The Discovery Grants program, offered by the Alaska Conservation Foundation, supports grassroots organizations in Alaska working in conservation advocacy. The program aims to strengthen the state's conservation movement by providing funding that enhances leadership, encourages collaboration, and helps organizations navigate shifting political and economic landscapes. Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to create a more effective and sustainable conservation sector by focusing on local efforts that align with its broader environmental priorities.

Discovery Grants provide financial awards ranging from $500 to $2,000. These grants are designed to assist small nonprofit organizations in their conservation work, ensuring that they have the resources necessary to continue their advocacy and engagement efforts. Funding may be used for various activities, including capacity-building, leadership development, and programmatic support, as long as the project aligns with conservation priorities in Alaska.

To be eligible for a Discovery Grant, applicants must be nonprofit organizations actively involved in conservation advocacy and based in Alaska or operating an Alaska-specific program. Additionally, organizations that have received previous funding from the Alaska Conservation Foundation must be in good standing with all required grant reports. The program prioritizes organizations with annual operating budgets under $400,000 to ensure that funding reaches smaller grassroots initiatives that may have fewer resources.

Applications for Discovery Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, with reviews occurring every two months. This structure allows for flexibility and accessibility, enabling organizations to seek funding at various points throughout the year as needs arise. The foundation highly encourages potential applicants to review the Discovery Grant Program Guidelines before submitting an application to ensure alignment with program goals and funding priorities.

The evaluation of applications considers factors such as the organization's commitment to conservation, the impact of the proposed project, and how well the initiative aligns with the foundation’s strategic goals. Strong proposals will demonstrate clear objectives, a feasible plan of action, and a connection to conservation advocacy in Alaska.

For additional inquiries, applicants may contact the foundation via email at grants@alaskaconservation.org or by phone at 907-276-1917. More information, including application instructions and guidelines, is available through the foundation's website.