Indiana Natural Resources Grants

This grant provides funding to Great Lakes states and tribes for projects that prevent and control aquatic invasive species, benefiting the Great Lakes ecosystem.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Indiana for the development and improvement of public shooting ranges, promoting recreational shooting opportunities and hunter education.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. This program aims to aid communities in restoring their urban tree canopy after natural disasters by funding the planting of replacement trees. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community resilience, focusing on re-establishing critical natural infrastructure within urban areas. The grant seeks to mitigate the long-term environmental and aesthetic damage caused by natural disasters, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of affected communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Indiana. The target impact is the recovery and enhancement of urban tree canopies, which in turn offers numerous environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, enhanced stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. The program also encourages community engagement, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and local involvement in environmental recovery efforts, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes and stronger community bonds. The grant prioritizes the planting of trees native to Indiana and explicitly excludes the purchase of maples (Acer genus) unless specific conditions are met, demonstrating a commitment to ecological integrity and the prevention of monoculture. Beyond tree planting, the grant also supports crucial urban forestry management tools, including community tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, and storm response plans. These tools are vital for a proactive and strategic approach to urban forestry, enabling communities to not only recover from disasters but also to build more resilient and effectively managed tree populations for the future. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in urban tree canopy coverage in disaster-affected areas, improved community preparedness for future natural disasters through comprehensive management and response plans, and a heightened level of community engagement in local environmental initiatives. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of trees planted, the development and implementation of urban forestry plans, and the scope of community participation. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial assistance for tree recovery and urban forestry planning, IDNR can empower local entities to rebuild stronger, more sustainable, and more beautiful communities capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. Funding for project requests ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, with an overall available fund of $40,000. This ensures that a diverse range of projects, from small-scale plantings to more comprehensive planning initiatives, can be supported. Eligible activities include the creation or updating of tree inventories and canopy assessments, the development or review of management/response plans, and tree planting projects that incorporate community engagement. The emphasis on native species and strategic planning reflects a thoughtful approach to environmental restoration and long-term ecological health.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development seeks proposals for Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities to address energy needs at a community or regional scale. The program supports comprehensive solutions aligned with the state’s pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, and encourages partnerships with measurable public benefits. Eligible project topics include energy efficiency such as building upgrades and energy management technologies, alternative fueling and charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible, energy security and reliability including backup generation, microgrids, and cybersecurity, and clean energy resources such as solar, storage, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Vehicle purchases and certain high speed charging are not allowable under program rules. Projects should also demonstrate connections to state priorities such as economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Eligible entities include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, and institutions of higher education that are Indiana based and registered federally and with the state. Approximately 2,500,000 dollars is available, with anticipated awards averaging 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for project periods of up to three years. One proposal per eligible entity is allowed; applicants may coordinate regional submissions but cannot make tiered subawards. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Additional information is available from the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

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 grant provides funding to Great Lakes states to implement their plans for managing and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, benefiting both the states and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Rush County, Indiana, to implement projects that enhance local parks and recreational facilities, benefiting the community and addressing current needs.

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 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 support to licensed family childcare providers in specific Indiana and Illinois counties to help them overcome barriers to achieving high-quality childcare designations.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, tribal entities, and educational institutions to promote conservation practices and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers on private working lands.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal governments, and educational institutions in the Chicago and Calumet region to implement conservation projects that improve waterways, enhance natural habitats, and engage communities.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that restore and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, targeting nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal groups, and educational institutions.

This grant provides funding to Indiana communities for planning projects that promote long-term improvements and address local priorities, requiring a minimum local match of 10% of the total project cost.

This program provides funding to Indiana communities and organizations to enhance recycling and waste reduction initiatives, requiring a 25% cash match from applicants.

This program provides funding to municipalities, educational institutions, and nonprofits for projects that protect and restore the Lake Michigan watershed in Indiana.