State Natural Resources Grants

The Angler Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (Angler R3) grant program provides financial assistance to partners who conduct Angler R3 programs and activities in Wisconsin. Funding is provided through the Dingell Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act, a federal aid program. The goals of the Angler R3 grant program are to grow the numbers of anglers in Wisconsin and expand angling participation among adults, particularly from non-traditional audiences. To achieve these goals, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will award cost-sharing funds to community-based organizations, community centers, government agencies, Wisconsin tribes, colleges, universities and schools to ensure the education and development of safe and ethical adult anglers. Grant awards may be up to 75% share of total eligible project costs.

The Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program, supported by the King County Solid Waste Division (SWD), is designed to foster projects that actively minimize waste, extend the lifespan of materials, and rejuvenate natural systems. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of promoting a circular economy, moving beyond traditional linear models of production and consumption. By focusing on prevention and reuse upstream, and robust recycling actions downstream, the program seeks to create a more sustainable material flow within King County, while also addressing and reducing existing inequities. The program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, businesses, self-employed individuals, tribal governments, and universities/colleges that operate within or support communities in King County (excluding Seattle and Milton). The overarching impact goals are to significantly reduce the volume of materials generated and subsequently sent to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, and to enhance the overall sustainability and equity of King County's solid waste system. This is achieved by supporting projects that offer higher uses for materials, focus on waste prevention, or improve the quality, quantity, and availability of recycling infrastructure. The Re+ Circular Economy Grant has two primary focus areas: Prevention and Reuse, and Recycling. Prevention and Reuse projects encompass efforts to reduce material consumption, build infrastructure for reusable products, increase food rescue, and encourage sharing or donating items. Recycling projects aim to create or expand markets for recycled materials (including organics), improve the quality and access to recycling in various communities, and even commercialize technologies that replace virgin materials with recycled content. Projects addressing plastic, paper, and organics (food waste, yard waste, and wood) are given higher priority during the evaluation process, reflecting a strategic emphasis on key waste streams. With approximately $2.2 million in grant funding available for the 2024-25 cycle, the program expects measurable outcomes such as increased food rescue for human and animal consumption, stimulated demand for reused and recycled products, expanded access to reuse and recycling programs, and enhanced collection and processing capacity for recyclable materials. Furthermore, the program anticipates the commercialization of new technologies that utilize recycled content and the development of new uses for recycled materials, all demonstrating future waste diversion potential. The King County Solid Waste Division's strategic priority is a whole system approach that balances upstream prevention with downstream recycling, underpinned by a theory of change that by supporting innovative projects in these areas, King County can achieve substantial reductions in landfill waste and foster a more equitable and resilient circular economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut municipalities and regional entities for projects that improve waste management infrastructure and promote recycling and waste reduction initiatives.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is offering a grant for its Home Visitation and Parent Education & Supports Program. This initiative aims to bolster family wellbeing and build protective factors within families. The program's core mission aligns with CFSA's goal to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening parent-child bonds, promoting healthy child development, and enhancing overall family functioning. The agency seeks to achieve this through innovative, community-based prevention programs. The primary beneficiaries of this program are parents and caregivers within the District of Columbia, particularly those who would benefit from home visitation, parent education, and prevention services. The impact goals are to provide families with service navigation, connecting them with governmental and community resources, offer wrap-around services such as food and clothing, and deliver high-fidelity, nationally recognized, evidence-based programs. Ultimately, the program strives to improve the mental and emotional health of children during their early years, increase protective factors, and significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The program prioritizes innovative approaches, including video technology, motivational interviewing, tailored curricula, and engaging activities based on evidence-based or evidence-informed models. CFSA is specifically looking to fund programs that creatively strengthen the attachment between parents and their children. The expected outcomes include a stronger parent-child bond, enhanced healthy child development, improved family functioning, and a reduction in child abuse and neglect incidents. Measurable results will likely stem from the implementation of these evidence-based programs and the demonstrated improvements in family wellbeing and protective factors. CFSA's strategic priority is to fund innovative and community-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Their theory of change is that by equipping parents and caregivers with essential tools and resources, and by fostering strong parent-child attachments through evidence-based interventions, they can significantly improve children's mental and emotional health in early life. This approach, by increasing protective factors, directly addresses and aims to mitigate the root causes of child abuse and neglect, thereby enhancing overall community well-being.

This grant cycle has been designed for smaller projects that complement existing and/or regional HHW programs in California. Grant applications must include one or more of the following types of projects: HHW public education and outreach for general audiences (may include extended producer responsibility [EPR] information).Implementation of sustainable EPR collection opportunities, to include but not limited to: (1) Promotion of an ongoing retail take-back program such as batteries or fluorescent lamps at local hardware stores, businesses, or government facilities.(2) Promotional collection events hosted at businesses or government facilities.(3) Promotional public education and outreach materials specifically for local retail take-back programs. (4) Project to: Determine and implement the most safe and cost effective methods for collecting propane gas cylinders and/or marine flares.Implement effective education programs and identify effective incentives that reduce the disposal of household hazardous waste. The incentives must be something reusable to replace HHW being disposed (does not include monetary or SWAG incentives, rechargeable batteries, adapters, valves, caps or other accessories for refilling propane canisters).(5) Set-up and operation of temporary or mobile collection program for one-day or multi-day collection events for the following except for those materials that are currently covered by another recycling/collection program (e.g. covered electronic waste, cell phones, thermostat, etc.): Common HHW materials and universal waste.Marine flaresPropane gas cylinders up to 5 gallonsSolar panels as a pilot project. Awardees are required to collect and report data on type/style of panels, manufacturer, volume, and the method of disposal.(6) New or expanded curbside and/or door-to-door collection programs to allow for the collection of new and eligible HHW materials. (7) Minor improvements to an existing HHW facility. (Examples include but are not limited to: storage bins, signage, painting, paving, shelving, etc.). Purchase of personal protection equipment. (8) 8-hour refresher Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standards (HAZWOPER) training. Projects that do not fall within one of these eight categories will not be eligible for grant funding. A Resolution is required by the secondary due date.  

The FY25 LAND Grant Program, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), offers financial assistance to Massachusetts municipal conservation and agriculture commissions. The program supports the acquisition of conservation land to enhance outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, and address climate change impacts. Eligible projects include purchases of land or conservation restrictions, and all properties acquired under this program are required to be open to the public for passive recreation. Grant renwed every year

This program provides funding to private and municipal landowners of conserved properties in Massachusetts to enhance wildlife habitats and improve public access for outdoor recreation.

This program provides competitive funding to municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut to combat and educate the public about the impacts of harmful aquatic invasive species in local waterways.

The Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund in New Hampshire offers an alternative to permittee-responsible mitigation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources such as streams and wetlands through In-Lieu Fee (ILF) payments. These pooled funds are distributed as competitive grants across nine watershed service areas, supporting restoration, enhancement, and preservation activities aimed at compensating for losses and maintaining the state's aquatic resource functions. An annual Request for Proposals is issued by NHDES, the fund's managing entity. Applicants are evaluated by a Site Selection Committee based on criteria including alignment with the state Wildlife Action Plan and expert assessments. The ultimate goal of the ARM Fund is to ensure "no net loss" of aquatic functions and values, emphasizing the creation of sustainable, maintenance-free natural systems within their respective landscapes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently accepting applications for its Metro Grant Cycle, focusing on the enhancement, restoration, or protection of natural resources. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of preserving Minnesota's diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and critical habitats for fish, game, and wildlife. By funding projects that directly address habitat benefits, the DNR aims to promote ecological health and biodiversity within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the ecosystems and wildlife within the seven-county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) and the cities of Duluth, Rochester, or St. Cloud. Projects funded through this cycle are expected to result in measurable improvements in specific species populations, ecosystem functions, and the overall quality of various habitat types. The impact goals are centered on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts that lead to healthier and more resilient natural environments. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to the direct habitat benefits, emphasizing the identification of specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features. Restoration and enhancement activities are specifically restricted to lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district), or in public waters as defined by Minnesota Statutes. This focus ensures that the funded efforts contribute to long-term conservation and are implemented on lands with secure protection. Expected outcomes include the successful restoration and enhancement of natural habitats, leading to improved conditions for various wildlife and plant species. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to habitat acreage restored, species diversity increases, or improvements in water quality, all of which must be explicitly identified in the application. The DNR's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to invest in projects that demonstrate clear ecological benefits and contribute to the state's natural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by supporting localized, well-defined conservation projects, the state can achieve broader, cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a typical grant period lasting 3 to 3.5 years once the contract is executed. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the project, such as contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve the stated conservation objectives. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, with partnerships highly encouraged. This broad eligibility criterion allows for a diverse range of organizations, from land trusts and lakes associations to cities and tribal governments, to contribute to the conservation efforts. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, ensuring that the grants are directed towards public good and conservation initiatives.

The Harbor Facility Grant Program, administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, offers 50/50 matching financial assistance to municipally or regional housing authority owned small boat harbor facilities in Alaska. This program, funded annually by the Alaska Legislature, aims to support critical infrastructure within the state. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not detailed, the program's alignment with state-level infrastructure development and maintenance is clear. Port or barge facilities are explicitly ineligible, focusing the program on small boat harbor needs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipal and regional housing authorities that own small boat harbor facilities. The impact goals include ensuring the continued functionality and improvement of these facilities, which are vital for local communities and maritime activities in Alaska. The program's structure, with its focus on "Major Maintenance and Repair," "New Construction," and "Expansion," suggests a commitment to both preserving existing infrastructure and fostering growth where needed. The program prioritizes projects through a two-tiered system. Tier I focuses on "Major Maintenance and Repair" of facilities previously owned by the state and now under municipal or regional housing authority ownership, with these projects receiving priority. A facility can only receive one Tier I grant, after which it becomes eligible for Tier II. Tier II encompasses all other eligible facilities, including new construction, expansion, or further major maintenance and repair, and facilities can receive multiple Tier II grants. This tiered approach indicates a strategic focus on addressing the most pressing maintenance needs first, then supporting broader development. Expected outcomes include improved safety, functionality, and longevity of small boat harbor facilities across Alaska. Measurable results could be tracked by the number of facilities repaired or constructed, the value of the grants awarded, and the types of improvements made (e.g., new pilings, upgraded utility systems). The grant duration is 2 years, with a grant period of 18 months for projects, allowing for substantial work to be completed. Award amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000, ensuring significant financial support for eligible projects. The focus on essential items like approach structures, float systems, and utility systems further reinforces the program's goal of ensuring robust and operational harbor facilities.

This grant provides funding to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to improve aquatic habitats and recreational access in the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Creek watersheds in Pennsylvania.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on ecological conservation and management along transportation corridors in Illinois, enabling activities such as wildlife surveys, invasive species control, and prairie restoration.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting applications for the 2024 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round from March 12 to May 7, 2024. Approximately $1.9 million in RTP funding is available. The RTP, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program aimed at building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities across non-motorized, diversified, and motorized trail categories. In 2024, the program is open for applications for both new trail construction and improvements to existing trails, following a competitive application process overseen by the RTP and the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. Eligible applicants include city, county, town, tribal, or other government entities, as well as registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska is inviting applications for its Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) grant program. This initiative aims to foster partnerships with state, county, and tribal governments to plan and execute projects for the restoration of forests, rangelands, and watersheds. The GNA program supports activities including the treatment of insect-and disease-infected trees, hazardous fuels reduction, and other efforts to enhance forest, rangeland, and watershed health, inclusive of fish and wildlife habitats. GNA is applicable to Federal and non-Federal lands, as well as lands owned by Indian tribes. Projects that directly benefit BLM-managed lands, even if executed on non-BLM lands, are eligible for funding. Examples of potential projects under this program in Alaska encompass noxious weeds and invasive species treatment, fuels management, community assistance, forest management, rangeland plant restoration, wildlife habitat connectivity, NEPA compliance support, riparian restoration, and targeted grazing. The program is designed to address a wide range of environmental quality and public benefit goals through collaborative, cross-boundary restoration services.

This program provides funding and resources to Minnesota residents for creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their outdoor spaces to support at-risk pollinators.

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 supports not-for-profit organizations and local governments in New York State to provide food boxes and nutrition education in communities eligible for SNAP benefits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Tennessee local governments for improving and certifying industrial sites to boost economic development and job creation in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations, tribal groups, and local governments in New York to create community gardens that promote nutrition education and increase access to fresh produce for low-income residents.