The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists nonprofit and governmental entities in implementing projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces while promoting compatible human activities. This fund specifically targets efforts that aim to improve community health and quality of life through the use of open spaces, while ensuring the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. Its goal is to facilitate projects that not only protect and restore habitats but also ensure that these spaces are accessible to the public in a sustainable manner.

The fund prioritizes projects that address both ecological preservation and public access. This means that the projects should aim to protect or restore ecosystems while also making these spaces accessible to the community. It is also essential that the community plays an active role in the planning and implementation stages, with a particular emphasis on volunteer and youth involvement. Projects must produce measurable outcomes within 12-18 months of the grant award.

Eligible counties for funding include specific areas in Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Wyoming, and parts of New York, North Carolina, and Texas. The eligible counties in New York are Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster. In North Carolina, the eligible counties are located in the Mountain region, including areas such as Alleghany, Ashe, and Buncombe counties, among others. In Texas, the eligible regions include counties in the Rio Grande Valley, Deep East Texas, and the Brazos Valley.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers two types of grants: planning grants and implementation grants. Planning grants provide up to $8,000 and are intended to support the early stages of community-driven projects involving public open spaces. These grants are optional, and receiving one does not guarantee eligibility for future implementation grants. Implementation grants, which can be awarded up to $35,000, are intended for projects that demonstrate clear local support and active participation.

The fund specifically excludes funding for the construction or repair of facilities such as parking lots, driveways, or other auto-related facilities. Additionally, funds cannot be used for land acquisition or the building of structures within public open spaces. Advocacy projects are also not eligible for funding.

Applications for funding will be accepted through an online portal open from February 13 to March 13, 2025. The funding decisions will be announced in July 2025. The Musser Fund expects to make between five and seven grants this year, and given the competitive nature of the fund, applicants are encouraged to carefully craft their proposals. It is also required that applicants demonstrate evidence of anti-discrimination policies as part of their application.