Advancing Tribal Conservation Easements

The First Nations Development Institute, through its Stewarding Native Lands (SNL) program, offers the Advancing Tribal Conservation Easements Grant to support tribal acquisitions of conservation easements or conservation equivalents on trust lands. The program is part of First Nations’ broader mission to strengthen Native stewardship, nourish ecosystems, and build vibrant communities through tribally centered land stewardship efforts. Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements that restrict land use to preserve cultural and conservation values. This funding opportunity aims to empower Tribes to protect, steward, and manage their lands according to Indigenous values while developing conservation finance mechanisms that ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects. The grant is open to Tribal governments, including federally and state-recognized Tribes, that are interested in piloting conservation easement projects. Up to six grants will be awarded, each for up to $50,000. In addition to financial support, grantees will gain access to technical assistance, trainings, and networking opportunities, including legal support. The grant is supported by the Doris Duke Foundation. The grant period runs from July 15, 2025, to August 15, 2026 (13 months total). Applications must be submitted via First Nations’ Fluxx online portal no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Selection criteria prioritize project readiness, alignment with funding priorities, detailed action plans, community access impact, and a commitment to peer learning and evaluation. Applicants must submit a completed application with a detailed project budget, a list of their Tribal Council or Board of Directors, and proof of Tribal or nonprofit status. A Q&A webinar for potential applicants is scheduled for May 13, 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend or review the webinar recording, and may access First Nations’ grant seeker resources for further assistance.