Name of Funding Organization: Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grants
Contact Information: Cindi Semmann, Friends Grant Program Manager, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, 608-264-6058

Program Description: The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grants provide funding to friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations (NCOs) to improve facilities, build new recreation projects, and restore habitat on state properties in Wisconsin. The program recognizes the important role that friends groups play in meeting the development and restoration needs of state properties.

Grant Amount: $500,000 is available each year for grants under this program, with a limit of $20,000 per property. Large projects may be applied in three phases with a maximum total funding of $60,000 per project.

Eligibility:
1. Friends Groups: Nonstock nonprofit corporations described under Section 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from taxation under section 501(a), in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, formed to raise funds for a state property, and have a written friends agreement with DNR.
2. NCOs: Nonprofit corporations, charitable trusts, or other nonprofit associations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from taxation under section 501(a), with the purpose of acquiring property for conservation purposes.

Eligible Projects:
- Nature-based outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife observation, camping, fishing, etc.
- Support facilities like access roads, parking areas, utility systems, signs
- Habitat restoration projects consistent with approved plans governing property management
- Projects that address unmet needs consistent with DNR approved plans for the property
- Long-term capital improvements or durable equipment with an expected useful life of 20 years or more

Expenses Eligible for Grant Funds:
- Materials, supplies, services, and labor
- Salaries and fringe benefits directly related to the project
- Rental or lease of equipment for the project
- Building and land restoration that adds to the permanent inventory or resources of the property
- Furnishings (up to 6% of total