Grants for County governments - Environment

The Grist Fellowship Program is a paid opportunity aimed at early-career journalists passionate about environmental issues. This program offers participants the chance to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced national news environment while building expertise in climate and environmental journalism. Fellows work full-time for one year, honing essential skills and engaging with leading thinkers in sustainability and climate science. The fellowship positions participants for successful careers in media, with alumni securing roles at prestigious outlets such as The Atlantic, Politico, The Verge, and others. For the 2025–2026 cycle, applications are open until January 21, 2025. Grist is offering fellowships in three specialized areas: Climate News, Climate Solutions, and Indigenous Affairs. Each fellowship includes specific training and responsibilities, and additional details about the roles, compensation, and application process can be accessed on the Grist website. The program runs from May 2025 to April 2026. Fellows gain invaluable training and real-world journalism experience, developing their ability to report on complex environmental issues and contribute meaningfully to the public conversation about sustainability and climate solutions.

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 funding opportunity supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, universities, and government entities in developing innovative solutions to overcome barriers to implementing Natural Climate Solutions for climate mitigation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations and communities in Boulder County to implement innovative projects that promote resource conservation and advance circular economy practices, ultimately helping to combat climate change.

This program provides financial support to rural and high-risk communities in Colorado for developing microgrids that ensure reliable power for essential services during emergencies.

This funding opportunity supports Michigan-based organizations in launching volunteer-led stream monitoring programs to collect important water quality data through macroinvertebrate monitoring.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Michigan-based organizations for innovative projects that promote waste diversion and enhance the state's circular economy.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public sector entities, and scalable for-profit companies in the U.S. to develop and promote innovative wood products and value chains that enhance sustainable forestry and rural economic development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Cheyenne to assist low- and moderate-income residents through projects focused on housing, infrastructure, and essential services.

This program provides funding to support the maintenance and improvement of winter trail infrastructure for snowmobiling in Colorado, benefiting local snowmobile clubs, organizations, and agencies involved in trail grooming and safety initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, public service entities, and government agencies serving the residents of Orcas Island, Washington, to enhance community-driven projects during the holiday season.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area to support projects that promote environmental stewardship, community beautification, and economic vitality.

This funding program provides financial support to public and private water providers, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations for projects that develop alternative water supplies and implement water conservation technologies in South Florida.

This program provides financial assistance to Colorado municipalities, counties, and other local entities affected by energy and mineral development to support community development projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to Maryland counties and municipalities to implement a streamlined solar permitting software, helping them meet state requirements for residential solar energy systems.

This program provides funding to government agencies and nonprofit organizations for the maintenance, development, and ecological restoration of publicly accessible off-road vehicle trails in Michigan.

This grant provides funding for significant community projects in Portage and Waushara Counties that promote collaboration across various sectors to enhance quality of life in areas such as arts, education, environment, helping people, and wellness.

This program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan's specialty crop producers through projects focused on marketing, research, education, and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Fayette County, Iowa, to support community projects that enhance quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and environmental welfare.

This program provides funding to local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations for projects that enhance public wildlife viewing opportunities and promote conservation of Georgia's nongame wildlife and habitats.