Private Natural Resources Grants

Through the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) launched a nationwide initiative to not only enhance evidence-based culturally rigorous chronic disease prevention programs but also to enhance public health infrastructure among urban Indian organizations. This initiative aligns with UIHI's mission to serve urban Indian communities by promoting health and preventing chronic diseases through culturally appropriate approaches. The grant program, called Sweetgrass funds, focuses on Indigenous approaches to preventing chronic diseases. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) as defined by the Indian Health Service (Title V programs), members of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC), and not-for-profit urban Indian organizations whose leadership and board are majority urban Indian, and whose mission is to provide public health services to urban Indians. The impact goals are to address and prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, commercial tobacco use, Type 2 Diabetes, and heart disease and stroke within these communities. The program encourages the use of AI/AN traditional, cultural, and regional knowledge in developing and implementing chronic disease education, prevention, and management initiatives. The program prioritizes expanding previous projects related to obesity prevention, commercial tobacco use prevention and cessation promotion, Type 2 Diabetes prevention, and heart disease and stroke prevention. Specific approaches include using cultural or regional adaptations of chronic disease prevention education program components, reclaiming traditional knowledge of nutrition and first foods, promoting access to physical activity and lifestyle modifications, engaging Native youth and elders, addressing perceptions and beliefs, promoting traditional values, and emphasizing community-driven planning for chronic disease prevention and control, such as community needs assessments. Expected outcomes include enhanced evidence-based and culturally rigorous chronic disease prevention programs, improved public health infrastructure among urban Indian organizations, and a reduction in the prevalence of chronic diseases within urban Indian communities. Applicants are required to participate in performance measurement, evaluation activities, and a chronic disease community of practice, which includes annual webinar-based trainings and optional technical assistance services, all coordinated by UIHI. This structured approach ensures measurable results and continuous improvement in addressing chronic diseases with a broad reach across the United States.

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.

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.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that help communities and ecosystems adapt to and recover from extreme weather events and natural hazards.

This fellowship provides funding and support for mid-career journalists to produce impactful stories on public health issues, enhancing the quality of health journalism in the U.S.

The Rose Community Foundation is offering a grant opportunity to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, or those advancing statewide policy efforts benefiting this area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement by supporting organizations engaged in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. The foundation seeks to fund a diverse array of organizations with varying approaches, perspectives, and populations served, working at local or state levels, and pursuing both short-term and long-term policy objectives. The grant program targets a diverse ecosystem of organizations in Greater Denver that leverage policy and advocacy to create conditions for equity for communities furthest from opportunity. The funding aims to achieve impact goals related to advancing equity and justice through strategic policy changes. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the foundation's emphasis on policy and advocacy work implies an expectation of policy changes, improved systemic equity, and increased engagement of underserved populations as outcomes. Organizations receiving program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, indicating a focus on demonstrable advocacy efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities revolve around supporting policy efforts across a range of issues, ensuring a broad spectrum of approaches and populations are represented. The theory of change appears to be that by funding diverse organizations engaged in policy and advocacy, they can drive systemic changes that lead to greater equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement for local communities. This is evident in their support for general operating expenses to maximize flexibility for policy and advocacy work, as well as program-specific funding for organizations where advocacy is not their primary focus. Funding amounts typically range from $15,000 to $75,000, with most grant durations being one year. Eligibility extends to 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s or fiscally sponsored projects, provided they serve the seven-county Greater Denver region or advance statewide policy efforts benefiting this area. Local, municipal, state, and federal government agencies are not eligible. The foundation also outlines specific conditions for organizations that have received prior funding or have active multi-year grants, encouraging consultation with their grantmaking team for eligibility clarification. This structured approach aims to maximize the grant's impact within their strategic framework.

This grant provides financial support to citrus growers in select California counties to implement sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship, with a focus on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers, women, and veterans.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and its watershed through initiatives like pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and public education.

The OCCF Community Investment Grant Program is accepting applications throughout the year, with no specific due dates or deadlines. The grants aim to provide broad and diverse funding to support a strong and vibrant Owen County community. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations, schools, churches, and governmental agencies in or serving Owen County. If an organization does not meet the criteria but their project aligns with OCCF's charitable goals, they may be able to partner with a fiscal sponsor. The grant awards range from $1,001 to $5,000, with the option for organizations to crowdfund up to $10,000 or leverage OCCF's dollars through a matching campaign. The application deadlines for the Grants Committee review in 2024 are May 31st and September 30th. The funding categories include improving access to information on local issues and events, parks, trails, recreational programs, high-quality childcare and early childhood education. Additionally, requests for initiatives related to community wellness, culture, economic development, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, broadband access, historic & archaeological resources, hazard mitigation, innovation & entrepreneurship, and quality of place will be considered. Organizations that have previously received grants must submit a final report before applying again. For more information and to access the application form: [Link](https://www.grantinterface.com/Form/Preview?form=1113651&urlkey=occf)

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2024 micro grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to working artists in Waukegan for the production of their art. This program aligns with the WAC's mission to support the local arts community by directly investing in the creative endeavors of individual artists. The grant aims to empower artists by helping them overcome financial barriers to their artistic development and output. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Waukegan artists who are actively engaged in their chosen medium and can demonstrate a need for funds. The program targets artists with a "Waukegan connection," ensuring that the support directly benefits the local community. The impact goal is to foster artistic production, enhance the cultural vibrancy of Waukegan, and provide tangible support to artists, ultimately strengthening the local arts ecosystem. The WAC micro grant program prioritizes funding for specific needs, including the purchase of supplies or equipment, securing a venue for artistic expression, or attending classes and obtaining necessary resources to engage in their art form. Grants are capped at $500 per artist, with a total funding pool of $2500 for the program, indicating a focus on numerous smaller, impactful awards rather than a few large ones. Notably, the grant explicitly excludes funding for salaries or benefits, emphasizing its role in supporting direct artistic production costs. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of art projects and works produced by Waukegan artists. Measurable results would be the successful utilization of grant funds for the stated purposes, such as new equipment purchased, venues secured, or classes attended. Applicants are required to describe how the grant funds will be used and how they will benefit the Waukegan community, which serves as a mechanism for accountability and alignment with the program's objectives. While not explicitly detailed as a "strategic priority" or "theory of change" in the provided text, the WAC's approach implicitly suggests a belief that direct financial support to artists at the micro-level will lead to a more active and vibrant arts scene in Waukegan. By removing financial hurdles for supplies, venues, and education, the program aims to unleash artistic potential and enrich the cultural landscape for the entire community. The focus on local artists with a Waukegan connection underpins a strategy to build local capacity and engagement within the arts.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers additional Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program categories to conserve natural areas, critical habitat, riparian corridors, and urban wildlife habitat, and to restore and enhance state lands. The program aims to secure habitat before it is lost and to support restoration where needed. Funding parameters vary by category. Riparian Protection requires a minimum request of 25,000 dollars with no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement requires a minimum of 25,000 dollars and allows up to 1,000,000 dollars for a single site and 500,000 dollars for multi site projects. Urban Wildlife Habitat, Critical Habitat, and Natural Areas follow category rules as published. Eligible work includes land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and associated incidental costs, development of low impact facilities such as paths, viewing shelters, restrooms, and interpretive elements, and restoration activities such as ecological restoration, shoreline work, fish passage improvements, and native plantings. Some categories allow habitat creation and site stewardship planning. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit nature conservancies, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies, as defined per category. Projects are expected to deliver durable conservation outcomes and public benefit consistent with category requirements. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Judith Ann Mogan Foundation (JAMF) is offering its 2024 Grant Cycle, featuring two distinct grant programs: a Small Grant Program for requests of $25,000 or less, and a Large Grant Program for requests exceeding $25,000. JAMF's mission is to award grants to qualified organizations in Oregon that implement programs and projects benefiting communities in specific service areas. These service areas include Coastal Douglas County, Coos County, and Curry County, indicating a clear focus on supporting the well-being and development of these particular regions within Oregon. The foundation's overall strategy is rooted in fostering community health, economic development, and cultural enrichment within these designated geographic zones. JAMF primarily targets organizations serving communities within Coastal Douglas County, Coos County, and Curry County in Oregon. The grants are intended to create positive impacts by addressing critical needs within these areas, aligning with the foundation's goal of community betterment. While specific impact goals and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative outcomes, the focus on various priority areas suggests a desire for broad community improvement. The foundation implicitly aims to improve the quality of life, strengthen local economies, and enhance access to resources for residents in these regions. The foundation's priority areas underscore its strategic focus and theory of change. These areas include Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community Health, Convening & Gathering Places, Economic Development, Environment & Natural Resources, and Poverty Alleviation. This multi-faceted approach suggests a theory of change where addressing a range of interconnected social, economic, and environmental factors will lead to holistic community development and resilience. By investing in these diverse areas, JAMF seeks to create a robust and supportive environment for the communities it serves, fostering long-term positive change rather than short-term fixes. Eligible organizations for JAMF grants must be Oregon-based and fall into categories such as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, publicly supported organizations, governmental units (City, County, Tribal), schools, hospitals, or organizations with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Conversely, the foundation does not support requests related to endowments, individual requests, scholarships, political campaigns, legislative activities, promotion of any religious doctrine, or financing/lending. This clear delineation of eligibility and ineligibility criteria ensures that grants are directed towards initiatives that align with JAMF's strategic priorities and avoid activities that fall outside its philanthropic scope, thereby maximizing the intended impact of its funding.

This grant provides funding for habitat restoration and conservation projects in the Klamath River Basin, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitats, and promote sustainable land management practices.

This funding opportunity supports Tribal and Native-controlled initiatives that promote self-determination in food systems, focusing on community empowerment, cultural heritage, and intergenerational knowledge.

This grant provides financial support to professional journalists, including freelancers, for in-depth reporting on environmental and natural resource issues in North America.

The Evansville Endowment Fund is accepting Letters of Inquiry for capital projects specifically designed to serve the City of Evansville. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support the community through the development of permanent facilities, promotion of arts and culture, enhancement of recreational activities, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development. The fund prioritizes tax-exempt organizations under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that their activities contribute to the specified community upliftment criteria. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are residents within the city limits of Evansville, Indiana, with a particular focus on the 4th and 6th wards, which will receive at least sixty percent of the distributed funding. The impact goals include improving community infrastructure, fostering cultural engagement, expanding recreational opportunities, revitalizing blighted areas for housing, and stimulating local economic growth. The fund aims to support projects that directly address these needs, leading to tangible improvements in the quality of life for Evansville residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across five key areas. These include supporting social and community-based organizations in acquiring, constructing, or renovating facilities; promoting arts and cultural activities through facility development; enhancing public recreational facilities; undertaking neighborhood revitalization efforts such as property acquisition, rehabilitation, and housing development for low to moderate-income persons; and contributing to economic development projects that augment existing municipal loan programs. Requests of at least $1,000 are preferred, indicating a focus on substantive capital improvements. Expected outcomes include the creation or renovation of vital community assets like museums, parks, and affordable housing. Measurable results could include the number of new or improved facilities, increased participation in cultural and recreational activities, reduction of blighted properties, and the development of new housing units. The Evansville Endowment Fund's strategic priorities are centered on long-term community development and sustainability, operating under a theory of change that investments in physical infrastructure and community programs will lead to a more vibrant, equitable, and economically robust Evansville.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in specific Pennsylvania counties to develop workforce skills and enhance economic development initiatives.

The Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC) is offering grants for small projects that improve or affect publicly accessible trails within the Deschutes National Forest and other trail networks in Deschutes County, Oregon. This initiative aligns with the DTC's mission to enhance and maintain local trail systems, promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The program targets projects that contribute to the accessibility, safety, and overall quality of trails for the benefit of all users. The grant program prioritizes various project types. "On-The-Ground Projects" focus on physical trail improvements such as new trail construction, infrastructure (e.g., bridges, culverts, signage), and essential maintenance (trail and road maintenance, trailhead improvements). "Capacity Enhancement Projects" aim to strengthen local organizations through tool purchases, training and education, and internships. Lastly, "Public Education and Outreach Projects" seek to inform the public about trail use and conservation, including public service announcements, video creation, brochures, programs, workshops, and other educational events. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, and all community members who utilize publicly accessible trails in Deschutes County. The impact goals are to create safer, more accessible, and well-maintained trail networks, foster a more informed and engaged trail-user community, and build the capacity of organizations dedicated to trail work. The program also aims to support the overall health and enjoyment of natural spaces within the region. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the number of improved trail miles, enhanced trail infrastructure, and a more knowledgeable public regarding trail etiquette and environmental responsibility. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of new trails constructed, maintenance projects completed, educational events held, and the number of people reached through outreach efforts. Projects are expected to be completed within 24 months of the grant award, with extensions available if necessary. The DTC's strategic priority is to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of the Deschutes County trail system. Their theory of change suggests that by investing in tangible trail projects, organizational capacity building, and public education, they can foster a community that values, utilizes, and actively participates in the maintenance and preservation of its natural recreational assets. This program is a direct reflection of that strategy, empowering local efforts to achieve broader community and environmental benefits. Eligibility for this grant is open to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations with a trails-related mission, Federal Land Management Agencies, and private companies that are formal partners of one or more 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. The program will award up to $35,000 for multiple small projects, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, underscoring a commitment to supporting diverse and impactful initiatives across the county.