How do federal conservation grants work?

Question

I don't understand the matching grants concept, like 1-1 or other ratios, and non-matching grants. I'm trying to find funds to acquire a large wetland site.

Answer 1

The best thing to do is call someone at the grant office.  They will have the most info and give you tips on how to submit a successful proposal.

A lot of conservation grants are matching (usually 1:1).  They will match money from private citizens, private companies, local government (they usually won't match federal money from other sources, but it depends on the grant).  They might also match volunteer work (i.e. if you get volunteers from a local environmental group to help with restoration or invasive species control, they will match the hours with funding).  Each grant will be different, so the best thing to do is call.