If your organization works on land protection, conservation planning, or community resilience in the Appalachian Trail landscape — this one is worth your attention. The Wild East Action Fund is open for applications starting May 18, and the deadline is June 26, 2026.
What Is the Wild East Action Fund?
The Wild East Action Fund is a competitive grant program administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It supports projects that accelerate the pace of conservation within the Appalachian Trail landscape — and that landscape is bigger than most people realize.
The program covers 24 counties and approximately 470 municipalities. If you’re not sure whether your work falls within the geography, check the interactive map here — you may be surprised.
What Projects Are Eligible?
Funding is available for projects that help strengthen the assets of the Appalachian Trail landscape, including:
- Land protection
- Conservation planning
- Community resilience
- Natural, cultural, and historic resource protection
- Scenic, recreational, and agricultural assets
- Broader community assets tied to the A.T. landscape
Key Dates
- Application period opens: May 18, 2026
- Application deadline: June 26, 2026
How to Apply
Visit the Wild East Action Fund program page to learn more about eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and how to submit an application.
This is a strong opportunity for watershed groups, conservation organizations, land trusts, and municipal partners operating in the A.T. region. If you have questions about whether your project fits, we encourage you to reach out to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy directly — they are known for being responsive to prospective applicants.
Have a funding opportunity you think the H2O network should know about? Send it our way.
