The Conservation Opportunity Fund (COF) is an annual grant program supporting small landowners and stewards in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, to enhance wildlife habitats on properties under 25 acres. Administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), this program emphasizes ecological stewardship and biodiversity conservation. Projects are selected based on their adherence to guidelines, detailed planning for site preparation and sustainability, and alignment with regional ecological priorities. Successful proposals may also offer opportunities for community education in partnership with the CCCD.

Eligible applicants include individuals, farmers, businesses, and forestland owners with site security, such as ownership or long-term leases. Applicants must propose projects not yet started or in progress, and prior grantees must wait two years before reapplying. Eligible projects encompass creating pollinator habitats, rain gardens, vegetated buffers along water bodies, early successional habitats, and converting lawns or fields to native plant gardens. Projects outside these categories may be considered upon consultation with CCCD.

Grant awards are capped at $1,500, disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon project completion and submission of required documentation, including invoices and a final report. Applications for the 2025 funding cycle are due by February 1, 2025, with decisions announced on March 15, 2025. Projects must conclude by December 31, 2025. Grantees are required to provide liability insurance, sign a CCCD-provided contract, and submit project plans for review before starting their projects. Pre-project site visits with CCCD staff are mandatory to ensure technical guidance and project success.

To apply, proposals can be submitted digitally to info@cheshireconservation.org or via mail to the CCCD office. Applicants must label digital submissions appropriately and follow the provided application format. A virtual informational session will be held on December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM to assist prospective applicants.

Grant recipients are expected to submit a final report, including expense documentation, a testimonial, and photographs of the completed project. Additionally, grantees will write a blog post about their experience for the CCCD website. Support for project development and application preparation is available through CCCD, ensuring accessibility and clarity for all potential participants. For further information, applicants can contact the program at benee@cheshireconservation.org or visit the CCCD website.