State Environment Grants

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 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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for historic preservation projects, such as surveys and planning, to local governments and non-profit organizations working to protect and promote historic sites in Maine.

Conservancy priority for the funding is for projects that advance the evaluation of sea otter reintroduction as a potential recovery strategy for southern sea otters in California. This may include activities such as conducting biological and socioeconomic studies, stakeholder engagement, risk and impact analyses, baseline assessments, and other research and planning.   Other projects that plan, implement, or conducted research related to other critical recovery actions of the Federal Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan will be considered as a second priority.  

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal entities, and certain non-profits in Oklahoma for various solid waste management initiatives, including cleanup efforts and equipment purchases, to promote environmental sustainability.

The New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant, offered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is a competitive state-funded initiative designed to foster economic growth and innovation within the state. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of supporting local businesses and technological advancement, aiming to strengthen New Mexico's position in key industry sectors. By providing financial resources to early-stage companies, the program directly contributes to the state's strategic priorities of stimulating research and development and promoting the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. The target beneficiaries of this grant are New Mexico-based, for-profit science or technology companies, particularly those engaged in research and development with the potential to commercialize their technology. The program specifically assists early-stage companies that are developing unique products and demonstrate strong growth potential. The impact goal is to provide these companies with the necessary resources to develop and commercialize their technology, thereby creating new jobs, diversifying the state's economy, and establishing a robust innovation ecosystem. The grant prioritizes companies operating within specific industry sectors deemed crucial for New Mexico's economic future. These include aerospace, biosciences, advanced computing, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable and green energy. The focus is on supporting business development expenses, enabling recipients to overcome the financial hurdles often faced in the early stages of commercializing innovative technologies. This strategic focus ensures that the grant funds are directed towards areas with the highest potential for long-term economic benefit and technological leadership. The expected outcomes of the New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant include the successful commercialization of new technologies, the growth of promising early-stage companies, and the creation of high-value jobs within the state. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative science and technology businesses, New Mexico will see an increase in its economic competitiveness and a more resilient, diversified economy. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a dynamic environment where technological advancements can flourish and translate into tangible economic benefits for the state and its residents.

This grant provides funding for organizations experienced in wetland management to acquire, restore, and create wetlands in the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds, promoting ecological health and community engagement.

This fellowship provides resources and training for local newsrooms in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to enhance their climate and environmental reporting, particularly benefiting those serving marginalized communities.

This program provides funding to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Illinois, specifically targeting disadvantaged communities and organizations that serve them.

Our Water Quality Combined Funding Program is an integrated funding program for projects that improve and protect water quality throughout the state. The program combines grants and loans from state and federal funding sources. We also provide technical assistance to program applicants to help them navigate this process. We have one combined funding cycle, one application, one competitive rating process, and one list of funding offers. Applicants submit just one application for all of the funding sources under the Water Quality Combined Funding Program. Amount of funding available: Varies based on the state budget — ranges from $100 million to $200 million annually. Grant award limit: Varies depending on funding source and project type. See the current funding year guidelines below for more information. Amount of matching funds required: Depends on the funding source you receive, can be up to 25 percent match required.

This program provides matching funds to local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in Colorado to replace high-water-use turf with water-efficient landscapes, promoting water conservation and community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports educational projects in Ohio that raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues, targeting schools, nonprofits, and local governments to engage diverse audiences in making informed environmental decisions.