The Conservation Alliance today opened applications for its inaugural Confluence Program, which aims to provide grants to historically marginalized people working in conservation. In its announcement of the program, The Conservation Alliance noted its lack of member organizations who represent these groups.
“Great things happen when a diverse coalition of voices and perspectives comes together to champion solutions that balance the best interests of land and water, wildlife, and people,” the announcement said. “Yet, our network of partners includes few groups representing historically racially marginalized people. The Confluence Program is a first step in helping to create new systems and structures that bring all of the groups, organizations, and businesses committed to this work closer together to protect our shared natural places.”
The program’s introduction comes after the Alliance signed the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge in 2020. It plans to focus on racially marginalized groups for the first round of grants, but may expand to others in the future.
Each grantee will receive $50,000 in 2021 and $50,000 in 2022, but must first meet three criteria:
- Groups must self-identify as led by historically racially marginalized people. (Asian, Black, Brown, Indigenous, Latinx, and other People of Color)
- Projects must protect land and/or water in their efforts to foster a planet where natural places, wildlife, and people thrive together.
- Projects must elevate voices and perspectives of people working to protect a natural place.
If you believe your organization qualifies, you can learn more and submit an application on their website.