Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Environment

This grant provides financial support to state, local, and tribal governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations for projects that promote healthy aquatic habitats and water resources on public lands.

This funding opportunity supports coastal habitat restoration projects that engage tribes and underserved communities to enhance resilience against climate hazards like flooding and sea level rise.

This grant provides financial support to Arizona communities and institutions recognized as Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA, or Tree Campus K-12 to enhance urban forestry efforts and improve community tree management and canopy cover.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state- and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals will be accepted for projects located in Nebraska.Proposals are requested for competitive consideration for cooperative agreement awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants can be tribal government, State or local unit of government, non-profits with a 501 (c) (3) with status, or institution of higher learning.Entities may submit more than one application as long as the proposals are for different projects and entities may receive more than one award.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 6th, 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by June 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15th, 2024.These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The State of Arizona, USDA Forest Service and DOI Bureau of Land Management are expected to provide funding assistance to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for fire prevention, critical infrastructure protection and forest and watershed restoration through reduction of hazardous vegetation from state, federal, tribal and private lands in Arizona. Total funding of approximately $3 million will be made available through sub-awards (grants) from DFFM on a reimbursement basis and awarded through a competitive process with emphasis on community protection and forest health. Multiple awards not exceeding $500,000 are expected. Organizations may submit more than one project application, but total funding may be limited to $500,000. Priority will be given to projects that support private industry and/or Arizona’s wood products industry. Priority will be given to projects that have not received prior treatments. Financial Notes: Total funding of approximately $3 million will be made available through sub-awards (grants) from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on a reimbursement basis and awarded through a competitive process with emphasis on community protection and forest health. Awards will be limited to a minimum of $60,000 and maximum of $500,000 per project. Depending on total available funding, some projects may be offered only partial funding. All projects will require a 10% - 30% match contribution (ie: 90% Grant + 10% Match = 100% Project Total). Match source must be identified in the project application. Larger requests will require larger match contributions.  Priority will be given to projects that support private industry and/or Arizona’s wood products industry. Priority will be given to projects that have not received prior treatments. Proposals not meeting minimum match requirements will impact the overall score. Funds will be dispersed to recipients on a reimbursement basis after they incur cost and report accomplishments and expenses to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. For more information, please refer to the Request for Applications_NOFO form.

Coastal Resilience Grant (CRG) Program Guidelines A. Purpose The CRG funding opportunity supports projects that: Build capacity, Advance planning, and Develop designs to increase coastal resilience, including community and/or habitat resilience, in one or more of New Hampshire’s Coastal Zone communities. Coastal Zone communities include: Dover, Durham, Exeter, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Madbury, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Rollinsford, Rye, Seabrook, and Stratham. B. Eligible Applicants and Project Categories Eligible Applicants: Coastal municipalities, Quasi-governmental organizations, Non-governmental organizations, Academic institutions, and State agencies. Preference given to lead applicant organizations with no prior CRG awards. Preferred Project Approaches: Minimize negative impacts to environmental resources. Focus on coalition-building, cultural heritage preservation, environmental justice, inclusive access, and protecting/restoring natural coastal resources. Collaboratively-develop goals, purpose, work plan, products, and outcomes. Achieve fair distribution of benefits and burdens, prioritizing those with the highest need. Eligible Project Categories: Building Capacity Projects: Increase community resilience through network building, knowledge enhancement, and resource access. Planning Projects: Develop strategic plans, assessments, or regulations to guide resilience efforts. Design Projects: Develop designs for site-specific resources/assets to increase resilience. C. Funding, Match Commitment, and Project Timeframe Funding: Total anticipated federal grant funding: ~$100,000. Request between $9,000 and $30,000 in federal grant funds per project. Federal funds cannot cover final engineering designs, permitting, construction costs, or equipment purchases exceeding $5,000. Match Commitment: Non-federal match commitment: 4:1 federal grant funds to non-federal match (cash or in-kind services). Justification for reduced or no match commitment may be provided. Project Timeframe: Duration: 12 to 18 months. Expected project start: November 2024 to January 2025. Expected project end: December 2025 to June 2026. For more details and to access the application, visit the NHDES Coastal Program website.

Improve data-driven and accurate media reporting, amplify the social media narrative to combat climate change and pollution, and allow reporters to advocate for better public health resources and actions. The project output will be at least six national-level media training workshops hosted at the American Center and other American Spaces in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and at least two other appropriate second-tier cities, potentially including the Sundarbans (where they are especially affected by climate change), Ghaziabad, or Lucknow. The workshops, each for 40-50 journalists over 18 months, will be organized by the grantee and provide participants with technical knowledge by citing U.S. case studies and policies, in order to empower participants to report substantially more on climate change in India, using factual and actionable information. Strengthen the reporting capacities of 40-50 journalists in each of the 6 workshops (total 300) and improve data-driven media reporting through these training workshops over 18 months Increase the number of actual reports, amplify the social media narrative, and increase the number of articles where the journalist ties environmental issues to policy issues. Improve reliability of information on climate and environmental issues through accurate reporting. Participants and U.S. and local experts will also discuss priority areas that can be highlighted by media for practical actions to raise awareness on climate change challenges and promote public engagement in environmental conservation to reach net zero emissions and limit global warming to 1.5C.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, aiming to restore and enhance critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats within the Cumberland Plateau region. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The program's core strategy involves increasing the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands, which contributes to NFWF’s strategic priority of supporting wildlife and improving ecological health through sustainable land management. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse habitats and species within the Cumberland Plateau, as well as landowners and communities in the region who will adopt conservation practices. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, the program aims to foster resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable human activities. The foundation's theory of change is predicated on the idea that by providing financial and technical assistance, they can incentivize conservation practices that lead to measurable environmental improvements and long-term ecological benefits. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program strategies. These include restoring previously mined lands, increasing the adoption of conservation practices on grazing and croplands, establishing, enhancing, and maintaining forest habitats, and restoring instream habitats to support aquatic species. A significant focus is also placed on expanding and coordinating technical assistance and outreach to landowners, recognizing the importance of local engagement and support for successful implementation of conservation efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in acres of restored habitats, improved water quality metrics, enhanced soil health, and greater carbon sequestration. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024, with individual grant awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. Projects are expected to have a completion time of 24-48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, Tribal Governments, and educational institutions, with a preference for projects within identified focal areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The program’s success will be measured by the extent to which these conservation practices are adopted and the subsequent environmental benefits realized across the Cumberland Plateau.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations delivering essential services that promote educational readiness, career preparedness, youth empowerment, and family support for children, youth, and families in San Francisco.

Quagga and Zebra Mussels are aquatic invasive species that are rapidly expanding their range in the Western United States. Popular recreational reservoirs on or connected to the lower Colorado River are one major source of invasive mussels, which are easily transported via trailered watercraft to areas that have not yet been invaded. This Request For Proposals (RFP) will fund proposals in the listed principal areas towards the fulfillment of the top priorities in the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP 2.0) and will be limited to states within the boundaries of the Western Regional Panel within the United States, not including Canada and Mexico (see map): Limiting the spread of invasive mussels through containment, especially by inspection and decontamination of watercraft moving from invaded water bodies to jurisdictions currently free of dreissenid mussels, and the coordination between states or other jurisdictions to this end;1. Protecting western ecosystems through support and/or establishment of prevention programs for invasive mussels at identified high risk control points. 2. Limiting the spread of invasive mussels through containment by increasing compliance with federal, state, local and tribal laws; 3. Increasing the effectiveness of outreach and education efforts to help advance prevention efforts; 4. Building capacity to detect and respond to new invasive mussel infestations;5. Conducting Research that benefits the priorities listed above, including (but not limited to) social science research to evaluate the effectiveness of invasive species prevention messaging, and research on non- target species impacts of invasive mussel control treatments (See Research Priorities: https://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2023/Accepted/MBI_2023_Counihan_et al_correctedproof.pdf) Efforts to address the risks and impacts of these invasive species are on-going. They include development of QZAP, and funding by the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service (Service) to address waters at highest risk for spreading invasive mussels. In fiscal year 2024 the Service plans to allocate approximately $2,200,000 to projects that will reduce or minimize the threat of quagga and zebra mussels to Western U.S. waters. Funding is available for a limited number of projects that target the priories listed above.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the competitiveness of California's specialty crops, benefiting a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial and administrative support to assist American Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and intertribal organizations in developing and implementing chemical risk management and pollution prevention programs.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in developing educational resources and outreach initiatives to reduce tobacco use and improve asthma health among healthcare professionals in the District of Columbia.

This program provides financial support for research projects that improve agricultural sustainability and water efficiency in Kansas, focusing on drought-tolerant crops and innovative agricultural technologies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to manage and enhance cloud-based infrastructure that aids in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife's "STEP OUTSIDE" grant program is designed to support local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other family and youth-oriented facilities in promoting outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, trapping, archery, and shooting sports. This grant aims to fund activities that are unaffordable for the sponsoring agency or organization and is not intended to support existing programs or provide ongoing funding for new programs or activities. Eligible applicants include city, county, and community park and recreation agencies, local and state conservation clubs, and youth-oriented groups such as scouts, 4-H, YMCA/YWCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc. The program emphasizes that private individuals are not eligible. The application period is ongoing throughout the fiscal year, with applications required to be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for its Southeast Aquatics Fund to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States and Texas. This grant program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, and plants. The fund's priorities are informed by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, adopted in 2018 and updated in 2023, which aims to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity across the Southeast. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are aquatic ecosystems and the diverse array of species that inhabit them, particularly those identified as focal species in the Conasauga River (GA) and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. These include various endemic and native fishes like the Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, and trispot darter. The impact goal is to advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and other relevant conservation plans, ultimately leading to healthier aquatic habitats. The program prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints, with funding available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Projects benefiting the focal species in these areas will receive priority. The strategic priorities of the NFWF, as evidenced by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, emphasize a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitats in prioritized watersheds, reflecting a theory of change that by protecting these indicator species, the broader ecosystem health will improve. Expected outcomes include the conservation of aquatic habitat, the advancement of specific goals outlined in the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, and positive impacts on focal species populations. While not explicitly detailed as "measurable results" in the provided text, the focus on indicator species suggests that the health and population trends of these species would serve as key metrics for success. Projects are anticipated to have a completion time of 24–36 months, with grant awards ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 from approximately $8.45 million available in 2024.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation’s **Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program** serves as its core philanthropic initiative, advancing the family’s long-standing commitment to holistic community well-being in East Central Illinois. At least half of the foundation’s annual grantmaking is directed to this region, with a focus on fostering prosperity, health, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Through the LHC program, the foundation seeks to nurture communities that are economically strong, physically and mentally healthy, socially engaged, and environmentally conscious—each element reinforcing the others to create long-term resilience and vitality. A central vision of the program is to strengthen local food systems and agricultural economies while supporting residents’ physical and mental health. The foundation encourages projects that promote access to healthy, affordable food, strengthen local farm businesses, and integrate sustainable land use practices. Equally important is the cultivation of social cohesion and civic capacity—empowering communities to collaborate on shared goals, retain talent, and attract new opportunities. The emphasis on leadership development and collaborative problem-solving underscores the foundation’s belief in community-driven progress. In response to growing awareness of mental health challenges, the Lumpkin Family Foundation has expanded the LHC program to include **nature-based mental wellness initiatives**. These efforts support programs that demonstrate the connection between engagement with nature and improved mental well-being. Priority is given to projects that help youth and young adults reduce screen time through outdoor experiences, provide self-care opportunities for mental health practitioners, and create healing environments for trauma-impacted individuals such as foster youth. The foundation recognizes the strong research-based link between time spent in nature and improvements in happiness, social connectedness, and emotional balance. Successful proposals often integrate multiple LHC focus areas, combining personal health, environmental stewardship, agricultural innovation, and mental wellness. The foundation particularly values programs that promote sustainable farming, develop green practices that add productivity while protecting the land, and build community capacity through education and collaboration. Preference is given to rural organizations and those located in **Coles County** and surrounding areas, reflecting the foundation’s deep roots in East Central Illinois. Through the Land, Health, Community Grant Program, the Lumpkin Family Foundation continues to invest in the long-term vitality of its home region. By uniting efforts in agriculture, health, the environment, and mental wellness, the program fosters communities that are not only economically stable but also socially vibrant and emotionally healthy—a living model of the foundation’s belief in the interdependence of land, people, and place.

This grant provides funding for researchers and organizations to develop innovative medical countermeasures for treating acute chemical exposures resulting from terrorist attacks or accidental releases, enhancing national preparedness for chemical emergencies.

This grant provides funding to K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, and faith-based organizations in Arizona to create and maintain sustainable green spaces that improve environmental quality and community well-being.