Environment Grants

The Stewarding Native Lands program, offered by First Nations Development Institute, is designed to bolster tribal co-stewardship agreements and related capacity building. This initiative aligns with the broader movement towards co-stewardship of public lands, as mandated by Joint Secretarial Order 3403 and other authorities, including new state policies. The core mission is to restore tribal stewardship, which is seen as crucial for advancing ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and adaptation to climate change, particularly through the reintroduction of buffalo and fire to grasslands. The target beneficiaries are Tribes located near or bordering National Grasslands in the Northern Great Plains, specifically in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Eligible applicants include Federal- and State-Recognized tribal Governments and Departments. The program's impact goals center on empowering these Tribes with the necessary resources and capacity to effectively negotiate, implement, and monitor co-stewardship agreements with the U.S. Forest Service. The program's priorities and focuses include providing technical assistance, trainings, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to co-stewardship. A key emphasis is placed on strengthening and increasing tribal co-stewardship on National Grasslands in the Great Plains region. This strategic approach positions Tribes as vital anchors in promoting greater ecological connectivity for grassland protection and health. The expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable increase in the number and effectiveness of tribal co-stewardship agreements with the U.S. Forest Service. The ultimate goal is enhanced ecological connectivity and improved health of National Grasslands through tribal leadership and participation. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the First Nations Development Institute's overall strategic priorities or theory of change beyond this program, it clearly indicates a belief that empowering Indigenous communities in land stewardship leads to significant environmental and cultural benefits. The grant period is from October 15, 2024, to November 30, 2026, with individual project budgets not exceeding $125,000.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is offering a Youth-led Grant Program, providing $250 to $2,500 for projects developed and implemented by youth in partnership with a nonprofit, school, or public organization, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community development, environmental stewardship, and health services in selected counties of Ohio.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking proposals for its 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. This grant program is habitat-focused, aiming to enhance, restore, or protect various natural environments across Minnesota. Eligible activities include work on forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitats vital for fish, game, and wildlife. All applications must clearly identify the direct habitat benefits, specifying species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features that will be positively impacted. This program aligns with a mission to conserve and manage Minnesota's natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations, focusing on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse ecosystems and wildlife within Minnesota, as well as the communities and organizations dedicated to their preservation. The impact goals are centered on measurable improvements in habitat quality and quantity. Restoration and enhancement projects are specifically funded on lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, and special district entities), or within public waters as defined by MN Statutes. The program prioritizes projects that contribute directly to the health and sustainability of Minnesota's natural heritage, supporting a strategic approach to environmental stewardship. The funding information for the Traditional (Statewide) cycle totals $4,400,000, with up to two funding cycles available. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a total project cost not exceeding $1,000,000. The grant period typically lasts 3 to 3.5 years, commencing upon the full execution of the grant contract. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the described project activities, encompassing contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This financial framework ensures that resources are directed towards impactful projects, with a clear understanding of funding limits and duration. Eligibility for the CPL funding is restricted to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, though partnerships are highly encouraged. Examples of eligible non-profit applicants include land trusts, lakes associations, charitable organizations, private colleges and universities, fishing and hunting organizations, and "Friends of" groups. Government entities such as cities, counties, tribal governments, federal agencies, conservation districts, public universities, and school districts are also eligible. This targeted eligibility ensures that the grants support organizations with a proven commitment to public and environmental benefit, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation outcomes.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently accepting applications for its Metro Grant Cycle, focusing on the enhancement, restoration, or protection of natural resources. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of preserving Minnesota's diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and critical habitats for fish, game, and wildlife. By funding projects that directly address habitat benefits, the DNR aims to promote ecological health and biodiversity within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the ecosystems and wildlife within the seven-county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) and the cities of Duluth, Rochester, or St. Cloud. Projects funded through this cycle are expected to result in measurable improvements in specific species populations, ecosystem functions, and the overall quality of various habitat types. The impact goals are centered on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts that lead to healthier and more resilient natural environments. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to the direct habitat benefits, emphasizing the identification of specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features. Restoration and enhancement activities are specifically restricted to lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district), or in public waters as defined by Minnesota Statutes. This focus ensures that the funded efforts contribute to long-term conservation and are implemented on lands with secure protection. Expected outcomes include the successful restoration and enhancement of natural habitats, leading to improved conditions for various wildlife and plant species. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to habitat acreage restored, species diversity increases, or improvements in water quality, all of which must be explicitly identified in the application. The DNR's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to invest in projects that demonstrate clear ecological benefits and contribute to the state's natural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by supporting localized, well-defined conservation projects, the state can achieve broader, cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a typical grant period lasting 3 to 3.5 years once the contract is executed. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the project, such as contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve the stated conservation objectives. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, with partnerships highly encouraged. This broad eligibility criterion allows for a diverse range of organizations, from land trusts and lakes associations to cities and tribal governments, to contribute to the conservation efforts. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, ensuring that the grants are directed towards public good and conservation initiatives.

The Town of Crested Butte is offering a Community Grant Program, ranging from $1000 to $10,000, for nonprofit organizations that provide significant benefits to the community, with a focus on addressing the pandemic and housing crisis, and promoting equity, diversity, creativity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding to educators in Miami County, Ohio, for environmental education programs focused on solid waste issues, including recycling and waste reduction activities.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to support research initiatives that enhance the understanding and management of Atlantic bluefin tuna populations, particularly through collaboration with international partners involved in their conservation.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, for projects that improve community well-being, promote education and cultural enrichment, and support individuals with disabilities.

The Vinton County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs that benefit Vinton County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across the region, particularly focusing on local community needs. The fund seeks to foster positive change and development within Vinton County by supporting various community-driven efforts. The grants are specifically targeted towards nonprofits, schools, and public organizations, as well as groups working under fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals of all ages residing in Vinton County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the county, aiming for tangible improvements in the quality of life for its residents. The program prioritizes projects and programs that advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses a diverse range of critical needs and supports holistic community development. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that are spearheaded by individuals committed to making a difference in their community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly tied to the advancement of opportunities within the five pillars. Projects are expected to demonstrate potential impact, with funding requests between $500 and $2,500 generally preferred, though larger requests may be considered based on the scale of their potential influence. This framework reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these key areas, through local initiatives, will lead to sustainable community growth and improved well-being for Vinton County residents.

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are offering the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants (NSG) Program. This program aims to provide funding for innovative projects that improve community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through collaborative community partnerships. While specific foundation mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change are not explicitly stated as coming from a "foundation," the program's goals directly align with the broader mission of urban sustainability and community well-being as typically pursued by municipal sustainability offices and commissions. The NSG Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries including individuals, groups of individuals, community groups, educational groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and locally owned businesses. These applicants must be undertaking projects within the Flagstaff city limits. The impact goals are to enhance community sustainability, promote healthy lifestyles, meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations, build community partnerships, and facilitate volunteer engagement or management. The program prioritizes projects that align with at least one of its three core goals: involving underserved communities, building partnerships, or facilitating volunteer engagement. Additionally, projects must fall into one of the following categories: Building Energy, Climate Action, Food, Public Health, Resilience, Transportation, or Waste. These categories represent the key focuses for achieving Flagstaff's sustainability objectives. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of creative community projects that address sustainability challenges. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of projects funded, the reach of those projects within the community, the level of community engagement and partnerships fostered, and tangible improvements in the designated sustainability categories. The program anticipates awarding a total of $75,000 in 2024, with individual grants capped at $7,500, indicating a focus on supporting multiple, smaller-scale community-led initiatives rather than a few large projects.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Mendocino County, California, for projects that enhance arts and culture, support children and youth, promote disaster relief and resilience, foster economic development, protect the environment, and create healthy and inclusive communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units for projects that directly benefit the residents of Blaine County, Montana, addressing important community needs.

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) has launched its inaugural short fiction film grant program, designed to support narrative short film projects through pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution stages. This initiative aligns directly with BFF's mission to foster creative, thoughtful, and innovative storytelling, particularly films with strong themes of social or environmental justice. The foundation aims to empower filmmakers who can use the medium to address critical societal issues, thereby contributing to a more just and aware community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are individual filmmakers—specifically directors, co-directors, producers, or co-producers—who are at least 18 years of age and reside or work in specific Bay Area cities: Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Oakland, or Alameda. Organizations are not eligible to apply. The impact goals are to support the creation of high-quality short fiction films that embody the organization's commitment to social justice and inspire other funding bodies to support creative projects. The program prioritizes short, fiction films (40 minutes or less) that demonstrate originality, imagination, and technical skill. A significant focus is placed on narratives that explore social or environmental justice themes, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to leverage film as a tool for advocacy and community engagement. The grants are divided into two tiers: General Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and the prestigious Saul Zaentz Awards, offering two separate $25,000 grants for films that most powerfully embody the foundation's mission. Expected outcomes include the successful completion and distribution of impactful narrative short films that raise awareness and stimulate dialogue around social and environmental issues. Measurable results will be determined by the number of films funded, their artistic merit, their alignment with social justice themes, and their potential to inspire further funding and public engagement. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in filmmakers who produce compelling, socially conscious narratives, they can contribute to cultural enrichment and foster positive societal change.

This grant provides federal funding to local agencies, tribes, and nonprofits in Washington to rehabilitate and maintain recreational trails for various outdoor activities, ensuring a sustainable backcountry experience.

This program provides funding to nonprofit community organizations in the U.S. that create innovative mental health initiatives for young people of color, focusing on reducing disparities and improving access to care.

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.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations for projects that improve water quality and promote community engagement in watershed restoration efforts in Montgomery County, Maryland.