State Natural Resources Grants

The WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML) administers federal funding for economic development projects on abandoned mine lands through its AMLER Program. Donor Name: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection State: West Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program helps projects located on or adjacent to mine sites that ceased operations prior to the signing of the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act. Priorities Priorities as established by SMCRA: the protection of public health, safety, and property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining practices. The protection of public health and safety from adverse effects of coal mining practices The restoration of land and water resources and the environment previously degraded by adverse effects of coal mining practices (including measures for the conservation and development of soil, water (excluding channelization), woodland, fish and wildlife, recreation resources and agricultural productivity.​ Eligibility Criteria Noncoal lands and water are eligible if: They were mined or affected by mining processes; They were mind and left or abandoned in either an unreclaimed or inadequately reclamated condition prior to August 3rd, 1977; There is no continuing responsibility for reclamation by the operator, permittee, or agent of the permittee under statutes of the State of Federal Government or by the State as a result of bond forfeiture. Bond forfeiture will render lands or water ineligible only if the amount forfeited is sufficient to pay the total cost of the necessary reclamation.  In cases where the forfeited bond is insufficient to pay the total cost of reclamation, monies sufficient to complete the reclamation may be sought under parts 886 or 888 of this chapter; The reclamation has been requested by the Governor of the State or equivalent head of the Indian tribe; and The reclamation is necessary to protect the public health, safety, general welfare, and property from extreme danger of adverse effects of noncoal mining practices. For more information, visit WVDEP.

This program provides financial assistance to private landowners in Georgia for forest management practices that help control the Southern Pine Beetle and promote healthy pine forests.

Project WINGS is an innovative program aimed at transforming electrical and gas transmission rights-of-ways into vibrant wildlife habitats within Georgia. By providing cash grants of up to $1,500 over three years, along with professional wildlife management advice, the program encourages landowners, leaseholders, hunting clubs, wildlife organizations, and government entities to manage these corridors for the benefit of both non-game and game species. Eligible rights-of-ways include those under Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission, MEAG Power, Savannah Electric, and AGL Resources. Common practices supported by the program include chemical control of exotic plants, planting of annual or perennial plants, and encouraging native vegetation through disking or mowing. Applications for the program are accepted annually from May 15 through July 15 at Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May 15th to July 15th.

This funding opportunity supports urban and community forestry projects aimed at increasing tree canopy in disadvantaged communities, available to public colleges, universities, and tribal entities in New Mexico.

The Natural Heritage Conservation Act (NHCA) Program, facilitated by the State of New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Forestry Division, seeks applications for conservation projects. Eligible entities include state agencies, public educational institutions, political subdivisions of the state, nations, tribes, or pueblos, with tax-exempt private nonprofit charitable corporations or trusts allowed to partner but not apply directly. The program primarily supports transactional costs for easement projects and land restoration projects, with a focus on enhancing New Mexico's conservation plans and strategies. $1.4 million from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund is allocated for FY25, targeting a range of conservation activities outlined in the detailed scope of work. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring and Fall deadlines

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program seeks to ensure that farmers, commercial fishermen, and other local food producers are better engaged with a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruptions, as well as to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, with a focus on food that is produced locally. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Projects to enhance equitable access to food for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on food that is produced locally. The FSIG program (“Program”) also seeks to ensure that farmers, fisherman, and other local food producers are better connected to markets in a strong, resilient food system, and that they have the infrastructure needed to produce and distribute healthy food efficiently and safely. Providing greater, more equitable access to local food and strengthening the role of local food in the Commonwealth’s food system is an important goal of the Program. Local food is defined through this Program as food which is grown/produced and distributed within the Commonwealth. The local food system is a network of consumers, workers, businesses, owners, and supporting organizations engaged in an array of activities, including fishing, farming, preparing, marketing, distributing, serving, and eating food. This network works to produce and distribute food that nourishes the communities, sustains businesses and workers, and supports responsible stewardship of the land, water, and other natural resources. Funding Information Part I: Agriculture Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Part II: Local Food System Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects must be capital improvements including the purchase of equipment and contracted labor costs in order to implement projects, or costs associated with planning and design directly related to capital projects that will allow applicants to strengthen and improve the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system while allowing greater access to fresh, local food in a way that addresses systemic inequities. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants may be individuals, for-profit, or non-profit entities. Municipalities and other governmental entities may also be eligible to apply, provided all necessary requirements to submit an application can be met, the ability to utilize funding can be demonstrated, and the entity has the ability to enter into a contract with MDAR. For more information, visit MDAR.

This program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of parks, trails, and recreational spaces to enhance community livability and promote conservation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit conservation organizations for acquiring land and conservation easements to promote environmental protection and public recreational access.

This grant program supports counties in Wisconsin that employ a professional forester as a County Forest Administrator or Assistant County Forest Administrator. It offers financial assistance up to 50% of the annual salary and fringe benefits costs for the eligible positions. Additionally, the program provides funding for up to 50% of the dues to a non-profit organization that offers counsel to the County Forest Administrator and serves as an organizational liaison for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This initiative is aimed at enhancing the management and administration of lands enrolled under the County Forest Law, promoting sustainable forest management practices, and supporting county-level forestry efforts. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: January 31st

The All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile grant supports projects focused on the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and the development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Only projects specifically related to ATV or snowmobile endeavors are eligible for submission under this category. The grant is funded by the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Management Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. Although there is no mandatory match requirement for this funding opportunity, applications that include match funding will receive additional consideration. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall opening/ closing deadlines: opens first business day in August and closes the last business day in September

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 Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Program is a competitive federal grant initiative aiming to mitigate pollution in the nation's waterways. The program, funded through the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, allocates about $10 million annually across the United States. The CVA Program supports the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pump-out and dump stations, including floating restrooms and facilities used exclusively by boaters. It also emphasizes educating the public about the environmental impacts of vessel sewage discharges, thereby promoting cleaner water bodies. The program encourages partnerships with private marinas, businesses, and local government units to establish these facilities. With an application deadline of September 1st, eligible entities include private marinas or businesses with public access and local units of government. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline September 1st

This program provides financial assistance to Iowa cities for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of underutilized buildings to promote economic growth and community revitalization.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development is seeking applications for its Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities. Donor Name: Indiana Office of Energy Development State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Indiana Office of Energy Development is committed to affordable, stable, and reliable energy solutions for the benefit of all Hoosiers. Indiana OED supports the development of comprehensive energy policy that supports a diverse and balanced portfolio of energy resources. Program Goals  Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC) is a community-based competitive grant program to address energy needs and priorities at a community or regional level. Applicants are encouraged to think big, and to consider how they can address their energy needs on a larger scale. The purpose of the EPIC grant program is to support a comprehensive energy solutions program tailored to specific communities and serve as a model for other communities across Indiana. The goals of the EPIC program are to support Indiana’s five pillars of electricity policy: reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Each proposal is encouraged to support as many of the five pillars as possible with a measurable impact. Proposals must be able to demonstrate public benefit to their communities, including but not limited to underserved and disadvantaged communities. Successful applicants will serve as a model for other communities with similar energy needs and goals. Awardees will share their progress during the project and their success upon project completion. Further, to support broader local and state priorities, awarded projects will demonstrate a connection to one or more of the following state priorities: economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Partnerships are expected to be an essential element. Funding Information Indiana OED is making approximately $2,500,000 available. OED anticipates awards averaging $300,000 to $500,000 per awardee. Project Period 3 years or less. Eligible Projects & Technologies Proposals must fall into one or more of the following topics. Example technologies are listed but are not exhaustive. Energy Efficiency- Includes projects that result in using less energy, such as: Building upgrades and retrofits Energy system technology to monitor and manage energy usage Weatherization measures Higher efficiency technology, equipment, and appliances Alternative Fueling and Charging Infrastructure-Includes projects for publicly accessible alternative fueling and/or charging infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and reduce local emissions. Vehicle purchases are not allowable under EPIC. Alternative fuels include biodiesel (B20+), compressed natural gas, electric, ethanol, hydrogen, liquid natural gas, propane, and renewable diesel (R20+). Examples include: Publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure (excluding Level 3 or DC fast charging) Vehicle-to-Grid technology development and/or deployment Publicly accessible alternative fuel fueling infrastructure Energy Security and Reliability-Includes projects that support resource adequacy, and support responses to and recovery from energy emergencies, shortages, or disruptions. Examples include: Backup generation (battery energy system storage, solar + battery storage, propane) Microgrid technologies Cybersecurity measures Clean Energy Resources- Includes projects that result in the use of renewable and other clean energy technologies, such as: Battery storage Solar (and solar + battery) Geothermal Wind Biomass Eligibility Criteria Eligible entities include local units of government, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and institutions of higher education. Entities that work throughout a community or region and can coordinate partnerships are strongly encouraged, such as local and regional economic development organizations, community foundations, and other organizations that participate in community development initiatives. Eligible entities must be Indiana based and registered with both the federal and state governments in order to receive award fund An eligible entity may submit only one proposal. An entity can coordinate submission on behalf of multiple beneficiaries. A community may be a part of multiple submissions as long as they are not the prime applicant (i.e., the one executing the grant agreement with OED) in more than one submission. Tiered subawards are not allowable under the federal award, so the prime recipient may only release funds to subcontractors to perform work on the project and may not make further subawards. For more information, visit OED.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, aimed at local governments, utilities, and organizations working to improve public water supply, sewer systems, and related environmental initiatives in Arkansas.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit snowmobile clubs in Michigan for maintaining and improving the state's snowmobile trail system.

The BNR Program provides funds to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for retrofitting or upgrading to include biological nitrification/denitrification facilities, aiming for an effluent concentration goal of 8 mg/l total nitrogen. The program encourages upgrades alongside Enhanced Nutrient Removal, funded by the Bay Restoration Fund grant. The Biological Nutrient Program (BNR) funds are targeted to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and provides funds to retrofit or upgrade WWTPs with biological nitrification/denitrification facilities to achieve a goal of annual average effluent concentration of 8 mg/l total nitrogen. The BNR upgrade is generally undertaken along with Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade using Bay Restoration Fund grant funding

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 surface water grant program provides cost sharing grants for surface water protection and restoration. Funding is available for education, ecological assessments, planning, implementation, and aquatic invasive species prevention and control. With many different projects eligible for grant funding, you can support surface water management at any stage: from organization capacity development to project implementation.

The Dam Removal Grant Program provides reimbursement for 100 percent of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $50,000 for any owner who wishes to remove a dam. Applications are accepted on a continual basis. Awards are made on a first come first served basis until all of the funding is obligated. Applications are accepted continually. To be considered for funding, applications must be complete and meet basic eligibility criteria. Funding decisions will be made on a first-come, first-served basis based on the application receipt date.