Franklin Parker Conservation Excellence Grants

Franklin Parker Grants

There aren’t too many people about whom you can say, “If not for him, many of the most beautiful, unspoiled places in our state would not exist today.” Franklin E. Parker III was one of those people.

Frank was one of New Jersey’s true conservation pioneers. An attorney by vocation, his passion was land preservation in the Garden State and beyond. A myriad of conservation groups succeeded due to his leadership and vision.

He served as the inaugural chairman of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, established in 1979 to enforce laws protecting the Pine Barrens. He was a co-founder of New Jersey Conservation Foundation and a longtime trustee and former president. He founded and served as director of the New Jersey office of the Trust for Public Land. He was on the boards of numerous conservation organizations.

It is a testimony to Franklin Parker's legacy that grants supporting the work of New Jersey land conservation groups are named in his honor.

About The Franklin Parker Grants

The Franklin Parker Conservation Excellence Grants provide funding for non-profit conservation organizations working in New Jersey. The grants are designed to enhance proficiency in land conservation, develop long-term viable programs, and design creative, innovative projects that can serve as models for other communities and projects. Since its inception in 1989, the Franklin Parker Conservation Excellence Grants Program has awarded more than $1,799,891 for 478 conservation projects throughout the Garden State.

Since 2020, NJ Conservation has awarded over $90,000 through 28 grants to help nonprofits address environmental challenges and improve quality of life for communities of color throughout New Jersey. This remains the purpose of the 2023 Franklin Parker Community Conservation Grants Program.