On February 26, the Biden administration announced that the America the Beautiful Challenge expects to grant $119 million in 2024 to support existing conservation plans in communities nationwide. Since its launch in 2022 as part of President Biden's America the Beautiful initiative, the America the Beautiful Challenge funds locally led landscape-scale conservation and restoration projects to contribute to the initiative's wider goal of conserving and restoring 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

 
Projects supported by the Challenge improve community resilience and access to nature by conserving, restoring, and connecting wildlife habitats and ecosystems. For example, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission received funding in 2023 to increase resilience in longleaf pine ecosystems and establish an Atlantic white cedar forest. Other projects have included restoring wetlands and streambeds, leading to the improvement of water quality standards. In 2023, more than 40 percent of projects were led by Indigenous communities.
Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis, who made the announcement, said, "This work is making an impact across landscapes, benefitting endangered species, expanding our use of Indigenous Knowledge, and helping us to build an environment fit to pass down to future generations."
Grant pre-proposals for the America the Beautiful Challenge are due April 4, and awards are expected to be announced in November of this year. More information about qualifying projects and former grant recipients can be found on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation America the Beautiful Challenge webpage.
https://www.nfwf.org/programs/america-beautiful-challenge?activeTab=tab-1

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-119-million-available-locally-led-conservation