Private Environment Grants

The George W. Wells Foundation offers grants to bolster quality educational, human services, and healthcare programming for underserved populations. This aligns with the foundation's mission to support initiatives that address critical community needs and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on these key areas, aiming to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are underserved populations in Massachusetts, particularly within Southbridge and its surrounding communities. The foundation gives special consideration to local charitable organizations, demonstrating a commitment to regional development and community-centric impact. The overarching impact goal is to enhance access to vital services and opportunities, fostering equitable outcomes in education, health, and human services. The Wells Foundation prioritizes grant requests for general operating support or program support, recognizing the importance of flexible funding to sustain and expand effective initiatives. Small, program-related capital expenses can also be included, allowing for essential infrastructure or resource improvements that strengthen program delivery. This approach reflects a theory of change that effective, well-supported organizations are best positioned to achieve significant and measurable results within their communities. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the foundation's focus on "quality programming" suggests an expectation of positive and tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. Given the 1-year grant duration for the majority of awards, programs are likely expected to demonstrate progress and impact within this timeframe, contributing to the foundation's broader strategic goals of fostering stronger, healthier, and more educated communities.

The City of Chico Arts Grant Program aims to support local arts organizations and artists, enabling them to offer high-quality arts and cultural work, performances, and exhibitions to the Chico community. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community engagement in the arts and ensure accessibility for all residents. The grants are intended to act as "seed" monies, fostering new projects and initiatives rather than providing ongoing operational support, thereby encouraging artistic innovation and community enrichment. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations operating within the city of Chico with a two-year history of producing or presenting, as well as individual artists applying under the sponsorship of an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit. The program specifically emphasizes inclusive service to broad, diverse, and underserved populations, including those lacking access due to geographic, economic, cultural, social, or physical reasons. The impact goals center on increasing community access to and engagement in arts and cultural experiences, fostering artistic rigor, and demonstrating strong community support for the arts. The program prioritizes projects that deliver or support opportunities for community engagement, demonstrate artistic rigor and thoughtful planning, show strong community support, and provide inclusive service to diverse and underserved populations. "Diversity" is defined broadly to include differences in ability, age, belief, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, and sexual orientation. Funds can be used for various purposes, including projects, events, exhibitions, performances, or capital improvement and equipment projects that enhance an organization's capacity to deliver arts and cultural services. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and accessible arts scene within Chico, with a greater number of community members participating in and benefiting from arts and cultural activities. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of projects supported, the diversity of audiences reached, and the demonstrated community engagement and support for funded initiatives. While not explicitly stated as a "theory of change," the program's strategy implicitly posits that by providing targeted funding to local arts entities, it can cultivate a richer cultural environment, foster community cohesion, and ensure equitable access to artistic expression, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in Chico. The grant's duration of one year and the requirement for matching funds underscore a strategic approach to maximize impact and encourage local investment in the arts.

This initiative provides funding to animal welfare and community organizations in select states to assist with disaster response efforts for animals affected by recent hurricanes.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma for innovative projects that address social, health, and human service challenges in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and tribal entities to enhance urban forestry and community engagement in disadvantaged communities across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This grant provides funding for agricultural professionals to conduct on-farm research that promotes sustainable farming practices in the Southern U.S., requiring collaboration with farmers who have a minimum annual income of $1,000.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Graduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to support creative practices and career advancement for graduate student artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to elevate and energize the regional arts community by fostering artistic talent and entrepreneurial skills. The program provides financial support and professional development opportunities to ensure artists can sustain and grow their creative practices, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the region. The target beneficiaries of the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grants are graduate students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions within Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These students, regardless of their academic major, must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-residents with a valid Social Security Number. The program aims to impact these artists by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to develop enduring creative practices and advance their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, a deep commitment to their work for at least three years, and a motivation to evolve their practice. It also focuses on individuals ready to advance their careers, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The grants are designed to support a wide range of artistic disciplines, including dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Additionally, a balanced cohort is considered to ensure diverse representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among the selected fellows. Expected outcomes include enhanced creative practices and career advancement for the grant recipients. Fellows will receive $5,000 grants, which they can use flexibly for various needs such as equipment, travel, studio space, childcare, professional services, research, supplies, or contingency savings. Measurable results include participation in peer-based learning experiences like an in-person retreat, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These activities are designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and expand the artists' professional networks, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.

The Hearst Foundations Grant Program aims to support outstanding nonprofits in the United States that are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The program focuses on funding organizations that demonstrate exceptional results in creating sustainable employment, improving health and quality of life, increasing academic achievement, promoting arts and sciences, and supporting family stability and self-sufficiency. The Foundations employ a rigorous selection process to identify best-in-class organizations, provide support for impactful programs, and monitor grantee performance to ensure long-term societal benefits. Grantees are required to have recently audited expenses greater than $2,000,000.

With major support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is excited to announce $200,000 in grant funding to support shovel-ready pollinator habitat enhancement projects on America’s Public Lands. Habitat enhancement projects should directly support the creation, restoration, remediation, improvement, and/or protection of habitats for important pollinator species such as butterflies, bees, bats, and more. The project should directly impact pollinators on at least 200 acres of public land. Additionally, projects should incorporate community outreach and engagement activities designed to educate and empower the public to help enhance pollinator habitats. Applicants can request a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $100,000 to be spent over a one-year period. Funding Priorities Habitat Enhancement Projects: Projects must implement on-the-ground activities designed to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitats. Applicants must define a step-by-step plan including site preparation, size of the project area, and description of target pollinator(s). Due to the time needed for large-scale habitat restoration projects, NEEF will consider proposals that are already underway or that propose a distinct piece of an existing restoration project. Conservation and habitat restoration activities should be varied and science-based. If preparing a proposal that includes collecting seeds or cultivating native seedlings, applicants should describe the intended use of the seed or seedlings, and it should only represent one piece of the project. For new projects, they must be shovel-ready, meaning ready to implement the proposed project within 3 months of the award date. Community Engagement: All project proposals must provide opportunities for public engagement through education- or volunteer-focused events. Projects should aim to collaborate with a diverse group of community partners to achieve engagement and educational outcomes. Grantees will be required to report on the number of events implemented and the number of participants engaged during the grant period. Priority will be given to proposals that serve underrepresented audiences in the outdoors with an emphasis on serving communities marked disadvantaged by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Project Metrics To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grantees, NEEF has provided a list of project metrics. All applicants must commit to collecting and reporting on key project metrics listed below. Acres Enhanced: Number of Acres Number of Acres Monarch Habitat Number of Individual Project Work Sites Monitored or Improved Biodiversity Enhanced: Number of Pollinator Species Promoted Number of Imperiled Species Protected Number of Native Plant Species Installed Number of Milkweed Plants Installed Community Members Engaged: Number of Individuals Engaged in Volunteer Activities Number of Individuals Engaged in Outreach Activities Number of Landowners Engaged Number of Toyota Employees Engaged Number of Individuals Directly Engaged from Underserved Communities View more detail about these metrics with our Biodiversity Grant Metrics Info-sheet. Application Process and Timeline The grant competition will be a two-part process. Those interested in applying must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) in the form of an online application. NEEF will then select and invite a small number of finalists to submit a full application for review. From that pool, NEEF will then choose its grantees. The timeline is as follows: LOI opens: February 1, 2024 LOI deadline: March 1, 2024, by 11:59 PM PST Finalists invited to submit Application: April 1, 2024 Application due: May 1, 2024, by 11:59 PM PST Grants awarded: June 10, 2024 Grant period: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Reporting deadlines: December 31, 2024 July 15, 2025 Eligibility Open to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or federal government agencies, federally recognized tribes and local governments, and educational institutions.* Projects must be on public lands defined as any local, state, or federal government- or nonprofit-owned land that is accessible to the public for recreational use on a regular basis. Private for-profit firms and individuals are not eligible to apply. Grant funding may not be used to support political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities, or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations. NEEF will select one project out of the two to four finalists awarded who are within an hour’s drive of one of the following communities near Toyota Motor North America manufacturing and corporate sites: Long Beach, CA, Henderson, NV, Chandler, AZ, San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, Troy, MO, Tupelo, MS, Huntsville, AL, Alpharetta, GA, Greensboro, NC, Georgetown, KY, Jackson, TN, Buffalo, WV, Evansville, IN, and Ann Arbor, MI. Projects across the country not within those markets are eligible for the remaining awards and are encouraged to apply. Must meet the funding criteria (below). Please visit our FAQ page for more eligibility information. * One organization can submit more than one LOI. LOI Criteria Number of acres impacted directly. Impacted acreage must have a direct conservation activity proposed including but not limited to invasive species removal, planting, seed drilling, prescribed burn, etc. Ecosystem services to nearby plots should not be included in the tally. Projects may be on separate plots of land to meet the 200-acre minimum, but the plots should be within the same migratory pathway and ideally within several miles of each other. Describe the conservation activities planned to improve the proposed acreage. Describe how the habitat enhancement project will benefit pollinator species and which pollinator species are expected to be impacted. Proposed projects must be technically sound and apply the best available science and accepted best management practices for enhancement of pollinator habitats and species specific to their ecological region. Briefly describe the applicants’ and/or partners’ expertise and previous experience with habitat management, restoration for pollinator species, and community education/volunteerism. NEEF encourages applicants to have a variety of partners to improve the project’s connection to the local community, ensure quality volunteer involvement, expand the impact of the project through landowner or land trust partnership, and/or improve credibility of the science-based habitat improvement. Summarize the education or volunteer involvement, the direct engagement of underrepresented audiences and underserved communities, and the overall impact on underserved communities. Demographics of staff and board Total request amount: Applicants can request a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $100,000 to be spent over a one-year period. Application Criteria Applicants invited to submit a full application will build on LOIs. Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria: Describe how the habitat enhancement project will benefit pollinator species, and include a step-by-step plan for establishing, enhancing, and/or preserving habitat acres. NEEF encourages applicants to have a varied approach for a robust restoration of diverse habitat. Budget: Describe how funds will be used to meet project goals. A budget and a budget narrative are required. Describe how the applicant will provide educational or volunteer offerings that link the on-the-ground conservation work taking place on public lands to the surrounding community (e.g., educating property-owners about the impact of invasive species and encouraging removal of targeted species on private property surrounding the project site). Provide a detailed timeline of when programming/activities will take place during the grant year. The timeline should include community engagement events. Describe project partners and their involvement in the work. Provide Partner Letters of Support from those listed under the project team section of the LOI who will be responsible for implementing grant activities, if applicable. Describe the project team, including partner staff if responsible for implementing grant activities. Detail the roles and involvement of each organization cited in the LOI who will be directly responsible for reporting and activities related to conservation, education, and volunteer components of the grant. Describe the sustainability plan and ongoing maintenance. If applicable, list how the organization will share lessons learned or further the impact of the project on adjacent lands (i.e. landowner information sessions, published works, public education, conferences). Provide required financials which include: Conflict of interest policy A list of the Board of Directors Annual organizational budget Audit for prior fiscal year, or if an audit is not available, a balance sheet and Profit and Loss Statement for prior fiscal year Demographics of staff and board Expectations if Funded Participate in calls with NEEF and other grantees to share project updates, successes, challenges, and best practices. Collaborate with NEEF on evaluation strategies to ensure accurate and timely reports are submitted. Collaborate with NEEF’s Marketing & Communications team on press releases, stories, and other external communications related to funded projects. Commitment to collect and report on relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) listed in the “Program Metrics” section of this document. All applications must be submitted through our online system. If you have any questions or problems, please contact us at [email protected]. Please reference the Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary page before submitting your questions.

The Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program, active since 2005, is an initiative that provides trees to nonprofit charitable partners and government agencies across the United States. Its core mission aligns with environmental conservation and community enrichment, aiming to support the development and improvement of public parks and green spaces, preserve natural habitats, and facilitate reforestation efforts. The program reflects Apache Corporation's commitment to corporate social responsibility by investing in the ecological health of the communities where it operates. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including cities, counties, schools, parks, universities, youth associations, wildlife refuges, and various charitable service groups. Eligible applicants are charitable nonprofit organizations or municipal, state, or federal government agencies with 501(c)(3) tax exemption status in states where Apache Corporation has operations: Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Wyoming. The impact goals are centered on increasing tree cover, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship. Key priorities and focuses of the grant include providing native/indigenous tree species to the applicant's local geographical area, ensuring the sustainable growth of public green spaces, and supporting conservation efforts. The program does not provide direct funds to grantees; instead, Apache Corporation covers the cost of trees and freight delivery. Grant recipients are required to request a minimum of 50 one-gallon, three-gallon, or five-gallon trees, or 1,000 bare root seedlings, and must work directly with Apache’s partner arborist, ensuring expert guidance and appropriate tree selection. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the distribution of millions of trees annually, contributing to significant reforestation and habitat restoration. The program anticipates an increase in public green spaces, improved air quality, enhanced wildlife habitats, and greater community involvement in environmental initiatives. By partnering with a diverse range of organizations, Apache aims to create a ripple effect of positive environmental and social impact, aligning with a strategic priority to support long-term ecological health and community well-being.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

To make contributions to charitable organizations located in the United States whose principal purposes are in the areas of education or medical advancements, or are game hunters associations. Program areas Education Environment, animals Health States served All Program limitations The trust supports organizations located in the United States whose principal purposes are in the areas of education or medical advancements, or are game hunters associations. Trustees Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Howe Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations located in the United States whose principal purposes are in the areas of education or medical advancements, or are game hunters associations. Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. Annual application period and deadlines Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by August 1 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting that occurs in September. Communications Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. Grant decisions are generally communicated by September for applications received by the deadline. Required agreement and reports Periodic progress reports and final reports may be required for funded projects. Foundation Information The Howe Foundation was established by Thomas E. Howe of Clark County, Nevada. Mr. Howe was born on February 5, 1944 in Indiana, and passed away April 28, 2013. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: August 1st

The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that supports projects by various organizations to address environmental and public health issues through education, small-scale greening, and large-scale restoration in specific areas affected by wastewater treatment plants and energy companies.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is offering grants through its Environmental Sustainability Grant Program, with a deadline of July 19, 2024. This program is designed to enhance environmental sustainability in the Greater Cincinnati region by improving the accessibility and quality of greenspaces, supporting conservation efforts, promoting horticulture, and advancing nature education, particularly for historically marginalized groups. This initiative aligns directly with GCF's mission to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are organizations with efforts based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. The program aims to increase the benefits of nature for historically marginalized groups, including improved fresh food access and nature education, especially for children and youth. The overall impact goal is to create a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region through accessible greenspaces and quality education. GCF's priorities for this grant cycle include organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, requests that beautify, create, conserve, and/or restore greenspaces (with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups), and proposals that connect historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature. Strong preference will be given to organizations demonstrating partnerships, collaboration, alignment with community-wide efforts, and insights from past results, utilizing an asset-based approach. Funding may be used for a variety of purposes, including supporting, expanding, or strengthening existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new programs, or building organizational capacity. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored. GCF has approximately $400,000 available for the 2024 Environmental Sustainability cycle, with individual grants awarded for up to $25,000. Expected outcomes include clear and measurable results related to greenspace improvements, increased access to nature for marginalized communities, and enhanced environmental education.

The Community Good Grants Program provides funding requests once a year according to its grant cycle. These grants are intended to support a wide variety of needs within Knox County, including one-time project support, additional support, or expansions of initial projects. The funding is made possible through Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds. Applications for the 2024 cycle are accepted from August 1, 2024, through September 11, 2024, with a deadline at noon. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 509(a) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies serving Knox County. Nonprofit organizations not classified as 501(c)(3) public charities may be considered if the project is charitable and supports a community need, potentially requiring a fiscal sponsor.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and community organizations in Baltimore to implement projects that enhance heritage tourism and improve neighborhood quality of life through activities like signage, beautification, and revitalization planning.

The City of Bakersfield is offering competitive grants for property and/or business owners within designated Downtown business district corridors: 18th, 19th streets and Wall Street Alley (between F and Q streets), and H Street and Chester Avenue (between 24th Street and Truxtun Avenue). The grants are specifically intended for large-scale exterior façade improvements to eligible properties and applicants within these areas. This initiative is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, demonstrating a commitment to local economic recovery and revitalization. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment," the context indicates this is a city-led grant, and its mission is aligned with urban development and supporting local businesses impacted by economic downturns. The target beneficiaries for this program include small businesses (defined as having no more than 500 employees), non-profit organizations (tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)), and businesses within "impacted industries." Impacted industries are those that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic, specifically citing tourism, travel, and hospitality. Other industries are considered impacted if they experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels or comparable economic impacts. The impact goal is to stimulate economic recovery and enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the downtown business corridors, thereby fostering a more vibrant and attractive commercial environment. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on exterior façade improvements. The City anticipates awarding funding to 4-6 projects, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. For awarded funding of $100,000 and over, a 10% private investment match is required, along with a public hearing before the City Council. This matching requirement encourages community investment and shared responsibility in the revitalization efforts. The grant duration is two years, providing a reasonable timeframe for project completion. Expected outcomes include visible improvements to the downtown business districts, increased private investment in the local economy, and support for businesses and non-profits that have been economically impacted. The measurable results are tied to the number of projects funded (4-6 anticipated), the total amount of ARPA funding allocated ($1.5 million), and the specific improvements made to property exteriors. The strategic priority here is the revitalization of key downtown commercial areas, using ARPA funds to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic and promote long-term community resilience and growth. The theory of change posits that by investing in exterior improvements and supporting local businesses, the City can create a more appealing and economically robust downtown core, attracting more visitors and fostering greater community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Philadelphia to plant and care for at least 35,000 trees by 2035, focusing on community engagement and environmental equity.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

This grant provides funding for advertising and media campaigns that promote the conservation and restoration of native wildlife and ecosystems across the United States.