The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) wants to unleash the potential of "Friends Groups," the organizations that partner with public lands in their communities.
 
Ten (10) grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to community-based Friends Groups who meet the grant eligibility requirements and make the best case for how the funds will build their capacity to better serve their local public lands.  
 
The Public Lands Program Capacity Building Grants are designed to provide funding to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose mission is focused on serving a public lands site in the United States. Capacity Building can take many forms, including, but not limited to, strategic planning, marketing, volunteer development, leadership capacity, improved fundraising, assessments or staff training.
 
Communities across America are rediscovering the benefits of service and volunteerism. Friends Groups can be invaluable partners to the public land agencies and the public lands they serve. While dedicated and passionate, they are often underfunded and understaffed. The National Environmental Education Foundation's Public Lands Program (PLP) Capacity Building Grants are intended to help these vital organizations get the support they need to increase their efforts.