Local Environment Grants

The Bucks County Foundation offers bi-annual grants to nonprofits serving Bucks County through a competitive process from unrestricted funds. These grants support projects that serve the community needs of Bucks County, emphasizing smaller organizations that may apply for either operating or program grants based on their annual budget size. This opportunity fosters local development and aids organizations in achieving impactful community results. Applications must adhere to non-discrimination policies and aim for collaborative community solutions. Organizations can apply once every twelve months, and site visits may be part of the evaluation process.

This program provides technical assistance to small and vulnerable communities in Maine to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

This program provides financial support to licensed childcare providers to improve the quality of their services through equipment upgrades, technology investments, and facility enhancements.

The Innovia Foundation is seeking applications for its LaunchNW Rural Grant Program. Donor Name: Innovia Foundation State: Idaho, Washington County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: LaunchNW galvanizes entire communities to ensure that every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment. The initiative was first implemented in Spokane County. In this second phase, rural communities in the ten eastern Washington counties served by Innovia Foundation can now apply for funding and technical support for LaunchNW in their own communities. By galvanizing local leaders and partnering with every sector of the community, LaunchNW will generate sustainable, measurable change in oegion for generations to come. Funding Information Grants of $30,000 will provide partial support for a community-based LaunchNW Coordinator in the selected communities for two years.  Eligibility Requirements Awards from Innovia Foundation’s competitive grant programs are determined in partnership with local volunteers from throughout the foundation’s service area. This locally-based advisory process ensures that grant opportunities address the changing needs of communities. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; a federally recognized tribe; or a public entity such as a school district, municipality, or unincorporated group or association. In certain cases, grants can be awarded to non-501(c)(3) organizations for charitable purposes. In all cases, the applicant organization/program must have a clear charitable purpose.  Applicants cannot have any delinquent reports for previous grants awarded through all Innovia Foundation’s grant programs. Some grant programs have specific restrictions. Be sure to read grant guidelines carefully to see if any restrictions apply. Innovia Foundation competitive grants are awarded to organizations providing services within the 20-county region served by the Foundation. (Eastern Washington Counties: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin. North Idaho Counties: Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, Shoshone and Idaho.) Please note that Innovia Foundation has multiple grant programs. Applying to/receiving grant funding from one Innovia Foundation grant program does not preclude your organization from to applying to any other Innovia Foundation grant program. For more information, visit Innovia Foundation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and institutions in Cuyahoga County to implement or expand recycling and composting programs, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes, and government agencies in Whatcom County for projects that support youth experiencing homelessness and engage young people in environmental initiatives.

The Washington State Department of Commerce, through its Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention/Community Safety Unit, is offering a grant program to Washington state law enforcement agencies. This initiative aligns with the Department's broader mission to enhance community safety and reduce violence by equipping law enforcement with modern tools and technologies. The program aims to address critical needs in public safety by focusing on improved vehicle pursuit management and overall operational effectiveness for law enforcement agencies across the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Washington state law enforcement agencies, including individual agencies and consortiums of agencies. The primary impact goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of vehicle pursuits and other law enforcement operations through the adoption of advanced technology. By providing these tools, the program seeks to contribute to a safer environment for both officers and the public, ultimately reducing the risks associated with traditional pursuit methods and improving the ability of law enforcement to respond to incidents. The grant prioritizes the provision of modern vehicle pursuit management technology. This includes, but is not limited to, global positioning system tracking equipment, automated license plate reading technology, aircraft, and non-armed and non-armored drone technology. The focus is on leveraging technological advancements to achieve more efficient and safer law enforcement practices. The grant also emphasizes a broad distribution of funding across Washington, with maximum award amounts tailored to agency size to ensure equitable access and impact for both smaller and larger departments. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the adoption and effective utilization of advanced vehicle pursuit management technologies by law enforcement agencies. This will likely lead to improved apprehension rates, reduced risks during pursuits, and enhanced overall operational capabilities for participating agencies. While specific measurable results are not detailed beyond the types of technology, the implicit goal is to improve public safety metrics related to law enforcement interactions and criminal apprehension. The program's success will be evident in the widespread implementation of these technologies and their positive impact on community safety over the grant duration of one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations focused on restoring wetlands in Maui County, promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The Daviess County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Community Good Grants Program. Donor Name: Daviess County Community Foundation State: Indiana County: Daviess County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/21/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Considered for Funding Arts and Culture Community Development Education Health Human Services Other Civic Endeavors (Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development) Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need. In some cases, organizations without the 501(c)(3) designation may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor. Program Areas Not Considered for Funding Religious organizations for religious purposes Political parties or campaigns Endowment creation or debt reduction Operating costs not directly related to the program/project Capital campaigns Annual appeals or membership contributions Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes For more information, visit Daviess County Community Foundation.

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking applications for its Cultural Arts Grants . Donor Name: City of Santa Barbara State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: As part of its ongoing commitment to a vibrant, sustainable local cultural sector and arts access for all, the City is investing nearly $250,000 into the community through its annual Cultural Arts Grants Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of the three grant programs: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals. The programs are intended to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze events and festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality.  Community Arts (CA) Grants: Encouraging projects and programs uplifting arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth and helping to ensure arts access for all members of Santa Barbara’s community. Maximum funding request: up to $6,000 Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supporting nonprofit arts organizations’ capacity and performance, enhance audience reach, and increase earned income. Embracing a variety of arts organizations, including multicultural and neighborhood arts. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Incubating events and festivals that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and promotion. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must have nonprofit 501c3 status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop.  For more information, visit City of Santa Barbara.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

The Social Justice Fund's 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant aims to support grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant is aligned with the Social Justice Fund's broader mission of community organizing, focusing on Indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. The program specifically targets Native-led organizing efforts across the northwestern region, providing funding to organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, fiscally sponsored groups, or those willing to confirm a fiscal sponsor upon award. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Indigenous, Native, American Indian, and First Nation community-led organizations (51% or more), particularly those working with reservation communities or in rural/small towns. The impact goals revolve around strengthening these communities through various initiatives. Priority consideration is given to organizations deeply embedded in and led by these communities, ensuring that the funding directly supports their self-determination and local needs. The grant prioritizes funding for a range of organizing work, including language rejuvenation programs, culture as healing programs, environmental justice, civic engagement (including voter education), food sovereignty, MMIW & MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People), wellness projects, youth-led initiatives, and art as activism installations. These focus areas reflect the critical needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous communities and align with a holistic approach to social justice and community well-being. Expected outcomes include the empowerment of Native-led organizations, the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, increased civic participation, enhanced environmental protection, and improved community health and safety. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the focus on community-led initiatives implies success will be measured by the strength and sustainability of these programs and their positive impact on the target communities. The awards range from $10,000 to $30,000, which will enable these organizations to implement their vital work.

The William Penn Foundation is offering a grant of over $1 million for a duration of 3 years to 501(c)3 public charities and government entities proposing projects to reduce illegal dumping in Philadelphia, with a focus on partnerships that leverage complementary strengths and resources to achieve this goal.

This reimbursement initiative provides financial support to small businesses, non-profits, and educational entities in Albuquerque for repairing or replacing damaged windows, promoting a safer and more attractive community.

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) offers funding through the Rural Development Fund (RDF) as part of the 2025 Community One Stop for Growth. This competitive grant program aims to foster economic and community development in Massachusetts' rural communities and small towns. The EOED's mission, as demonstrated by the RDF, is to address the unique economic challenges faced by smaller communities, ensuring they can compete for grant resources and achieve sustainable growth. The program's structure and focus areas align with a broader strategic priority of equitable development across the Commonwealth, recognizing that smaller communities often require tailored support. The RDF targets municipal governments and other public entities in Massachusetts towns that qualify as Rural Communities (less than 500 persons per square mile) and/or Small Towns (total population of 7,000 or less), based on 2020 Census data. This includes Public Housing Authorities, Redevelopment Authorities, and Economic Development Industrial Corporations. The impact goal is to strengthen these communities by supporting projects that directly address their economic needs and improve residents' quality of life. By focusing on these specific demographics, the program seeks to catalyze local development and provide resources where they are most needed. The program prioritizes a variety of project types, categorized under Planning and Zoning, Site Preparation, Buildings, and Infrastructure. Under Planning and Zoning, the focus is on creating housing production plans, updating zoning rules for economic growth and housing, and identifying areas for multi-family zoning near transit. Site Preparation focuses on master plans for underutilized commercial properties, design and engineering for water/sewer/stormwater infrastructure changes, and demolition of blighted buildings for mixed-use redevelopment. The Buildings category emphasizes ADA accessibility, rehabilitation of underutilized housing, and subsidies for affordable housing projects. Finally, Infrastructure projects include road improvements, upgrades to water/sewer/stormwater systems, new water line connections, and alternative transportation infrastructure. These categories highlight the holistic approach to community development, addressing both foundational planning and tangible improvements. Expected outcomes include enhanced housing availability, modernized infrastructure, increased economic activity, and improved public safety and accessibility. Measurable results will stem from the successful completion of projects within each category, such as the number of new affordable housing units created, miles of road improved, or updated zoning regulations implemented. For instance, planning and zoning projects are expected to result in clear strategies to reduce housing gaps, while infrastructure projects aim for tangible improvements in public safety and utility services. The grants, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 (with planning and zoning limited to $100,000), are subject to annual appropriation, underscoring a continuous commitment to these strategic priorities. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support and encouraging comprehensive project proposals, EOED can empower rural communities and small towns to overcome systemic challenges and achieve sustainable economic vitality.

The Lawrence County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications for projects and programs benefiting Lawrence County residents and communities.Donor Name: Lawrence County Community FoundationState: OhioCounty: Lawrence County (OH)Type of Grant: GrantDeadline: 09/10/2024Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not MentionedDetails:Grants will be awarded to projects and programs advancing opportunities across five areas of need, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading efforts that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Lawrence County.Funding InformationFunding requests should be between $500 and $2,500, but larger requests may be considered based on potential impact. Priority is given to volunteer, grassroots and community-driven projects needing funding or resources to move their efforts across the finish line.Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations include 501(c) organizations under the Internal Revenue Code.Organizations other than 501(c)(3) may be asked to confirm the charitable purpose of the proposed activity. Public organizations include public school districts, higher education institutions, government subdivisions like municipalities and other entities that are audited through the Auditor of State.Groups that do not have either status but are working in fiscal sponsorship with either a nonprofit or public entity are eligible to apply but will be asked to identify the specific fiscal sponsor.For more information, visit Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information The grant is awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000.00 per project.  Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Innes Street Improvement District Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation  Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

This program provides funding to neighborhood groups in Ann Arbor for community-driven projects that promote sustainability and support the city's climate action initiatives.

The City of Stamford administers the Community Microgrant Program to support neighborhood level projects that improve quality of life across Stamford. The program provides small grants for sustainable and innovative initiatives identified by residents and community groups. Projects that create long term community benefit, invest in physical spaces and tools, and pilot new ideas are prioritized. The program has 75,000 dollars available for 2024, and grants may range from 1,000 to 10,000 dollars. Funds may support a wide range of activities based on local needs as identified by applicants. Eligible applicants include Stamford based nonprofit and charitable organizations as well as resident groups without legal nonprofit status that secure a fiscal agent such as a local 501(c)(3) organization or a city department. For profit organizations and individuals are not eligible. Projects must serve Stamford neighborhoods and residents. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not specified. Additional information is available from the City of Stamford.