North Carolina Environment Grants

This grant provides funding to local governments in western North Carolina to improve waste management systems and recycling infrastructure in communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on environmental conservation efforts in Western North Carolina, supporting initiatives that protect natural resources and promote a healthier lifestyle for future generations.

This program provides financial assistance to marinas and boat docking facilities in North Carolina's coastal counties for installing or upgrading sewage pumpout stations to improve water quality.

This program provides funding for short-term, resident-led projects in Charlotte that promote community well-being, connection, and problem-solving, with a focus on equity and accessibility.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and local governments working to address environmental justice issues and improve public health in underserved communities across the U.S.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to develop and implement agricultural plans that help preserve farmland and strengthen the agricultural economy.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Buncombe County, North Carolina, to support animal welfare initiatives and prevent cruelty to animals.

This program provides competitive funding to nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to secure agricultural conservation easements on privately owned working lands, ensuring their preservation for agricultural use.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in specific North Carolina counties to address various community needs, including arts, education, health, and human services.

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 grant provides funding to small grassroots nonprofit organizations in Vermont, North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, and New York City that are focused on creating equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges.

This grant provides funding to states, territories, and Tribes to monitor beach water quality and inform the public about safety during recreational activities in coastal waters.

This funding initiative provides financial support to community-based organizations, local and tribal governments in eight southeastern states to address environmental justice issues and promote healthier environments.

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.

This funding program provides financial support to current grantees for purchasing conservation easements on agricultural and forest lands in North Carolina, helping to combat farmland loss.

This program provides matching funds to nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to help preserve farmland and support agricultural conservation efforts.

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation is offering a 2024 Grant for open space projects through the Morris County Preservation Trust. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to preserve land and water for recreation and conservation, protect ecologically sensitive areas, safeguard exceptional flora and fauna, and maintain areas of scenic, historic, and cultural value. The grant also supports passive and active outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as the protection of critical water supplies and the acquisition of historic sites. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include the thirty-nine municipalities within Morris County and charitable conservancies. The impact goals are to enhance and protect Morris County's natural resources, provide recreational opportunities for residents, and preserve the county's unique historical and cultural heritage. The program aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable assets for future generations. The program prioritizes projects that involve land or water areas for recreation and conservation, including parkland, natural areas, and greenways. It also focuses on the protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as freshwater wetlands, steep slopes, and stream corridors, as well as the preservation of lands with exceptional flora or fauna. Furthermore, the grant supports the preservation of areas with scenic, historic, and cultural value, and the protection of critical water supplies. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected open space, improved access to recreational facilities, and the safeguarding of vital ecosystems and historical sites. Measurable results will include the number of acres preserved, the number of historic sites acquired, and the extent of critical water supplies protected. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in land and water preservation, the county will foster a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a richer cultural landscape for its residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, recycling businesses, nonprofits, multifamily property owners, public housing authorities, and colleges for developing or improving recycling programs in multifamily residences across North Carolina.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

The Town of Carrboro administers the Green Neighborhood Grant Program to support resident led projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance ecosystem resilience, and benefit the community. The program seeks to educate and empower neighborhoods, build capacity for climate action, strengthen partnerships, leverage town and neighborhood resources, and direct resources to low income communities and communities of color disproportionately affected by climate change. Projects must demonstrate shared benefits and aim to reduce emissions, improve ecosystem resilience, or increase climate action awareness and engagement. Projects must be initiated, planned, and implemented by community members, completed within six months of award, and comply with permitting and insurance requirements as applicable. The maximum grant amount is 2,500 dollars. Eligible applicants are neighborhoods located within Carrboro’s town limits. Applicants may apply for funding in two consecutive cycles, and those not previously funded may receive feedback to strengthen future applications. Contractors must carry required insurance and groups may be asked to obtain liability insurance when necessary. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the town’s process. Funding duration beyond the six month completion requirement is not stated. Official information is available from the Town of Carrboro.