Private Environment Grants

This grant provides $100,000 to U.S.-based nonprofits for innovative projects that protect and manage watersheds and groundwater in response to climate change.

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at [email protected] or phone at 720-968-0366.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund" is an initiative established in 2001 to address the needs of the LGBTQI community within San Luis Obispo County. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support charitable organizations and promote philanthropy by specifically focusing on providing grants and raising community awareness for this often underserved population. The foundation aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment through targeted funding and community engagement efforts, reflecting its strategic priority of addressing critical community needs. The grant program primarily targets 501c3 organizations within San Luis Obispo County that are implementing programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. The core beneficiaries include queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), transgender and nonbinary individuals, and LGBTQ+ people in areas lacking affirming community spaces. The overarching impact goals are to reduce discrimination, advance healthcare equity, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and enhance community connectedness and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the county. The fund prioritizes one-year grants for programs that focus on three key areas. First, it seeks to demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center QTPOC, recognizing the amplified discrimination they face due to intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Second, it focuses on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people, addressing the significant health disparities, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care they encounter. Third, the fund aims to create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county, acknowledging the importance of safe community spaces for promoting safety, connectedness, and mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in health disparities for QTPOC and transgender/nonbinary people, evidenced by changes in organizational policies and practices, and improved physical and mental health statistics. For queer spaces, outcomes would involve the expansion of resources for local organizations to create physical spaces and the development of new, sustainable support or wellness groups. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting initiatives that directly address discrimination, improve access to care, and create affirming community environments, it can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Luis Obispo County for its LGBTQ+ residents. The fund's commitment to supporting creative initiatives and strategies that move QTPOC from the margins to the center is a testament to this strategic priority.

About the Fund The Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, KS, partners with the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF) and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF) to help improve the quality of life for communities in 26 counties of Northwest Kansas. GSCF and 11 of its affiliate foundations are allocated funding for grants to distribute to 14 counties for charitable projects through a competitive application process. What do the funds support? Grants will be awarded to projects or programs that address the following areas: Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability. Health Care: Ensures access to quality health services and promotes healthy life practices. Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies. Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhances economic and social benefits of outdoor resources. Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas. Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents. Preference will be given to applications that include community involvement and volunteerism. Grants may not be awarded to: reduce or replace regular budgetary needs for programs or projects that are tax-supported support endowment or operational expenses Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall annual opening/ closing deadline: September 15th to November 15th

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Laurance & Mary Rockefeller Fund, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to organizations in selected Vermont cities, aiming to enhance the community's physical, cultural, spiritual, and wellness environment, with applications open until October 8, 2024.

The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) operates a grant program aimed at enhancing glass recovery, diverting it from landfills, and connecting glass generators with viable end markets. This initiative aligns directly with the GRF's overarching mission as a non-profit foundation dedicated to funding and distributing resources to intervention, demonstration, and pilot projects that address existing gaps within the glass recycling supply chain across the United States. The program serves as a strategic priority for the GRF, embodying its theory of change by focusing on tangible projects that can strengthen the circular economy for glass. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit entities, municipal, county, city, and state governments, public waste management districts, and publicly owned/operated Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or service providers. The impact goals are to increase the quantity of glass recycled, improve the quality of diverted materials, and establish stronger end markets for recycled glass. By funding projects that show glass returning to the supply chain for manufacturing, the GRF aims to achieve a higher and better use of recycled glass, thereby promoting circularity. The grant program prioritizes projects under two main categories: demonstration projects and education projects. Demonstration projects are designed to address specific gaps in the glass recycling supply chain and offer alternative strategies for reinforcing glass end markets. Examples include funding for equipment to clean recycled glass, collection containers for glass drop-offs, the development of regional strategies for collection and storage infrastructure, and hauling systems to boost collection rates. These projects are expected to result in more efficient and effective glass collection and processing, leading to increased recovery rates and a more robust supply chain. Education projects, on the other hand, focus on public awareness and engagement. These projects must present a clear message and strategy for educating the public about the environmental and community benefits of glass recycling, as well as methods for improving the quality of materials diverted by residents. Potential initiatives include developing and presenting training programs on effective glass collection and recycling practices, writing and disseminating case studies and guidance documents, creating signage for residential glass recycling drop-offs, and launching public education campaigns about community glass recycling. The expected outcomes for these projects include a more informed public, increased participation in glass recycling, and a reduction in contamination rates of recycled glass.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is inviting proposals for its "Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice" initiative. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop and implement programs cultivating future STEMM leaders in Environmental Justice (EJ). The GRP's mission, as evident in this program, aligns with fostering scientific literacy and addressing critical environmental challenges through education and mentorship. The grant aims to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people to apply STEMM disciplines to explore the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on community health and resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young people in grades 9-12, particularly those from communities affected by environmental inequalities in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The impact goal is to increase the number of young people in this region who pursue studies and careers in STEMM disciplines within the field of Environmental Justice. The program specifically encourages collaborations with nonprofit or community-based organizations that have a history of working with children and youth, especially underrepresented or underserved populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students with low socio-economic status, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, and students from rural or remote areas. The core focus of this funding opportunity is on education and mentorship. Projects should provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM principles in examining environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Activities can take place in both formal and informal educational settings, but must target 9th-12th graders and complement formal education standards. The GRP prioritizes proposals that foster the development of scientific and environmental literacy, skills, and competencies crucial for cultivating the next generation of EJ leaders. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding among youth regarding environmental hazards and their effects on communities, as well as enhanced capacity for youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in Environmental Justice. The GRP anticipates a measurable increase in the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region engaging with STEMM disciplines related to EJ. This grant operates with a strategic priority of building human capacity and fostering a more equitable and resilient future by empowering youth to address environmental challenges. The theory of change behind this initiative is that by investing in early education and mentorship in STEMM and EJ, the GRP can create a pipeline of informed and capable leaders who will contribute to solving complex environmental issues in vulnerable communities.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 for local nonprofits, government entities, and schools to implement projects that improve education, health, beautification, environment, and economic development in Willow Springs, Missouri.

The Sarasota County Foundation awards grants to corporations, associations, or institutions that aim to advance charitable, religious, educational, literary, or scientific goals. This includes organizations distributing funds to support such objectives, whether they are located within or outside Sarasota County. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting a broad range of philanthropic endeavors, reflecting a commitment to community improvement and societal benefit across various sectors. The grant program targets a diverse group of beneficiaries through its support of various program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment/animals; health; human services; international/foreign affairs; public/society benefit; and religion. The impact goals are to foster positive change and strengthen communities by funding initiatives within these critical areas. While there are no strict geographic limitations, the trust primarily focuses on supporting services and programs within Sarasota County, Florida, ensuring a localized impact while remaining open to broader reach. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program areas, emphasizing a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of programs that address identified needs within these sectors. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the average grant size, which ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, and an average total giving of $45,000 per year, indicating a commitment to funding impactful projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are to support organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its theory of change centers on providing financial resources to qualified non-profits to address pressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges. However, the foundation has specific limitations, generally not funding endowments, travel, research, annual giving campaigns, completed projects, debt reduction, deficit financing, operating/program expenses, marketing materials and advertising, or conferences, workshops, and seminars. This focused approach ensures that funding is directed towards specific, high-impact initiatives that align with the foundation's core objectives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community programs in the West Region to support initiatives in conservation, K-12 STEM education, and military and veterans services, benefiting youth and underserved populations.

This funding opportunity supports Oklahoma-based nonprofit organizations, public entities, tribal nations, and educational institutions in developing infrastructure projects that promote physical activity and nutrition in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to farmers and ranchers in the Southern U.S. for small-scale research projects that promote sustainable agricultural practices and address production and marketing challenges.

This grant provides $10,000 to nonprofit organizations in Southern Arizona for projects that enhance K-12 STEM education, promote conservation and sustainability, or address food and housing insecurity.

The Greater Jefferson County Foundation is offering grant opportunities to local non-profit organizations for capital improvements and operational expenses. The grant application period begins on May 1st and ends on June 1st at 4:00 PM CDT. Applications can be submitted online through the Foundation's website or by downloading a PDF version of the application. Non-profit organizations must provide a copy of their latest completed Federal IRS Tax-exempt status letter, financial statements, project budget sheet, and other required documentation. Grant applications will be reviewed based on specific criteria related to children, youth & families, community betterment, health & human services, education, the environment, and arts & culture. The Foundation does not fund past projects, debt reduction, individual applicants, fundraisers, political causes, religious purposes (excluding nonreligious purposes for religious organizations), equipment unless essential for the program, ongoing expenses such as wages, endowments, or tax-supported entities. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation office to confirm receipt of their application. Grant recipients will be required to sign a Grant Agreement Contract before disbursement of funds and must provide proof of purchase for the designated purpose within six months of grant distribution. It is important to note that incomplete applications or materials received after the deadline will not be eligible for funding in the current grant cycle.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

This grant provides funding for research organizations, universities, and other entities to develop advanced imaging technologies for detecting harmful microbes and chemicals in various water sources.

The Pratt-Stanton Manor Funds, supported by the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), aim to empower older adults to lead dignified, meaningful, and independent lives. This grant program aligns with GNOF's mission to invest in the well-being of the community, particularly in addressing critical social issues such as the increasing number of older adults living below the poverty line and declining funding for senior services. The program recognizes the importance of both reversing this trend and actively supporting the independent living and dignity of older individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are older adults, especially those living below the region's median income level and the most frail and dysfunctional older adults who are striving to live independently. The impact goals are to provide essential services and supports, promote economic security, and improve the general quality of life for this vulnerable population. Pratt-Stanton Manor's legacy of providing high-quality services and fostering a happy and healthy environment for residents serves as a guiding principle for the types of initiatives the GNOF seeks to support. The grant program prioritizes organizations working in three key areas: serving older adults, particularly those with lower incomes; assisting the most frail and dysfunctional older adults living independently; and addressing fundamental needs such as food, housing, long-term care, daily living activities, overall quality of life, and delaying disability onset. Specific guidelines include support for informal caregiver support, services to prevent or delay hospitalization, and initiatives promoting economic security for older adults. Capital needs are also considered, focusing on housing rehabilitation and repair, and capital support for residential care and community-based facilities that offer a friendly, home-like setting. Expected outcomes include improved independent living for older adults, enhanced access to basic needs and support services, greater economic security, and a delay in the onset of disability. The GNOF's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to supporting organizations that directly impact the lives of older adults, fostering an environment where they can thrive, and addressing systemic issues through targeted funding. By focusing on these areas, the GNOF aims to create measurable positive changes in the lives of older adults in the Greater New Orleans region, continuing the work of Pratt-Stanton Manor in promoting dignity and independence.

The Wispact Inc. Foundation offers charitable grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by supporting organizations that provide critical services. The foundation's strategic priority is to address a range of needs that improve daily living conditions and foster greater independence and inclusion for this population across all counties in Wisconsin. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Wisconsin. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by funding programs that provide safe living environments, increase accessibility, offer essential assistive devices, and promote inclusive educational and recreational opportunities. The ultimate goal is to improve day-to-day living conditions, enhance accessibility, provide necessary support, and foster personal fulfillment and edification for people with disabilities. The Wispact Foundation's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined, including housing programs designed to improve living conditions and accessibility, provision of assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and shower chairs, and inclusive education/recreation programs like workshops, summer camps, and art classes, along with educational equipment. The foundation also prioritizes the expansion of current services and transportation solutions, recognizing these as critical components for independent living and community integration. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, increased access to assistive devices that aid in daily tasks, and greater participation in educational and recreational activities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served by housing improvements, assistive device provisions, and participation in educational and recreational programs, as well as the expansion of existing services and improved transportation access. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, they can create tangible, positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities, leading to greater independence, dignity, and community engagement. The Wispact Foundation strictly outlines eligibility criteria and restrictions to ensure that grants effectively serve their intended purpose. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits in good standing, and all grant funds must exclusively benefit individuals with disabilities. The foundation does not support capital campaigns, general operating expenses unrelated to the grant purpose, retroactive funding, basic research, staff development activities, or projects that already have existing funding, thereby ensuring that resources are directed towards specific, impactful initiatives.

The Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA) is offering its FY2025 African Community Grant to qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the African community in the District of Columbia. This grant aims to support initiatives that contribute to the District's strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, safe, and educated community. The program's mission is directly aligned with strengthening the African community by supporting organizations that provide direct services and address key areas of need within the District. The grant targets the African community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are broadly focused on improving the quality of life for this community. This includes contributing to a "Downtown Comeback" by reimagining vibrant centers of activity, enhancing "Public Safety" by reducing all forms of violence and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development, and improving "Education" by ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through academic and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. For the Downtown Comeback, the focus is on creating spaces where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, positioning DC as a global and forward-thinking leader. For Public Safety, the emphasis is on creating lasting change, reducing violence, and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development. In Education, the priorities are fundamental skills like reading and math, as well as recreational activities such as sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, are implied through the funding areas. For example, in Public Safety, the expected outcome is a reduction in violence and improved quality of life through various investments. In Education, the goal is for children to reach their full potential, suggesting improved academic outcomes and increased participation in enriching activities. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by investing in CBOs providing direct services in these critical areas, the overall well-being and strength of the African community in the District of Columbia will be enhanced, contributing to a more equitable and thriving city for all.