Private Environment Grants

The Possibility Grant Program, overseen by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, is a unique initiative with a core mission to foster a more just and equitable society. This program distinguishes itself by empowering Bay Area Youth (BAY) Community Fellows, who serve as youth advisors, to design and decide the grants. This approach aligns directly with the Fund's strategic priority of uplifting youth and incorporating intergenerational perspectives into its grantmaking. The grants are specifically designed as general operating support, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with flexible terms of either one or two years, providing essential financial stability to recipient organizations. The target beneficiaries for the Possibility Grants are primarily small organizations located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County in California. These organizations must be 501(c)3 entities or fiscally sponsored by one. The impact goals are centered on challenging systems of oppression through various avenues, including cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, and art. The program seeks to support organizations that respond to the current domestic and global political climate, demonstrating an active commitment to social change and equity. The Fund prioritizes organizations that are actively working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression. This includes fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth, centering collaboration in their work, and seeking a strong intersectional impact. The focus is on entities that embody Black liberation values and utilize cultural education, community-based care, healing, or art as tools for social transformation. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting grassroots organizations with these specific focuses, they can contribute to systemic change and the creation of a more equitable society. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of small organizations that are vital to their communities and are at the forefront of social justice efforts. The program aims to enable these organizations to sustain and expand their work in challenging oppression and fostering intergenerational connections. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating support, the emphasis on organizations actively working to dismantle systems of oppression and seeking intersectional impact suggests a qualitative assessment of their contributions to social equity and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The long-term impact envisioned is a Bay Area where youth are uplifted, collaboration is fostered, and systemic injustices are actively addressed.

The Clean Water Grant Program (CWGP), offered by the County of Cumberland, Pennsylvania, provides financial support for "shovel-ready" initiatives aimed at enhancing local water quality within Cumberland County. While the description doesn't explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," it can be inferred that the program aligns with broader environmental stewardship and public health goals, likely stemming from the county's responsibility to manage and improve local resources. The program's core objective is to maximize the impact of limited pollution reduction funding by investing in priority water quality projects. The target beneficiaries of the CWGP are diverse, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, municipal governments, educational institutions, and businesses with headquarters in Cumberland County. The impact goals are directly tied to improving local water quality. The program focuses on developing a water quality project backlog to leverage additional funding, pursuing multifaceted pollution reduction strategies with various stakeholders, accelerating progress toward county pollution reduction goals, and institutionalizing an annual project identification process integrated into county CAP development plans. The priorities and focuses of the CWGP revolve around "shovel-ready" projects that deliver tangible water quality improvements. While there is no minimum or maximum grant award, projects with a local match will receive higher priority, indicating a preference for initiatives that demonstrate community investment and shared responsibility. The program anticipates approximately $500,000 will be available for subawards in 2025, with funding decisions at the sole discretion of Cumberland County and contingent upon PADEP approval. Expected outcomes and measurable results include enhanced local water quality, increased leveraging of additional government and nonprofit funding for water quality projects, a more coordinated approach to pollution reduction among various stakeholders, accelerated progress towards county-wide pollution reduction targets, and a sustainable, integrated annual process for identifying and developing water quality initiatives. The grant period for performance is from March 2025 to December 2025, emphasizing a focus on projects that can demonstrate impact within a relatively short timeframe.

This competition invites individuals and teams worldwide to develop innovative, leak-resistant packaging solutions for large liquid detergent bottles that meet Amazon's distribution standards, with a focus on usability and manufacturing integration.

This funding opportunity supports projects in Philadelphia County that enhance workforce development, education, and economic growth, particularly for organizations helping individuals overcome employment barriers or assisting small businesses.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is offering a Public Green Space Grant Program to cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations within its service area. The program aims to provide grant funds for tree-planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance local communities. This initiative aligns with the IID's mission to support environmental stewardship and community development through tangible, local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this program are critically underserved or disadvantaged communities within Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. The program specifically targets community groups that seek to green their areas, thereby addressing the critical need for GHG reduction and community beautification. The impact goals include not only environmental benefits through carbon sequestration but also the creation of greener, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces that can offer recreational benefits to residents. Program priorities favor projects that provide park or recreational benefits to underserved communities, are proposed by such communities, or develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses to strengthen outreach to disadvantaged communities. Additional points are given to projects that offer access to quality jobs, workforce education and training for residents, utilize interagency cooperation, or leverage existing public lands and resources, including schools. Projects that include matching or cost-sharing funds are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased tree cover. Beyond environmental benefits, the program aims to foster community engagement and education around green initiatives. The maximum award per project is $35,000, with a total of $350,000 available through IID’s "Tree for All" program. Eligible costs include personnel, contractors, consultants, direct and indirect costs related to tree planting and maintenance during the grant period, and community education and engagement expenses, all contributing to the program's strategic objectives of community greening and climate action.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi and Oregon focused on climate change, ecosystem protection, youth advocacy, education, or reducing childhood poverty.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and independent artists in Sullivan County for arts, cultural, and heritage projects, whether in-person or virtual.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to grassroots and community-based organizations serving low-wealth and historically underserved communities, particularly those focused on racial, climate, environmental, and energy justice.

This funding opportunity supports Bronx-based non-profit organizations working on transformative community and health projects that address systemic issues in the Bronx.

The True Inspiration Awards® grant offers financial support ranging from $30,000 to $350,000 to organizations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with a total annual commitment of $5 million. Eligible organizations include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) entities and Canadian charities with equivalent status. The application deadline is May 1st, 2024. Awards will be granted in four key areas: Caring for People, Caring through Food, Caring for Communities, and Caring for our Planet, aiming to support educational initiatives, address hunger and food insecurity, provide housing and other direct services, and promote environmental stewardship respectively. Sixteen organizations will be selected based on their contributions to these areas. In 2024, we will continue to support nonprofits with a total commitment of $5 million in grants ranging from $30,000-$350,000. Sixteen organizations will be awarded for their work in these areas. Caring for People (four winners): Programs or projects supporting educational initiatives, including fostering character and leadership development, academic excellence and community involvement in underserved youth. Caring through Food (four winners): Programs or projects focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity facing children and their families. Caring for Communities (four winners): Programs or projects focused on providing housing and other direct services to support young people and their families. Caring for our Planet (four winners): Programs or projects that show care for our environment and our planet, or that demonstrate environmental stewardship through initiatives directly related to our other True Inspiration Awards categories of food, community and people (i.e., community beautification, education opportunities, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, etc.) Grant renewed every year.

The Sisters of St. Francis (Sylvania) Foundation Grant Program, in partnership with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, is offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in selected counties of Ohio and Michigan, to support programs that combat human trafficking, assist immigrants and refugees, advance social justice and equal opportunity, and promote environmental preservation and sustainability.

The Southwest Idaho Legacy Organization (SILO), established in 1976, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Caldwell and the surrounding areas within Canyon and Owyhee Counties. By offering financial support for community projects, SILO aims to empower residents to make meaningful improvements in their neighborhoods. Since its inception, the organization has been instrumental in funding initiatives focused on community development, health, education, and more, using monies accrued from the sale of the Caldwell Memorial Hospital. SILO welcomes grant applications for projects that promise to benefit the community. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: September 30th

The 2024 General Grants Program, managed by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, offers general operating support (unrestricted grants) to eligible nonprofits. This program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support charitable organizations whose programs primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, thereby improving the overall quality of life in the community. The flexibility of general operating support allows recipient organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed, supporting their foundational work and ensuring the sustained delivery of critical services within the county. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across San Luis Obispo County, focusing on direct services for those in need. Specifically, the grants aim to impact individuals benefiting from services related to arts, environment, health & human services, and seniors and people with disabilities. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem, enabling these organizations to more effectively address key community challenges and enhance the well-being of the county's residents. The program prioritizes several key focus areas. In the arts, it supports organizations that promote the creation, engagement, and appreciation of diverse art forms and local history. Environmental grants concentrate on education and sustainability, including efforts in climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and water and land conservation. Health & Human Services funding is directed towards improving the quality of life through basic needs provision and social service programs. Finally, a dedicated focus area supports organizations providing direct services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors. Organizations can apply for either a one- or two-year grant, with maximum amounts of $12,000 and $24,000 respectively, and a clear preference for these durations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the expected outcomes are tied to the successful implementation of programs within the focus areas, leading to improved community engagement in the arts, enhanced environmental sustainability, better access to basic needs and social services, and improved quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities. The Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to invest in organizations that directly serve and benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis that focus on creating equitable solutions in housing, economic, health, or environmental areas, with an emphasis on community engagement and addressing systemic inequities.

This grant provides $1 million to a qualified nonprofit or educational institution in California to develop a project aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing disparities for low-income and marginalized communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

The Redford Center Grants program is open for 2024 applications from April 4 to May 10, focusing on environmental nonfiction films or docuseries at any stage of development. Eligible projects can be in development, production, or post-production stages but must not be picture locked. Successful applicants will receive a $25,000 grant for the first year to support production and impact campaign expenses, with an opportunity for further funding in the second year. The program includes participation in a Grantee Summit, virtual film showcase, and comprehensive support including learning sessions, networking, promotional backing, and community building focused on environmental issues and innovative storytelling.

The First Nations Development Institute is offering the Stewarding Native Lands program, specifically the Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions project, to support climate action in Native communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to empower Native peoples to control their assets and future, recognizing that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their remote and coastal locations and reliance on healthy ecosystems for subsistence and cultural practices. The program seeks to build tribal capacity and programming that utilizes community-, culture-, and nature-based approaches to address climate adaptation and disaster preparation. The target beneficiaries for this grant are Tribes, Tribal 7871 entities, Native-controlled nonprofits, and Native-controlled community organizations across the United States and U.S. territories. "Native-controlled" is defined as organizations where a majority of the Board of Directors and leadership team are Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these Native entities to implement nature-based solutions rooted in Native knowledge, thereby increasing their resilience to climate change impacts such as wildfires, flooding, and drought. The program prioritizes projects that employ nature-based solutions, which leverage animals, plants, and the environment to protect ecosystems, support human well-being, and enhance local biodiversity. Examples of focused activities include clam bed restoration for flooding and erosion, reintroduction of ecocultural plants, beaver restoration for water retention and carbon sequestration, cultural burning for biodiversity, and grass farming for desertification. Allowable activities are diverse, encompassing emergency response planning, climate-proofing infrastructure, climate risk governance, wildlife management, workforce development, organizational capacity building, and updating climate adaptation plans. First Nations expects to award 6 grants, each up to $200,000, with a grant period from September 1, 2024, to July 1, 2026. The expected outcomes include enhanced tribal capacity in climate adaptation and disaster preparation, the successful implementation of nature-based solutions based on Native knowledge, and improved ecosystem health and community well-being in the face of climate change. The foundation's strategic priority is to advance climate action that is culturally appropriate and community-led, demonstrating a theory of change where empowering Native communities with resources and knowledge leads to more effective and sustainable climate resilience.

This grant provides funding and resources to early-stage ag-tech businesses in Kentucky to develop and market innovative solutions that enhance the agricultural industry.

This program provides funding to organizations in the US Virgin Islands to improve food system infrastructure, such as processing and storage facilities, to enhance local food resilience.

The Gene Conley Foundation provides grants primarily within north central Texas for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes and for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. The foundation supports programs that deliver public benefit across a broad set of community needs. Program areas include arts and culture, education, environment and animals, health, human services, public and society benefit, and religion. Average grants range from 5,000 to 20,000 dollars, with total annual giving of about 340,000 dollars. Funds may support programs or operations consistent with charitable purposes and demonstrated community impact. Eligible applicants are organizations that qualify as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Applications are submitted through the online grant application form or an accessible alternative. Proposals should clearly describe impact, outcomes, and alignment with the foundations mission. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available through the trustee portal referenced by Wells Fargo.