State Environment Grants

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), established by Congress in 1965 and permanently funded in 2020, assists governmental units in providing outdoor recreation facilities to meet the increasing demand. In Indiana, the LWCF has allocated around $90 million, benefiting both state and local park projects. The program offers grants covering up to 50% of the costs for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation sites, with a funding range for local applicants between $250,000 and $1 million. Eligible projects include land acquisition, construction, or renovation of public parks and facilities, emphasizing universal access and non-discriminatory public use. Grant renewed every year Grant annual deadline: August 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support to contractors who will assist Minnesota Tribal governments and organizations in enhancing their capacity for environmental and climate initiatives through grant writing, management, and technical assistance.

The Community Climate Action Grant program, spearheaded by Albemarle County, aims to foster local projects that bolster the community's capacity to diminish greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative directly aligns with the county's broader mission to implement its Climate Action Plan, which was adopted in 2020. By leveraging external community resources and local groups, the program seeks to make climate action a more inclusive and participatory process, thereby extending the reach and impact of governmental efforts to combat climate change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or those affiliated with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, that are principally and physically located in Albemarle County. Groups located outside the county may also apply if they can demonstrate that their services will primarily benefit people or places within Albemarle County. The impact goals are centered on tangibly advancing the goals, strategies, and actions outlined in the County’s Climate Action Plan, with a clear focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, waste, agriculture, and natural areas. Additionally, it supports initiatives that increase carbon sequestration in agriculture or natural systems. The grant explicitly aims to achieve four key program goals: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance equity and inclusion, build community, and support thoughtful and achievable projects. These goals underscore the county's strategic priorities, emphasizing not just environmental impact but also social equity and community engagement as integral components of effective climate action. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within Albemarle County, an increase in community participation and inclusivity in climate action efforts, and the successful implementation of diverse projects that align with the county’s Climate Action Plan. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering and funding local community groups, the county can harness a wider range of innovative solutions and foster a more widespread commitment to climate resilience. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total of $100,000 available for 2024, indicating a strategic investment in multiple, impactful local initiatives rather than a single large-scale project.

County conservation grants provide financial assistance to enhance county/tribal fish and wildlife programs. This Fish and Wildlife Management Grant Program was created to assist counties in the improvement of the fish and wildlife resources. The fund was established by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1965 as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes and bobcats. Every year since the bounty program was canceled, a state allocation equal to the average annual bounty payment has been earmarked as matching money for a growing list of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects. After the state budget is approved, funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments in California to implement projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in local watersheds.

In 2007, the Wisconsin Legislature made changes to the Knowles Nelson Stewardship program (s. 23.0953, Wis. Stats.) allowing counties with lands entered under the County Forest Program (s. 28.11, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR]) to compete for land acquisition funding under Stewardship. Grant applications are evaluated jointly by a ranking panel consisting of staff from DNR Forestry and the Wisconsin County Forests Association (WCFA) and selected for funding based on ranking criteria and priorities set forth in s. NR 51.960, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR]. Eligible Projects Fee simple acquisition of lands that meet the requirements for entry into County Forest as stipulated in s. 28.11(4), Wis. Stats. The following must be true for a parcel to be eligible for grant funding. The county must have land entered into county forest law pursuant to s. 28.11 Stats. The county must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DNR for land acquisition through Stewardship fund. The property must be free of restrictions or covenants preventing the property from being managed for the purposes set forth in s. 28.11(1) Stats. The property cannot have been purchased more than one year prior to the date DNR receives the grant application. The current use of the property must be something other than a licensed game farm, fur farm, deer farm, shooting preserve, forest nursery or experimental station. The property must be free of commercial or industrial uses inconsistent with the purposes of the county forest law under s. 28.11(1), Stats. The property must be free of perpetual easements for uses inconsistent with the purposes of the county forest law set forth in s. 28.11(1), Stats. The county must have a real estate offer to purchase or a letter of intent signed by the seller for the parcel to be acquired.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is offering the Community Tree Planting Program, funded by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) through the 2008 State Legislature. This grant program is administered by the Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The core mission of this grant is to increase the tree resource base in cities and towns across Tennessee, focusing on the functional benefits of urban trees rather than solely on beautification. The primary beneficiaries of this program are communities and local units of government, non-profit organizations, and elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions within Tennessee. The impact goal is to enhance the state's urban tree resources to provide direct cost-saving benefits to communities. These benefits include energy savings through shading, storm water mitigation, rain interception, and improved air quality through filtration and absorption. The program's priorities and focuses are explicitly not beautification but rather the practical, environmental services that trees provide. It emphasizes that trees are "work horses for communities." Recommended goals and objectives for applicants include statements about urban trees providing cooler temperatures, cleaner air, reduced flooding and erosion, improved human health, and food and shelter for wildlife. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increase in the tree resource base and the subsequent realization of the aforementioned environmental and economic benefits. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on quantifiable benefits like energy savings and storm water mitigation implies an expectation of measurable improvements in these areas. The grant contracts will run from December 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, suggesting that the initial outcomes will be assessed within this timeframe. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, which further indicates a focus on smaller, community-level projects with clear, achievable objectives.

The City of Bellevue is requesting proposals for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, estimated at $1,000,000 in PY2025 funds. This program seeks to support non-construction Capital projects, such as architectural and engineering costs, single-family home rehabilitation, weatherization, acquisition or pre-acquisition costs, and Economic Development projects, specifically microenterprise business assistance. The program aligns with a mission to improve community infrastructure and economic opportunities, while not focusing on public services like homeless services or food banks at this time. The target beneficiaries include residents and businesses within Bellevue who would benefit from improved housing, community facilities, and economic development opportunities, particularly through microenterprise support. The impact goals are to enhance the physical and economic well-being of the community through strategic investments in capital projects and business development. This contributes to the broader community development objectives set forth by the City of Bellevue and HUD. The City's priorities include funding projects that comply with U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) CDBG program regulations (24 CFR Part 570). Specific focuses include the acquisition of real property, pre-acquisition costs, design-related and other soft costs for non-construction projects, acquisition/rehabilitation of public facilities, home repair/rehabilitation, maintenance, weatherization activities, and microenterprise business assistance and development. Nonprofit organizations or public agencies are eligible to implement these projects, with a preference for those with a verifiable history of receiving and administering funds from HUD. Expected outcomes include improved housing conditions for single-family homes through rehabilitation and weatherization, enhanced public facilities, and increased economic stability through microenterprise development. Measurable results could include the number of homes rehabilitated, public facilities improved, new microenterprises supported, and jobs created or retained through economic development initiatives. The City makes no guarantees regarding funding availability, as it is dependent on the 2025 federal CDBG budget and other factors. Projects selected will be part of the 2025-2029 CDBG Consolidated Plan, indicating a long-term strategic approach to community development.

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

This funding opportunity provides up to $50,000 for organizations to implement urban forestry projects in underserved communities, enhancing green spaces and environmental quality on public lands.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

This grant focuses on renovating existing trailered boat launches to improve public recreational boating access. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the grant aims to support the development and maintenance of facilities that provide primary recreational boating access to the general public. Projects must undergo a pre-approval site inspection to confirm eligibility. Available funding for trailered launch renovation projects is up to $75,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local public health agencies in Minnesota to improve food security and promote local food economies in low-income and disadvantaged communities through regional collaboration.

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

This program provides funding to local government agencies and organizations in Colorado to upgrade or replace pump-out stations for recreational motorboats, helping to protect water quality and aquatic wildlife.

The Denver Business Journal's 2024 Fast 50 Awards program aims to recognize and celebrate the fastest-growing private companies in the Denver metropolitan region. This initiative aligns with the implicit mission of the Denver Business Journal to support and highlight local business success, fostering economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit within the community. The awards serve as a platform to honor companies that demonstrate significant financial achievement and contribute to the region's vibrant business landscape. The primary target beneficiaries of this awards program are privately held, for-profit companies headquartered in the 7-county metro Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties). The program's impact goal is to publicly acknowledge and reward these companies for their substantial revenue growth, thereby inspiring continued economic development and providing valuable recognition that can enhance their market presence and attract further investment or talent. The program's core focus and priority is to identify companies based on their percentage of growth in annual revenue over the past three fiscal years (2021 to 2023). Specific eligibility criteria include having a 3-year financial history with revenue gains from 2022 to 2023, an average of at least $1 million in revenue during the three most recent years, and no less than $200,000 in revenue in 2021. Companies must also be independently owned without a parent company and approve the publishing of their financial information. The expected outcomes of the Fast 50 Awards include increased visibility for the recognized companies, enhanced local business pride, and a benchmark for other businesses striving for growth. Measurable results will be the publication of the "Fast 50" list in a special section of the Denver Business Journal on October 20, 2023, and a special awards celebration on October 24, 2024, where finalists and winners will be honored. The verification of reported gross revenues by an independent accounting firm ensures the credibility and accuracy of these results. While the Denver Business Journal's strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," it can be inferred that their strategy revolves around promoting local commerce, offering valuable insights, and creating networking opportunities for the business community. The Fast 50 Awards program serves as a key mechanism within this strategy, operating on the theory that publicly celebrating business success will stimulate further economic activity and engagement within the Denver metro area. The requirement for a C-level executive to attend the event on October 24, 2024, further emphasizes the importance of executive-level participation and recognition.

This grant provides funding for public agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations in California to acquire land essential for conservation efforts under Natural Community Conservation Plans and Habitat Conservation Plans.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, conservation districts, non-profits, and organized private entities in Colorado for the management and eradication of noxious weeds.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, individuals, and groups focused on developing innovative clean energy projects or enhancing their capacity to serve priority populations in Massachusetts.

Grant Opportunity: County Conservation Aids (CCA) Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Grant Program Manager, WI Dept of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313, 920-461-2595 Program Description: The County Conservation Aids (CCA) grant program provides financial assistance to county and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs. The program aims to enhance fish and wildlife resources through the funding of various projects related to outdoor recreation use, habitat restoration/enhancement, stocking projects, maintenance projects, and miscellaneous projects. The grants are funded by the revenue generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and state sales tax on hunting and fishing equipment. Eligibility: County and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs are eligible to apply for this grant. Award Details: The statewide allocation for the current fiscal year is $148,500. Funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state. Unused funds revert to five regions available to county and tribal governments within region boundaries. Application Process: Interested applicants can download the County Conservation Aids (CCA) Application & Grant Agreement Form #8700-045A from the website. The form should be completed online and submitted via email or postmarked no later than October 1. Applicants may need to obtain permits if required or seek approval from the property manager if their project is occurring on DNR-owned land. A letter of final award notification will be sent out by October 31. Matching Requirement: If an applicant receives a grant of federal pass-through funds from the DNR, those funds can be used as a match for the 50% cost-share required by the CCA program. State funds cannot be used as a match for a CCA grant. Reimbursement Information: Expenditures made prior to the effective date of the appropriate DNR regional grant specialist approval will not be allowed. All work must be done within the project period. Local equipment rates may be used but should not exceed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) equipment rate for the year of the project activities. Re