State Natural Resources Grants

This program provides funding to California-based organizations and businesses to promote sustainable farming practices and improve access to healthy food in diverse communities.

This program provides funding to Delaware counties and municipalities for planning and engineering projects that improve water quality and manage stormwater effectively.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

This program provides financial incentives to certified glass cullet processors in California to expand their processing capacity and promote the use of recycled glass in new beverage containers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Maryland for outdoor recreation projects, including land acquisition and the development or renovation of recreational facilities.

This grant provides funding to local government agencies in California for the construction and improvement of facilities that enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating.

The State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Funding Grant, offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), aims to restore and improve urban forests in Indiana. Its core mission aligns with environmental resilience and conservation, specifically addressing the catastrophic losses caused by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The grant seeks to build long-term resiliency through increased tree diversity and the protection of existing healthy trees. While a specific "foundation mission" is not explicitly stated in the context, the IDNR's involvement implies a state-level commitment to environmental health and sustainable urban development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations within Indiana. These entities, acting on behalf of their communities, will implement projects that directly impact the health and sustainability of public urban forests. The overarching impact goal is to mitigate the damage caused by the EAB, enhance the ecological integrity of urban areas, and foster community engagement in environmental stewardship. The grant is designed to support a range of activities, from tree removal and treatment to new plantings, all contributing to a more robust and diverse urban canopy. The SUFR Grant prioritizes management and reforestation activities. This includes the removal of EAB-infested or dead Ash trees, insecticidal treatments for threatened Ash trees, and comprehensive tree planting initiatives. A key focus is on replacing removed Ash trees with at least two new trees, promoting native Indiana species, and specifically restricting the planting of Acer genus (maples) to encourage greater biodiversity. Community engagement is a mandatory component of all tree planting projects, emphasizing the importance of local involvement and education in achieving sustainable outcomes. Additionally, applicants must possess an up-to-date tree inventory to demonstrate existing conditions and planned improvements. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in EAB impact, an increase in urban forest canopy cover, and a greater diversity of tree species in Indiana's urban areas. For every Ash tree removed, the requirement to plant at least two new trees will directly contribute to reforestation efforts. The restriction on Acer genus planting (with limited exceptions) will lead to a more varied and resilient tree population. Measurable results will stem from the required documentation, including ISA Certified Arborist reports or updated tree inventories, which detail the location and number of trees removed, treated, and planted. This data will allow for tracking the progress and effectiveness of the grant in achieving its goals. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in strategic urban forest management, coupled with community involvement, Indiana's urban environments will become more resilient to pests and diseases, offering long-term ecological and community benefits.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry, offers the Community Challenge Grant program to fund projects that promote tree planting, care of trees, and education on tree issues, with the aim of enhancing the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests, and requires applicants to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking grant proposals from applicants interested in conducting projects that will benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. The Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that are state-listed or candidates for listing. Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations with priority for those whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Funding for the Wildlife Diversity Grant program comes from a significant investment by the state legislature to restore and protect biodiversity in Washington, and the Department expects this funding to be available in future biennia to continue this grant program. Priority Activities for Funding Priority activities include: Implementing recovery and conservation actions for eligible Washington endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species that directly and measurably benefit species populations. These projects contribute to increased species abundance, distribution, population health, or clear abatement of direct threats. Collecting data and information on the abundance, distribution, habitat associations, or natural history of eligible state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species, with additional priority given toward species whose habitat is under significant pressure from development, land use, or resource management (i.e., shrubsteppe, eastside forest, prairies, and oak woodlands). Completing direct actionable steps toward achieving increased populations of eligible species (e.g., conservation translocation feasibility studies) or baseline data collection (e.g., developing survey protocols or assessing habitat use) for eligible species. Ineligible activities include habitat restoration, conservation easements, land acquisition, outreach and education, and projects that primarily target benefits for species outside the WDFW Wildlife Diversity Division’s scope of responsibility, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, wolves, and harvested wildlife. Review the grant opportunity announcement for more details on priority, eligible, and ineligible activities for inclusion in grant proposals, including a list of eligible species. How to apply Grant applicants must email their complete proposal to [email protected] no later than 11:59 pm on May 5, 2024. Please refer to the grant announcement for instructions on the required application components and their formats. Agency contact info Questions and communications concerning this grant opportunity may be directed to: Jenna Judge Wildlife Diversity Assistant Division Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [email protected]

This program provides financial assistance to counties and tribal governing bodies to enhance fish and wildlife programs. Established in 1965 by the Wisconsin Legislature as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes, and bobcats, it now supports a wide range of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects. After the state budget approval, funds are allocated based on the ratio of each county's area to the total state area. The program is designed as a cost-share initiative for projects that include development of outdoor recreation structures, habitat restoration, stocking projects, maintenance, and miscellaneous projects directly related to fish and wildlife. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: October 1st

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

Applications may be considered under one or both of the following project priorities. Project Type - Transition from Provisional License to Annual License: To transition to an annual license, provisional licensees must meet all regulatory requirements in Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations, sections 8102, 8105, and 8106. Eligible activities under this project type include, but are not limited to: cleanup, remediation, and restoration, professional services, consulting, and infrastructure related to cleanup, remediation, and restoration. Eligible costs include but are not limited to: compliance costs (except the ineligible costs described above); meeting the avoidance, minimization, or mitigation requirements approved in the project’s CEQA document; or county permitting requirements. If the applicant is representing a provisional license cultivator, actions outlined must lead to the issuance of an annual license or lead to on-the-ground implementation that will result in the issuance of an annual license from the licensing authority. Project Type - Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation Practices: Sustainable cannabis cultivation practices should alleviate direct and indirect environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation and enhance environmental stewardship. Activities that may be eligible include but are not limited to: sustainable water consumption, sustainable waste management, integrated pest and disease management, erosion control, and/or riparian protection. Qualified Cultivator - The following qualified cultivator may be represented by an eligible applicant. The qualified cultivator being represented by the eligible applicant must at a minimum have a valid and active provisional license or annual license issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA; now the Department of Cannabis Control). Bus. & Prof. Code, § 26050.2 et seq.). Priority will be given to qualified cultivators with ownership and/or financial interest in no more than 10,000 square feet of total canopy. However, cultivators with ownership and/or financial interest accumulating between 10,000-20,000 square feet of total canopy may still qualify. All proposed projects must benefit qualified cultivators as defined below. Qualified cultivation license types are: Specialty cottage:-“Specialty Cottage Outdoor” is an outdoor cultivation site with up to 25 mature plants.-“Specialty Cottage Mixed-Light Tier 1” only, is a mixed-light cultivation site with 2,500 square feet or less of total canopy Specialty:-“Specialty Outdoor” is an outdoor cultivation site with less than or equal to 5,000 square feet of total canopy, or up to 50 mature plants.-“Specialty Mixed-Light Tier 1” only, is a mixed-light cultivation site between 2,501 and 5,000 square feet of total canopy. Small:- “Small Outdoor” is an outdoor cultivation site between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet of total canopy.- “Small Mixed-Light Tier 1” only, is a mixed-light cultivation site between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet of total canopy. “Mixed-light Tier 1” is without the use of artificial light or the use of artificial light at a rate above zero, but no more than six watts per square foot.

This grant provides financial assistance to local governments and authorities in Minnesota for investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites to promote redevelopment and increase property tax revenue.

This program provides funding to local governments, tribal entities, and nonprofits in Colorado to implement projects that reduce flood and erosion risks following wildfires.

This funding opportunity supports community programs that teach and engage diverse families in fishing, boating, and aquatic conservation efforts throughout California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Syracuse to help individuals and families secure and maintain stable housing through prevention, rapid re-housing, and outreach services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Minnesota communities for the planning and design of treatment systems to address PFAS contamination in public drinking water supplies.

This grant provides funding to municipalities for projects that promote waste reduction, recycling, and the safe collection of household hazardous waste to enhance environmental sustainability.