State Natural Resources Grants

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by the Iowa Legislature via REAP funds derived from gaming revenues, is a competitive grant program allocating 15% of REAP funds to cities across Iowa. The primary mission of this program is to support the creation and enhancement of city parks and open spaces. This aligns with a broader strategic priority to invest in community green infrastructure and quality of life initiatives within the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are cities throughout Iowa, with grant distributions based on city size categories. The program's impact goals center on fostering healthier, more vibrant communities by increasing access to and improving the quality of natural recreational areas. It specifically excludes athletic fields, sports facilities, pools, and playgrounds to maintain a focus on passive recreation and natural landscapes. The program's priorities and focus are clearly defined: to support city parks and open spaces. This includes projects that enhance biodiversity, provide environmental benefits, and offer residents opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. The competitive nature of the grant ensures that funds are directed towards projects demonstrating the greatest potential for impact and alignment with the program's objectives. Expected outcomes include an increase in the total acreage of protected and improved parkland and open space within Iowa cities. Measurable results could include the number of new or renovated park facilities, increased public engagement with green spaces, and enhancements to local ecosystems. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in natural public spaces, the program will contribute to improved public health, environmental sustainability, and overall community well-being, reflecting a strategic belief in the value of accessible green infrastructure.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land designated as open space or vital for water supply.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering a grant to reduce harmful chemical exposure for individuals in disadvantaged communities and to increase the use of safer and more sustainable cleaning products among Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) serving or residing in District Wards 5, 7, and 8. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of environmental justice and public health by directly addressing disparities in environmental exposure. The grant, funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) FY 2023 Pollution Prevention Grant, supports the DOEE Green Cleaning Program (GCP), which seeks to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly cleaning practices. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals in disadvantaged communities within District Wards 5, 7, and 8, who will experience reduced harmful chemical exposure. Additionally, Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) in these wards will benefit from financial and technical resources to transition to safer products. The impact goals are to improve public health outcomes by mitigating environmental hazards and to foster a more sustainable cleaning industry within these specific communities. The program’s strategic priorities include outreach, capacity building, networking, and subsidizing initial transition costs to overcome barriers to adoption. The grant's focus is on incentivizing CSPs from or working in Wards 5, 7, and 8 to adopt safer cleaning products. This involves identifying eligible CSPs, developing and implementing an outreach strategy, providing technical assistance, and managing subsidies to facilitate the initial shift. The theory of change is that by supporting CSPs in their transition, the use of safer products will increase, directly leading to a reduction in harmful chemical exposure for residents in the targeted disadvantaged communities. Expected outcomes include effective management of the DC Green Cleaning Program, successful community outreach and engagement, provision of participant support, and enhanced capacity building among CSPs. Measurable results will be reported on the transitioning process and lessons learned, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in achieving its goals. The project aims to contribute to best practices in pollution prevention and environmental justice, with a total available funding of $284,000 for a 24-month project period.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks and enhancing community resilience in California, prioritizing disadvantaged communities and environmental benefits.

This funding opportunity supports cities, counties, and organizations in Iowa to implement urban conservation projects that reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality through stormwater management and community education.

Local units of government (LUGs) are eligible applications for four Stewardship grant programs and two related federal programs administered by DNR. Applications must be received or postmarked by 11:59 pm on May 1 to be considered. Per s. 990.001(4)(c), Wis. Stats., if any grant application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or State Holiday, the deadline is moved to the next State working day.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has launched the Youth Community Access Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to expand outdoor access and foster a healthier California. This program is rooted in supporting youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. While the provided information does not explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a separate foundation, the CNRA's overarching mission to protect and restore California's natural resources and promote equitable access aligns directly with the program's goals. The program's aim to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs further underscores a commitment to social justice and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth, defined as individuals between birth and 26 years old, residing in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, as well as other underserved communities. The impact goals are multifaceted: to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort by facilitating direct access to natural or cultural resources. This includes supporting community education and recreational amenities for youth substance use prevention and early intervention, ultimately empowering youth to make healthy choices and fostering a healthier, more engaged generation. The program prioritizes projects that actively involve youth in all stages, from planning and decision-making to facilitation and evaluation. Additionally, projects that engage youth in outreach and awareness campaigns, and those that empower youth to make healthy choices, are given priority consideration. These focuses emphasize a youth-centric, participatory approach, aiming for sustainable community-led change rather than top-down interventions. The minimum award for an individual project is $25,000, and the maximum is $300,000, indicating a range of project scales supported. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes can be inferred from the program's requirements and priorities. These include increased youth participation in outdoor and cultural activities, enhanced community capacity for youth development, reduced instances of substance use through prevention and early intervention efforts, and improved overall health and well-being among young people in targeted communities. The emphasis on youth involvement in planning and evaluation suggests an ongoing feedback loop to assess program effectiveness and impact.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers the Section 319(h) Grant Program to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution affecting Illinois’ water resources. This program, funded through the Clean Water Act, supports projects that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments caused by NPS pollution. Prioritized projects include those implementing approved watershed-based plans or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans, with activities ranging from BMP implementation to monitoring and outreach efforts. The program encourages applications that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to NPS pollution control and offer sustainable environmental benefits. Grant renewed every year.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks accepts applications twice annually from landowners, watershed groups, and other nonprofits for the Future Fisheries Improvement Program. This program aims to fund habitat projects that benefit Montana's wild fish, focusing on improving or maintaining fish passage, restoring or protecting natural stream channels, riparian areas, essential habitats for spawning, and enhancing stream flow. Applicants must demonstrate public benefits and alignment with specific goals to improve fishing and protect wild fish populations. Preference is given to projects restoring habitats for native fishes. Funding covers design/build, construction, and maintenance costs, excluding administration and other indirect costs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer deadline: May 15th

This grant aims to address the issue of illegal solid waste dumping in California, which negatively affects property values, public health, and community pride, by providing funds for the cleanup and restoration of abandoned or underutilized properties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and community organizations that offer essential services to victims of sexual assault, helping them recover and access vital resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to implement projects that improve the environment and mitigate the impacts of transportation infrastructure in California.

The Town of St. Johnsbury's 2024-25 Rental Housing Improvement Program is a reimbursement grant designed to encourage landlords to enhance rental housing within St. Johnsbury. The program aims to create more livable, sustainable, and marketable rental units for all residents. It strongly encourages improvements related to Universal Design, energy efficiency, and Fire Life and Safety, aligning with a broader mission to improve the quality of life and housing standards in the town. The primary beneficiaries of this program are landlords who own existing residential rental housing units or who will establish new rental-ready units in St. Johnsbury. Indirectly, the program benefits all tenants within St. Johnsbury by providing improved, safer, and more sustainable housing options. The impact goals are to increase the overall quality and marketability of rental units, address housing deficiencies, and promote responsible property ownership and maintenance. The program prioritizes capital improvement projects. Specifically, it encourages Universal Design modifications, energy efficiency upgrades, and improvements that enhance fire life and safety. These areas of focus are intended to maximize the positive impact on residents' well-being and to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the housing stock. A 1:1 cash match is required from the property owner for all grants, ensuring a shared investment in property improvement. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of improved rental units that meet higher standards of livability, sustainability, and marketability. Measurable results will include the completion of approved capital improvement projects, with each unit eligible for a maximum grant of $6,000, and a single property owner able to receive up to three awards per year. The program ensures accountability through a detailed application process requiring budget estimates, inspections by the Town Code Compliance Officer, and adherence to various property and tax requirements before funds are released.

This grant provides funding to distressed municipalities and registered non-profits in Connecticut to develop or improve urban green spaces and community gardens for public enjoyment and environmental education.

Grant Name: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Funding Organization: Federal program administered in most states Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Department of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI 54313, (920) 461-2595 Program Intent: The RTP provides reimbursement for the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. Award Details: Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs. Funds from this program may be used in conjunction with funds from other state grant programs that also fund trail projects. Eligibility: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governing bodies, school districts, state agencies, federal agencies or incorporated organizations are eligible to apply. Incorporated organizations must be incorporated under s. 181, Wis. Stats., and have a primary purpose of promoting outdoor recreation trails activities. Eligible Projects (in order of priority): 1. Maintenance and restoration of existing trails 2. Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages 3. Construction of new trails (with certain restrictions on federal lands) 4. Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors (must comply with the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970) Deadline: Applications are typically due on May 1 each year. Additional Information: The RTP legislation prohibits using funds for condemnation of any kind of interest in property. Non-motorized projects constitute 30% of funding category definitions while motorized projects constitute another 30%. Diversified projects that include both motorized and nonmotorized uses make up the remaining 40%.

CalRecycle is seeking projects that implement new programs or enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide. Eligible projects include:• Multi-family residential dwellings (five units or more).• Public colleges/universities, non-profit colleges/universities, and public K-12 school districts.• Curbside Residential Program locations (excluding single stream).• Community events including, but not limited to, those sponsored by local jurisdictions.• Parks/recreational areas.• Purchase of water refill stations, including installation, replacement of current infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications, or related educational and outreach activities/materials promoting water refill stations.• Litter reduction and cleanup along the United States-Mexico border where the waste stream includes beverage containers that will be recycled. o Out of State beverage containers collected as part of the litter abatement and cleanup projects cannot be funded under this grant program. Ongoing collection programs may include the following activities as a component of the grant project:• Temporary Community events (i.e., recycling or collection events sponsored by local jurisdictions, Earth Day events).• Drop-off, Collection Program, or Community Service Program.• Education and Outreach related to beverage container recycling. Note: Education activities and/or materials (signage, flyers, curriculum, etc.) related to the beverage container recycling project are capped at 25 percent of the total grant award. • Funding must have a direct connection to the California Redemption Value (CRV) of beverage containers and the overall program. If non-CRV items are included in the grant, they are subject to proportional cost. For example: a three-bin system with composting, paper and CRV recycling, can only be funded at one third of the cost. A mixed recycling bin will be funded proportionately based on the CRV content of materials collected. Priority funding will be given to Tribal Entities and applicants with litter abatement projects along the United States-Mexico border. Applicants who meet the criteria will be given priority and will be considered for funding first.

This program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofits, and state agencies in New York for urban tree planting projects that enhance green spaces and combat climate change.

This program provides funding to public school districts and area career and technical schools for necessary improvements to their facilities.

The 2024 AMMP and DDRDP grants, funded by the California State Budget and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aim to provide financial support for projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations, with a focus on alternative manure management and dairy digester research and development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals or organizations that create educational programs aimed at improving safety for workers and the public during excavation activities in Colorado.