Private Environment Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maryland schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance environmental education and engage students in hands-on learning experiences that promote environmental stewardship.

The Longleaf Fund, established by The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), is designed to create a sustainable pool of charitable dollars to invest in community projects or initiatives within its nine-county region. This unrestricted fund aims to align with the foundation's mission by addressing the constantly changing needs and strengths of the community through strategic investments. It serves as a mechanism for individuals and families to support responsive and impactful local endeavors. The primary target beneficiaries are 501(c)(3) qualified public charities or governmental/state/county agencies operating within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goal is to strengthen these communities by providing financial support for various charitable purposes, fostering growth, and addressing identified needs through a flexible funding approach. The fund prioritizes organizations with a minimum one-year operating history that possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement and measurable objectives. Financially, organizations with revenues over $200,000 must submit an audited financial statement, while those between $50,000 and $199,999 need to submit an audit review or compilation. Organizations with operating budgets below $50,000 are exempt from audited documents. These requirements ensure that grants are directed towards well-established and accountable organizations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse community projects or initiatives across the nine-county region, leading to tangible improvements in various charitable areas. Measurable results will likely be derived from the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the grantee organizations' plans, as well as the impact reported in their final grant reports. The grant duration for supported activities is one year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. For awards over $3,000, 100% of the amount is disbursed upon signing the grant agreement, facilitating immediate project commencement.

This funding opportunity supports Maryland-based public and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to engage communities and implement projects that protect and restore local natural resources, particularly in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.

The Crookston Area Community Fund (CACF), under the umbrella of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, offers grants to support charitable, educational, and public purpose projects. These projects are specifically designed to enhance or improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors within the Crookston area. This grant program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and development in Northwest Minnesota. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations and public agencies operating in the Crookston area. The program aims to support projects that address key community needs and contribute to a better quality of life. Impact goals include fostering improvements in education, stimulating economic development, bolstering healthcare services, protecting the environment, enhancing recreational opportunities, and supporting cultural and community service initiatives. The CACF prioritizes projects that fall under specific topics: education, economic development, healthcare, environment and recreation, and cultural and community service. These focus areas represent critical sectors where strategic investment can lead to significant community benefits. The selection process considers how effectively proposed projects address these areas and their potential for positive, tangible outcomes. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in the quality of life across the Crookston area. Projects should demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for a positive impact on the community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on enhancing and improving quality of life suggests that successful projects will lead to concrete benefits, such as improved access to educational resources, new economic opportunities, better health outcomes, or increased engagement in cultural and recreational activities. The program plans to award a total of $25,000 in this grant round, with individual grants ranging from $500 to $10,000.

The Climate Solutions & Equity Grant program, initiated by Drawdown Georgia, is designed to accelerate the organization's core mission: to advance achievable climate solutions while prioritizing equity across the state of Georgia. This grant directly aligns with Drawdown Georgia's broader strategic priorities by focusing on tangible, scalable climate actions that simultaneously address social disparities. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in and empowering under-invested BIPOC communities, climate solutions can be effectively scaled, leading to both environmental improvements and enhanced community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are under-invested Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Georgia. The program explicitly recognizes the present-day legacy of enslavement and colonialism in the state, and therefore strongly encourages applications from and for Black and Indigenous communities. The impact goal is to fund projects that not only scale climate solutions but also actively prioritize equity, ensuring that these historically disinvested communities benefit directly from the proposed work and are centered in its implementation. The grant prioritizes projects that will focus on 10 specific climate solutions: Alternative Transportation, Composting, Climate Smart Agriculture, Energy Efficiency Improvements, Food Waste Reduction, Large Scale Solar, Plant Based Diet, Rooftop Solar, Tree planting, and Wetlands Protection. These solutions were selected based on their fit with the capabilities, budgets, and social capital of nonprofit organizations and networks that the grant aims to support. The program seeks to fund a cohort of projects from across Georgia that demonstrate a commitment to these communities and have BIPOC leadership within their staff, programs, and/or board of directors. Expected outcomes include the scaling of climate solutions within under-invested BIPOC communities across Georgia, leading to measurable environmental benefits and improved social equity. The grant anticipates funding up to five two-year projects, with individual grants potentially reaching up to $100,000 per year. Measurable results will be tied to the implementation and success of projects centered around the 10 identified climate solutions, with an emphasis on how these initiatives directly benefit the target communities.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the NFL Foundation and other key organizations, is spearheading the Super Bowl LIX Legacy Program, "Impact 59 Powered by Entergy." This initiative aims to leave a lasting legacy of philanthropy and economic impact within the Greater New Orleans community, aligning with Entergy's broader mission of community support and development. The program's strategic approach focuses on fostering positive change through collaborative efforts with local nonprofit partners, reflecting a commitment to leveraging significant events like the Super Bowl for long-term community benefit. The primary target beneficiaries of the "Impact 59" grants are underserved populations within ten specific parishes in Louisiana: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. The program aims to achieve significant impact in several key areas, including Youth Development, Workforce Training, Education, Health & Wellness, and Equity & Inclusion. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life, increase opportunities, and promote a more equitable environment for marginalized individuals and groups within these communities. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. In Youth Development, the emphasis is on mentoring, physical and mental well-being, and engaging youth through sports, health clinics, and specialized training. Workforce Training focuses on increasing employability for underserved populations, including the formerly incarcerated, to secure living wage jobs. Education seeks to improve access to quality education through contemporary learning programs. Health & Wellness aims to enhance access to services for underserved communities, supporting health, nutrition, and food programs. Finally, Equity & Inclusion is dedicated to improving experiences for marginalized individuals and guaranteeing fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. Expected outcomes include a minimum of $3 million in grants distributed to local nonprofit partners. Grants will range from $25,000 to $250,000, with smaller organizations (under $500,000 annual budget) eligible for $25,000 to $50,000, and larger organizations receiving up to $250,000. Measurable results will stem from the impact of funded programs in addressing the identified focus areas, contributing to a legacy of improved community well-being and economic empowerment. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these critical areas through local nonprofits, they can create a ripple effect of positive societal transformation, ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities in the Greater New Orleans area.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

This grant provides funding for community organizations and local governments to engage in environmental outreach, education, and restoration projects aimed at improving water quality and ecological health in the Jones Falls watershed of Maryland.

The Ann E. Talcott Fund provides grants to organizations operating exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, as well as for testing for public safety or preventing cruelty to children or animals. The fund aligns with its mission by supporting a broad range of community-focused initiatives. The program targets organizations serving various needs, with a paramount focus on aiding the indigent. Program areas include Education, Environment and Animals, Health, and Human Services. The impact goal is to strengthen organizations that address critical societal needs within New Jersey. The fund's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on aiding the indigent and its geographic limitation to organizations within New Jersey. The theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those helping vulnerable populations, the fund can foster positive change and improve the well-being of communities within the state. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of organizations supported, the grant's focus on established program areas and a commitment to aiding the indigent suggests an expectation of improved educational opportunities, enhanced environmental protection, better health outcomes, and strengthened human services for New Jersey residents. The average grant size ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, with grants available from $10,000 to $100,000.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Georgetown, Texas, to address health needs and promote health equity for residents facing economic and social challenges.

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is offering Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants to increase the number of acres in Connecticut managed with climate smart practices. This initiative directly aligns with the CLCC's mission, which is dedicated to land conservation and stewardship of conserved lands within Connecticut. The grant program seeks to encourage land trusts to adopt practices that enhance the land's ability to sequester carbon, provide ecosystem services, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, thereby contributing to broader environmental resilience goals. The primary target beneficiaries for these grants are tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)3 whose mission is dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands, operating within or including the State of Connecticut, and are current members of CLCC. The impact goals are to significantly expand the use of climate smart land stewardship practices across Connecticut, fostering a more resilient and sustainable landscape. The program prioritizes projects that develop climate smart land stewardship plans, establish pollinator habitats, manage invasive species followed by native plantings, manage forests for improved wildlife habitat and oak regeneration, establish wildlife corridors, increase riparian forest buffers, and implement agricultural practices that enhance water quality and soil health. These focuses are designed to achieve tangible environmental improvements and promote long-term ecological health. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of acres managed using climate smart practices, improved carbon sequestration and storage, enhanced ecosystem services, and greater resilience of land to environmental disturbances. Measurable results will be tracked through the successful completion of planning grants within 12 months and the implementation of funded projects. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support and encouraging best practices, CLCC can significantly accelerate the adoption of climate-smart strategies, leading to a healthier and more sustainable Connecticut landscape. Funding is available for two types of grants: Planning Grants with a maximum award of $8,000, and Implementation Grants with a maximum award of $50,000. Planning Grants must be completed within 12 months, emphasizing a timely progression from planning to action. This structured approach ensures that the grants translate into concrete, on-the-ground changes that align with the CLCC's strategic priorities for land conservation and climate resilience.

The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area supports nonprofit organizations and projects aimed at benefiting the Baldwin, Maine community. Priority is given to initiatives that promote greater self-reliance, public awareness of forestry, and sustainable management of natural resources. Applicants are encouraged to read the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility requirements to ensure compliance. The fund supports new, expanding, and ongoing project efforts, with a focus on leveraging additional financial resources and fostering social capital. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 1st

The FY 2024 Multicultural Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a grant initiative by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA). This program seeks applications from qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s Latino Youth community. The core mission of this grant is to provide meaningful and structured summer experiences and career readiness opportunities for District of Columbia youth aged 14-24, aligning with MOLA’s commitment to empowering the Latino community through impactful programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Latino youth residents in the District of Columbia, specifically those between the ages of 14 and 24. The impact goal is to foster career readiness and provide valuable summer experiences that contribute to their overall development and future success. The program aims to achieve significant, lasting change by engaging youth in activities that enhance their well-being and prepare them for future opportunities. The grant prioritizes six key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, Recreation & All Students on Pathways to Success, Workforce Development, Highlight East of the River, and More Democracy. These priorities reflect the broader strategic goals of the District of Columbia, focusing on urban revitalization, violence reduction, comprehensive youth development, economic empowerment, equitable investment in underserved communities, and civic engagement. Organizations applying for the grant must demonstrate how their proposed services align with at least one of these critical areas. Expected outcomes include increased participation of Latino youth in structured summer programs, enhanced career readiness skills, and improved engagement in community-based initiatives aligned with the funding priorities. The grant's duration is less than one year, with a project period from June 17, 2024, to August 23, 2024. Eligible organizations can receive up to $15,000, which is intended to facilitate the provision of direct services and programming within the District of Columbia. MOLA's theory of change is rooted in the belief that investing in youth, particularly through structured employment and development programs, leads to stronger individuals and more vibrant communities. To be eligible, CBOs must have a Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, be licensed in the District of Columbia, have their principal place of business in the District, and provide direct services to District residents. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR), and current grantees must be current on MOAA reporting obligations and reflect substantial progress towards their grant agreement goals. This rigorous eligibility ensures that funds are directed to reputable organizations capable of delivering impactful programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in East Hartford that promote civic engagement and benefit residents inclusively, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 available to eligible nonprofit organizations.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Climate Training Grants”) to increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure. These grants provide direct funding and technical assistance to organizations that can build and scale career pathways and upskilling programs. The core mission alignment is to help Massachusetts residents access and advance in climate-critical priority occupations, thereby addressing clean energy and climate tech employer needs and providing high-quality training and support opportunities across the Commonwealth. The target beneficiaries for these grants are Massachusetts residents who can benefit from career pathways and upskilling programs in climate-critical priority occupations. The impact goals are to fill workforce gaps in climate-critical sectors, expand recruitment pipelines, and create new or expand existing technical and job readiness training opportunities. This initiative also aims to create and expand career advancement programming and upskilling training for incumbent workers, ensuring businesses can grow to support the state’s climate goals. The program prioritizes several key areas, including expanding recruitment pipelines to broaden access to climate-critical priority occupations, creating and expanding technical and job readiness training, and fostering career advancement and upskilling opportunities. It also focuses on leveraging effective workforce development models like registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, developing new relationships with employers for job placements, and establishing wraparound and retention support services to address barriers to entry and advancement. Furthermore, a significant focus is on expanding the availability and effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources. Expected outcomes include a more robust workforce for climate-critical sectors, increased access for residents to high-quality training and job opportunities, and businesses expanding their capacity to meet climate goals. Measurable results will likely involve the number of residents trained, placed in climate-critical occupations, and upskilled, as well as the expansion of training programs, equipment, and infrastructure. The overall theory of change is that by investing in workforce development, equipment, and infrastructure, MassCEC can directly support the state's clean energy and climate tech employer needs while creating equitable access to career advancement for Massachusetts residents.

The Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund (ONREF) offers grants to public or private high schools in Oregon committed to providing educational opportunities in Forestry. Grants support the acquisition of natural resource-related tools, equipment, technology, and other educational resources. The funding range is between $500 to $2,500, with the possibility of larger awards under special circumstances. The application period is from January 1 to March 1 annually. Eligible schools must demonstrate a commitment to Forestry Programs of Study, focusing on a comprehensive curriculum that includes wood products, silviculture, harvesting, and the management of Oregon's forest-related natural resources, alongside career and leadership development. There are also four Subfunds with specific funding objectives and eligibility requirements. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/closing deadline: January 1st to March 1st

This grant provides significant funding to local nonprofits in Indianapolis that are tackling community challenges in key focus areas, with a structured application process culminating in an annual awards celebration.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) is offering a grant program through its Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). The EEF acquires funds from spill violations, aligning with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. This initiative directly supports CDFW-OSPR's mission to protect and restore California's natural resources by funding projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are various entities including nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and, where permitted, federal agencies. The ultimate impact goal is to benefit fish and wildlife populations by improving their habitats and restoring ecosystem functions. All eligible groups and projects are strongly encouraged to apply, fostering a broad approach to environmental enhancement. The program prioritizes environmental enhancement projects that are located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, as defined in California Government Code (of Section 8670.3). These projects must also demonstrate measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe and be specifically designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The selection committee, composed of representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and CDFW-OSPR, will evaluate proposals based on these criteria. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in habitat quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. Projects are required to have measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and demonstrating the effectiveness of the funded initiatives. The selection committee is specifically seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000, indicating a focus on substantial and impactful projects. All projects must be completed by April 1, 2031, providing a clear timeframe for implementation and results. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted investment in habitat restoration and acquisition directly leads to the recovery and enhancement of California's diverse fish and wildlife populations.

The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) is a competitive program offered by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) in Franklin County, Ohio. Its primary mission is to fund innovative projects that significantly reduce waste and/or increase the diversion of recoverable materials from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. This aligns with SWACO's broader objective of promoting sustainable waste management practices within central Ohio. The program targets local governmental or non-profit organizations, including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and churches, that serve the unique waste reduction and material diversion needs of central Ohio. The impact goal is to assist these organizations in building sustainable programs, projects, and services that address these needs, ultimately benefiting the community and the environment by reducing landfill dependence. Projects should prioritize addressing specific waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs within Central Ohio, emphasizing partnership building and collaboration. A key focus is on leveraging the waste stream for community and economic benefit. Funding is available for infrastructure, and outreach and education activities that promote reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Applications that implement reduction and diversion processes and systems, alongside outreach and education, are strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include establishing, improving, or expanding waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation activities within SWACO's jurisdiction. Grantees are required to document and measure the impact of their project's activities, with projects needing to be completed by December 31, 2025, and a final report submitted. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change from a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed, SWACO's role as the donor suggests its strategic priority is the overall reduction of waste and increased material diversion in Franklin County, achieved through community-led initiatives and measurable results.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Washington, DC, to create Family Success Centers that help vulnerable families improve their economic stability and access essential resources in underserved neighborhoods.