Grants for Small businesses - Natural Resources

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations involved in recycling beverage containers, such as local governments, non-profits, and material recovery facilities, to improve their sorting infrastructure and technology.

This grant provides funding for projects in California that utilize tire-derived aggregate for various applications, such as retaining walls, stormwater management, and landfill enhancements, aimed at promoting sustainable waste tire recycling.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.

The 2024 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) offer grants, funded by the California State Budget, to support projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations in California, with a focus on funding new projects and those that have successfully implemented AMMP projects in the past.

The Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.

Eligible applicants include: • Manufacturers that produce (or will produce) an eligible product.• Waste tire processors that also manufacture an eligible product.• Manufacturers of devulcanized rubber.• Rubber compounders.• Manufacturers of calendered rubber sheeting products.• Manufacturers that produce products on a contract basis for other companies provided they have that other company’s written permission to produce an eligible product and receive the incentive. Eligible products include: • A new or existing product that has not benefited from the Tire-Derived Product Grant Program.• An existing or new/improved product currently manufactured with virgin rubber, plastic or other material which will be produced with a minimum of five percent crumb rubber and may be co-extruded, injected, compounded, calendered or otherwise combined (also known as “feedstock conversion”). This includes compounded rubber and calendered sheet rubber as intermediate products.• An existing or new/improved product currently manufactured with virgin rubber, plastic or other material which will be produced with a minimum of five percent devulcanized crumb rubber and may be co-extruded, injected, calendered or otherwise combined. This includes devulcanized crumb rubber as an intermediate product.• An existing or new/improved product that will use fine (≤50) mesh crumb rubber. Particle size and particle size distribution are determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D5644 and D5603 and will be verified by CalRecycle or a CalRecycle contractor.

The 2024 AMMP and DDRDP grants, funded by the California State Budget and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aim to provide financial support for projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations, with a focus on alternative manure management and dairy digester research and development.

The Orange County North Carolina is seeking applications for its Community Climate Action Grant Program to accelerate climate change mitigation actions in Orange county. Donor Name: Orange County North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Orange County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: Project Types These examples are just for illustrative purposes. We encourage a wide range of projects. Clean Energy Infrastructure – New Example: Rooftop Solar Installation, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Clean Energy Infrastructure – Repair Example: HVAC System Repair, Weatherization Clean Energy Infrastructure – Replacement Example: LED lighting to replace fluorescent bulbs Communication/Education Example: Extreme Heat Education Materials & Outreach Nature Based Solutions Examples: Soil Regeneration, Reforestation Waste Reduction/Circular Economy Example: Composting Program Analysis/Plan Example: Energy Efficiency Analysis Other Example: Neighborhood Tree Planting Funding Information  For the 2024-25 funding cycle, an estimated $262,500 in funding. Eligibility:  All public and non-profit entities are eligible to apply as well as small businesses whose gross revenues do not exceed $3 million annually. All proposed projects must demonstrate a positive impact on Orange County’s residents and environment as described in the scoring criteria. All funds awarded through this grant program should be spent in Orange County. Before funds can be distributed, successful applicants must have the legal standing to enter into a contractual funding agreement with Orange County. Such legal standing is not required at the time of application. For more information, visit Orange County North Carolina.

This grant provides financial assistance to local agencies and organizations in California for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities that help recreational boaters properly dispose of sewage waste, promoting cleaner waterways and safer boating experiences.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is designed to provide infrastructure and services for recreational boats 26 feet or more in length. Goals of the program include: 1. enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources; 2. strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and economic benefits; 3. promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities; 4. provide continuity of public access to the shore; and 5. promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority has launched the 2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grants. Donor Name: Miami Downtown Development Authority State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program is designed to support projects/events in FY2024-2025 that take place in Downtown Miami. The DCCG program will include innovative projects/events that should have a demonstrable economic impact in Downtown Miami while also strengthening its appeal as a global destination.  Funding Priorities Outdoor Venue – activating public spaces, green spaces, and unique open-air venues, for example, a rooftop, Miami Worldcenter, or city park that promotes Downtown Miami’s outdoor options. Community Building Opportunities – events/programs that promote and connect the Downtown community and attracts tourism.  Family Programming – events/activations that promote and provide programming suitable for the entire family to enjoy at an affordable ticket price point. Content that features the communities, history &/or natural resources in Miami-Dade is encouraged.  Programming Featuring Miami as a Global City – promotes Downtown Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub. Cultural and Historic Education – featuring Downtown’s historic story &/or buildings. Content highlights Downtown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community Public Transportation Awareness – build ridership and awareness of Downtown Miami’s multimodal transportation options through the event location and/or event marketing of Downtown’s diverse transportation options. Free or Discounted Projects/Events – Cost of admission/affordability is considered for grant funding. Free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students will receive funding priority. This must be clearly and visibly stated in marketing and promotional material when applicable.  Funding Information  Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00. The project/event’s activation must take place during the grant fiscal year (Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025).  Eligibility Criteria  The Miami DDA values organizations producing and implementing multiple activations Downtown. For an application to be considered, it must meet the following requirements:   The applicant must have a reputation of professional and personal excellence and conduct. *All felonies &/or misdemeanors must be disclosed on the application. The applicant must submit documentation of having produced the activation in the past or a similar program. If this is the applicant’s first public activation, a comprehensive and detailed business plan needs to be submitted.  The applicant must provide a confirmation letter or a letter of intent from the event venue confirming dates and times for the activation. Timelines for the activation must include all stages of the project/event including pre-marketing, live event, and wrap-up/post-event.  If the project/event requires permitting from the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, or approval from Bayfront Park, you are required to provide a copy of either the submitted permit application or an approved permit with your application. The applicant organization must be an active corporation in good standing as a “for profit” or “not-for-profit.” Visit Sunbiz to check your business status. The applicant must provide proof of funding commitments from other sources. The Miami DDA’s DCCG cannot be the only funding source for your project/event.  For more information, visit Miami DDA.

The SB 1 Grant Program offers funding to local, regional, and tribal governments for planning and implementing projects to adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts, with additional technical assistance available for those representing Environmental Justice communities.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1 million in California State General Funds for the Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) for the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund (DOGWF). The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 awardee will be responsible for providing evaluation and technical assistance for DOGWF PY 23-24 program awardees as they pioneer initiatives that guide displaced oil and gas workers into new jobs and career trajectories by extending beyond singular sectors, committed to securing stable, well-compensated, and gratifying roles for these workers across diverse industries. The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 grant aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of DOGWF projects. The initiative seeks to fund an organization with expertise in assessing program and operational capacity, facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs), conducting a developmental evaluation for continuous learning and improvement, and addressing the needs of displaced workers impacted by energy sector shifts for future policy and program planning. In addition, the ETA awardee will support program grantees with developing and implementing strategies for partnership development, participant assessment, skills transfer, career navigation, administering training stipends, providing wrap-around support, identifying relevant career pathways and training programs, and guidance on participant tracking and performance outcomes reporting. Applicants for the DOGWF ETA must be organizations with the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver ETA to grantees across the state. Proposals from non-profit or for-profit consulting, technical assistance, evaluation, capacity-building organizations, labor organizations, community colleges, adult education providers, workforce boards, and education and training providers will be accepted. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PST on July 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on June 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PST.  Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by June 24, 2024 by 9 a.m. PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOwky4VSQ06lWDMieX-9bA The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by July 1, 2024, at noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through the relaunch of the Materials Management grants program, which has been renamed the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. Donor Name: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants program is to support statewide efforts to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials at all stages of their life cycle. The goal of the program is to build local capacity and support community solutions that address the environmental, social and health impacts created by production, consumption, use and disposal of materials. The objectives of the program are to: Inspire promising solutions to reduce the impacts of materials by funding innovative projects and programs. Empower community action to reach environmental solutions. Create environmental and health benefits that result from more sustainable consumption and use of materials. Advance equity and environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. Funding Area  In an effort to make the  application process more accessible and streamlined, the program will focus on one annual funding area each year. For the 2024 grant cycle, the annual funding area is waste prevention. Waste prevention is an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and generation of waste before something becomes trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities reduce waste by changing product design, by using less, by using something longer, or by repairing it. DEQ may award grants for activities that reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials such as: A farmers market purchasing reusable dishes to eliminate single-use products Establishing or expanding services for community tool libraries or other share libraries. A small business buying a new technology to etch glass instead of applying plastic product labels. A store investing in bulk storage for resupplying low-waste products. Funding Information Up to $ 1,000,000 is available for the 2024 grant cycle. $ 25,000 is the minimum available for individual grant awards. $ 125,000 is the maximum available for individual grant awards. Grant Period DEQ anticipates that grant agreements will be drafted beginning in January 2025. The grant term begins the date that the grant agreement is signed. After signing the agreement, recipients must complete their projects within 24 months. Eligible Activities Education and outreach Training Research Program, project or policy development Workforce development Eligible Costs Administrative costs, such as travel, office expenses, and overhead Salaries and benefits for project personnel and payments to consultants or contractors Publications and other printed materials Machinery, vehicles, equipment, signs, containers and project-related supplies. Eligible Applicants Local governments, Nonprofit (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, Organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, Public schools, Public universities, Community colleges, or Small businesses of 50 people or less. For more information, visit Oregon DEQ.

This grant provides financial support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to improve their recycling and organics recycling efforts by acquiring containers and compostable bags.

The UST Cleanup Fund provides a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements of maintaining financial responsibility to pay for damages arising from unauthorized releases from their petroleum USTs. The Fund assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking USTs.

This funding is available to current property owners for cleanup and investigation of unauthorized petroleum releases from underground storage tanks, covering activities like site assessments, soil and groundwater investigations, and corrective action planning.