Local Environment Grants

Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Pollution Prevention/Chemical Collection Program Description: This grant opportunity is for the construction of a permanent facility to collect pesticides from farmers, homeowners, nurseries, etc. The facility will allow any end user of pesticides to dispose of unwanted materials at no cost. The project was completed in 1999 and is a joint project of the Saginaw County Department of Health and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Grant Opportunity: Demonstrate Effectiveness of Biodegradable Two-Cycle Engine Oil Description: This grant opportunity is for field testing a soy-based oil that can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based oil in engines such as jet skis, outboard motors, and snowmobiles. The soy-based oil is environmentally preferable as it is 96% biodegradable and does not emit pollutants into the air and water. The funding will be used to demonstrate the safety and performance of the oil and document reductions in emissions into the environment. Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Native Planting Preserve at Saginaw Valley State University Description: This grant opportunity aims to fund the development of a native planting preserve on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. The preserve will include plants, signage, and walking trails. The project intends to encourage the use of native plantings in the general public and serve as a demonstration/research site at the university. Grant Opportunity: Alternative Energy from Agriculturally-Derived Pellet Fuel Description: This grant opportunity involves analyzing the technical and economic viability of manufacturing renewable pellet fuel derived from agricultural sources. The research includes studying the economic and environmental impact of using biomass combustion furnaces for heating residential and light industrial buildings. The project also includes developing a web-based interface for real-time telemetry information. Grant Opportunity: Conservation Tillage Risk Protection Program Description: This grant opportunity aims to demonstrate the use of conservation tillage in two subwatersheds of the Tittabawassee River. The

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program is offering Community Stewardship Grants to fund projects that prevent stormwater pollution, improve local watersheds, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay, and include a public outreach component. This initiative directly aligns with the program's mission to enhance environmental health through community engagement and education. Projects must be implemented within Alameda County. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including teachers and student groups, service clubs, community groups, environmental groups, youth organizations, homeowner associations, and non-profit organizations. The program aims to foster a collective effort in environmental stewardship, empowering various community sectors to contribute to a healthier local ecosystem. For-profit groups and public agencies are not eligible, emphasizing the program's focus on grassroots and non-commercial community efforts. The program prioritizes creative and innovative projects that prevent or educate about stormwater pollution. Specific focuses include litter reduction, outreach and education on topics such as household hazardous waste disposal and Integrated Pest Management, development of outreach materials, public art projects, creekside restoration and enhancement, stormwater detention projects (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, bioretention areas), coastal and creek cleanups, and wildlife habitat enhancement. These diverse project types reflect a comprehensive approach to improving water quality and ecological well-being. Expected outcomes include a reduction in stormwater pollution, improved health of local watersheds and the San Francisco Bay, and increased public awareness and engagement in environmental protection. Measurable results could include the number of community members reached by outreach efforts, the volume of litter removed, the area of habitat restored, or the number of stormwater detention systems implemented. The program's strategic priority is to leverage community-led initiatives to achieve tangible environmental improvements and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility within Alameda County. The underlying theory of change posits that by empowering and educating local communities, sustainable practices for water quality and watershed health will be widely adopted. Individual grant amounts range from $500 to $6,000, with a total of $30,000 available in grant funding. This funding structure is designed to support a variety of projects, from smaller, localized efforts to more extensive community initiatives. Applicants who are not formal 501(c)(3) non-profits are required to secure a fiscal sponsor, ensuring proper financial management and accountability for the grant funds.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations, as well as rural community colleges, that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. The core mission of this program is to increase the overall capacity of these organizations and community colleges to address a wide array of rural development challenges. A key aspect of the fund's strategy is to help these entities establish new public/private partnerships, which are crucial for leveraging non-state sources of funding and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the administrative agency for this grant, managing applications and disbursing funds. The target beneficiaries of MAERDAF are rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges. These entities work with communities across Maryland's state-determined rural counties, including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen rural Maryland through enhanced education, economic opportunities, and community development. By supporting organizations that directly serve these areas, MAERDAF aims to foster a more resilient and prosperous rural landscape. For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has outlined several key priority areas for applications. These include Agriculture & Forestry (Agricultural Education, Regional Food System Development, Forest Industry Development), Energy (Combined Heat Power, Energy Efficiency, Biomass), Rural Broadband (Rural Broadband Expansion Efforts, Digital Inclusion Programs), Youth Engagement & Leadership Development (Career Technology Centers, Youth Enrichment Programs), Economic Development (Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, Education & Workforce Development, Regional Marketing Efforts & Tourism Projects), and Community Development (Rural Transportation, Housing repairs, Housing counseling, Poverty Alleviation Efforts). These focus areas reflect the most pressing needs and strategic opportunities for rural growth and improvement in Maryland. The expected outcomes and measurable results from MAERDAF grants are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in rural areas. Projects are expected to contribute to the growth of agricultural and forestry sectors, increase energy efficiency, expand rural broadband access, and enhance youth engagement and leadership. In economic development, anticipated outcomes include the creation of entrepreneurship ecosystems, improved workforce development, and increased regional tourism. Community development efforts are designed to result in better rural transportation, improved housing conditions, and a reduction in poverty. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on these clear outcome areas indicates an expectation of measurable progress in each. MAERDAF's strategic priorities are deeply aligned with a theory of change that posits that by empowering and funding rural-serving organizations and community colleges, a ripple effect of positive development will occur. The funding, budgeted at $878,964 for Fiscal Year 2025 with a maximum grant amount of $45,000, is intended to build the capacity of these local entities. The encouragement of new public/private partnerships further demonstrates a belief that diversified funding and collaborative efforts are essential for long-term impact. The emphasis on a broad range of development areas reflects a holistic approach to rural well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, education, economy, and community health.

The Hillsborough County Criminal Justice and Grants Management Office is seeking Concept Papers to fund sustainable and innovative services. These services should encompass treatment, prevention, intervention, education, enforcement, and prosecution to address crime and enhance the criminal justice system within Hillsborough County. While the specific foundation mission alignment, strategic priorities, and theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant's stated purpose, the core objective aligns with improving public safety and justice outcomes for residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Hillsborough County, particularly those impacted by crime or those who could benefit from crime prevention and intervention services. The overall impact goal is to prevent, reduce, or control crime and significantly improve the functionality and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in the county. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, covering a comprehensive range of services from prevention and education to enforcement and prosecution. This holistic approach aims to tackle crime from multiple angles. While specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text, the expectation is that funded initiatives will lead to improved outcomes and a reduction in crime rates within Hillsborough County. Hillsborough County anticipates funding approximately $151,751 through this grant. Eligibility is open to governmental and nonprofit agencies. The selected initiatives are intended to support new programs, increase existing capacity, significantly expand current services, or implement other enhancements that demonstrably improve outcomes and contribute to crime reduction. This suggests a strategic priority on innovation and growth in effective criminal justice programs.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is offering Accessibility Grants to promote inclusivity within communities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Huntington County by addressing critical needs, in this case, by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to create a more welcoming environment for all by fostering solutions to accessibility challenges in buildings and infrastructure, thereby supporting a choice-driven life for individuals with disabilities. The target beneficiaries of these grants include individuals, families, and businesses within Huntington County, Indiana. The program particularly focuses on people with disabilities who are currently facing physical barriers preventing full access to community use and benefits. The impact goals are centered on making communities more inclusive, ensuring that accessibility needs are considered from both individual and community perspectives, and empowering individuals with disabilities to define their own preferences, opinions, priorities, and accommodations. The grant program has two main funding tracks: the Pathfinder Services Community Accessibility Fund and the AWS Foundation Community Accessible Communities Fund. Key priorities and focuses for both tracks include encouraging potential rather than identifying limitations, preferring social settings that include family and friends, exceeding ADA standards through Universal Design principles, and enhancing education and employment potential to contribute to greater independence. Collaboration is also highly encouraged, recognizing that collective effort increases opportunities. Expected outcomes include the physical removal of accessibility barriers, increased participation of individuals with disabilities in community life, and a more inclusive and welcoming environment across Huntington County. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of accessibility solutions implemented, the types of infrastructure improved, and anecdotal evidence of increased access and independence for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly geared towards fostering community well-being and equitable access, and their theory of change posits that by funding direct solutions to accessibility barriers, they can directly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

This grant provides financial support to primary and secondary schools in New York City to create gardening projects that promote hands-on learning and environmental awareness among students.

The Robert A. Mills Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, or educational purposes. The foundation's mission is broadly aligned with these areas, aiming to foster positive societal impact across a diverse range of initiatives. This grant program is designed to be inclusive, encouraging a wide array of non-profit efforts that contribute to community well-being and advancement. The target beneficiaries for these grants are individuals and communities served by organizations dedicated to the aforementioned purposes. The foundation's impact goals are centered on supporting programs that demonstrate clear need, practicability, and usefulness. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the encouragement for specificity in grant proposals implies a desire for grantees to outline anticipated outcomes and the methods for achieving them. The foundation prioritizes a broad spectrum of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to address various facets of societal needs. Although there are no geographic restrictions, the foundation historically supports organizations within the New Jersey area, indicating a regional focus within its broader philanthropic strategy. The Robert A. Mills Foundation's strategic priorities are to empower eligible organizations to implement impactful programs. Its theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by funding diverse charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, and educational endeavors, it can contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more knowledgeable society. The application process, requiring submission through an online form and adherence to 501(c)(3) eligibility, ensures that resources are directed towards credible and well-structured initiatives.

This grant provides funding to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and local agencies in Cuyahoga County to support projects that reduce waste, promote recycling and composting, and address illegal dumping.

The Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant, offered by Albemarle County, is designed to support direct-market agribusinesses within the county that are experiencing long-term financial impacts from the pandemic, including those caused by inflation and rising interest rates. The program aims to offset these increased costs of capital, which can hinder growth and reinvestment opportunities for local businesses. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" is not explicitly stated as this is a county grant rather than a foundation, the county's implicit mission aligns with supporting local economic resilience and sustainable development within its agribusiness sector. The primary target beneficiaries are direct-market agribusinesses located in Albemarle County, Virginia. This includes businesses that sell products to restaurants, caterers, and local stores, as well as orchards, wineries, cideries, and those operating at farmers markets. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the financial stability and operational capacity of these agribusinesses, enabling them to navigate economic challenges and continue their contributions to the local economy. The grant prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include new capital investments such as machinery, tools, and other business equipment, which directly support operational improvements and expansion. Additionally, the grant focuses on expenses incurred since July 1, 2022, to advance sustainable agricultural practices, enhance public health, safety, and welfare for employees or visitors, and comply with state or local regulations. Up to 20% of awarded funds can also be allocated for advertising and marketing, recognizing the importance of market visibility for direct-market businesses. The expected outcomes include strengthened agribusinesses within Albemarle County, leading to sustained operations, improved competitiveness, and continued economic activity. Measurable results would involve the number of grants distributed (anticipated to be 3-8 grants in this round), the total budget utilized ($60,000 for this round), and the types of investments made by awardees. Although not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the county's approach suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for critical investments and operational needs, agribusinesses will be better positioned to adapt to economic pressures, fostering a more resilient and thriving local agricultural economy.

This program provides resources for neighborhood groups and K-12 public schools in Edmond to plant trees, improve urban greenery, and engage the community in tree care and education.

The Ellensburg City Council, through its Community Grants Program, aims to bolster community initiatives that address local needs and enhance the City of Ellensburg's capabilities. This program seeks to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a healthy, resilient, and engaged community by supporting projects that contribute to its overall well-being and development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include non-profit organizations, civic groups, neighborhood groups, and partnerships among individuals and/or groups within the City of Ellensburg. The impact goals are to strengthen community health, environmental stewardship, and social networks, while also promoting civic engagement. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined as fostering civic engagement and involvement, developing solutions that steward the community's health, environment, and social network/resiliency, and creating programs that build community assets and provide outreach through education and information. Expected outcomes include enhanced civic participation, tangible improvements in community health and environmental quality, and a more robust social fabric within Ellensburg. Measurable results would stem from the successful completion of projects within the two-year grant period, demonstrating progress in the identified goal areas. The program implicitly operates under a theory of change that by supporting grassroots efforts and local organizations, the city can achieve sustainable improvements in key community indicators. The foundation's strategic priorities are to empower local groups to address challenges directly and to build the capacity of the city to meet its evolving needs. This is achieved by funding projects that are locally driven and contribute to long-term community benefits. The program's design, which emphasizes broad eligibility and a focus on essential community pillars, reflects a belief that collective action and local innovation are crucial for enduring positive change within the City of Ellensburg.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that aim to improve the quality of life in Howard County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community betterment.

The Youth Climate Action Fund, sponsored by the City of Atlanta in partnership with 21st Century Leaders, aims to activate young people aged 15-24 to develop, implement, and govern climate solutions within their communities. This initiative aligns with the city's broader sustainability, clean energy, and climate resilience goals, emphasizing youth leadership and innovation in addressing urgent environmental challenges. The program seeks to foster a generation of climate-conscious leaders by providing them with the resources and opportunities to create tangible impact. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Atlanta youth between 15 and 24 years old, who can apply individually or as groups. The program's impact goals are centered on empowering these young individuals to become active participants in climate action, leading to a more sustainable and resilient city. Through their projects, the fund aims to increase climate awareness, promote adaptation and mitigation efforts, and encourage co-governed climate action plans that integrate youth perspectives into policy and decision-making processes. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate youth-led innovations in several key areas. These include awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also focuses on youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, waste reduction programs, and disaster preparedness workshops. Furthermore, the fund supports co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and establish youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in youth engagement in climate solutions, with tens of thousands of young people participating in designing and governing projects. Measurable results will stem from the microgrant program, awarding grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to eligible projects. The success of the program will be evaluated by the demonstrated impact of these youth-led initiatives on local sustainability, clean energy, and climate resilience goals, as well as the development of youth-focused activities like a youth climate action summit. The fund's strategic priority is to integrate youth voice and action into the core of Atlanta's climate strategy, embodying a theory of change where empowered youth are catalysts for meaningful and lasting environmental improvements.

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) Community Grants aim to address ongoing and evolving community needs within Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This program aligns with the WCCF's mission to support various critical areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community well-being. The grants are designed to be flexible, supporting a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the county's social fabric and improve residents' quality of life. These grants target a broad spectrum of beneficiaries across several key program areas, including Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. Additionally, specific Field of Interest Funds are available for Literacy, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and LGBTQ+ Causes, indicating a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing pressing social issues. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more resilient and thriving Waukesha County by investing in projects that create positive, lasting change. The WCCF prioritizes proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations serving similar clients, aiming to maximize collective impact and avoid duplication of efforts. Strengthening the internal operations of organizations is another key focus, recognizing that robust organizational capacity is essential for effective service delivery. Special consideration is also given to proposals that align with WCCF’s flagship issue of safe and affordable housing, highlighting a strategic priority to address this fundamental need within the community. The expected outcomes include enhanced community services, improved access to resources, and progress on specific community challenges. While not explicitly detailing measurable results, the emphasis on strengthening internal operations and impacting outcomes on a community basis implies a focus on demonstrating tangible improvements. The WCCF's strategic priorities are clearly centered on collaboration, organizational effectiveness, and addressing critical community needs like housing, reflecting a theory of change that values partnerships and sustainable solutions for community-wide benefit.

This funding opportunity supports events and projects that boost tourism in Union County, Ohio, targeting both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as municipalities, to enhance the area's appeal and economic impact.

This program provides financial support to property owners and long-term leaseholders in downtown Decorah for exterior building renovations and the conversion of upper-story spaces into residential units, promoting economic growth and community vibrancy.

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County in Indiana is offering a grant for charitable programs and projects in areas such as adult education, agriculture, disability, disadvantaged education, environmental wellness, and wildlife conservation, prioritizing proposals that impact a substantial number of people, offer practical solutions to current problems, encourage cooperation, and come from established non-profit organizations, with a deadline of October 1, 2024.

NBForward! is a small business assistance program administered by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC). It aims to help businesses navigate the challenges of the pandemic recovery phase while preparing for future growth. The program offers grants of up to $20,000, which must be matched with an NBEDC loan ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 with deferred payments for three months. In addition to financial assistance, technical support such as business planning and resource guidance is provided. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses that have a physical location in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and have been in operation since at least January 1, 2020. Businesses must demonstrate continued adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chains, franchises, liquor stores, tobacco shops, pawn shops, adult entertainment establishments, passive real estate investments, and businesses not complying with all local, state, and federal laws are ineligible.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chaffee County, Colorado, for projects that address affordable housing solutions or environmental innovation, aiming to create sustainable impacts in the community.