Below are recent grants made to Conservation and Environment organizations through the Foundation’s Competitve Grants program. To find local Conservation and Environment organizations, view our Nonprofit Directory.
Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance (JHCA)
Focal Species Selection for Conservation Planning
$13,400
To uphold wildlife stewardship as a top community priority, it is essential to compile and incorporate the best available science. There is currently a data gap in identifying a broader group of focal species to more effectively protect ecological processes in Teton County. The Conservation Alliance will use funds from the Community Foundation’s Competitive Grants program to contract with Craighead Environmental Research Institute to facilitate a three-day workshop in Jackson to select a new suite of focal species. Following the workshop, JHCA will continue to work with wildlife specialists and conservation planning experts to find and implement sustainable ways to incorporate information into land use guidelines and regulations.
Keep Yellowstone Nuclear Free
Environmental Public Outreach Initiative
$4,000
Despite close proximity to the Idaho National Laboratory, residents of Teton County and surrounding areas are largely uninvolved and unrepresented in decisions made regarding Department of Energy – Environmental Management activities, particularly nuclear waste removal and treatment. Keep Yellowstone Nuclear Free will engage community members and increase participation from Teton County in important decisions that affect our rivers, ecosystems, and wildlife every day through a public awareness campaign. This grant will help fund educational workshops and forums, frequent informational lunch meetings held in local restaurants, and field trips to Idaho Cleanup Project sites and facilities.
Snake River Fund
2011 River Ambassador
$4,500
In recent years, the scenic Wilson-South Park section of the Snake River has seen an enormous increase in both commercial and private use, resulting in habitat degradation, user conflicts, problems with trash and dog waste, and a decrease in the quality of experience for residents and visitors. Additionally, there are no restrictions on use, insurance requirements, fee collection, quality assurance, or resource protection measures currently in place. A grant from the Community Foundation will continue funding for the River Ambassador program designed to encourage responsible usage and stewardship of the Snake River by providing face-to-face education relating to river etiquette, catch and release practices, appropriate wildlife viewing precautions, and Leave No Trace principles.
Wyoming Wilderness Association
Next Generation Wilderness Ambassadors
$8,429
The Greater Yellowstone region, one of the last functioning temperate ecosystems on earth, is home to the wilderness lands, wildlife, free-flowing waters, and natural processes that we value most and enjoy every day. In order to ensure that these lands remain undeveloped, protected and healthy in perpetuity, it is essential to inspire and engage young people as wilderness ambassadors. This Community Foundation grant will provide start-up funds for Next Generation, a multi-year effort that will introduce programming to connect young people with motivated locals at the forefront of wilderness designation.
