State Environment Grants

This program provides financial assistance to private woodland owners in Ohio for managing invasive hemlock woolly adelgid infestations to protect and enhance the health of eastern hemlock forests.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, schools, and nonprofits in Nebraska for small-scale transportation projects that improve accessibility, safety, and nonmotorized travel options.

This program provides funding to local, state, federal, and Tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, to develop and improve trail systems for recreational access and environmental stewardship across Oregon.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources offers the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program, now in its sixth year, to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of cranberry bogs. This competitive grant program provides funds to renovate existing bogs, increasing yields and improving methods of production. The grants aim to minimize environmental impacts, focusing on water quality, efficient water use, and other conservation practices. The application deadline is May 24, 2024, with a maximum funding of $125,000 per applicant and a required 25% cost match. Grant renewed every year.

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) was allocated $75,000,000 by the Idaho legislature in 2022 for grants to address water sustainability, improve aging water infrastructure, or support flood management. These grants are for new projects or phases aimed at repairing, maintaining, replacing, or improving infrastructure that supports irrigation water delivery, storage, drainage, treatment, and use of water for irrigation. Municipal drinking or wastewater systems are excluded. The process includes proposal submission, review, and IWRB approval. Applications are due by August 2, 2024. Grant renewed every year.

The Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant program, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division, is a $3 million, 5-year initiative. This program aligns with the mission of addressing critical environmental challenges by empowering historically underserved farming communities. The DNR's strategic priority is to enhance the capacity of these communities to combat nutrient pollution and frequent flooding, thereby fostering environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are "underserved farmers" as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and those with limited resources. Other classifications may also be supported through negotiation. The program aims to increase the ability of these farmers to implement practices that mitigate nutrient pollution and reduce the impact of frequent flooding, leading to improved water quality and land management. The grant prioritizes projects that directly address nutrient pollution and flooding. The expected outcomes include a reduction in nutrient runoff into waterways and enhanced flood resilience within historically underserved farm communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of projects funded, the types of conservation practices implemented, and the environmental improvements achieved in the targeted areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial resources and support to underserved farmers, the program will lead to widespread adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. Projects funded through this grant can receive up to $250,000, with $700,000 currently remaining for subawards. Eligibility for subawards extends to a broad range of entities, including conservation districts, institutions of higher learning, local or state government entities (such as Watershed Management Authorities), NGOs and nonprofits, Tribal nations, beginning farmer groups, and U.S. military veteran farmer groups. This inclusive approach ensures that various stakeholders can contribute to the program's overarching goals and amplify its impact across Iowa's agricultural landscape.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to reduce lead exposure among children in high-risk communities in Washington, D.C., particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and low-income residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the installation and operation of electric vehicle fast charging and hydrogen fueling stations in Pennsylvania, targeting businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies committed to improving air quality and promoting clean transportation.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has grants available for aquatic stream clean-up projects across the state. The program assists cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups with stream clean-up projects. Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a total of $5,000 per region). The grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Also, it could be used to pay disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal or to provide promotional items like project advertisements or T‑shirts and refreshments for volunteer support. The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofit tax number. Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone, and name of a contact person authorized to enter into a contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. The proposal should also include the name of the stream, the county or counties involved, and the project area and description.

This program provides funding to states for projects that maintain, develop, and improve recreational trails, benefiting local communities and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. This program aims to aid communities in restoring their urban tree canopy after natural disasters by funding the planting of replacement trees. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community resilience, focusing on re-establishing critical natural infrastructure within urban areas. The grant seeks to mitigate the long-term environmental and aesthetic damage caused by natural disasters, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of affected communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Indiana. The target impact is the recovery and enhancement of urban tree canopies, which in turn offers numerous environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, enhanced stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. The program also encourages community engagement, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and local involvement in environmental recovery efforts, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes and stronger community bonds. The grant prioritizes the planting of trees native to Indiana and explicitly excludes the purchase of maples (Acer genus) unless specific conditions are met, demonstrating a commitment to ecological integrity and the prevention of monoculture. Beyond tree planting, the grant also supports crucial urban forestry management tools, including community tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, and storm response plans. These tools are vital for a proactive and strategic approach to urban forestry, enabling communities to not only recover from disasters but also to build more resilient and effectively managed tree populations for the future. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in urban tree canopy coverage in disaster-affected areas, improved community preparedness for future natural disasters through comprehensive management and response plans, and a heightened level of community engagement in local environmental initiatives. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of trees planted, the development and implementation of urban forestry plans, and the scope of community participation. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial assistance for tree recovery and urban forestry planning, IDNR can empower local entities to rebuild stronger, more sustainable, and more beautiful communities capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. Funding for project requests ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, with an overall available fund of $40,000. This ensures that a diverse range of projects, from small-scale plantings to more comprehensive planning initiatives, can be supported. Eligible activities include the creation or updating of tree inventories and canopy assessments, the development or review of management/response plans, and tree planting projects that incorporate community engagement. The emphasis on native species and strategic planning reflects a thoughtful approach to environmental restoration and long-term ecological health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and local governments in New York to create community gardens that provide fresh food and nutrition education to low-income populations eligible for SNAP benefits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and public agencies in New York State for projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, promote active transportation, and improve community mobility.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations to enhance the training and technical assistance capabilities of local health departments across New York State, focusing on improving public health outcomes and vaccination equity.

The SB 1 Grant Program offers funding to local, regional, and tribal governments for planning and implementing projects to adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts, with additional technical assistance available for those representing Environmental Justice communities.

The Well Abandonment Grant program provides financial assistance to properly fill and seal abandoned or unused private wells. Eligible applicants include landowners, their spouses, heirs, legal representatives, renters of the land, and shared well owners of a private residential water supply. To qualify, applicants must have a family income of $65,000 or less from the prior calendar year, with reduced reimbursement for those earning between $45,000 and $65,000. The grant covers the costs of materials and labor required for well abandonment. Applications must be submitted and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before any work begins to qualify for reimbursement. The application process involves obtaining an itemized estimate from a licensed well driller or pump installer, completing the necessary DNR forms, and submitting them via email or mail. Approved applicants will receive a grant award packet and must complete the well abandonment within one year. Reimbursement, which covers 75% of eligible expenses, is processed after submitting the completed reimbursement forms.

Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields Redevelopment. The RR Program accepts applications for traditional petroleum grants and loans year-round. There is no application deadline. We recommend that anyone interested in applying for funding first discuss your project with DNR staff. Please contact Gena Larson to discuss your project. In order to be eligible for funding, a site must meet the following criteria. The site must meet the federal definition of an eligible brownfield, which is "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." The site or costs must be ineligible for the Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund Award (PECFA) reimbursement. The grant or loan recipient must not have contributed to contamination, and there are no persons responsible for the contamination that are both subject to an environmental enforcement action and able to pay for the cleanup. There must be no federal enforcement action under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), obligation under the federal Oil Pollution Act (OPA), or use of federal leaking underground storage tank (LUST) funds at the site. The DNR can help make this determination.

The **California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)** administers the **Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Grant Program** to help local governments develop and operate safe, effective systems for managing household hazardous waste. This program provides financial assistance to improve public health and environmental protection by reducing the improper disposal of hazardous materials such as paints, batteries, solvents, and cleaning agents. Through funding and technical support, CalRecycle enables communities across California to expand their waste prevention, recycling, and education efforts in ways that make long-term environmental stewardship more sustainable. Each year, approximately **$1.5 million** is allocated to this program, depending on available state funding. The grants support a wide range of activities related to household hazardous waste management. Eligible projects may include **public education campaigns** that teach residents how to reduce or safely dispose of hazardous materials; **source reduction programs** that minimize waste generation at its origin; **reuse and recycling initiatives** that recover valuable resources from discarded items; and **collection systems**, such as drop-off facilities and mobile collection events. Funding can also support **load-check programs**, which prevent hazardous materials from entering municipal solid waste streams. Eligibility is limited to **local governments and entities directly responsible for HHW management** in California. This includes cities, counties, and combined city-county jurisdictions, as well as **regional or local sanitation and waste management agencies**. **Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs)** with solid or hazardous waste management responsibilities may also apply. In addition, **Qualifying Tribal Entities** are eligible if they are federally recognized or can demonstrate governmental authority consistent with the program’s requirements. The inclusion of tribal governments reflects CalRecycle’s commitment to equitable access and environmental justice throughout the state. The HHW Grant Program is an integral part of California’s broader environmental protection strategy, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed responsibly and that communities have the infrastructure needed to prevent pollution. Funded programs often enhance collaboration among local jurisdictions and provide residents with greater access to safe disposal and recycling options. By investing in education, prevention, and infrastructure, CalRecycle helps localities meet their sustainability goals while protecting natural resources, public health, and community well-being. Although the **most recent grant cycle is now closed**, the program typically operates on an annual basis, and future opportunities will continue to support innovative, community-driven approaches to hazardous waste management. Through ongoing investment in safe handling and waste reduction, CalRecycle reinforces California’s leadership in environmental sustainability and resource conservation.