All applications must be completed online using the online form and received on or before April 7, 2025.
Grant awards will be announced in early May 2025
2024 Closeout Report due: November 1, 2025
General Information:
2025 Incentive Grants: Wisconsin State Park system Friends groups are invited to apply for up to $3,500 for 2024 Incentive Grant funding with an equal amount or more in Friends match.
The 2024 Incentive Grant application materials must be received on or before April 7, 2025.
There is $xxxxx available in grant funds for 2025 projects. Depending on the number of applicants, there may be competition for available funds and an application ranking system will be used. See the 2025 Incentive Grant Guidelines for application details and ranking information.
Examples of 2025 Priority projects could include seasonal naturalist wages, funding of naturalist and outdoor education programs and supplies, interpretive exhibits, or displays or signage.
Please make sure that you discuss your project with your property manager/superintendent and their signature is required on the application.
Projects that receive grant funding will be required to provide recognition and signage as appropriate for the funding provided by FWSP. A complete project close-out report is due by Nov. 1, 2025 – with no exceptions.
For any questions, please email: Patricia.Loosen@fwsp.org or call FWSP: at 608-294-0810
2025 Incentive Grant applications must be received by: April 7, 2025
Incentive Grant Information & Guidelines
The 2025 FWSP Incentive Grant Program has been launched and we are taking online applications only. Please discuss your project in advance with your Property Manager/Superintendent and acknowledge their approval of the application form.
Applications are due by April 7, 2025.
Application Guidelines:
Who: Friends Groups who are up-to-date with membership fees with Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and have a Friends Group agreement with the WI State Parks Bureau are eligible to apply.
What: Incentive Grant applications up to $xxxx with a minimum of a 1:1 match will be accepted for consideration. There is a total of $xxxxx in available grant funds for projects.
Project priorities for funding include Seasonal Naturalist wages, Naturalist programs and activities, Outdoor education and supplies, and Interpretive signage/exhibits.
Grant funds may not be spent on administrative overhead, consultation services, planning, or design work.
Please note that depending on the number of Incentive Grant applications received, there may be competition for available grant funds and the ranking criteria included may be used to determine which projects are selected for funding.
When: Completed Incentive Grant applications must be sent electronically and received on or before April 7, 2025. The project must be approved and the application acknowledged by the DNR Property Manager/Superintendent and the Friends group President. Grant Awards will be announced in early May 2025. A final report for projects that are funded, will be required and must be submitted to FWSP by Nov. 1, 2025
If the required complete closeout report is not received by the due date, the Friends Group will NOT be eligible to apply for a 2026 Incentive Grant. No exceptions.
Where: Grant funds must be used for projects located at the Wisconsin State Park System properties.
Recognition of grant funding: Projects that receive grant funding are expected to provide recognition and acknowledgment of the funding that should include articles in newsletters, on social media, signage at the project location, and acknowledgment at each naturalist program and event.
Ranking criteria for grant applications:
- The application is submitted on time and complete with all necessary information and a detailed budget. (1 point)
- The applicant has not received Incentive Grant funding in the last 2 years. (2 points)
- The applicant provides 15% or more match above the required 1:1 match. (3 points)