Private Natural Resources Grants

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 fellowship provides financial support to graduate and advanced undergraduate students in the U.S. who are studying urban forestry and related fields, promoting research and understanding of urban forests' ecological and societal benefits.

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

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, particularly in underserved communities, to promote the creation of parks and recreational spaces.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is offering Heal Mini-Grants, a funding opportunity designed to support healthy eating or active living projects. These grants specifically target policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change in community health. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its past award to Wholespire, is to promote the health of South Carolina’s economically challenged population. The Heal Mini-Grants align with this mission by creating opportunities for equitable access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, recognizing that individual choices are influenced by available options. The target beneficiaries include community members, students, employees, and devout individuals who will benefit from increased opportunities to make healthy choices and engage in physical activity. The impact goals are to foster healthier communities by addressing systemic barriers to well-being. This is achieved by supporting projects that either serve as seed money for new initiatives, help progress existing ones, or provide the final push to complete ongoing projects, all within a 9-month grant period. The program's priorities and focus areas are exclusively related to healthy eating and/or active living, with a strong emphasis on implementing or supporting PSE change projects. Examples of funded projects include establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at farmers' markets, creating sustainable food-gleaning stations, installing water bottle refill stations, improving playgrounds, supporting active communities with bike racks and crosswalks, and enhancing community trails with signage and amenities. These examples highlight the commitment to creating environments that naturally encourage healthier lifestyles. Expected outcomes include increased access to healthy food options and greater opportunities for physical activity within communities. Measurable results would stem from the implementation of tangible PSE changes, such as the establishment of new programs, improvements to existing infrastructure, or the adoption of supportive policies. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community health improvement through practical, environmental interventions. Their theory of change appears to be that by altering the policy, systems, and environmental landscape, individuals will naturally be empowered to make healthier choices, leading to a more active and well-nourished population.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

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

This initiative provides financial support and training to 12 Native farmers to improve their agricultural practices and land stewardship, promoting food security and community health.

The 2024 Community Connections Fund, offered by Naturally Lewis, aims to strengthen community ties, foster relationships, and stimulate economic growth and development within Lewis County, NY. This grant specifically supports projects that enhance public gathering places or services, aligning with Naturally Lewis's broader mission of community placemaking. The fund seeks creative proposals that contribute to a "good sense of place" in the county. The target beneficiaries of this grant are 501c3 non-profit organizations, municipalities, or schools located in Lewis County, NY. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the quality of life for the greater community by creating accessible, comfortable, vibrant, and sociable public spaces. This is achieved through programs or projects that create a "good sense of place" and contribute to Lewis County's placemaking efforts, ultimately leading to stronger community bonds and economic development. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to at least one of four placemaking facets: Access & Linkages (creating accessible and well-connected public spaces), Comfort & Image (enhancing comfortable and visually appealing public spaces), Uses & Activities (fostering vibrant and dynamic public spaces), and Sociability (creating opportunities for in-person interaction and collaboration). A key focus is on new, creative approaches to connecting the community, explicitly excluding funding for existing projects or operations. Expected outcomes include enhanced public gathering places and services, increased community engagement, improved social dynamics, and spurred economic growth. Measurable results will be based on how effectively projects contribute to the placemaking facets and demonstrate a clear plan for community engagement, partnerships, and sustainability. Projects must be completed within one year and demonstrate feasibility and long-term sustainability beyond the grant period, reflecting Naturally Lewis's strategic priority of fostering lasting community impact. The Community Connections Fund embodies Naturally Lewis's theory of change by investing in tangible improvements to public spaces and services, which are believed to be catalysts for deeper community connections, stronger relationships, and sustained economic vitality. By focusing on placemaking, the fund aims to create environments where residents feel a greater sense of belonging and opportunities for social and economic interaction are amplified, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and cohesive Lewis County.