PARTNERS
ELIMINATING BARRIERS
Across the Midwest, conservation projects with strong environmental potential can stall because of funding gaps, match requirements, or the complexity of assembling multiple partners and resources.
The Conservation Acceleration Fund (CAF) was designed to alleviate those obstacles.
The Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF) accepts CAF funding requests for projects at multiple stages of development and works with technical partners to identify funding opportunities, quantify potential outcomes, and connect strong conservation projects with the resources needed to move forward.
OVERVIEW
PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS
Water Quality or Water Quantity Benefits • Measurable Environmental Outcomes • Opportunities to Leverage Additional Funding • Strong Partner Collaboration • Long-term Conservation Value • Clear Implementation Pathway • Potential for Additional Ecological or Community Benefits
PROJECT TYPES
Agricultural Conservation • Conservation Programs • Habitat Improvements • Oxbows • Regenerative Agriculture • Stream Restoration • Urban Stormwater • Water Replenishment • Wetlands • Other Innovative Solutions
FUNDING PROCESS
SUBMIT
Complete the CAF Project Intake Form. Have questions? Check out these FAQs.
REVIEW
GOF and external reviewers evaluate the project, its anticipated metrics, funding needs, and overall opportunity. The process concludes with GOF Board consideration.
ALIGN
For selected projects, GOF works with the project team on award amount, contracts, timelines, invoicing, and reporting expectations.
ACTIVATE
Funding and partnerships move the project toward implementation.
MEASURE
Partners report project progress and outcomes so GOF can document collective environmental impact. Current agreements require reporting for three years following receipt of award funds.
Funding Application
The following information and project intake form will help determine if your project may be eligible for Conservation Acceleration Fund grants. If you are an Indiana or Missouri applicant, please use this form.
Applicants:
Typical applicants are cities, counties, county conservation boards, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, drainage districts or other units of government; not-for-profit or NGOs authorized by the secretary of state; public water supply utilities; engineering or consulting firms; and watershed management authorities as well as landowners.
Expenses:
Project costs, including design and construction, and education and outreach components for conservation practices.
Timeline:
Eligible projects will be somewhere between the concept development phase and nearing final design and have an anticipated construction completion date prior to June 30, 2030.
Projects:
Project proponents are encouraged to apply for funding for the following project types.
- Stream, Wetland and Floodplain Restoration
- Upland Conservation and Habitat
- Agricultural Water Use Efficiency
- Stormwater and Infiltration
- Edge of Field Treatment and Infiltration
- Water Replenishment
Questions about eligibility and the project intake form can be directed to conservation@greatoutdoorsfoundation.org.
