Kentucky Natural Resources Grants

This funding initiative provides financial support to a variety of organizations, including local governments and nonprofits, to implement projects that reduce pollution from diffuse sources and improve water quality in Kentucky.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects in the Appalachian region that protect wildlife habitats and enhance ecological connectivity, targeting community organizations, municipalities, and tribal nations.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's Shaping a Healthy and Inclusive Future Together (SHIFT) Grant Program aims to transform fragmented communities in Kentucky into inclusive environments for individuals engaging in substance use or experiencing chemical dependence. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to build a healthy, inclusive, and connected Kentucky by addressing the critical need for harm reduction and racial equity. The foundation seeks to foster a culture of acceptance and support, moving away from punitive approaches and integrating more compassionate, effective strategies into mainstream services. The SHIFT program targets community-based organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities of color. These organizations must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through BIPOC leadership within their staff and board. A crucial eligibility criterion is that applicants must not mandate sobriety for individuals to receive services, emphasizing an inclusive approach. The primary impact goal is to shift communities towards greater inclusion and better support for individuals with substance use challenges, particularly those who have experienced systemic oppression due to the War on Drugs. The grant program prioritizes the integration of harm reduction programming into communities. This includes a variety of project examples such as distributing naloxone, safe use kits, syringe exchanges, and testing strips, as well as community organizing and advocacy that empower individuals with lived experiences. Stigma reduction trainings are also a focus, aimed at helping the public understand and articulate the importance of harm reduction models. Other priorities include developing coalitions of local businesses to provide harm reduction supplies, building partnerships with medication-assisted treatment providers, and integrating peer support professionals into staff positions. Expected outcomes of the grant program include the introduction of new harm reduction service modalities into mainstream services and the increased inclusion of people who use substances into these services. The program offers 10-15 grants, ranging from $10,000 for piloting new programming to $50,000 for supporting ongoing harm reduction and racial equity work. This funding structure supports both innovative new initiatives and the sustained growth of existing effective programs, demonstrating the foundation's strategic commitment to long-term impact and systemic change within Kentucky's communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, aiming to restore and enhance critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats within the Cumberland Plateau region. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The program's core strategy involves increasing the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands, which contributes to NFWF’s strategic priority of supporting wildlife and improving ecological health through sustainable land management. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse habitats and species within the Cumberland Plateau, as well as landowners and communities in the region who will adopt conservation practices. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, the program aims to foster resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable human activities. The foundation's theory of change is predicated on the idea that by providing financial and technical assistance, they can incentivize conservation practices that lead to measurable environmental improvements and long-term ecological benefits. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program strategies. These include restoring previously mined lands, increasing the adoption of conservation practices on grazing and croplands, establishing, enhancing, and maintaining forest habitats, and restoring instream habitats to support aquatic species. A significant focus is also placed on expanding and coordinating technical assistance and outreach to landowners, recognizing the importance of local engagement and support for successful implementation of conservation efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in acres of restored habitats, improved water quality metrics, enhanced soil health, and greater carbon sequestration. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024, with individual grant awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. Projects are expected to have a completion time of 24-48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, Tribal Governments, and educational institutions, with a preference for projects within identified focal areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The program’s success will be measured by the extent to which these conservation practices are adopted and the subsequent environmental benefits realized across the Cumberland Plateau.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA) is offering its FY2025 African Community Grant to qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the African community in the District of Columbia. This grant aims to support initiatives that contribute to the District's strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, safe, and educated community. The program's mission is directly aligned with strengthening the African community by supporting organizations that provide direct services and address key areas of need within the District. The grant targets the African community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are broadly focused on improving the quality of life for this community. This includes contributing to a "Downtown Comeback" by reimagining vibrant centers of activity, enhancing "Public Safety" by reducing all forms of violence and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development, and improving "Education" by ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through academic and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. For the Downtown Comeback, the focus is on creating spaces where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, positioning DC as a global and forward-thinking leader. For Public Safety, the emphasis is on creating lasting change, reducing violence, and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development. In Education, the priorities are fundamental skills like reading and math, as well as recreational activities such as sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, are implied through the funding areas. For example, in Public Safety, the expected outcome is a reduction in violence and improved quality of life through various investments. In Education, the goal is for children to reach their full potential, suggesting improved academic outcomes and increased participation in enriching activities. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by investing in CBOs providing direct services in these critical areas, the overall well-being and strength of the African community in the District of Columbia will be enhanced, contributing to a more equitable and thriving city for all.

SUMMARY INFORMATION Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Kentucky NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP WRE) Acquisition Services Agreement Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-KY-ACEP- 24-NOFO0001367 Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which can be found at: https://sam.gove/content/home. SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes. Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals to assist with due diligence for acquiring Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), including contracting for title exams, updates, and closing services; boundary surveys; appraisals and cultural resource investigations. ACEP WRE provides funding for the purchase of conservation easements held by NRCS, and to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land. Proposals are requested for consideration of cooperative agreements with a period of performance not to exceed five years. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on TBD. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in the southeastern U.S. to improve aquatic habitats and water quality, particularly for endangered species and key river basins.

This funding opportunity supports projects that restore and enhance forests, wetlands, and aquatic habitats in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, benefiting wildlife and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions in the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachians to restore ecosystems, improve habitats, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

This program provides funding to neighborhood and homeowner associations in Fayette County, Kentucky, to implement projects that improve stormwater quality and promote community engagement in environmental sustainability.