Impact-Directed Environmental Accounts (IDEA) Program

A key component of the Foundation’s approach to conservation investment is the Impact-Directed Environmental Account (IDEA) program.  The IDEA program receives, manages, and disburses funds that originate from court orders, settlements of legal cases, regulatory permits, licenses, and restoration and mitigation plans. However, IDEA funds can also arise from voluntary activities focused on preventative conservation.

Through the IDEA program, the Foundation acts as a neutral third-party fiduciary to manage funds for the benefit of government and private-sector stakeholders.  The Foundation works collaboratively with these partners to invest and grow designated monies while at the same time helping to ensure that the funds are applied – typically at the direction of the designated stakeholders – to the most effective conservation and restoration projects.

Specifically, NFWF provides account management services, plus assistance with: project solicitation and selection, negotiation and administration of contracts and grant agreements, identification of leveraging opportunities, and evaluation of project outcomes.