State Environment Grants

The Community Foundation of Louisville's Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers a significant opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs in the Louisville metropolitan area. This program provides awards and prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to six businesses each receiving $25,000 annually. The initiative aims to propel businesses to the next level by fostering innovation and economic growth within the region. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting businesses that are past the conceptual stage and have an early prototype of their technology. The primary beneficiaries are for-profit entities headquartered in the 13-county Louisville Metro area, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Washington, Scott, Harrison) and Kentucky (Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble). Eligibility criteria also require businesses to be registered with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing. The program targets businesses in their early stages, with customer revenue less than $250,000/year to date and a lifetime funding maximum of $500,000 (excluding founders' personal investments). The overarching impact goal is to stimulate innovation-led product and service development, creating customer demand and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The Vogt Awards define innovation as a new idea or the invention of a new product or service that creates customer demand, aligning with the foundation's strategic priority to support groundbreaking advancements. Stronger consideration is given to applications that demonstrate leveraging technology for customer service, competitive advantage, or market evolution, and those that utilize technology in new or unique ways. This focus on technological advancement is a core tenet of the program's theory of change, believing that such innovation is key to sustainable business growth and regional prosperity. Additionally, the program prioritizes businesses with a protectable advantage (intellectual asset) in the market and a scalable business model that promises quick revenue growth and improving profitability. The exclusion of businesses requiring long regulatory approval cycles, such as new drug companies, further refines the focus to innovations that can more rapidly enter and impact the market. Expected outcomes include the successful development and scaling of innovative products and services, leading to increased customer demand and economic benefits within the Louisville Metro area. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses successfully launched or expanded, job creation, and revenue generation by award recipients.

The Great Trails State Program (GTSP) provides funding for new trail development and extension of existing trails within North Carolina. This includes paved trails, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and other types recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. One grant cycle will distribute $25 million in non-recurring funds. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, regional councils of government, public authorities, and nonprofits with local government support. Project types include planning and feasibility, design and engineering, acquisition, construction, and maintenance.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking proposals for its 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. This grant program is habitat-focused, aiming to enhance, restore, or protect various natural environments across Minnesota. Eligible activities include work on forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitats vital for fish, game, and wildlife. All applications must clearly identify the direct habitat benefits, specifying species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features that will be positively impacted. This program aligns with a mission to conserve and manage Minnesota's natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations, focusing on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse ecosystems and wildlife within Minnesota, as well as the communities and organizations dedicated to their preservation. The impact goals are centered on measurable improvements in habitat quality and quantity. Restoration and enhancement projects are specifically funded on lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, and special district entities), or within public waters as defined by MN Statutes. The program prioritizes projects that contribute directly to the health and sustainability of Minnesota's natural heritage, supporting a strategic approach to environmental stewardship. The funding information for the Traditional (Statewide) cycle totals $4,400,000, with up to two funding cycles available. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a total project cost not exceeding $1,000,000. The grant period typically lasts 3 to 3.5 years, commencing upon the full execution of the grant contract. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the described project activities, encompassing contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This financial framework ensures that resources are directed towards impactful projects, with a clear understanding of funding limits and duration. Eligibility for the CPL funding is restricted to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, though partnerships are highly encouraged. Examples of eligible non-profit applicants include land trusts, lakes associations, charitable organizations, private colleges and universities, fishing and hunting organizations, and "Friends of" groups. Government entities such as cities, counties, tribal governments, federal agencies, conservation districts, public universities, and school districts are also eligible. This targeted eligibility ensures that the grants support organizations with a proven commitment to public and environmental benefit, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation outcomes.

This program provides funding to Missouri schools and nonprofits to help cover transportation costs for field trips that connect students with nature at state parks and historic sites.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites proposals for a community air monitoring pilot grant program, targeting neighborhood-scale air quality monitoring in the Twin Cities metro area. Eligible organizations, primarily community nonprofits and their partners, will develop a dense network of fixed and mobile air sensors. Priority will be given to projects in environmental justice communities with robust community engagement. The objectives include monitoring air quality, fostering community cooperation, and providing actionable air quality data to MPCA. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Central Time on June 28, 2024.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is offering a grant program for local government planning departments to increase their capacity and expedite the review process for affordable housing projects, with funds potentially used for implementing new technologies, regulatory changes, planning efforts, and other strategies that align with the program's goals.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering 2025 Source Water Protection Grants to fund projects aimed at safeguarding public drinking water sources. These grants are designed to support activities that reduce the risk of contamination to drinking water, ensuring the long-term quality and safety of Idaho's water supply. The program aligns with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically Section 1452, which provides funding for source water assessment and protection efforts. By focusing on preventative measures and community-wide protection, the DEQ seeks to uphold its mission of protecting human health and the quality of the environment. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are public water systems, local government units, special districts, associations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribes within Idaho. The impact goal is to improve the protection of one or more public water supply sources by reducing the threat of contaminants. Projects are expected to provide long-term benefits to source water quality, ultimately ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the state. The program prioritizes efforts that go beyond normal operational standards and existing infrastructure deficiencies, focusing on proactive and sustainable solutions. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing various strategies to protect source water. These include contaminant source identification through research, contaminant pathway removal such as the closure of abandoned wells, contaminant removal through hazardous waste collection and pollution prevention, and contaminant management via the implementation of best management practices and structures to divert contaminated runoff. Additionally, the grants support the restoration and conservation of ecological functions within source water protection areas, as well as education and information sharing campaigns to raise awareness. Security measures to protect physical extraction structures like wells, springs, and intake structures are also eligible, including fencing, gates, alarms, signs, cameras, locks, and lights directly related to source water area protection. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the risk of drinking water contamination, improved source water quality, and enhanced long-term protection for public water supplies. The grants anticipate fostering a proactive approach to water resource management, leading to more resilient and secure drinking water systems. With up to $750,000 available for project funding in SFY2025, and a maximum request of $24,000 per project proposal, the program aims to support numerous initiatives that collectively contribute to a safer and more sustainable water future for Idaho. The emphasis on community public water supply systems and aquifer/watershed-wide protection efforts reflects a comprehensive strategic approach to water resource stewardship.

This program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts municipalities, state agencies, and federally recognized Indian tribes for projects that enhance public outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, with a focus on climate resilience.

This funding opportunity provides capital for public and private entities to improve and modernize rail and port infrastructure in New York State, with a focus on enhancing sustainability and reducing emissions.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey counties and municipalities for projects that improve urban and community forestry, such as tree planting and forest management, to promote sustainable environmental practices.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program aims to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities for transient recreational vessels at least 26 feet long. Funding is available at both state and national levels, with applications due annually by June 1. Eligible activities include various infrastructure projects, informational materials specific to BIG, but exclude certain activities like law enforcement support or land acquisition. Grants require a minimum 25% matching funds, with the federal share not exceeding 75% of total costs. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for more information.

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.