Local Environment Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote environmental conservation, such as improving soil health and water quality, particularly benefiting low-income communities and people of color in East Multnomah County.

The 2025 Small Grants Program, offered by Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS), provides funding for research and biological inventories on open space lands. The program aims to enhance resource management practices and improve visitor experiences through data-driven insights. Grants of up to $12,500 are available, with a proposal deadline of January 9, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by February 20, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by December 8, 2025, to ensure complete payment. BCPOS has identified priority research topics in areas such as Plant Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and Fire, Education and Outreach, and Invasive Plants. These topics include projects such as assessing the impacts of invasive species, evaluating fire behavior in cheatgrass-dominated areas, and creating habitat connectivity models. Proposals are not limited to these areas, and researchers are encouraged to propose innovative projects aligned with the department’s mission. Proposals must follow a specific format and include sections such as an abstract, introduction, methods, budget, and researcher qualifications. Applications must not exceed six double-spaced pages (excluding cover pages, maps, and resumes) and should be submitted electronically via the Research on Open Space webpage. Researchers are advised to contact BCPOS staff to discuss their topics before submission. If a proposal is initially incomplete, researchers may resubmit once before the deadline. Eligibility is open to universities, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals, including students with faculty sponsorship. Research must occur on BCPOS properties or conservation easements, with prior landowner permission if required. Overhead costs cannot exceed 15%, and there is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients are expected to deliver detailed reports, including raw data and mapping products, formatted according to BCPOS guidelines. For interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with other local entities, such as the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, is encouraged. For more information or to discuss proposals, applicants can contact program coordinator Raquel Robles at [email protected].

The City of Flint has launched a new Youth Climate Action Fund, a microgrant program designed to empower youth-led climate initiatives. This program aims to support projects that advance critical community goals related to climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The fund's mission aligns with the broader objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient Flint by investing in its younger generation as agents of change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 15-24 residing in Flint, who will collaborate with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools to implement their projects. The impact goals are far-reaching, intending to cultivate youth leadership, increase community participation in climate action, and produce tangible environmental improvements within the city. This approach recognizes that youth are not only vulnerable to climate change impacts but also possess unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The fund prioritizes a diverse range of youth-led projects, including awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also supports youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming, recycling, waste reduction, and disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, the fund encourages co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a more informed and engaged youth population, a reduction in environmental waste and an increase in green spaces, improved community resilience to climate-related challenges, and the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth perspectives. Measurable results will likely involve the number of youth engaged, the types and scale of projects implemented, the amount of waste diverted, the number of trees planted, and the development of new community programs or policies. The City of Flint's strategic priority through this fund is to build a foundation for long-term climate action by investing directly in its youth, thereby creating a sustainable future rooted in community-led solutions and a strong theory of change that empowers the next generation to tackle pressing environmental issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that conserve and improve natural resources, targeting municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and private property owners in Hennepin County.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities that enhance the welfare of residents in Fayette County, Iowa, through projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

The City of Kirkland’s Tourism Program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Event Grant Funding Program. Donor Name: City of Kirkland State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of this Tourism funding is to attract visitors who come to Kirkland from 50 miles or more. Overnight stays not only improve the tourist environment of Kirkland; their revenues sustain the Tourism Program budget. These funds will be awarded for the marketing or operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists to Kirkland and be distributed on a reimbursement basis. The TDC will look supportively at new events, while also giving serious consideration to events with track records for bringing visitors to the City. Funding Information During that time, over $700,000 has been awarded to tourism events and programs. The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has proposed to make at least $60,000 available for 2025.  Eligibility Criteria Washington State Reporting Requirements: In 2013, the Washington Legislature added a provision to the Lodging Tax Statute (RCW 67.28.1816(2)(a)) which requires: Applicants applying for use of revenues in this chapter must provide estimates of how any moneys received will result in increases in the number of people traveling for business or pleasure on a trip At the end of the award period, the legislation requires organizations to report on their success in attracting those visitors. All funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis and will not be awarded until the Tourism Funding Expenditure Report Worksheet and the Tourism Funding Reimbursement Form are submitted. For more information, visit City of Kirkland.

The Ulster County Food Security and Resilience Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Ulster County and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to address food insecurity within Ulster County, New York. This program aligns with the findings of the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) Report, indicating a shared commitment to improving food access and resilience in the region. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley acts as the donor, facilitating the distribution of funds to eligible organizations. The grant program targets tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations, that are either located in or provide services to Ulster County. These organizations must have operated as a nonprofit for at least one year with 501(c)(3) status or have an established fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities within Ulster County experiencing food insecurity, particularly in critical geographic areas with limited provider access. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and resilience across the county. Funding priorities and focuses include proposals that effectively address food insecurity, leverage existing resources, expand emergency food services, and increase the capacity to collect, store, distribute, and provide food to those in need through equipment or personnel. A key focus is also on ensuring the sustainability of organizations working on food insecurity and supporting those operating in underserved areas. The grant program seeks to support "change-oriented" programs that address root causes rather than just immediate needs, aligning with a strategic approach to long-term community impact. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in food insecurity, improved access to emergency food services, increased capacity within food assistance organizations, and enhanced sustainability for these providers. The review criteria emphasize the quality of the program/project, the organization's capacity and stability, the clarity and realism of the budget, and the potential for significant impact and measurable results. Organizations are expected to have viable evaluation plans to demonstrate the likelihood of successfully measuring their impact, ensuring accountability and effective resource utilization.

This grant provides funding to educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies for projects that enhance agriculture and food systems in Hawaiʻi Island communities, focusing on sustainability and local food access.

The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California's efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program (SB 630, 2013) is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe.More specifically, such projects manage aquatic invasive species, or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe, including planning and site improvement or reconstruction projects on public land, and land acquisitions from willing sellers. SB 630 (2013) allocates the Conservancy approximately $350,000 annually. Please contact staff at [email protected] and 916.402.7508 for more information.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, and county directors of veteran affairs in Pennsylvania to enhance programs and services for veterans, focusing on outreach, health, transportation, and employment initiatives.

The Advancing Westfield Foundation provides grants to support the efforts of the nonprofit partnerships, ensuring sustainable support for a wide range of vital services for the youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled community members. Donor Name: City of Westfield State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information The maximum grant request per organization is $25,000. Eligibility Criteria  Grant applications can only be submitted by 501c3 accredited organizations that operate in and/or serve the Westfield community. For more information, visit Advancing Westfield Foundation.

This grant provides funding for conservation and climate adaptation projects in New York, focusing on protecting natural areas and engaging underserved communities to enhance resilience against climate change impacts like flooding and erosion.

This grant provides funding to homeowners' associations and neighborhood groups in Fishers, Indiana, for projects that enhance community beauty and sustainability, such as landscaping, community spaces, and environmental initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Richfield, Minnesota, to help community members recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on issues like housing stability, food insecurity, and economic support for low-income households.

Applications are now being accepted for the Cleveland Tree Coalition Grant 2024. Donor Name: Cleveland Tree Coalition State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Cleveland Tree Coalition is a group of public, private, and community stakeholders partnering with the City of Cleveland to rebuild the urban forest. The coalition strives to create a healthy, vibrant, sustainable, and equitable urban forest by working collaboratively to implement the Cleveland Tree Plan. Program Goals The goal of the Cleveland Tree Coalition (CTC) Fall 2024 Grant program is to plant trees in the city of Cleveland focusing on neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover. All projects should incorporate proper site selection, whether planting on public or private property and provide both a comprehensive planting and three-year maintenance plan. Eligible Projects Tree planting and supplies (staking, mulching, fencing, etc.) Cost for establishment (watering, soil, etc.) Free tree giveaways (limit 50 trees). Funding Information Organizations may apply for up to $75,000 in grant funds. For more information, visit CTC.

Anne Arundel County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a partnership to provide funds for forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County. Donor Name: Chesapeake Bay Trust State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening projects and increase the number of acres of protected forested land in the County. By increasing tree cover and expanding green areas, erosion can be reduced; water and soil quality can be improved; airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide can be filtered; and summer temperatures and resulting ozone pollution and energy use can be reduced. By protecting forested land, valuable ecological services such as habitat, water quality, and flood control can be ensured for the future. What this funds? Reforestation/afforestation of Protected Lands. Permanent protection of Forested Lands. Reforestation/afforestation and Protection of Uneased and Unforested Lands. Eligible Project Tracks Track 1: Reforestation/Afforestation of Protected Lands Funding partners seek reforestation and afforestation projects that provide ecological benefits by establishing, enhancing and/or preserving riparian buffers; creating, enhancing and/or preserve larger contiguous tracts of forest; and/or creating, enhancing, and/or preserving wildlife habitat, including habitat for forest interior dwelling species. Track 2: Permanent Protection of Forested Lands Applicants can apply to purchase, execute, record, and monitor permanent conservation easements to protect, maintain, and preserve existing tree canopy in Anne Arundel County. The permanent conservation easements shall be acquired, held, and maintained by the grantee or by a land trust subcontracted by the grantee. The best projects under this track are those seeking to protect ecologically valuable sites or existing habitats, such as riparian buffers, large contiguously forested tracts, and/or important wildlife habitat. Track 3: Reforestation/Afforestation and Protection of Uneased and Unforested Lands Applicants may request support for reforestation/afforestation projects on land that is not currently under conservation easement or otherwise protected. In such a case, the land must be owned by an individual or entity that will agree to place a permanent conservation easement, deed restriction, or long-term protective agreement for tree planting on the property on which the project is installed and that will protect the tree project. As in Track 2 above, funds for easement costs will be considered as eligible budget request items with the exception that the threshold value for requiring appraisals is $8,800, the NRCS WRP threshold for cropland. As described in Track 2 above, applicants may a) request easement costs below the threshold without incurring an obligation to obtain appraisals, b) request easement costs above the threshold and be responsible for obtaining appraisals as a condition of the award at an expense that will only be reimbursed if the project moves forward, or c) request easement costs above the threshold and supply justification in the form of at least one appraisal. Funding Information Up to $238,000 is currently available for this round of the program. Reimbursement cannot be made for already completed projects. Project Period Projects must be completed within 24 months upon receipt of the award. Requests to extend project completion period will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. Project Location This program funds projects in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Projects located within the City of Annapolis limits are not eligible for this program. Eligibility Criteria  Anne Arundel County and the Trust welcome requests from the following organizations: Land trusts; Nonprofit entities; Community associations; Service and civic groups, Faith-based organizations; Public agencies; and Public and independent higher educational institutions. For more information, visit Chesapeake Bay Trust.

The County of Maui is accepting applications for its Green Grants to provide substantial funding—approximately $1.7 million—to support projects that promote sustainability. Donor Name: County of Maui State: Hawaii County: Maui County (HI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Green Grants program is managed by the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S). Projects led by—or with a focus on—women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches are highly encouraged.  Starting July 12, 2024, applications are being accepted for the following grants: Environmental Protection Grant: Supports initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation and sustainability. A total of $490,000 is available for FY25, with a specific allocation of up to $10,000 for Waikapū community beautification projects.  Wetlands Restoration Grant: Funds organizations dedicated to wetland restoration in Maui County, offering $800,000 in FY25 to advance critical restoration efforts.  Renewable Energy Grant: Supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency throughout Maui County. FY25 provides $100,000 to support projects in this area.  Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant: Encourages sustainable building practices and resilient housing design and construction. FY25 funding is $100,000, with up to $56,000 designated for projects participating in the Living Building Challenge.  Equipment Purchase Grant: Assists organizations in acquiring essential equipment necessary for sustainability and environmental initiatives across all funding streams and limits mentioned above. Project Period Grants run for a full year, with options to align projects either by Fiscal Year (FY) or Calendar Year (CY) in 2025:  Fiscal Year (FY) 2025: July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025  Calendar Year (CY) 2025: January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria Funding is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. For more information, visit County of Maui.

This grant provides funding for community-based projects in Urbana that promote sustainability, climate resiliency, and inclusive participation among diverse residents.

This funding opportunity supports Orange County nonprofits in creating arts and cultural projects that engage historically underrepresented communities and enhance the cultural life of Chapel Hill.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Perry County, Pennsylvania, to support projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, health, and substance abuse prevention.