Deadline: 17-Sep-2025
The Rangeland Sustainability Program (RSP) invites applications for grant funding to support projects that promote the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands and the ecosystem services these landscapes provide. Priority funding areas include extension and education to increase knowledge about leaseholder roles in improving rangeland sustainability through better management practices. This also involves raising awareness and integrating new tools and best practices for sustainable rangeland management.
Research is another key focus, supporting new studies that develop knowledge and drive practice changes to benefit Alberta’s public rangelands. This includes research on the link between rangeland management and ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and mitigation such as carbon storage, managing multiple use conflicts, and applying new practices for sustainability improvements. Stewardship projects aim to overcome barriers by developing adaptive management tools and beneficial practices that integrate activities like recreation, hunting, or industrial uses on rangelands and address emerging stewardship challenges.
Alberta’s rangelands provide important ecological goods and services including clean air, fresh water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, soil stabilization, pollination, carbon storage, and renewable livestock forage that supports rural communities. The program funds collaborative projects with partners across the province to remove stewardship barriers, support sustainability-focused research, and promote education and tool development for rangeland management.
Eligible applicants include academic and educational institutions, Indigenous communities and organizations, municipalities, non-government organizations registered under the Alberta Societies Act, and other non-profits. Individuals cannot apply directly but may collaborate with eligible organizations. Examples of suitable projects include adaptive range management research, native grassland restoration, carbon sequestration studies, grazing and timber integration, climate adaptation, predation management, wildfire resilience, and riparian monitoring.
Funding comes from a portion of annual grazing rental revenue and varies yearly. Eligible costs include extension materials, supplies, project staff salaries, travel, and administration related to the project. Activities such as statutory disposition management, ongoing maintenance, or land purchases are not eligible for funding.
For more information, visit Government of Alberta.
