Grants for County governments - Environment

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering two grant programs: the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Both programs aim to accelerate Illinois' economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth, aligning with a mission to revitalize communities and foster economic development. The total funding expected is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation, with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. The RDMS program specifically targets communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois through capital grants. Eligible applicants for both programs include economic development organizations (EDOs), local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships), and private businesses. Special purpose local units of government are not eligible. The priorities for RDMS include supporting capital projects that improve and repair roads, sidewalks, and lighting; develop public spaces to attract events; improve water and sewer infrastructure; and facilitate mixed-use development to add vitality to commercial corridors and downtowns. These priorities are aimed at tangible infrastructure and development projects that directly contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Expected outcomes for these programs include accelerated economic recovery and the promotion of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout Illinois. Measurable results will likely involve the number and scale of capital projects completed, the revitalization of commercial corridors, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and improvements in public infrastructure. The grant duration is 2 years, with the period of performance expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority is clearly to stimulate economic recovery and growth through targeted investments in key community infrastructure and development.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This grant provides funding to state agencies and Tribal Nations to assess and plan for the cleanup and reuse of contaminated brownfield sites, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups in Michigan for projects that improve urban forestry, such as tree planting, management plans, and educational initiatives.

The purpose of the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NIH-supported, independent investigators. This program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate degree from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. The program will provide independent NIH research support during this transition in order to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers.

DWSRF funds drinking water and water supply projects, including "green" projects. Principal forgiveness available for qualifying small/disadvantaged/ rural communities for planning, design, and construction. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loans are available for the planning, design, and construction phases of public water systems. DWSRF provides low-interest loans to cities, counties, utility districts, and water authorities for drinking water infrastructure. Small, economically disadvantaged communities are eligible for principal forgiveness, which can cover a portion of the SRF loan, and will significantly reduce the amount owed. Eligibility for principal forgiveness is restricted to communities with a population of 10,000 or less combined with an ATPI of 50 or less.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local agencies and state entities in California for acquiring and developing public parks and recreational spaces to enhance community wellness and outdoor access.

The National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) has announced the FY24 American Lobster Research Program to support projects that advance the scientific understanding of the American Lobster fishery and aid the resilience of fishing communities against environmental changes and economic uncertainties. Approximately $2 million in federal funds is expected to be available in FY2024, with individual awards capped at $600,000 for projects lasting one to two years. Applicants are required to provide a 50% non-federal match. Eligible projects must occur within the U.S. or its territories and waterways. This opportunity encourages projects involving partnerships across industry, state agencies, academia, and community members to address the fishery's complexities, including its ecological and economic aspects. Grant renewed every year.

The City of Leavenworth's 2025 General Fund Grant Program offers funding to non-profit organizations to benefit its residents. This program is rooted in the city's commitment to enhancing community well-being and development, aligning with a broad mission to support local initiatives. The funding, sourced from the city's General Fund, is strategically allocated to address various community needs and foster a vibrant, supportive environment within Leavenworth. The program primarily targets non-profit organizations that serve the Leavenworth community, with a focus on youth and seniors, event and activity implementation, organizational development, capacity building, and capital improvements. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Leavenworth residents through a diverse range of projects and services. This includes expanding youth programs, supporting essential services like food assistance, strengthening non-profit infrastructure, and investing in community-benefiting capital projects. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. It emphasizes Youth and Senior Services, aiming to support non-profits that specifically benefit these demographics. Another key area is Events and Activities, providing funding for the operational costs of programs and services, such as food assistance. Organizational Development and Capacity Building is also a focus, supporting community-focused education and program planning. Finally, Capital Improvements are supported for projects that directly benefit the Leavenworth community. Expected outcomes include an increase in available services for youth and seniors, more robust community events and activities, enhanced organizational capabilities for non-profits, and tangible capital improvements within the city. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure suggests a focus on the successful implementation and reach of funded projects. The strategic priority is to allocate a total of $62,000, with a maximum grant request of $5,000 per applicant, not exceeding 50% of the program cost. This ensures a broad distribution of funds and encourages co-investment from applicants. The theory of change is that by investing in non-profit initiatives that directly benefit residents, the city can foster a stronger, more supportive, and enriched community.

Ball Brothers Foundation offers General Grants to support organizations operating within Indiana, with a strong focus on East Central Indiana and the Muncie/Delaware County area. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, aim to fund capacity-building initiatives, innovative approaches for community needs, specific program/project initiatives, general operating support, and seed money for new endeavors. Grant renewed every year. Grant Round 2 Annual deadlines: September 1st (preliminary application July 15th)

The Florida Department of State's Cultural Facilities Grant program provides funding for the renovation, new construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. This program is designed to support organizations whose core mission involves arts and cultural programming across various disciplines. The grant aligns with the state's strategic priority to enhance and sustain Florida's cultural infrastructure, thereby fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector that benefits communities statewide. The theory of change suggests that by investing in cultural facilities, the state can improve access to arts and culture, strengthen cultural organizations, and contribute to local economic development and quality of life. The program targets organizations dedicated to arts and cultural programming. These include single-use facilities like theaters, performance centers, museums (including aquariums, botanical gardens, history centers, and zoos), and art centers. It also supports multi-purpose facilities such as community centers, recreation centers, civic centers, and municipal buildings, provided their projects are directly related to arts and cultural activities. The impact goals are to ensure the continued availability and improvement of spaces where cultural activities can thrive, serving a broad public audience across all counties in Florida. The grant prioritizes projects that directly conduct arts and cultural programming and demonstrate clear plans for facility use. Specific focuses include ensuring legal status of the applicant, unrestricted use of property (evidenced by a 10-year restrictive covenant or surety bond), and ownership retention of improvements. For leased properties, eligibility is restricted to leases with public or not-for-profit entities as lessors. Additionally, applicants must provide documentation of financial support, matching funds, current architectural plans, budget estimates, and local official support. A critical focus is also placed on historical structures, requiring a determination letter from the Division of Historical Resources if a facility is 50 years or older. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded cultural facilities capable of hosting diverse arts and cultural programming, increased community engagement with the arts, and enhanced organizational capacity for cultural institutions. Measurable results will include the number of facilities renovated or constructed, the percentage of time facilities are used for arts and cultural purposes, and the total public served by these improved facilities. The program also aims to ensure long-term sustainability of cultural infrastructure, evidenced by the 23-month grant duration and a policy encouraging applications every other year for grantees with ongoing projects. The maximum grant amounts of $500,000 for purpose-built facilities and $200,000 for multi-purpose facilities reflect a strategic allocation of resources to achieve these outcomes.

The First Nations’ Young Natural Resource Professionals Cohort is a 12-month enrichment opportunity designed to enhance the knowledge and networks of young natural resource professionals in the Northern Great Plains. This program directly aligns with the First Nations Development Institute's mission to support Native American communities, particularly in areas of natural resource management and tribal sovereignty. The grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aims to foster professional development and community-led conservation efforts within tribal lands. The primary beneficiaries of this program are 15 early-career natural resource professionals, aged 18-30, who are tribally-affiliated and employed by tribal natural resource and/or environmental departments in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The program's impact goals are to develop professional, leadership, and technical skills among these individuals, enabling them to effectively employ tribal and community conservation priorities. The cohort prioritizes a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, specialized project management training, and the ability to communicate the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty, cultural grounding, and connection to ancestral lands in resource management. Participants will gain access to a $5,000 stipend for their hosting Tribe, travel support for professional development, a $50,000 tribal grant to lead a conservation-focused project, and a supportive network with mentorship opportunities. Expected outcomes include participants gaining a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, receiving specialized training in project management, and becoming adept at communicating the importance of tribal sovereignty and cultural connection in resource management. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of conservation-focused projects and the sustained professional growth of the cohort members within their tribal communities. The project period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

This fellowship provides support, resources, and funding to U.S. entrepreneurs developing scalable solutions in climate, health, and equity, with a focus on historically underrepresented founders.

This competition provides over $4.2 million in cash prizes and resources to U.S.-based individuals and teams developing innovative solar energy technologies, with a focus on supporting solutions that benefit underserved communities.

The farmland preservation grant program provides funding to buy development rights on farmlands to ensure they remain available for farming in the future. Grant recipients also may use some of the funding to restore natural functions to improve the land's viability for farming. The program is part of the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which was created in 1990 to buy land for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation, to keep pace with a growing population. In 2005, the state Legislature expanded the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to include preservation of significant farmland.

This funding opportunity provides up to $750,000 for nonprofit and government organizations to implement sustainable solutions that reduce illegal dumping in underserved neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

The TRIP provides assists cities and counties establish their first Parks and Recreation Department with a parks and recreation professional as the Director. The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) provides grants to those cities and counties currently without a comprehensive parks and recreation delivery system in operation due to lack of staffing and organization. City or county governments. Development of a formal Parks and Recreation Department.

The 2024 Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) Operations Grant is designed to support 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations based in Bloomington, Indiana. This grant aligns with BAC's mission to foster a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational funding. The grant's primary objective is to ensure the fiscal soundness and organizational capacity of arts organizations that demonstrate a clear mission and planning to achieve it. Funding can be utilized for various organizational costs, including overhead, staff salaries, and programmatic expenses, reflecting a commitment to the holistic health of the arts sector. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts organizations with a primary mission centered around arts, located in Bloomington, Indiana. These organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS and have an annual operating budget not exceeding $500,000. The grant aims to empower these organizations to address community needs, engage in larger community dialogues, and connect with diverse communities within Bloomington. The expected outcome is a more robust and inclusive arts landscape within the city, with organizations that are fiscally stable and actively contributing to the cultural fabric. The grant prioritizes organizational capacity, community impact, and equity and inclusion. Evaluation criteria specifically assess whether an organization demonstrates a clear mission and planning, is fiscally sound, and has committed staff or volunteers. For community impact, the focus is on whether the organization addresses a community need, engages in broader community dialogues, and reaches out to various communities in Bloomington. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on an organization's actionable steps to increase equity and inclusion, ensuring that the grant supports a diverse and accessible arts environment. Measurable results include an increase in the number of financially stable arts organizations, enhanced community engagement through arts programming, and demonstrable progress in equity and inclusion initiatives within recipient organizations. While specific financial outcomes are tied to up to 5% of an organization's operating budget (not exceeding $5000), the broader impact is seen in the sustained operation and growth of Bloomington's arts sector. The BAC's strategic priority is to cultivate a thriving arts ecosystem through direct financial support and by encouraging responsible organizational practices and meaningful community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects that restore rural forest landscapes in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming for significant environmental impact and alignment with state forest management priorities.