National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

America the Beautiful Challenge 2024

In year three of the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC), approximately $119 million will be awarded in nationwide funding to conserve, connect, and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we all depend. The ATBC seeks to fund projects across the following themes:

1.  Conserving and restoring rivers, coasts, wetlands, and watersheds 
2.  Conserving and restoring forests, grasslands and important ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks
3.  Connecting and reconnecting wildlife corridors, large landscapes, watersheds, and seascapes 
4.  Improving ecosystem and community resilience to flooding, drought, and other climate-related threats
5.  Expanding access to the outdoors, particularly in underserved communities

Collectively, these themes invite applicants to develop landscape-level ATBC proposals that address conservation and public access needs with: cumulative benefits to fish and wildlife, enhanced carbon sequestration and storage, benefits to and engagement with underserved communities, and protection of ecosystems through resilience-focused and nature-based solutions.