Natural Resources Grants

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) is offering grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for a period of 3 years to non-profit organizations, HOAs, K-12 schools, and community-based organizations in Larimer County, Colorado, to fund projects that enhance natural landscapes, provide environmental education, improve access to nature, support local agricultural food production, or conduct research on county open spaces, with the application deadline set for October 11, 2024.

The City of Philadelphia's Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund is offering $15,000 grants to 20 Philadelphia-based organizations working on long-term environmental justice projects, with the aim to support grassroots activism, community resilience, and the removal of environmental injustices.

This grant provides funding for projects that enhance watershed resilience, grasslands, sagebrush rangelands, and big game habitats across Colorado, targeting non-profits, local governments, and educational institutions.

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 City of Austin's Equity Office is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support community-driven initiatives, particularly grassroots organizations, that address immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement efforts in the Austin-Travis County area, with priority given to applicants with annual operating budgets not exceeding $500,000.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is offering a grant for its Home Visitation and Parent Education & Supports Program. This initiative aims to bolster family wellbeing and build protective factors within families. The program's core mission aligns with CFSA's goal to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening parent-child bonds, promoting healthy child development, and enhancing overall family functioning. The agency seeks to achieve this through innovative, community-based prevention programs. The primary beneficiaries of this program are parents and caregivers within the District of Columbia, particularly those who would benefit from home visitation, parent education, and prevention services. The impact goals are to provide families with service navigation, connecting them with governmental and community resources, offer wrap-around services such as food and clothing, and deliver high-fidelity, nationally recognized, evidence-based programs. Ultimately, the program strives to improve the mental and emotional health of children during their early years, increase protective factors, and significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The program prioritizes innovative approaches, including video technology, motivational interviewing, tailored curricula, and engaging activities based on evidence-based or evidence-informed models. CFSA is specifically looking to fund programs that creatively strengthen the attachment between parents and their children. The expected outcomes include a stronger parent-child bond, enhanced healthy child development, improved family functioning, and a reduction in child abuse and neglect incidents. Measurable results will likely stem from the implementation of these evidence-based programs and the demonstrated improvements in family wellbeing and protective factors. CFSA's strategic priority is to fund innovative and community-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Their theory of change is that by equipping parents and caregivers with essential tools and resources, and by fostering strong parent-child attachments through evidence-based interventions, they can significantly improve children's mental and emotional health in early life. This approach, by increasing protective factors, directly addresses and aims to mitigate the root causes of child abuse and neglect, thereby enhancing overall community well-being.

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 grant provides financial assistance to state and local governments in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for acquiring land to protect valuable natural resources in the Highlands Region.

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 state and local governments in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to permanently protect land and natural resources in the Highlands Region through land acquisition from willing sellers.

The Virginia Department of Energy invites proposals for energy innovation within the Commonwealth of Virginia, with grants awarded at its discretion through the Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program. This initiative is designed to support research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage. The program aligns with the department's mission to foster energy advancement and secure Virginia's energy future through competitive grants. The program aims to establish a Virginia nuclear innovation hub and award grants to support energy innovation across the Commonwealth. Target beneficiaries include higher education institutions conducting research on advanced nuclear and advanced reactor technologies, and programs focused on nuclear energy workforce development. The initiative also supports site selection for future small modular reactor projects in Virginia. The overarching impact goals are to enhance energy affordability, reliability, and clean energy objectives within the Commonwealth. Key priorities for grant awards include projects demonstrating a strong return on investment, significant impact on energy affordability and reliability, and alignment with clean energy goals. The department also prioritizes capital investment and the utilization of research-based technologies. The program's focus areas are critical for advancing a diverse energy portfolio and ensuring long-term energy security for Virginia. Expected outcomes include advancements in innovative energy technologies, a more robust nuclear energy sector in Virginia, and a skilled workforce capable of supporting these developments. Measurable results will be assessed based on the return on investment, the positive impact on energy metrics within the Commonwealth, and the successful implementation of research-based technologies. The Virginia Department of Energy, in collaboration with the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, will oversee the grants and ensure thorough reporting on each project. Funding for individual grants can range from $10,000 to $1,000,000, with an overall program funding cap of up to $3 million, pending available funds.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for land conservation projects in under-resourced communities within the Highlands Region of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

This grant provides funding to various organizations and governments for projects that protect and restore habitats for neotropical migratory birds across the Americas, with a strong emphasis on international collaboration and partner contributions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state geological surveys and universities for preserving and improving access to essential geological and geophysical data and materials.

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 grant provides financial support to community coalitions across the U.S. that aim to create quality jobs and promote an inclusive workforce in the clean energy sector.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is offering a new funding opportunity for local organizations to support water safety programming, utilizing Title V funds. This grant aims to expand efforts in protecting Hoosier families around water by developing or expanding drowning prevention activities, with a specific focus on increasing water safety among infants, children, and adolescents. The program encourages creative initiatives to address identified barriers that put children at higher risk of drowning, directly working to reduce fatalities among families in Indiana. While the exact foundation mission alignment isn't explicitly stated, the grant's focus on public health and safety aligns with a broad public health mandate. The target beneficiaries for this grant are infants, children, and adolescents in Indiana, particularly those in at-risk or vulnerable populations. The impact goals are to increase water safety and reduce drowning fatalities among these groups. Programming may include education for families, resource development and dissemination, connecting families with swim lessons, and increasing safety in various water environments such such as bathtubs, pools, retention ponds, and open water. Local organizations applying for the grant must have identified the specific barriers families encounter that contribute to higher drowning risks, and their proposed programs must directly address these barriers. The priorities and focuses of this grant include partnering with local health departments (though health departments themselves are not eligible to apply), adhering to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and IDOH, and addressing water safety barriers in at-risk or vulnerable populations. Proposed activities must be evidence-based, data-informed, or utilize promising practices to ensure effective programming. Collaboration with local community action teams and child fatality review teams is also encouraged for maximum impact. The grant specifically serves Indiana residents, and grantees must comply with financial requirements. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this grant are not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, but the overarching goal is to reduce fatalities among families by increasing water safety. By focusing on evidence-based practices and addressing identified barriers, the grant aims for tangible improvements in water safety outcomes for children and adolescents. The implicit strategic priority is public health improvement through targeted prevention efforts, and the theory of change suggests that by empowering local organizations to implement tailored drowning prevention initiatives, the IDOH can effectively mitigate risk factors and improve safety for vulnerable populations across Indiana. The project period for the budget is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025, indicating a short-term, impactful project cycle.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profits, schools, churches, and government organizations in Jones County to enhance community well-being through projects focused on education, economic development, food security, and healthcare access.