State Environment Grants

In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of gray wolves on livestock producers. The pilot program offers compensation to eligible livestock producers specific to the following primary areas of need (prongs):  Prong 1. Direct Loss - Compensation for verified livestock losses (confirmed/probable wolf) incurred on or after September 23, 2021. Prong 2. Nonlethal Deterrents - Compensation for the use of nonlethal deterrence methods to deter wolf presence near livestock. The Department supports the use of various deterrent tools and techniques as part of a robust, integrated deterrence strategy. Technical assistance may be available through CDFW, County Agricultural Commissions, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Wildlife Service, and other agency partners. Prong 3. Pay for Presence - Compensation for indirect losses associated with the impacts of wolf presence on livestock in known pack territory. Extenuating circumstances may exist whereby CDFW will consider eligibility for wolf presence outside of known pack territory on a case-by-case basis.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various public and nonprofit entities for replacing outdated diesel marine engines with cleaner technologies and for training programs that prepare individuals for careers in zero-emission transportation.

This program provides free technical assistance to small Pennsylvania businesses to help them improve their operations and competitiveness by connecting them with expert resources and solutions for specific technical challenges.

FWP is offering grants for the 2024-2025 school year to Montana outlying school districts to facilitate visits to the Montana WILD Education Center in Helena, MT. These grants aim to cover transportation and/or lodging costs to enable schools in remote areas to access the center's educational programs. Grants are available for students in grades 4th to 12th, with priority given to schools located 50 miles or more (one-way) from Helena, and additional support for lodging expenses offered to those over 150 miles away. The maximum reimbursement is capped at $2,500 per school, with lodging rates set at $30 per student. Applications are due by May 31, 2024, with notifications to follow a week after the deadline. Should funds remain post-initial distribution, they will be allocated on a first-come basis. Schools are required to engage in pre-visit educational activities and encouraged to undertake a community-based project post-visit.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that partner with startups to advance and scale innovative clean energy technologies in Massachusetts, helping them navigate challenges to achieve commercial success.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and local governments to promote education and outreach initiatives that reduce vessel sewage pollution in California's boating communities.

This grant provides funding to Connecticut communities for projects that increase urban tree cover and improve environmental sustainability, particularly in underserved areas.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Washington to preserve and develop public outdoor recreation resources. The federal program, created by Congress in 1965, provides financial assistance for acquisition and development of parks, trails, and wildlife lands. Typical projects renovate community parks and build facilities such as skate parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, trails, and athletic fields, while protecting habitat where appropriate. Eligible activities include land acquisition and development or renovation of outdoor recreation areas. Grant limits range from 200,000 to 2,000,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include local agencies, special purpose districts such as park and recreation districts, Native American tribes, and state agencies. All communities may compete for funding. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official program details are available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering the 2024 Community & Urban Forestry Assistance (CUFA) Grant. This program aims to foster the long-term growth and development of community forestry programs throughout Indiana. The core mission of the grant aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents by investing in sustainable urban forest management. The overall funding available for this program is $230,000, with individual project requests ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000. The target beneficiaries of the CUFA Grant include municipalities (cities, towns, townships, counties, and other local government entities as defined by IC 369-1-2) and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. The grant's impact goals are broad, focusing on the expansion and preservation of urban tree canopy, increased and more equitable access to urban tree canopy, broadened community engagement in urban forest planning, and improved resilience to climate change, pests, and storm events through best management practices. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include establishing and strengthening community urban forestry programs, promoting urban forestry benefits through proper tree selection, planting, and care, establishing comprehensive tree inventories for data-driven decisions, and promoting risk management through tree assessment and mitigation plans. The grant also emphasizes restoring diminished community tree canopy, diversifying urban forests for long-term resilience, and ensuring urban forests provide ecosystem services such as cleaner air, improved watershed health, reduced erosion, stormwater runoff, and reduced urban heat island effects. Expected outcomes and measurable results include addressing historic inequities in urban forestry, adapting urban forest accessibility to changing demographics, promoting the Indiana nursery and arboriculture industries, and enhancing the built environment through increased property values and reduced energy demands. The grant supports activities such as the development of tree inventories or urban tree canopy assessments, creation or update of urban forestry management/response plans, education and training, and community engagement and tree planting initiatives. All tree planting projects must include community engagement, occur on public property, utilize 100% native Indiana species (with limited exceptions for Acer genus trees), and include a maintenance plan. Other supported activities include urban wood utilization, establishment of urban food forests, invasive species removal, and community website development specific to urban forestry.

This program provides financial assistance to marinas and boat docking facilities in North Carolina's coastal counties for installing or upgrading sewage pumpout stations to improve water quality by reducing sewage discharge from recreational vessels.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This program provides financial assistance to Colorado water users, including municipalities and nonprofits, to tackle critical water supply challenges through various projects like planning, construction, and infrastructure maintenance.

This grant provides funding to individuals, local governments, and businesses in Texas for replacing or upgrading older vehicles and equipment to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Pennsylvania for projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution and improving water quality in impaired watersheds.

This program provides financial support to rural and high-risk communities in Colorado for planning and building microgrids that enhance resilience against electric grid disruptions, prioritizing projects that utilize non-fossil fuel sources and serve essential community institutions.

This grant provides funding for a variety of entities, including governments, educational institutions, and farmers, to research and demonstrate the integration of solar energy systems with agricultural practices in Colorado.

This program provides funding to support the maintenance and improvement of winter trail infrastructure for snowmobiling in Colorado, benefiting local snowmobile clubs, organizations, and agencies involved in trail grooming and safety initiatives.

This program provides financial assistance to rural local governments affected by mineral and energy development to support community development projects.

This program provides financial assistance to Montana livestock producers for implementing measures to prevent economic losses from predation by large carnivores like wolves and bears.

This funding program provides financial support to California Native American tribes for projects that address the impacts of sea level rise on their cultural resources and ancestral lands.