Local Natural Resources Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve forest management and reduce wildfire risks in the Truckee and Donner Summit areas, benefiting local communities and enhancing their preparedness for wildfires.

Applications are now being accepted for the Lake County Community Foundation Fall Grant. Donor Name: The Lake County Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Lake County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas Leadership Development Through this priority area, the Foundation funds projects that provide quality leadership development opportunities for cohorts of nonprofit leaders throughout the sector. LCCF values coalition building and collaboration and will fund projects and opportunities that benefit Lake County’s greater nonprofit sector, rather than individual nonprofit organizations solely. Grant funds for Leadership Development are prioritized for work that:  Provides leadership development opportunities that help build a pipeline of competent, emerging leaders for the county’s nonprofit sector  Increases access for leaders of color and other underrepresented groups to quality programming  Helps leaders better serve their non-profit organization, clients and communities Animal Welfare Organizations that attend to the needs of animals in Lake County are invited to apply for grants made through the Lake County Humane Society Fund. 16% of this restricted fund’s spending allocation is designated for this purpose annually. Grant funds are prioritized for work that:  Cultivates new and innovative approaches to support animal welfare in Lake County  Addresses otherwise unmet needs as the only service provider in the area Funding Information Available funds: $20,000 Grant requests of $1,000 – $5,000 will be considered. Eligibility Criteria The Foundation considers applications from organizations that demonstrate success and sustainability with program goals and outcomes. Eligible organizations are:  Nonprofit agencies with evidence of tax exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or those using a 501 (c)(3) fiscal agent  Eligible applicants MUST be in good standing with the IRS  Located within and/or primarily serving residents of Lake County, except for regional, statewide or national projects or research that may benefit a substantial portion of Lake County residents Non-discriminatory in the hiring of staff or in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ability Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:  Request aligns with the Foundation’s mission and values and with its strategic pillars of Economic Justice, Community Ownership and Rapid Community Response.  Request responds to a high priority need based on current Lake County specific data  The applicant’s staff, leadership and board are reflective of the community it serves. If not, the organization is taking meaningful steps to prioritize and support diversity and equity.  Applicants either have their own diversity statement or will adopt the Foundation’s Diversity Statement if there is not one in place.  Strong, documented partnerships currently in place  Request has potential to leverage other resources or donor support  High probability of affecting significant change over the next 3 years  Cost-effective delivery of direct services or advocacy  Likelihood of success and a track record of provider(s)/partners in achieving outcomes  Strong methods for tracking outcomes For more information, visit LCCF.

The Chester County Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants. Donor Name: Chester County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Chester County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of capacity building grants is to strengthen the effectiveness of NPO’s serving the Chester County region, in areas including: Mission, Vision & Strategy Governance & Leadership Partnerships & Collaborations Operations & Technology Fundraising, Development & Marketing What is capacity building? Capacity building helps bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, in order to more effectively & efficiently fulfill its mission. Capacity building may include (but is not limited to) projects which address: Mission, Vision & Strategy: Organizational Assessment – Strategic Planning – Financial Planning Governance & Leadership: Board Development – Executive Transition/Succession Planning – Leadership Development – Staff Training & Professional Development Partnerships & Collaborations: Coalition Building – Collaboration – Mergers & Acquisitions – Strategic Restructuring Resource Development & Marketing: Major Gift Donor Identification, Cultivation, Development & Stewardship – Development Campaigns (Annual, Capital, Planned Giving) – Earned Income Development – Social Enterprise Feasibility & Development – Marketing, Branding & Communications Technology & Operations: Business Continuity Planning – Financial Management – Human Resources – Volunteer Management – Industry Certification – Risk Management – Technology Improvements. Funding Information Grant awards typically range from $500-$5,000. Eligibility Criteria For eligibility in this grant program, nonprofits must be located in & serve Chester County. Nonprofits budgets must be $500,000 or less. For more information, visit CCCF.

The Monmouth County Community Grant, supported by the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations addressing a diverse array of community needs. While the CFNJ's broader mission likely encompasses fostering philanthropy and addressing critical issues within New Jersey, this specific grant program aligns with a commitment to supporting local initiatives in Monmouth County. The grant program seeks to empower organizations that demonstrate a dedication to improving the lives of residents and strengthening the community as a whole. This grant primarily targets underserved populations within Monmouth County, aiming to benefit them directly through programs and services in critical areas such as education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment, and youth development. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in these areas, leading to enhanced well-being, increased opportunities, and a more equitable community for these beneficiaries. A key priority for funding consideration is a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evident in both the leadership and service delivery of applicant organizations. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes collaborative partnerships between nonprofit organizations, community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This focus on collaboration aims to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations more effectively, reflecting a strategic approach to problem-solving. The program also offers general operating support, recognizing the importance of sustained funding for nonprofits to continue their vital missions. The grant amount is up to $10,000 per organization, with eligibility primarily extended to nonprofit organizations with less than a $1,000,000 operating budget serving Monmouth County. This demonstrates a strategic priority to support smaller to medium-sized local organizations, enabling them to achieve measurable results and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the community.

Snohomish County is accepting applications for the 2024 Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (SCCFP) Grants. Donor Name: Snohomish County State: Washington County: Snohomish County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (the “SCCFP”) was started in 1988 as a mechanism for distributing Conservation Futures Property Tax Funds for the preservation of open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland. The purpose of the SCCFP is to acquire interests or rights in real property for the preservation of open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland per SCC 4.14.010. A maximum amount of $10,000,000 million dollars may be available for distribution in 2024 for these purposes. Eligible Projects  For proposals to be eligible for consideration and funding, they should conform to the criteria listed below: Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program funding can only be used for the acquisition of real property, easements, covenants, or other contractual rights necessary to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve, selected open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland as defined in Chapter RCW 84.34 (“Protected Property”). Other sources of revenue may be used to improve properties acquired with Conservation Futures Program funds, provided the improvements are within the intent of the statute. Proposed acquisitions in urban areas shall be no smaller than 1 acre minimum in an urban area retained in its natural state and open to the public (RCW 84.34.020). Any improvements to the Protected Property shall be limited to those which meet the requirements and intent of RCW 84.34.200-220.  Allowed improvements include, but are not limited to, trails, interpretive centers, viewpoints, picnicking facilities, access, restrooms, and restoration projects.  Certain recreational improvements are prohibited.  Such improvements include, but are not limited to, ball fields, use by motorized vehicles, swimming pools and recreation centers. Project Eligibility Guidelines  All projects will be reviewed to assure that they fall under eligibility guidelines meeting the following criteria: Does the property fall within the definitions of open space, farm and agricultural land, or timberland as defined in RCW 84.34.020? Does the sponsoring agency have a guaranteed plan or program to manage and maintain the property to preserve those characteristics that make the property eligible for Conservation Futures Program funding? Does the proposed project secure property rights in perpetuity, which meet the intents of RCW 84.34.200? Is the proposed property free of any and all encumbrances (e.g. covenants, conditions and restrictions that prohibit public access), which would result in the acquisition not aligning with the intents of RCW 84.34.200? For more information, visit Snohomish County.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Napa County that focus on wildlife conservation, education, and habitat improvement projects, particularly those benefiting school-aged children.

This grant provides funding for marketing initiatives that promote events in Provincetown, particularly those that attract visitors during off-peak seasons and enhance community collaboration and diversity.

The Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department is currently accepting applications for the Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant. This grant aims to foster recreational opportunities and conserve valuable natural resources within Sheboygan County. Applicants can submit projects under three main categories: project development, land acquisition, or discretionary, all subject to case-by-case review. Projects may include land and easement acquisition, development or restoration of parks and trails, protection of water resources, and habitat restoration, among others. Funds awarded by the Stewardship Grant cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the project or acquisition. The deadline for application submission is May 3, 2024. A matching requirement of 1:1 is necessary for grant consideration.

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.

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].

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 funding opportunity supports arts and culture projects in the Aurora Cultural Arts District to boost economic development and engage diverse audiences, welcoming applications from local organizations and individual artists.

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.

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 Community Impact Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, is designed to award grants from unrestricted funds to improve policies and practices within the Greater Dubuque community. The core mission of this program is to achieve the greatest possible impact through strategic investments. This aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering positive change and strengthening the region by supporting initiatives that address critical community needs and enhance overall well-being. The program primarily targets nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, churches, schools, or government organizations that provide services in Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties. Organizations without 501(c)3 status are encouraged to find a qualifying fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goal is to support capacity-building efforts among these nonprofits, thereby empowering them to deliver more effective and sustainable services to the community. This focus on capacity building aims to create a stronger, more resilient network of organizations serving the region. Project proposals for Community Impact Grants can focus on a variety of areas, demonstrating the program's broad priorities. These include community programming, individual and team leadership development, organization-wide planning and development, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, network development, communications, evaluation and learning planning, and digital and physical security. These diverse focus areas reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to addressing a wide range of needs that contribute to a healthy and thriving community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on capacity-building efforts and the various project focus areas imply expected outcomes such as enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved leadership capabilities, more inclusive practices, stronger community networks, better communication strategies, and increased ability to assess and learn from program impacts. By supporting these areas, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque operates on a theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and capabilities of local nonprofits, it will ultimately lead to a more impactful and sustainable benefit for the residents of Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maui County, with a focus on initiatives led by women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

The Loudoun County COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program seeks grant applications from community organizations to ensure greater equity and access to the COVID-19 vaccine for populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This program aligns with the broader mission of public health and community well-being by addressing disparities in vaccine access and promoting health equity. It is administered by the Loudoun County Health Department and supported through federal acts, highlighting a strategic priority to leverage government funding for targeted community health interventions. The program's target beneficiaries are priority populations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals in rural communities, people with disabilities, the homebound or isolated, the underinsured or uninsured, immigrants and/or refugees, and those with transportation limitations. The primary impact goal is to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination and the number of vaccinated individuals within these groups, thereby reducing health disparities and protecting vulnerable populations. The program prioritizes specific projects and initiatives focused on increasing vaccine access. This includes funding for project staff, travel to vaccination sites, facility and vehicle rentals for off-site clinics, bus passes to facilitate transportation, associated costs for operating clinics, health communications, education services, and software for information flow. The strategic focus is on removing barriers to vaccination and supporting community-based efforts that can effectively reach and engage these priority populations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in vaccination rates among the identified priority populations and a reduction in the equity gap in vaccine access. The program also aims to build on existing community rapport and trust, emphasizing the importance of local reach and experienced messengers. By supporting organizations with demonstrated capacity and experience in community health promotion and working with affected communities, the grant intends to achieve sustainable improvements in public health and health equity within Loudoun County. The funding available is $306,407, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $102,000, for a grant period from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is requesting applications for Classroom Enhancement Grants. Donor Name: Oklahoma City Community Foundation State: Oklahoma County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Designed to improve the quality of life in rural Oklahoma, classroom grants provide an opportunity for Pre-K through 12th-grade educators to go beyond traditional curriculum and enrich the teaching environment for their students and provide students with resources they would not otherwise have access to in their everyday classroom activities. Program Goals  Provide educators with opportunities to implement innovative and engaging activities and projects that go beyond traditional curricula. Offer students access to unique resources and learning opportunities not normally available in their everyday classroom environments. Focus Areas Grants will support projects in the following subject areas: Arts & Culture English Language Arts  Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Social Studies Priorities Priority will be given to projects that feature the following characteristics:  Creative and Innovative Approaches: Projects that demonstrate originality and feature unique learning methods. Experiential Learning: Projects that engage students in practical activities and real-world experiences. Beyond the Classroom Learning Opportunities: Projects that broaden educational horizons by extending learning beyond traditional classroom settings. Funding Information Up to $5,000 per classroom. Eligibility Criteria Teachers and school administrators in Oklahoma public schools, grades Pre-K through 12, are eligible to apply if their schools meet the following criteria: Located within one of the 23 designated Oklahoma counties: Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Caddo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Greer, Harmon, Haskell, Hughes, Jackson, Johnston, Kiowa, Latimer, Le Flore, Mccurtain, Mcintosh, Okfuskee, Pushmataha, Sequoyah, Tillman Or Washita. Designated with a locale code of 41, 42, or 43 by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).  Have a total average daily attendance (ADA) of fewer than 600 students. For more information, visit Oklahoma City Community Foundation.