Dunleavy Foundation $5 Million Gift Accelerates Appalachian Trail Landscape Protection
Transformational gift to significantly increase local conservation and resiliency efforts through the ATC’s Wild East Action Fund.
Accelerating Conservation Across the Appalachian Trail Landscape
The Wild East Action Fund is a grant program designed to support partner projects that accelerate the pace and scale of conservation across the Appalachian Trail landscape.
Through grants supporting local conservation projects in the 14 states that the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) traverses, the Wild East Action Fund is safeguarding the connectivity, health, and resilience of the iconic A.T. landscape.
Impact of the Wild East Action Fund
Since 2018, the Wild East Action Fund has supported a variety of land protection, conservation planning, capacity building, and community resilience projects.
169,500+
Acres Protected
100+
Communities Served
100+
Projects Awarded
10,000+
Volunteer Hours Dedicated
$3.1M
in Funds Awarded
$174M
in Funds Leveraged
3
Grant Categories Available
Conservation that Connects
Across the A.T. Landscape, projects supported by the Wild East Action Fund have strengthened conservation networks, provided access to open spaces, accelerated the pace and scale of conservation, and supported local communities in building vibrant and thriving futures. The Wild East Action Fund is a critical resource that helps ensure the A.T. experience is protected for future generations.
Our Priorities
Protect the land and waters, views, access, and experiences of the A.T.
Connect people, communities, and lands across the A.T. landscape.
Strengthen conservation partnerships serving the A.T. landscape.
Ensure thriving and resilient human and ecological communities within the A.T. landscape.
Apply for 2026 Wild East Action Fund Grants
The grant application period for the 2026 Wild East Action Fund will open May 18, 2026.
This competitive funding opportunity is available to any nonprofit partner, public agency, or regional conservation collaborative that aligns with mission and vision of Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership (ATLP).
Application Resources
Jennifer Stewart
Help Protect the A.T. Landscape
Your support will have a meaningful impact by advancing land protection, strengthening conservation partnerships, building resilient communities, and helping to ensure that the A.T. landscape will thrive for generations to come.
Give Today
Stacy Funderburke
Want to make a larger gift?
Major gifts can be directed specifically to the Wild East Action Fund. Reach out to discuss how your support can make a targeted impact by contacting our team at philanthrophy@appalachiantrail.org.
Interested in supporting active land protection projects?
Through the A.T. Landscape Conservation Portfolio, a collaborative project of the ATLP, you can invest directly in land protection efforts across the A.T. landscape. Contact Katie Allen, Director of Landscape Conservation, at kallen@appalachiantrail.org to learn more.
The Wild East Action Fund is made possible by donors of the ATC and generous support from The Dunleavy Foundation and The Volgenau Foundation.
Stay Connected
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