Grants for Nonprofits - Environment

2023 Strengthening Neighborhoods Program offers small grants for community groups in Colorado to support grassroots community development and organizing. Projects should leverage existing community strengths and assets, such as residents' skills or neighborhood institutions. Funding areas include arts, culture, humanities, civic fabric, economic opportunity, education, environment & climate, food & nutrition, health & mental health, housing & homelessness, human services, religious institutions, transportation, and youth development.

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership III Description: The Chippewa Nature Center and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service are collaborating to restore wetland, grassland, and pollinator habitat as outdoor classrooms on school lands in the 22 County Saginaw Bay Watershed. County or city-owned lands can also be developed as outdoor education areas if local schools can incorporate them into their curriculum. The projects will be funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with an average cost of $2,000 per acre for restoration. Priority will be given to schools, and each project will include a customized curriculum guide, lessons, supplies, and teacher training. Grant Opportunity: Great Mural Project Description: The Downtown Saginaw Association is leading the Great Mural Project, which aims to transform eyesores or forgotten spaces in Saginaw with beautiful murals and community art installations. The project focuses on sustainability, the river system, non-motorized trails, and other WIN investment projects. WIN will provide a small advisory committee to support the project. Grant Opportunity: Places Create Stories : The Power of Nature Description: Heart of the Lakes and Little Forks Conservancy are partnering to develop a media project that highlights the value of nature from an economic and community perspective. The project aims to create three short videos that emphasize the importance of nature for community character, job retention/recruitment, and economic development. The videos will be distributed through land conservancies and can be tailored for different groups' use. Grant Opportunity: Nature Kindergarten Pilot Description: This grant supports the development of a nature-based kindergarten pilot project at Bullock Creek Schools in cooperation with Chippewa Nature Center. Building on the success of a nature-based preschool program at Chippewa Nature Center, this pilot project aims to incorporate nature-based learning into two kindergarten classrooms. Grant Opportunity: MI Great Bay Regional Tourism Marketing & Development Phase 1 Description: This project seeks funding

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a nonprofit organization in Charlottesville to help residents improve their home energy efficiency and reduce energy costs through services like energy audits and technical assistance.

The 2024 AMMP and DDRDP grants, funded by the California State Budget and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aim to provide financial support for projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations, with a focus on alternative manure management and dairy digester research and development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, hospitals, and government entities in Arkansas to improve access to locally grown foods, particularly in underserved areas.

This funding opportunity supports civil society organizations in GEF-eligible countries to scale proven environmental solutions that deliver measurable global benefits while fostering collaboration and inclusion among stakeholders.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations partnering with local governments or educational institutions to implement projects that address environmental and climate challenges in disadvantaged communities across the U.S.

The National Press Foundation is offering the Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship, an expenses-paid program designed to enhance journalists' ability to report on equitable community development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support and educate journalists, specifically by equipping them to investigate the intersection of policy, public and private financing, and calls for equitable housing, parks, and other community assets. The program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive and nuanced reporting on how resources are allocated and what initiatives receive support within various regions. The target beneficiaries of this fellowship are U.S.-based journalists working across print, TV, radio, or online media, with a particular encouragement for those who cover race and metro beats. The program emphasizes diversity and welcomes applicants from across the nation. The impact goal is to empower these journalists to better understand and report on pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their communities related to health, wealth, and overall community well-being. By providing specialized training, the fellowship seeks to foster a more informed public discourse on community development issues. The fellowship's priorities and focuses include an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially in the context of small and mid-sized cities. The program will delve into how financing and investing institutions—such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors—prioritize projects. It will also examine how policymakers and public officials can actively involve residents in decision-making and ensure accountability for anti-racist practices in the community development sector. Other key topics include identifying conditions that lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to essential resources like affordable housing, education, and healthcare, as well as addressing environmental justice as a community development issue. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this fellowship include equipping journalists with the knowledge and context to add breadth to their coverage of community development. By bringing together experts from health equity, nonprofit, policy, financing, and community organizing sectors, the program anticipates that fellows will gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as quantitative metrics, the qualitative outcome is a more capable and informed journalistic body that can investigate and report on community development effectively, potentially leading to increased public awareness and accountability in these areas.

The Pollinator Pathways grant program, led by local conservation partners in Minnesota, aims to promote native plantings to establish key corridors for at-risk pollinators like the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of increasing biodiversity, enhancing climate resiliency through deep-rooted native vegetation, and providing essential ecosystem services. The program is designed to fund pollinator plantings and inspire DIY projects among Minnesota residents. Funding for the FY24/25 biennium totals $1,100,000, with individual grant requests needing to be greater than $50,000. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Minnesota residents, communities, and educational spaces, particularly those with gardens, as well as the at-risk pollinator species themselves. The impact goals are to establish and connect pollinator pathways across communities, ranging from local neighborhoods to entire watersheds. This will be achieved by creating new habitats and educating Minnesotans about pollinators and ecological landscaping. The program also seeks to foster civic engagement and public outreach to further these goals. The program prioritizes activities that directly support the establishment of pollinator habitat projects. This includes planting beneficial trees, shrubs, pollinator lawns, meadows, and native pocket plantings, with a maximum project size of 5 acres. A strong emphasis is placed on using MN Native Plants and Seeds that are insecticide/neonicotinoid free, ensuring at least three blooming plant species during spring, summer, and fall, and sourcing native plants within 175 miles of the project location. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in pollinator habitat across Minnesota, improved climate resiliency, and greater biodiversity. Measurable results will stem from tracking the establishment of pollinator habitat projects, the types and diversity of native plantings, and the engagement of residents and communities in ecological landscaping efforts. The program’s strategic approach centers on local partnerships, community involvement, and hands-on projects, with a theory of change that by empowering residents and communities to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, vital corridors will be established, leading to a healthier environment for at-risk pollinators and broader ecological benefits.

This funding opportunity supports research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics and genomics, particularly focusing on diverse perspectives and community engagement.

The Community Grant Cycle, hosted by the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF), is now open, with applications accepted until noon on January 15, 2025. This opportunity is available to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations serving the greater Eau Claire area, particularly those with programs impacting Eau Claire County. Eligible nonprofits can apply for three types of grants: Program Grants, Asset Grants, and Operations Grants. Program Grants support programs and services addressing significant community needs in the Eau Claire area, with most of the impact focused on Eau Claire County. Asset Grants provide funding for specific purchases or improvements, such as new equipment or technology upgrades. Operations Grants assist nonprofits facing financial challenges due to transitions, unexpected revenue losses, or unusually high expenses. Operations Grant requests are capped at $10,000 and are not intended for ongoing financial support. All applications must be submitted electronically through the ECCF Grant Portal, as paper or emailed applications will not be considered. PDF copies of the application forms are available for review to help applicants prepare before beginning the submission process. Along with completing the application, organizations are required to adhere to ECCF’s Grantmaking Guidelines and may find additional resources such as Grant Writing Tips and details about Field of Interest Funds useful in crafting their proposals. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report within 30 days of the grant period’s conclusion. Extensions or changes to the grant’s purpose can be requested, but such requests must be submitted at least 60 days before the grant period ends and require approval from the ECCF Board. This grant cycle provides a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to secure funding for impactful projects, operational needs, or critical improvements that benefit the Eau Claire community. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin their application process early and carefully review ECCF’s guidelines to maximize their chances of success.

Gabon has vast natural resources in its maritime and terrestrial ecosystems that are being exploited through illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; illegal logging; and poaching. According to a 2019 report by the Environmental Investigation Agency, illegal logging costs Gabon an estimated $1 billion per year, while WildAid reports IUU fishing results in $610 million in losses per year. Objective of the grant: Raise public awareness about the devastating effects of illegal fishing, logging and encourage the community of Gabon to act against these detrimental practices. The goals of the awareness campaign on illegal fishing and logging are as follows: Raise Public Awareness: The primary goal is to educate and inform the community of Libreville and Gabon in general about the detrimental effects of illegal fishing and logging. Increase public understanding of the environmental, economic, and social consequences associated with these activities. Behavior Change: Encourage individuals to take a stand against illegal fishing and logging by adopting sustainable practices. Motivate citizens to report illegal activities, support conservation efforts, and promote responsible fishing and logging practices. Community Engagement: Foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the community members of Libreville, and Gabon. Encourage active participation in events, workshops, and seminars that promote environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. Advocacy and Policy Support: Generate public support for stronger regulations and enforcement measures against illegal fishing and logging. Advocate for policy changes that enhance the protection of marine resources and forests in Gabon. Partnerships and Collaborations: Establish partnerships and collaborations with local organizations, government bodies, press and influencers to create a united front against illegal activities. Leverage collective efforts to maximize the campaign's impact and sustainable outcomes. Long-Term Awareness and Behavior Shift: Create a lasting impact by instilling a sense of responsibility and understanding of the importance of preserving marine resources and forests. Lay the foundation for long-term behavior change and sustainable practices among individuals and communities.

EELP launched in the fall of 2010 with the purpose of establishing a low interest revolving loan fund to assist commercial and industrial businesses in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, which, in turn, reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and make Tennessee businesses more competitive. In January 2016, EELP was expanded to offer financing to local government entities, including municipalities, counties, school districts, and other public agencies.

The Northshore Community Foundation's Community Impact Grant Program aims to support innovative and impactful projects that address critical needs, promote positive change, and enhance the quality of life for residents within the community. This grant is funded by a generous anonymous donor and aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster initiatives that lead to community betterment across the region of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Helena parishes in Louisiana. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit organizations (registered 501c3 entities) that provide services in the aforementioned parishes. The overarching impact goal is to create positive change and enhance the quality of life for residents by addressing critical needs in various focus areas. The program prioritizes projects within specific focus areas, including education, healthcare, social services, environment, arts, and community development. The selection criteria emphasize innovation, feasibility, impact, and sustainability. Innovation refers to the originality and creativity of the proposed project, while feasibility assesses the practicality and achievability of the work. Impact focuses on the potential positive effects on the community, and sustainability considers the long-term viability and potential for sustained positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly reflected in these criteria, seeking to invest in projects that are not only effective in the short term but also have the potential for lasting positive influence. While a explicit "theory of change" is not detailed, the emphasis on addressing critical needs, promoting positive change, and enhancing quality of life through innovative, feasible, impactful, and sustainable projects suggests a theory where strategic funding in key areas leads to significant and enduring community improvement. The expected outcomes are measurable positive impacts within the specified focus areas, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the Northshore community.

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program aims to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations within Bellevue, Washington. This program directly supports the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape, recognizing the importance of well-maintained and accessible facilities for artistic expression and community engagement. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of enriching the lives of Bellevue residents by ensuring robust and sustainable cultural infrastructure. It prioritizes the physical foundations that enable arts and cultural organizations to thrive, acknowledging that facility health is critical for long-term operational success and public service. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue that require funding for capital projects or facility maintenance. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the longevity, functionality, and accessibility of cultural facilities, thereby expanding access to arts and culture for underrepresented groups and the general public. Expected outcomes include improved physical spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, leading to increased participation and engagement from Bellevue residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or maintained, the increase in program offerings, and the growth in audience attendance or participant numbers. The program has two distinct focuses: Capital Projects and Facility Maintenance. Capital Projects encompass acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and major building renovations. Facility Maintenance focuses on preventative maintenance and repairs to preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. Both types of projects are prioritized, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for supporting the physical infrastructure of the arts. The funding structure for Capital Projects allows for requests up to $499,999 for renovations and equipment, with potential for higher requests for land acquisition or new construction, provided it doesn't exceed 40% of the total project budget. Facility Maintenance grants also cap at $499,999. Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to public benefit, a sustainable financial model, and a strong presence in Bellevue. Organizations must be nonprofits in good standing for at least two years and not be dependent on City funding for their operational staffing or facility maintenance. A key strategic priority is to ensure that public funding translates into tangible public benefits, such as free or reduced-fare tickets, scholarships for arts education, and services that expand access to underrepresented groups. This aligns with a theory of change where investment in cultural infrastructure and organizational stability directly leads to increased public access and engagement with the arts. Project eligibility also requires site control and a commitment to operating the facility for a minimum of five or ten years, depending on the project size, demonstrating a long-term vision for cultural sustainability in Bellevue.

This funding opportunity provides $2 million to organizations working globally to improve the safety and security of biological research, particularly in high-containment laboratories and through policy development, with a focus on countries in Latin America and Asia.

This funding initiative provides forgivable loans to local governments and nonprofits in North Carolina for repairing and improving decentralized wastewater treatment systems damaged by Hurricane Helene.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for researchers to analyze existing oral health data or develop new statistical methods to improve understanding of dental and craniofacial issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for researchers to quickly investigate the immediate health impacts of unexpected environmental events, such as disasters or policy changes, by collecting critical data in partnership with affected communities.