Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grants
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural communities, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs. Available to local governments and nonprofits, Stewardship grants fund recreational development and conservation land purchases statewide.
Organization
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Eligibility
Nonprofit Organization
Government and Tribes
Focus
Infrastructure and Acquisitions
Maintenance and Stewardship
Related Resources
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Pump Out Station Funding/Clean Vessel Act
This nationwide competitive grant provides funding to states and private marinas or businesses for the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of floating restrooms or pump-out and dump stations used solely by boaters or educational materials to help keep the nation’s waterways clean.
USDA Rural Development
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. This may fund business incubators, community development assistance and more.
Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Ready, Set, Go! Grant
The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) grant program assists destinations in securing competitive sporting events that are not regularly held in Wisconsin and require an upfront financial commitment. The RSG fund has $110,000 per fiscal year available for matching grants.
Explore the Trends Shaping Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Industry Association: 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report
Bureau of Economic Analysis: 2024 Economic Statistics for Wisconsin
Adventure Travel Trade Association: Travel Market Sizing and the New Adventure Traveler
KOA: 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report
American Sportfishing Association: Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing
Measure What Matters
