Private Natural Resources Grants

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in Texas, particularly in Dallas County, for initiatives in education, health, human services, and scientific research aimed at improving community well-being.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority has launched the 2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grants. Donor Name: Miami Downtown Development Authority State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program is designed to support projects/events in FY2024-2025 that take place in Downtown Miami. The DCCG program will include innovative projects/events that should have a demonstrable economic impact in Downtown Miami while also strengthening its appeal as a global destination.  Funding Priorities Outdoor Venue – activating public spaces, green spaces, and unique open-air venues, for example, a rooftop, Miami Worldcenter, or city park that promotes Downtown Miami’s outdoor options. Community Building Opportunities – events/programs that promote and connect the Downtown community and attracts tourism.  Family Programming – events/activations that promote and provide programming suitable for the entire family to enjoy at an affordable ticket price point. Content that features the communities, history &/or natural resources in Miami-Dade is encouraged.  Programming Featuring Miami as a Global City – promotes Downtown Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub. Cultural and Historic Education – featuring Downtown’s historic story &/or buildings. Content highlights Downtown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community Public Transportation Awareness – build ridership and awareness of Downtown Miami’s multimodal transportation options through the event location and/or event marketing of Downtown’s diverse transportation options. Free or Discounted Projects/Events – Cost of admission/affordability is considered for grant funding. Free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students will receive funding priority. This must be clearly and visibly stated in marketing and promotional material when applicable.  Funding Information  Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00. The project/event’s activation must take place during the grant fiscal year (Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025).  Eligibility Criteria  The Miami DDA values organizations producing and implementing multiple activations Downtown. For an application to be considered, it must meet the following requirements:   The applicant must have a reputation of professional and personal excellence and conduct. *All felonies &/or misdemeanors must be disclosed on the application. The applicant must submit documentation of having produced the activation in the past or a similar program. If this is the applicant’s first public activation, a comprehensive and detailed business plan needs to be submitted.  The applicant must provide a confirmation letter or a letter of intent from the event venue confirming dates and times for the activation. Timelines for the activation must include all stages of the project/event including pre-marketing, live event, and wrap-up/post-event.  If the project/event requires permitting from the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, or approval from Bayfront Park, you are required to provide a copy of either the submitted permit application or an approved permit with your application. The applicant organization must be an active corporation in good standing as a “for profit” or “not-for-profit.” Visit Sunbiz to check your business status. The applicant must provide proof of funding commitments from other sources. The Miami DDA’s DCCG cannot be the only funding source for your project/event.  For more information, visit Miami DDA.

Research grants support studies that address critical gaps in our understanding of natural history and contribute to the conservation and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems and healthy habitats. FAO seeks to fund projects that advance scientific knowledge and practical solutions for environmental challenges in the region, particularly those impacting aquatic biodiversity, water quality, and healthy habitats. Eligible projects include aquatic biodiversity assessments, water quality monitoring and analysis, development and application of innovative technologies and methodologies, collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors, and habitat restoration and conservation efforts. FAO prioritizes projects that can result in scalable change and impact multiple counties. The maximum funding request per project is $25,000, with a total of at least $75,000 available to award. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship within the Muskingum Watershed and Appalachian Ohio regions. Applications must be submitted online, and supporting documents emailed to FAO by August 2, 2024. Grant decisions will be announced by September 30, 2024.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to undertake projects that conserve, preserve, or restore the environment in specific regions of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The Rose Community Foundation is pleased to announce the funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The foundation seeks to fund a diverse slate of organizations engaging in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. Applicants may work at the state level, the local level or both and may pursue short- or long-term policy objectives. They aim to support policy efforts across a range of issues, representing a broad spectrum of approaches, perspectives, and populations served.  This grant cycle is intended to support Greater Denver’s diverse and dynamic ecosystem of organizations that leverage policy and advocacy efforts to help local communities furthest from opportunity create conditions for equity, justice, inclusion and engagement. Types of support  General Operating Support. To provide maximum flexibility for nonprofit organizations engaging in policy and advocacy work, They anticipate that most grants will be for general operating support.  Program or Project Support. Organizations that have a primary organizational focus that does not include policy and advocacy should apply for policy-specific program funding. Non-policy work will not be considered through this grant opportunity.  Organizations that do national or multi-state work should apply for program funding and specify that grant dollars would be used exclusively for local activities or statewide efforts that benefit our region.  Organizations applying on behalf of a coalition are required to apply for program funding.  501(c)(4) organizations are required to apply for program funding to distinguish from candidate or partisan work, which the Foundation cannot fund.  Any grant applicants may opt to have funding structured as program support if that is preferred.  Please note: Organizations that receive program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, as applicable. Funding Information  Funding amounts will typically range from $15,000 to $75,000. Grant Duration  Most grant lengths will be one year. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations – 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s – or fiscally sponsored projects serving the seven-county Greater Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties) or advancing statewide policy efforts that benefit those within that catchment area.  Local/municipal, state and federal government agencies are not eligible for this opportunity.  Organizations funded through donor-advised funds or giving circles at Rose Community Foundation are eligible for this opportunity, if other eligibility requirements are met.  Organizations that house endowments at Rose Community Foundation are eligible to apply, but like all other applicants, are not guaranteed a grant award.  Organizations that have received a separate grant from Rose Community Foundation in 2024 are unlikely to receive funding via this opportunity. They encourage organizations that think they may still be eligible to meet with Ray Barrie-Kivel, policy and advocacy manager, before beginning their application.  Organizations that have active multi-year grants from Rose Community Foundation are not eligible for this opportunity.  Rose Community Foundation has multiple open RFPs every year, and They encourage organizations that think they could be a fit for more than one opportunity to speak with a member of our grantmaking team before beginning their application. For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is excited to announce the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants. Donor Name: Connecticut Land Conservation Council State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose of the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program is to increase the number of acres in Connecticut that are managed using climate smart land stewardship practices and encourage the future use of climate smart practices among Connecticut’s land trusts. Climate smart land stewardship practices are a collection of strategies and practices that increase the ability of land to sequester and store carbon, provide additional ecosystem services, withstand disturbances and adapt to changing conditions. Examples of projects that may be funded through the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program include, but are not limited to: Developing plans for climate smart land stewardship projects, including forest management plans; Establishing pollinator habitat, including pollinator gardens and meadows; Managing invasive species, followed by native tree and shrub planting; Managing forests to improve wildlife habitat, create structural diversity, and facilitate oak regeneration; Establishing wildlife corridors to provide habitat continuity; Increasing riparian forest buffers; Implementing agricultural practices that improve water quality and/or soil health. Funding Information Funding is available for two types of grants: Planning Grants – Maximum award $8,000 Implementation Grants – Maximum award $50,000 Project Period Planning Grants must be completed within 12 months. Eligibility Criteria Applicant is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicant’s mission is dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands. Applicant’s service area is located within or includes the State of Connecticut. Applicant is a current member of CLCC. For more information, visit CLCC.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to improve existing efforts to reduce mortality of whales from entanglement in fishing gear in Southern California. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA), Orange County (CA), Santa Barbara County (CA), Ventura County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The activities will provide compensatory restoration for injury to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS). Specifically, the aim of the activities is to augment an existing permitted and authorized program off the southern California coast by increasing the capacity of the entanglement response network in areas that need additional support to respond to reports of entangled cetaceans, to document and disentangle these animals, and to broadly support efforts to reduce the number of entanglements that could lead to serious injuries or mortalities. Priorities Project proposals should address as many of these program priorities as possible: Directly Enhance Entanglement Response Enhance entanglement responses that benefit cetaceans in Southern California. Types of direct response activities could include, but are not limited to: Participate in, and/or lead, entanglement responses in Southern California Participate in, and/or lead, entanglement responses beyond Southern California that benefit cetaceans in Southern California Coordinate with federal, state and local resource agencies This project will work closely with federal, state and local resource agencies to enhance coordination of the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program (Program), with a primary focus of benefitting cetaceans in Southern California.  Train and develop volunteer response capacity Efforts to train and develop volunteer response capacity throughout the West Coast have been limited. In addition, the relatively low number of high-level trained responders on the West Coast make it difficult to generate effective responses that may include detailed documentation of entanglement events, as well as disentanglement efforts.  Build capacity and infrastructure Proposals should outline how these activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the Program. Funding Information An estimated $250,000 will be available through this solicitation for a Phase 1 project award, which is anticipated to last 1–2 years.  Geographic Focus The priority geographic focus is Southern California, and – in particular for responding to entangled cetaceans – the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties Applicants do not need to be primarily based in the Southern California area if they can provide assurance that they can effectively perform entanglement response and capacity building activities in Southern California. Project proposals may include additional activities outside of the priority geographic focus if they relate to the health and protection of individual cetaceans that may occur in southern California at some point during their life. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, for-profit organizations, Tribal governments and organizations, educational institutions, international organizations. Ineligible applicants include U.S. federal government agencies, and unincorporated individuals. For more information, visit NFWF.

The St. Joe Community Foundation accepts grant applications from organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, other than religious or political affiliated organizations whose purpose for the grant is political or religious activities. Donor Name: The St. Joe Community Foundation State: Florida County: Bay County (FL), Walton County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Organizations should be based in Bay and/or Walton County or may be recognized as a County Chapter of a state or national charity serving residents of Bay or Walton County. Focus Areas  Nonprofit organizations may submit their applications under one of the four pillars of the Foundation. Supporting Cultural Arts Projects and initiatives essential to cultivating, developing, educating and improving cultural experiences in the community. Strengthening Education Projects and initiatives to improve the educational process or access to education for children/and or adults in the community. Improving Healthcare Projects and initiatives that positively impact the physical and/or mental health and wellness in the community. Protecting the Environment Projects and initiatives that protect, preserve and restore the communities’ natural resources. Funding Information Grants generally range from $1,000 to $50,000. Evaluation Criteria  The St Joe Community Foundation, Inc looks for projects in Northwest Florida with a focus, but not a limitation on Bay and Walton counties that promise long-term returns on the quality of life in the region. They look for programs that: Make Northwest Florida an even better place to call home, work toward fundamental improvements in the quality of life, include a plan for measuring success and financial accountability, are structured for sustainable impact, demonstrate a track record for success, or reasonable probability for success and economic sustainability, and leverage support in concert with others to better address the greatest challenges. The St. Joe Community Foundation typically does not fund the following: Administrative or Overhead Costs Grants to be used for Reimbursement Purposes Brick and Mortar Individual Causes For Profit Organizations Political Campaigns. For more information, visit SJCF.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

This grant provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in selected New York counties for various recreational trail projects, including construction, planning, rehabilitation, and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports municipalities in the Hudson River Valley to develop plans and projects that enhance their scenic, natural, and cultural resources while promoting regional collaboration and community development.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is seeking grant applications for its Heal Mini-Grants. Donor Name: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation State: South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The HEAL Mini-Grant is a funding opportunity designed to support healthy eating or active living projects focused on policy, systems, and environmental change in community health. The grants can serve as seed money for new projects, help progress existing ones, or provide the final push to complete ongoing initiatives. The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, awarded Wholespire a grant to promote the health of South Carolina’s economically challenged population.  Focus Areas All grant proposals must be related to healthy eating and/or active living and implement or support a policy, systems, or environmental change project. Grant Period The project ideas must be ready to be implemented and completed within 9 months of receiving funding. Types of Projects They support communities by offering them tools and resources to create opportunities for equitable access to healthy food and safe places to be active because the choices they make are influenced by the choices that they have. Examples of the types of PSE projects they fund are: Increase opportunities for community members, students, employees, or devout individuals to make healthy choices. Examples include establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at the farmers market and creating a sustainable food-gleaning station at the local recreation center. Increase opportunities for community members, students, employees, or devout individuals to engage in physical activity and spend more time outdoors. Examples include installing water bottle refill stations and improving playgrounds at school or in community parks, supporting active communities with bike racks and crosswalks in destination areas, and supporting community trails by adding signage, benches, trash cans, and extra features like a Story Walk or Born Learning Trail. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Municipalities, coalitions, or schools are also eligible to apply. If the applicant is not a 501(c)(3), they can use a fiscal agent that qualifies.  For more information, visit BBSCF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for projects that voluntarily conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Idaho, Utah County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | In-Kind Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The objective of the Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program (RMR) is to work in focal landscapes in the region to restore and conserve wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows and aquatic systems while conserving the phenomenon of large mammal migration. Competitive proposals submitted under this RFP will support voluntary strategic projects that accelerate and implement conservation practices as identified in the Rocky Mountain Rangelands Business Plan. The following practices will be given priority consideration during this funding cycle: Projects that promote innovations in grazing management that result in sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat and improved ecosystem services including increasing carbon sequestration Innovative and strategic management of annual invasive grasses Habitat enhancement through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration and strategic conifer removal on Bureau of Land Management lands that may also include cross jurisdictional ownership Promote the removal or modification of fence or other anthropogenic obstructions to increase landscape permeability for wildlife Provide ranchers and community-led organizations with technical assistance to accelerate on-the-ground delivery and implementation of conservation and improved grassland management practices Building capacity through boots-on-the-ground positions which provide technical assistance to landowners that aligns with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) priorities and increase landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs Idaho Focus: There is dedicated funding available to support two positions in Idaho to work with NRCS staff and partners engaged in the Big Game Migration Initiative to develop an approach where existing Farm Bill programs could be strategically implemented in a way that maximizes benefits to both migrating animals and the working lands that support them. Utah Focus: There is dedicated funding available in Utah to facilitate implementation of conservation practices on working lands that will benefit wildlife and habitat by restoring, enhancing and/or managing rangeland habitats. Funding is available to support positions which will increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) delivery and support technical assistance pertaining to Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) delivery on existing RCPPs in Utah. Preference will be given to projects that accelerate adoption of the most cost effective and sustainable approaches that exhibit a high likelihood of success. Projects with clear and direct benefits to sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse will be prioritized.  The Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program will award approximately $5 million. Major private funding provided by Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., with federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding Information The Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program has approximately $5 million available in funding for the 2024 RFP. NFWF anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants with a suggested minimum requested amount of $100,000. Project duration may extend one to three years. For this cycle 1:1 non-federal match is encouraged as in-kind or cash contributions Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, U.S. Federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments, educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include for-profit entities and unincorporated individuals. For more information, visit NFWF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals within the Cumberland Plateau region that will help accelerate the restoration and enhancement of critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: NFWF seeks to increase the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands in the region to benefit wildlife and improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Funding is provided by the USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria Group, Cargill and Nestlé and International Paper’s Forestland Stewards Partnership. Approximately $2.8 million is expected to be available for grants this funding cycle. Program Strategies Restoring Previously Mined Lands Increasing Adoption of Conservation Practices on Grazing Lands Increasing Adoption of Conservation Practices on Cropland Establishing, Enhancing and Maintaining Forest Habitats Restoring Instream Habitats to Support Aquatic Species Helping Landowners – Expanding and Coordinating Technical Assistance and Outreach Funding Information The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $250,000 to $750,000.  Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24-48 months. Geographic Focus Projects within the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia are eligible with preference given to projects located within the identified focal areas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to submit an application. For more information, visit NFWF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) is seeking research and development proposals to address issues related to wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management and energy resource development in Ohio. Donor Name: Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pursuant to its power to engage in research and development with respect to wastewater, water management facilities, solid waste facilities, and energy resource development facilities, OWDA has established a grant program for qualifying research and development programs. The eligible participants are Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies or Institutions of higher learning that perform research and/or development. Projects for which grants are awarded must be of such a nature that the benefits to be derived fulfill a general need in the State of Ohio that is within the scope of the powers of the Authority. Grants are subject to available funds. Priority will be given to projects that have statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications, and grantees must submit a final report. Since the development of the Research and Development Grant Program, OWDA has awarded grants in the areas of surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health. Funding Information $200,000, dependent upon available funds. Eligible Project Costs Eligible project costs include start‐up and research. Indirect/overhead costs may not exceed 35% of the grant amount. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible grantees include departments, divisions, or other units of state government, watershed districts, soil and water conversation districts, municipal corporations, counties, special water districts, including county and regional sewer and water districts, conservancy districts, sanitary districts, sewer districts, or institutions of higher learning. For more information, visit OWDA.

Applications are now being accepted for the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Natural Resources State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program provides grants to Conservation Land Trusts to Increase stewardship on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and registered Land and Water Reserves, and Increase stewardship capacity within Conservation Land Trusts. Funding for this grant program is derived from the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) and must be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the acquisition, protection, and stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act, 525 ILCS 35/14). The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program was established to make grants to conservation land trusts for the purpose of promoting stewardship actions on eligible lands. The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs on natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand their staff and equipment for these activities. Funding Information Grant Amount: Up to $100,000. What types of projects are eligible for grants? All projects must be on eligible lands. This includes Illinois Nature Preserves, dedicated buffers, and Land and Water Reserves. Project sites must have a current and approved management schedule and must be either owned by the applicant or there must be an executed agreement between the Conservation Land Trust and the property owner. Eligible expenses include: Stewardship Activities Contractual Services Purchase or Rental of Necessary Equipment Staff Time (excluding fringe/benefits) Indirect Costs. Eligible Applicants  Conservation Land Trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes. For more information, visit DNR.

The Alabama RC&D Grants special projects that enhance the human and natural resources to improve the quality of life for local Alabama citizens. Donor Name: Alabama Association of RC&D Councils State: Alabama County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities The FY 2024-2025 Priorities are as follows:  General Funds Projects related to Natural Resources Conservation Community Facilities and Services Tourism and Economic Development Education Funds K-12 Outdoor Education Education to Benefit Small Farmers and/or Community Gardens, etc. K-12 Technology Workforce/ Community Training Projects that cover all nine member council regions Projects that cover more than three council regions Projects that only cover three council regions Projects submitted by an RC&D council (or multiple councils) Projects submitted by partnering organizations. Funding Information $5,000.00 – $25,000.00. Eligibility Criteria Must be a registered 501c3 not-for-profit or unit or sub-unit of government. Restrictions Operational/Administration phases of established programs Salaries or expected operational cost Endowment campaigns Religious organizations for religious purposes Individuals directly Development or public relations activities (e.g. literature, videos, etc.) Purchase of land/property Post-event or after-the-fact situations. For more information, visit AARC&DC.

Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association are pleased to announce a new partnership that will bring the proven, in-depth training and coaching program of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to local newsrooms across Colorado. Donor Name: Local Media Association State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline:  06/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations are invited to apply to join this state-centered cohort to learn how to develop local journalism projects that are responsive to community priorities and can be funded through philanthropy. Applicants must be producing original, local news for Colorado audiences at least weekly; priority will be given to newsrooms with philanthropic giving programs that are less than five years old. Local news partnerships or coalitions are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they have a joint initiative that they are seeking to fund via philanthropy. The LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, made possible with continuing support from Google News Initiative, has helped more than 100 news organizations across the U.S. raise more than $22 million to support local journalism since 2020. Each newsroom in the cohort will work with LMA coaches and CMP staff to: Set a fundraising goal, in consultation with the coaches, that is in line with that publisher’s market size. Develop a list of fundraising prospects, and develop a pitch deck and campaign materials to promote their newsroom and their project. Meet with funders and other lab participants in person at the CMP Summit on August 22. Participate in the end-of-year #newsCOneeds fundraising campaign with support from CMP and the Colorado Gives Foundation. Contribute best practices and lessons learned for case studies and an industry playbook published in 2025. Preference will be given to Colorado news organizations that: Have strong local leadership with deep ties to the community. Are focused on high-quality local journalism. Have leadership-level buy-in to participate in this lab and an organizational commitment to dedicate staff time and resources. Value staff and leadership diversity. Are relatively new to raising philanthropic support for local news (membership and/or grant programs of less than five years OR new staff members who could benefit from this training and cohort). For more information, visit Local Media Association.