Renewable Natural Resources Foundation Grant Program

The Renewable Natural Resources Foundation (RNRF) offers a grant program intended to fund projects that support its mission and that of its member organizations. RNRF is committed to advancing research, encouraging evidence-based practices, and enabling the implementation of interdisciplinary projects focused on renewable natural resources. By facilitating collaborations between community stakeholders, researchers, and practitioners, the grant program seeks to generate impactful outcomes that improve environmental, social, and economic systems. The RNRF Grant Program encompasses three distinct types of funding opportunities: Rapid Response Grants, Planning and Small Grants, and Implementation/Collaboration Grants. Rapid Response Grants provide up to $50,000 to support projects affected by the loss of federal funding, helping organizations complete or responsibly close out their work. Planning and Small Grants, also capped at $50,000, aim to facilitate early-stage project planning or fund narrowly scoped initiatives. Implementation/Collaboration Grants are more substantial, offering up to $200,000 for projects lasting a year or longer that emphasize the practical application of research and foster partnerships. Projects must align with at least one of the following focus areas: Air Quality & Atmospheric Sciences; Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation; Ecosystem, Soil, and Land Remediation; Recycling, Circular Materials, and Waste Systems; Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health; Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure; and Water Quantity and Quality. Additionally, proposals must adhere to seven guiding principles, which include scientific rigor, community engagement and stewardship, ethical standards, and a systems-based approach to natural resource challenges. Projects are also expected to demonstrate broader applicability or scalability beyond their initial implementation. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The lead applicant must represent such an organization, and projects must demonstrate multidisciplinary collaboration. Rapid Response and Planning/Small Grant proposals require at least two collaborators, while Implementation/Collaboration Grants must involve three or more, including at least one identified collaborator at the time of submission. At least one collaborating partner must be affiliated with an RNRF member organization, serving as either a lead or co-lead on the project. All proposals must align with the mission of RNRF and its focus areas and guiding principles. Applications are submitted through the Common Grant Application portal. Prospective applicants must create or log into an account to begin the application process. Applications open in late July and are due by September 30, 2025. All grant-funded activities must begin between January 1 and March 1, 2026. Award decisions are expected by December 2025. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the available materials, adherence to focus areas and guiding principles will likely play a central role in the selection process. For further details or questions, interested applicants can refer to the Request for Proposals or contact the RNRF directly via email at grants@rnrf.org or by phone at 847.375.4399. The foundation emphasizes the importance of innovative, collaborative, and community-centered projects that contribute to the responsible stewardship and understanding of renewable natural resources.