Tennessee Environment Grants

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 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 U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Davidson County to create opportunities for connection and engagement through public events, shared spaces, and neighborhood initiatives.

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 grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations for educational programs in hospitality, environmental conservation, and medical research focused on kidney disease and Alzheimer’s, specifically in Rhea County, Tennessee, and Oconee County, South Carolina.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro to deliver essential services and affordable housing solutions for low- and moderate-income residents.

DWSRF funds drinking water and water supply projects, including "green" projects. Principal forgiveness available for qualifying small/disadvantaged/ rural communities for planning, design, and construction. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loans are available for the planning, design, and construction phases of public water systems. DWSRF provides low-interest loans to cities, counties, utility districts, and water authorities for drinking water infrastructure. Small, economically disadvantaged communities are eligible for principal forgiveness, which can cover a portion of the SRF loan, and will significantly reduce the amount owed. Eligibility for principal forgiveness is restricted to communities with a population of 10,000 or less combined with an ATPI of 50 or less.

The TRIP provides assists cities and counties establish their first Parks and Recreation Department with a parks and recreation professional as the Director. The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) provides grants to those cities and counties currently without a comprehensive parks and recreation delivery system in operation due to lack of staffing and organization. City or county governments. Development of a formal Parks and Recreation Department.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) has announced the Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Assistance Program. Donor Name: Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) State: Tennessee County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This opportunity is provided by the Forest Service and Tennessee Department of Agriculture. This program seeks to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of urban and community forest ecosystems and to support full-circle management of these valuable resources throughout Tennessee. Objectives Integrate Urban and Community Forestry principles into all scales of planning Promote the role of Urban and Community Forestry in human health and wellness Cultivate diversity, equity, and leadership within the Urban Forestry community Strengthen Urban and Community Forest health and biodiversity for long-term resilience Improve Urban and Community Forest management, maintenance and stewardship Diversify, leverage, and increase funding for Urban and Community Forestry Increase public awareness and environmental education to promote stewardship Prioritize projects focusing work on extreme heat mitigation, urban wood utilization urban food forests and workforce development Goals Facilitate the development of strong partnerships between and among other state government departments and programs; nonprofit organizations; city and county governments; civic organizations; affiliated businesses; and educational institutions. Increase awareness and practice of full circle management in urban and community forests. Increase engagement with prioritized communities under the Justice40 initiative through outreach, education, technical, and financial assistance. Increase awareness of the numerous benefits of trees including those related to extreme heat mitigation, stormwater, and public health outcomes. Increase community preparedness for natural disasters by providing education and outreach, and assistance related to the Readiness, Response and Recovery program. Increase the number of communities participating in Arbor Day Foundation recognition programs. Funding Information Applicants can apply for amounts between $5,000 – $40,000. Projects are expected to be completed within one (1) year. Eligible Projects Urban And Community Forestry Management Tree Planting Program Development Or Capacity Building Urban And Community Wood Utilization Workforce Development Eligibility Criteria Funds may be awarded to units of local governments (city, town, county), non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, or public educational institutions. Other organizations, such as community tree volunteer groups, neighborhood associations or civic groups which are not 501(c)3 organizations, are eligible but must apply in partnership with a non-profit organization or their local government. Non-profit organizations will need to upload a copy of their IRS 501(c)3 Letter of Determination. For more information, visit TDA. Related Posts:Community Tree Planting Program - Tennessee2024 Sustainable Materials Management Grants (Region 4)David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund - Atlanta 2024Nominations open for 2025 Reed Environmental Writing AwardJudiciary Education on Substance Use and Substance…Leadership Development for Deputy Wardens and Second…2024 Homeland Security Preparedness Technical…BJA: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ProgramGrants to address Elevated Risk of Intimate Partner…Rigorously Evaluating Primary Prevention Strategies…Rigorous Evaluation of Primary and Secondary…Research Grants to Rigorously Evaluate Innovative…Effectiveness Research to Prevent…Conducting Research Related to Preventing…ACE: Expanding the Best Available EvidenceSubmit Applications for Accessibility GrantsIndividual Artist Career Grant Program 2025BJA: Global Justice Information Sharing InitiativeDOJ/BJA: Medicaid and Corrections Training and…NIC: Enhancing CJCC Through Specialized Technical…2025–2026 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health…

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville that provide engaging programs and employment initiatives for at-risk youth, particularly those involved with the juvenile justice system.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for projects that enhance the quality of life, promote social welfare, and address community needs.

This program provides financial support to public, nonprofit, and private fleets in Tennessee to replace or upgrade their transit and shuttle buses with new alternative fuel or all-electric models.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals within the Cumberland Plateau region that will help accelerate the restoration and enhancement of critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: NFWF seeks to increase the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands in the region to benefit wildlife and improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Funding is provided by the USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria Group, Cargill and Nestlé and International Paper’s Forestland Stewards Partnership. Approximately $2.8 million is expected to be available for grants this funding cycle. Program Strategies Restoring Previously Mined Lands Increasing Adoption of Conservation Practices on Grazing Lands Increasing Adoption of Conservation Practices on Cropland Establishing, Enhancing and Maintaining Forest Habitats Restoring Instream Habitats to Support Aquatic Species Helping Landowners – Expanding and Coordinating Technical Assistance and Outreach Funding Information The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $250,000 to $750,000.  Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24-48 months. Geographic Focus Projects within the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia are eligible with preference given to projects located within the identified focal areas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to submit an application. For more information, visit NFWF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitat in southeastern United States and Texas. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast. It prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species: Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter). Middle Coosa – Trispot darter Funding Information Approximately $8.45 million is available in grant funding in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24–36 months following finalization of a grant agreement.  Geographic Scope Grants will be made in specific geographies or river basins in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Texas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NFWF.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

TEAP provides state matching funds to directly support tire recycling, tire derived product use, tire reuse research and development, or processing facility improvements. In 2015, the Tennessee Automotive Association partnered with TDEC and the General Assembly to enact Public Chapter 525 that established the Tire Environmental Fund. Upon the first retail sale of a new motor vehicle that is to be titled and registered in Tennessee, a flat fee based on the number of the vehicle’s wheels is assessed. The fee goes into the Tire Environmental Fund which is used to fund projects creating or supporting beneficial end uses for waste tires.

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.

CWSRF funds water quality and wastewater treatment projects as well as storm water projects, including "green" projects. Principal forgiveness for qualifying small/disadvantaged/rural communities. The CWSRF program is a federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing to communities for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse. CWSRF provides low-interest, infrastructure loans to cities, counties, utility districts, and stormwater authorities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that preserve historic resources, such as surveys and restorations, benefiting the public and requiring matching funds from the grantee.