Nebraska Environment Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

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 grant provides funding for projects in Nebraska that aim to reduce waste, promote recycling, and improve environmental sustainability through various initiatives like composting, recycling systems, and waste collection events.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal assistance program administered by the National Park Service at the federal level and by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at the state level. The program aims to support local sponsors in the acquisition, development, and renovation of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Funding is provided through 50% reimbursement grants. Eligible applicants include villages, cities, public power districts, and natural resource districts in Nebraska. The program requires projects to align with the goals outlined in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2021-2025, ensuring they address the state and local outdoor recreation needs. Grant applications are accepted online and must be submitted by September each year, with projects reviewed and recommended by January and approved grants starting the following year.

First Nations is currently accepting applications under Stewarding Native Lands program to support the development of tribal co-stewardship agreements and related capacity building. Donor Name: First Nations Development Institute State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The federal government has embarked upon an era of co-stewardship of public lands as directed by Joint Secretarial Order 3403 and other authorities. States have also launched new policies consistent with this approach. These efforts to restore tribal stewardship can help to advance ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and adaptation to climate change. Central to this work is restoring buffalo and fire to grasslands. This grant will provide Tribes with resources to build necessary capacity to negotiate, implement, and monitor co-stewardship agreements with the U.S. Forest Service in the Great Plains Region. This includes technical assistance, trainings, and networking opportunities all centered in the space of co-stewardship. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and increase tribal co-stewardship on National Grasslands in the Great Plains region, allowing Tribes to serve as anchors in promoting greater ecological connectivity to grassland protection and health. Funding Information Total requested funds in project budgets under this funding opportunity should not exceed $125,000. Grant Period  The grant period for this funding opportunity is October 15, 2024, to November 30, 2026. Eligibility Criteria Tribes that border or are in proximity of National Grasslands and are interested in establishing a co-stewardship agreement with the U.S. Forest Service on the National Grasslands in the Northern Great Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming).  Types of eligible applicants include:  Federal- and State-Recognized tribal Governments and Departments For more information, visit First Nations Development Institute.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Funding is authorized through section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. These funds are a potential source of support for drinking water protection projects in Nebraska. Program overview, grant process, general program information, funding priority, project requirements and format are outlined in the attached guidance. Project proposals will be reviewed by staff at Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and representatives of other organizations. Projects recommended by the reviewers will be forwarded to the Director of NDEE for approval. Any questions you may have regarding this invitation may be submitted to the Source Water Coordinator at the address below. Questions will be answered directly and then posted on the NDEE website for reference. Proposals must be submitted to the NDEE office in Lincoln by 5:00 PM July 1, 2024.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Cass County to promote tourism through marketing initiatives or to enhance local attractions with capital improvements.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides funding for projects in Nebraska that aim to reduce litter and waste, promote recycling, and improve waste management practices.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cass County, Nebraska, for projects that improve local attractions and promote tourism through physical enhancements or marketing initiatives.

This program provides funding for graduate students in the North Central Region to conduct research that promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

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 provides financial and technical support to local governments in Douglas and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska, and the urbanized area of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, for community development projects that promote sustainable growth and improve transportation planning.

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 program provides financial support to local governments in Nebraska for the development and maintenance of public recreational trails, benefiting both motorized and non-motorized users.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, schools, and nonprofits in Nebraska for small-scale transportation projects that improve accessibility, safety, and multimodal travel options, particularly for nonmotorized transportation.

This grant provides funding for individuals, nonprofits, and organizations to undertake projects that protect and restore Nebraska's natural environment through various initiatives like habitat conservation, water protection, and waste management improvements.

This grant provides flexible funding to nonprofit organizations in Lincoln and Lancaster County, Nebraska, to support their operating expenses, programs, and capital projects that address community needs across various sectors.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and individuals in Grand Island, Nebraska, focusing on community betterment through initiatives in education, health, arts, and public welfare.