The Five Star Program, first launched in 1998, seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to a variety of local partnerships for wetland, forest, riparian and coastal habitat restoration, stormwater management, outreach and stewardship. The program's goal is to meet the conservation needs of important species and habitats, providing measurable and meaningful conservation and educational outcomes in communities across the United States.

Funding priorities for this program include:

• On-the-ground conservation such as wetland, coastal and riparian habitat restoration, and the creation or enhancement of nature-based stormwater management, pollinator gardens, and public open space
• Education, outreach and training into the conservation activities, especially through hands-on participation
• Community-based partnerships to achieve ecological and education outcomes
• Measurable ecological, educational and community benefits

To date, the Foundation has funded more than 1,000 projects in 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through this program. More than $30.6 million in grants has leveraged more than $96.1 million in other funds or donated services.