apply Now” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-78px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/view.officeapps.live.com\/op\/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wisconservation.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F03%2FGrant-FAQs.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Frequently asked questions” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZMtI3OVwLMw” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Grants Webinar Recording” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-36px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you have questions, please reach out to Marie Jensen, our Conservation Program Specialist, at\u00a0<\/span>Marie.Jensen@WisConservation.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Dane County School Tree Nursery Program<\/strong><\/p>\n This program will provide Dane County schools with the resources (tree cages, tree stakes, soil and tree pots) required to effectively grow, plant, and maintain trees while providing unique environmental education to kids K-12 and supporting climate resiliency. Partner: Capital Area Regional Planning Commission<\/a><\/p>\n 2. Growing Green with the Green Bay Conservation Corps<\/strong><\/p>\n The Growing Green program will grow and distribute one hundred free native plant kits to encourage conversion of monoculture lawns into native habitat as an alternative to \u201cNo Mow May\u201d, as well as offer education and mentoring to the community. Partner: City of Green Bay – Green Bay Conservation Corps<\/a><\/p>\n 3. Mechanical Brush Clearing for Prairie Restoration on the Sauk Prairie<\/strong><\/p>\n Brush and shrubs will be removed by a commercial mowing crew at a prairie restoration site within the WDNR-owned Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area, which will provide critical support to the restoration efforts of volunteers in the absence of prescribed burns. Partner: Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance Inc.<\/a><\/p>\n 4. Merrimac Preserve Storm Damage Clean-up and Firebreak Improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n The Riverland Conservancy will clear storm damaged trees, accumulated woody debris, and invasive brush from a firebreak corridor at Merrimac Preserve to directly improve the oak woodland plant community and enable a 200-acre spring 2026 prescribed burn. Partner: Riverland Conservancy Inc.<\/a><\/p>\n 5. Mukwonago River Oak Barrens Habitat Enhancement<\/strong><\/p>\n This project will enhance the habitat of the Mukwonago River Oak Barrens, one of Wisconsin\u2019s rarest kinds of habitats, all while creating new opportunities for local volunteer management of the site. Partner: The Prairie Enthusiasts Inc.<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Refuge and Growth for Monarchs and People<\/strong><\/p>\n The Monarch Butterfly Conservation Project will build a permanent pollinator habitat while empowering incarcerated individuals in Wisconsin by engaging participants in a structured, five-day-a-week curriculum that blends environmental education with hands-on experience. Partner: State of Wisconsin Redgranite Correctional Institution<\/a><\/p>\n 7. Restoring Riverside Park<\/strong><\/p>\n Riverside Park, an urban park along the Milwaukee River, suffered damage from 2025 floods. The Urban Ecology Center is working to repair this damage while creating a more resilient native ecosystem that will support the city for years to come. Partner: Urban Ecology Center Inc.<\/a><\/p>\n 8. The Jackson Creek Restoration Project<\/strong><\/p>\n This project will safeguard imperiled plant communities while providing green space to those living in an urban setting. In collaboration with community partners and volunteers, restoration efforts will ensure the Preserve remains both a refuge for biodiversity and an accessible outdoor classroom for generations to come. Partner: Kettle Moraine Land Trust<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e0e9ed” custom_padding=”50px||50px||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”50%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#1e504c” text_font_size=”52px” header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#1e504c” header_font_size=”52px” header_2_text_color=”#1e504c” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Source Serif Pro||||||||” text_text_color=”#1e504c” header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”52px” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]Help us connect children with Wisconsin’s outdoors. (608) 409-3146 Marie Jensen (she\/her)<\/em> provides administrative support for NRF\u2019s conservation and environmental education efforts, including coordinating our grant programs and conducting outreach with our partners, and coordinates our Diversity in Conservation Internship Program.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Banner photo by Patrick Wilson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":0,"parent":9,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-31868","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGrantmaking Priorities:<\/h3>\n
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Eligibility:<\/h3>\n
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How to Apply:<\/h3>\n
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Questions about your application?<\/h3>\n
Congratulations to our 2025 C.D. Besadny Grant recipients<\/h3>\n
Donate<\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/donatenow.networkforgood.org\/Wisconservation” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Donate Now” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”button-lg button-c” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_bg_color=”#e0e9ed” button_border_color=”#44733a” button_letter_spacing=”0px” button_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Marie Jensen” position=”Conservation Program Specialist” image_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Marie-headshot-courtesy-of-Marie-Jensen.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”34758″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Marie.Jensen@WisConservation.org<\/a><\/p>\n