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
Serve Wisconsin
Volunteer Generation Fund
VGF funds support efforts by local agencies to run board training programs throughout the state. These programs train new leaders to serve as decision makers on nonprofit boards. Additionally, Serve Wisconsin continues to provide mini grants to agencies to help with volunteer recruitment, training, and capacity building.
Wisconsin Economic Development
Small Business Development Grant
The program offers financial incentives for these communities and organizations to develop innovative programs that directly support small businesses and small business creation
Hydro Flask
Parks for All
The Parks for All program supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and providing more equitable access to parks. Hydro Flask will donate water bottles to projects that help meet their mission.
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
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