Sun streaming through tall redwood trees

Grantmaking Program

Purisima Creek Redwoods (Karl Gohl)

From 2007 to 2017, Midpen supported academic research on Midpen lands through its Resource Management Grant Program, which awarded small grants to local researchers. In 2018, the Midpen Board of Directors approved the replacement of the prior grant program with the current Grantmaking Program to update the focus areas and increase beneficial impact by enhancing the investment made in the program. Midpen Grants Program staff are responsible for administering the Grantmaking Program in addition to seeking external grants that support Midpen projects. 

Midpen’s Grantmaking Program supports organizations and projects that further the understanding and protection of our natural world, build capacity in the environmental field and facilitate access to the outdoors or augment interpretation and education opportunities for the public.  

The grantmaking process is guided by an emphasis on investments that reflect a regional focus and provide avenues for partnership with Midpen or other stakeholders. 

Grants are awarded for the following funding priorities: 

  • Applied science - advancing scientific understanding of natural processes and/or promoting environmental stewardship.  

  • Partnership and network support - cultivating, sustaining, and growing conservation networks.  

  • Access, interpretation, and education - educating and promoting open space protection. 

In the 2018 and 2021 grant rounds, applicants were invited to submit proposals for projects up to $50,000. For information on the previous grant round, refer to the 2021 Grantmaking Program request for proposals. 

Grants Program staff are committed to soliciting proposals from a diverse range of community-based and other nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, academic institutions, public agencies, and encourages first-time applicants or organizations that represent underserved communities to apply. 

Information regarding the 2023 Grantmaking solicitation round to be provided June, 7th, 2023.

Stay informed!

Sign up to receive notifications about the Grantmaking Program.

The grant application period is now closed. Please sign up for the Grantmaking Program interest list to receive notifications about future grant rounds. 

Questions? Send an email to grants@openspace.org. Para preguntas por favor contáctenos en Español a: grants@openspace.org o por teléfono: (650) 691-1200.