Private Environment Grants

The Greenwall Foundation's "Making a Difference in Real-World Bioethics Dilemmas" grant program aims to support research that resolves important emerging or unanswered bioethics problems within clinical, biomedical, or public health decision-making, policy, or practice. This program is directly aligned with the Foundation's vision to make bioethics integral to decisions in health care, policy, and research, and its mission to expand bioethics knowledge for improved decision-making and practice. The Foundation makes awards to individuals affiliated with tax-exempt institutions in the United States. The program targets researchers and institutions whose projects can demonstrate a real-world, practical impact, particularly those that address identified bioethics dilemmas. The ultimate impact goal is to improve health care, policy, and research by integrating ethical considerations more effectively. The Foundation prioritizes proposals that promote its vision and mission through innovative bioethics research. Projects that aim to influence public policy are welcome, provided they do not constitute advocacy with predetermined conclusions. The Foundation has several priority topics, including trust in science, medicine, and public health; bias and discrimination in health care across various characteristics; public health crises such as emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and the opioid epidemic, including their mental health impacts; and healthcare access, costs, and resource allocation. While these topics are prioritized, innovative proposals addressing other real-world, practical bioethics problems are also encouraged. Expected outcomes for funded projects include the generation of new bioethics knowledge that can inform and improve decision-making, policy, or practice. The Foundation expects projects to demonstrate a clear plan for dissemination and implementation to stakeholder audiences beyond academia, including key individuals capable of enacting change. Projects are evaluated on their innovative nature, rigorous methods, likelihood of impacting policy or practice, and the expertise of the research team. Mentored projects for early-career faculty and pilot/feasibility studies are also considered with the goal of securing further funding. Priority is given to projects with smaller budgets and shorter timelines.

This program provides free support and funding for U.S.-based startups in the BlueTech sector focused on developing ocean data technologies that promote ocean health and resilience.

The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) offers Community Benefits Grants (CBG) to support organizations that are advancing clean energy, fostering green jobs, promoting environmental education and stewardship, and championing energy equity and diversity within the communities served by CPA. This grant program directly aligns with CPA's mission to drive sustainability and resiliency through various pathways, reflecting their strategic priority to invest in community-level initiatives that complement their core energy services. The CBG program targets several key beneficiaries, particularly focusing on environmental and social justice communities. These include areas predominantly inhabited by communities of color or low-income populations, those underrepresented in policy and decision-making processes, and communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Specifically, targeted communities include disadvantaged communities (based on CalEnviroScreen scores), all Tribal lands, and low-income households or census tracts. The impact goals are to alleviate environmental burdens, promote equitable access to clean energy benefits, and empower these communities through education and workforce development. The program prioritizes projects and organizations that advance clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through specific focus areas: Research, Environmental and Social Justice Communities, Workforce Development, and Education. These priorities are designed to address systemic inequalities and foster a just transition to a clean energy economy. The expected outcomes include increased community engagement in clean energy initiatives, the development of a skilled green workforce, improved environmental literacy, and a reduction in environmental disparities in historically underserved areas. Awards for this grant range from $15,000 to $30,000, with a grant duration of one year. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations operating within the CPA service territory, which encompasses numerous cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. While previous grant recipients can apply for the 2024-2025 cycle, they are ineligible to receive funds for more than two consecutive years. This structure aims to ensure a broad reach of funding and sustainable impact across the service areas.

This grant provides funding for Santa Fe County artists to create projects that engage the public and demonstrate how art can address various challenges, with a focus on community involvement and creativity.

The Capital Region Community Foundation's Impact Grants are designed to foster long-term organizational or programmatic growth, enhance outreach to underserved communities, and facilitate collaborative efforts among nonprofits for sustainable community change. The foundation's mission aligns with these grants by providing charitable funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities for projects predominantly benefiting residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. The grants prioritize initiatives that create significant, lasting change rather than supporting ongoing operational costs. Target beneficiaries for these grants are residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan, particularly those in underserved populations. The primary impact goals include increasing the long-term effectiveness of organizations or programs and expanding access and impact to new, high-need populations. Additionally, the grants aim to enable two or more nonprofits to work together to address critical community issues, promoting transformative and sustainable change through collaborative solutions. The program prioritizes projects that significantly increase long-term impact, rather than funding routine expenses. For example, while food for a pantry would not be funded, equipment that enables the pantry to offer healthier options to clients, thereby impacting health, would be considered. Another focus is on significantly increasing an organization's ability to reach underserved populations, distinguishing this from merely serving more people. The grants support expanding successful programs to new, high-need populations. A key strategic priority is fostering collaboration, welcoming applications where multiple organizations partner to implement solutions for critical community issues. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational capacity, improved reach to marginalized communities, and successful implementation of collaborative, community-driven solutions. Measurable results would likely stem from the specific impacts of these projects, such as the adoption of healthier options in food pantries due to new equipment, the expansion of programs to previously underserved demographics, or the successful execution of joint initiatives by multiple nonprofits leading to tangible community improvements. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in projects with long-term, impactful, and collaborative approaches, they can drive significant and sustainable positive change within the Capital Region.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), seeks to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. This grant program, with approximately $12 million available in 2024, aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to test innovative conservation approaches, deliver transformative projects, and engage communities that value and protect the Sound. Major funding is provided by EPA through the LISS, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation, demonstrating a collaborative strategic approach to environmental conservation. The LISFF targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local and municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on improving water quality, enhancing and restoring coastal habitats, and fostering sustainable and resilient communities around the Long Island Sound. The program’s strategic priorities are guided by the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP), which emphasizes three core themes: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, and Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Cross-cutting principles of resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice are also integral to the program's theory of change. Under the "Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds" theme, the program prioritizes reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading. This includes funding for "shovel-ready" projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly those addressing water quality at a larger scale. Planning activities, such as community engagement, feasibility studies, site assessments, conceptual design, and final design and permitting, are also supported. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) are specifically focused on quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient prevention with a documented benefit to Long Island Sound. The "Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife" theme focuses on enhancing or restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function, supporting fish, bird, and wildlife populations, and sustaining the Sound's ecological balance. This involves implementing "shovel-ready" habitat restoration and nature-based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects, as well as planning activities for such projects. The program also aims to foster diverse, balanced, and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife, encouraging proposals that consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines. The "Sustainable and Resilient Communities" theme supports vibrant, informed, and engaged communities through projects that offer hands-on conservation experiences. Expected outcomes include quantifiable pollutant reductions, enhanced and restored coastal habitats, increased resilience to climate change, and more engaged communities actively participating in the Sound's protection and sustainability. For water quality projects, measurable results will include quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly nitrogen/nutrient reductions. For habitat projects, long-term maintenance plans and ecological improvements are expected. The LISFF's strategic framework, rooted in the CCMP, aims to accelerate local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, environmental justice, and community outreach, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive, and resilient Long Island Sound for both people and wildlife.

This grant provides funding to support the development of prefabricated, all-electric Accessory Dwelling Units in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, helping property owners address housing shortages while promoting clean energy practices.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

In Tier 3, CHEJ's Small Grants Program targets large grassroots organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Offering grants between $10,000 and $20,000, this tier supports substantial projects that tackle environmental health issues through strategic, impactful actions. Eligible projects are those that enable significant local, state, or regional impact, focusing on building capacity, leadership, and educational outreach within communities affected by environmental toxins. This funding tier is suited for larger organizations that play a pivotal role in their communities and are looking to expand or enhance their ongoing efforts.

This program provides hydration stations to community organizations and educational institutions in Illinois to promote access to safe drinking water and encourage sustainable hydration practices.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Genesee County, Michigan, to enhance community engagement and cultural initiatives through various arts programs.

The William Penn Foundation is offering Climate, Environmental Justice, and Infrastructure Grants to help the Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties) secure federal funding for initiatives in these areas. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission by focusing on critical environmental and social issues within its geographic scope, leveraging external funding opportunities to maximize impact. The Foundation has allocated up to $3.5 million for this Request for Proposals (RFP), with individual organizations eligible to receive a maximum of $1,000,000 over a two-year grant duration. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the communities and residents of the Philadelphia region, particularly those who will benefit from advancements in climate resilience, environmental justice, and infrastructure development. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the region's ability to access and utilize available federal funding, thereby leading to tangible improvements in these critical sectors. The Foundation aims to empower local organizations to pursue projects that might otherwise lack the necessary financial backing, fostering long-term positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities for this grant are clearly focused on efforts to access federal funding for climate, environmental justice, and infrastructure. There are few limitations on project designs or the applicants' approach to securing such funding, encouraging innovative and diverse strategies. Proposals can focus on project development, technical or legal assistance, communications, or other methods to advance the objective, whether on a regionwide or more localized scale. This flexible approach allows for a broad range of initiatives to be supported, from initial planning to implementation support. Expected outcomes include an increase in successful applications for federal funding, a greater number of projects addressing climate change, environmental injustices, and infrastructure needs, and ultimately, an enhanced quality of life for residents in the designated counties. While the specific measurable results will depend on the individual projects funded, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in the capacity of organizations to secure federal funding, it can catalyze a larger volume of impactful work in its priority areas, amplifying its philanthropic reach and fostering sustainable progress.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This program provides financial support to property owners and businesses in downtown Bishop to improve building aesthetics, restore historic features, and stimulate economic growth through private investments.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local, state, Tribal, or municipal governments to implement projects that improve fish and wildlife habitats, water quality, and community engagement in the Great Lakes region.

The Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation (IWCF) invites applications for its 2024–2025 Grants Cycle to support projects that address critical needs in Southwestern Idaho. Eligible organizations include nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities, educational institutions, government agencies, and tax-exempt religious organizations serving the counties of Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington. Proposals should present creative solutions to community challenges, with plans for sustainability beyond IWCF funding. Funds may be distributed over one or two years but are expected to be used within the year they are received. For this cycle, IWCF will consider proposals in six interest areas. These include Cultural Arts, supporting visual and performing arts and humanities for underserved populations; Education, targeting learning opportunities for all ages, such as early childhood programs and literacy initiatives; Environment, focusing on conservation, reclamation, and environmental education; Financial Stability, addressing poverty, homelessness, and job training; Health, which includes health care, substance abuse, and wellness programs; and Rural Communities, assisting towns with populations under 30,000 or rural-focused programs provided by urban-based organizations. Applicants must select one area when applying. Funding requests may range from $20,000 to $30,000. IWCF will not fund organizations with annual revenues under $50,000, general operating costs unrelated to the specific grant request, ongoing program costs not tied to expansions or new initiatives, or activities such as lobbying, scholarships, or endowment contributions. Applications currently receiving IWCF funding must wait 12 months after submitting their End-of-Grant report to apply again. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The grant timeline begins with the application opening on October 2, 2024, followed by a Virtual Nonprofit Education and Q&A Session on November 4, 2024. Applications are due by January 7, 2025. The grants committee will review applications and conduct site visits between January and March 2025. Organizations will be notified of funding decisions in April, with grants awarded in May 2025. Applicants are encouraged to prepare proposals carefully, aligning them with IWCF’s funding priorities and demonstrating measurable outcomes and clear sustainability plans. For more details, organizations can participate in the virtual Q&A session and access additional resources provided by IWCF.

This funding opportunity supports South Carolina organizations focused on anti-litter initiatives, encouraging collaboration and community involvement to reduce litter and promote environmental stewardship.

This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) in Maine, aims to support entrepreneurs in establishing new child care facilities or expanding existing ones. This grant provides funding to help new child care businesses cover up to 50% of their start-up costs, with a total award ceiling of $80,000, and a general grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. CEI's mission, though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, can be inferred as supporting economic development and community well-being through strategic investments, particularly in vital services like child care. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and organizations (sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers) interested in starting or expanding child care facilities outside of a home environment. The impact goals are to increase access to quality child care, particularly in specific counties of Maine, and to foster business growth in this essential sector. By providing start-up capital, the program seeks to alleviate financial barriers for new and expanding child care providers, thereby strengthening the child care infrastructure. Priority is given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, indicating a strategic focus on underserved or high-need areas within the state. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving income-eligible families (those receiving subsidies), and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities align with broader goals of supporting vulnerable populations and improving the nutritional well-being of children. The grant funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including purchasing, renting, or renovating buildings for child care, constructing new facilities, acquiring educational materials, indoor furniture, outdoor learning environments, playground equipment, and health and safety supplies. Importantly, funds can also cover working capital for the first month, including pre-opening payroll and initial food costs. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of high-quality child care slots, particularly for infants, toddlers, and income-eligible families, in the designated priority counties. This initiative directly supports community development by addressing critical social and economic needs related to child care accessibility and quality.