INHF–and Iowa's wildlife–win major grant

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This article first appeared in INHF's Fall 2007 magazine.

The Upper Midwest Wildlife Habitat Protection Initiative's grant funds are directed to the regions colored above—all priorities within their State Wildlife Action Plans. INHF will partner with two national non-profits on this initiative: The Conservation Fund in Minnesota and Wisconsin (green) and Ducks Unlimited in Illinois and Missouri (purple). INHF will coordinate land protection and outreach in Iowa (blue) and the four-state Mississippi River Blufflands region (red).

by Anita O’Gara,
INHF’s Vice President and Director of Development

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a major grant to coordinate a five-state effort that protects high-priority wildlife habitat. This $10.8 million grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF), our largest grant ever, launches the effort to protect natural lands valued at nearly $60 million by 2010.

Being chosen to lead this initiative and manage this grant is a huge endorsement of INHF. The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation spent months interviewing state and national conservation leaders to determine which organization could best lead this effort. According to Mark Shaffer, director of DDCF’s Environment Program, “INHF was selected for this grant because of their reputation both within and beyond Iowa as a seasoned land conservation organization with a demonstrated ability to facilitate constructive partnerships and achieve results.”

A total of $9.5 million in grant funds must be used for the direct cost of land protection and matched 5:1 from other funding sources. Of these funds, about $2.5 million will help permanently protect Iowa land. Another $2 million will protect land in the four-state Mississippi River Blufflands region that includes Iowa. The remaining $1.3 million in grant funds are for managing the initiative and implementing strategic communications to promote additional priority habitat protection.

“I’m grateful to our members, who set the stage for this day!” notes Mark Ackelson, INHF president. “It’s your faithful support and the great results we’ve achieved together that poise us for this initiative.”

“When the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation makes a major grant like this, the money is only part of the gift,” Ackelson adds. “Their experienced staff is supporting priority habitat protection around the nation—identifying strong state plans, recruiting other national and regional funders and encouraging partners like us. Their big gift has already become the catalyst for something even bigger—a truly visionary conservation effort for Iowa and beyond. Stay tuned for details!”

Now the fun—and the work—can begin!

Larger campaign on the horizon

Within Iowa, we are using this grant to launch an even larger land protection campaign. Over five years, this effort will protect 15,000 acres in the Loess Hills, Mississippi River blufflands and Iowa’s natural lakes.

Details about these ambitious and exciting plans will unfold in the months ahead. For more information, contact Anita O’Gara, INHF's Director of Development by e-mail or at 800-475-1846, ext. 18.

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