Grants for Private institutions of higher education - Environment

The American-Made Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (E-SCRAP) is a $3.95 million challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). This three-phase prize aims to stimulate innovative approaches that reduce the costs and environmental impact of critical material recovery from electronic scrap (e-scrap). The program aligns with the DOE's mission to advance energy technology and reduce environmental impact, specifically targeting the challenges within the e-scrap recycling value chain. The target beneficiaries of the E-SCRAP prize are individuals, private entities (for-profits and nonprofits), nonfederal government entities (states, counties, tribes, and municipalities), and academic institutions working in waste collection and management, dismantling and sorting, separation, refining, validation, and material supply. The impact goals are to increase the domestic supply of critical materials from e-scrap, enhance material circularity, and reduce the environmental footprint associated with current recycling processes. The program prioritizes innovative approaches, processes, or technologies that optimize and implement critical material separation and recovery from e-scrap. This includes building partnerships across the recycling value chain, developing and demonstrating innovations, addressing technical, supply chain, or logistical hurdles, and enhancing supply chains to accelerate connectivity between various stages of recycling. Areas of interest include innovations for electronic scrap (communication devices, home appliances, medical/office equipment) and the recovery of critical materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. Expected outcomes include the development and demonstration of new technologies that lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly e-scrap recycling processes. Measurable results will be seen in increased rates of critical material recovery, reduced costs, and a decrease in environmental impact. Competitor teams can win up to $800,000 in cash prizes and $150,000 in national laboratory analysis support. The prize’s strategic priorities are to act as a catalyst for change, fostering innovation and collaboration to strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical materials, thereby contributing to clean energy initiatives and a more circular economy.

The Transition to Independent Environmental Health (TIEHR) Career Award is a 3-year bridge scholar development program for newly independent faculty who intend to pursue research careers in environmental health sciences. At the conclusion of the career development period the candidates are expected to demonstrate they can successfully compete for research funding in the environmental health sciences. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to a clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for management-focused studies on National Conservation Lands, targeting state and local governments, educational institutions, tribal organizations, and nonprofits dedicated to conservation and resource management.

The FY 2025 MARFIN grant aims to fund research and development projects that enhance the sustainability and management of marine fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the South Atlantic states.

The Community Funds, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF), are designed to broadly support the region by funding a diverse array of organizations, including environmental nonprofits, arts and culture groups, Tribal organizations, and educational institutions. This program aligns with the GTRCF's mission to strengthen the community by providing financial resources to a wide range of initiatives that address various needs and opportunities within its service area. The foundation aims to foster a vibrant and thriving community by empowering organizations that contribute to the region's overall well-being. The target beneficiaries for these grants include nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities operating across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties in Michigan. The impact goals are to support projects that have a significant community benefit, can leverage other funding sources, and ultimately contribute to the region's development. The program encourages organizations to apply for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, with a total of $300,000 available for Community Funds grants in 2024, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible funding. A key priority for the GTRCF in this grant program is to provide unrestricted general operating support, allowing recipient organizations the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed. Furthermore, consideration is given to grant awards that can demonstrate a larger impact for the grant partner and the community. Grant requests that are informed by data on the Community Development Regional Scorecard or address community issues highlighted on this scorecard are prioritized in the review process. This strategic focus ensures that funding is directed towards evidence-based needs and initiatives that are aligned with documented regional challenges and opportunities. The expected outcomes include strengthened community organizations, significant community benefits, and the ability of grant partners to leverage additional funding. By prioritizing data-informed requests and those addressing issues on the Community Development Regional Scorecard, the GTRCF aims for measurable results that contribute to tangible improvements in the region. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priorities, which likely involve a theory of change centered on empowering local organizations to drive positive change and address critical community issues through targeted and impactful investments.

The HBIIP program offers cost-share grants up to $5 million to fueling and distribution facilities for the expansion of renewable fuel infrastructure, aiming to increase the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel derived from U.S. agricultural products.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, non-profit organizations, and universities in Michigan for projects aimed at preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development seeks proposals for Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities to address energy needs at a community or regional scale. The program supports comprehensive solutions aligned with the state’s pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, and encourages partnerships with measurable public benefits. Eligible project topics include energy efficiency such as building upgrades and energy management technologies, alternative fueling and charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible, energy security and reliability including backup generation, microgrids, and cybersecurity, and clean energy resources such as solar, storage, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Vehicle purchases and certain high speed charging are not allowable under program rules. Projects should also demonstrate connections to state priorities such as economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Eligible entities include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, and institutions of higher education that are Indiana based and registered federally and with the state. Approximately 2,500,000 dollars is available, with anticipated awards averaging 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for project periods of up to three years. One proposal per eligible entity is allowed; applicants may coordinate regional submissions but cannot make tiered subawards. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Additional information is available from the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups in Hawaii to develop and sustain urban forestry projects that promote tree planting, care, and education while emphasizing equity and environmental justice.

This competition invites teams to create innovative recycling solutions for lunar missions, promoting sustainability in space and on Earth, with a total prize pool of $3 million.

This initiative seeks input from various stakeholders, including businesses, researchers, and government entities, to enhance the recycling and reuse of products and materials, ultimately promoting environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program, supported by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), aims to establish or expand clinical training for eligible health professional training programs within Minnesota. This initiative is designed to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, particularly by increasing access to primary care and mental health services in rural and underserved urban communities. The grant program directly aligns with MDH's mission to improve public health by addressing workforce shortages and enhancing healthcare accessibility across the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota, who will benefit from increased access to health care, and eligible health professional programs and their students, who will gain expanded clinical training opportunities. The impact goals are to strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for these target communities. The grant funds activities related to planning and implementing new clinical training programs, as well as expanding existing ones in these identified areas. Key priorities for this grant include health equity, with a specific focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving rural and underserved urban communities. Other competitive priorities emphasize programs that advance health equity, incorporate a strong model of team-based primary care, and demonstrate a likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant period. The program's theory of change posits that by expanding clinical training opportunities, more qualified health professionals will be available to serve these critical areas, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Expected outcomes include greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities and a measurable increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program, with eligible clinical training programs potentially receiving up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project or up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible expenses cover a broad range of activities, from establishing and expanding clinical training for various health professionals to recruitment, training, student support, site improvements, and program evaluations, all designed to achieve these specific and measurable outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports independent researchers in studying the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to military toxic exposures, benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

The Equitable and Affordable Solutions to Electrification (EAS-E) Home Electrification Prize offers up to $2.4 million in prizes for innovative solutions that advance the electrification retrofits of residential homes across all building types and geographies. The goal is to make electrification more affordable and accessible in existing U.S. homes, with a focus on equitable solutions for all homeowners, including those in low-income and under-resourced communities. The prize supports design solutions, tools, and technology innovations that enable the switch to electric products and reduce carbon emissions. Low-power electrification solutions are strongly encouraged. The competition consists of two phases: Phase 1 focuses on presenting proposed solutions and up to five winners receive a $5,000 cash prize and a $75,000 voucher to work with DOE national laboratories. Phase 2 involves finalizing teams, demonstrating functional prototype solutions, and up to three winners receive prizes, with a top prize of $1 million. The competition is open to individuals, private entities, nonfederal government entities, and academic institutions. For more information, refer to the official rules document.

The subrecipient shall access the current utilization of CHWs in the State of Arizona. The subrecipient shall use results to inform and develop a statewide CHW workforce development plan to expand CHW curricula, training delivery, career ladders, integration of CHWs, promotion of CHW voluntary certification, and/or sustainable payment mechanisms for CHW services. Financial Notes: Funds for the Clinical Health Worker (CHW) Sustainability come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), A Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes (Part A) CDC-RFA-DP-23-0020 grant (230020).

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has launched the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program, aimed at supporting the pre-development and development of community solar projects. With an allocation of $8.5 million, the program offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 to facilitate community ownership and energy sovereignty in Illinois, particularly in equity investment eligible communities. These include areas affected by economic exclusion and pollution, as identified in the Restore Reinvest Renew (R3) Areas and Environmental Justice Communities. The program emphasizes community benefits, local wealth building, and addresses capital barriers in disadvantaged populations. Activities eligible for funding include early stage planning, team organization, site identification, financing, and customer outreach, with a focus on creating sustainable community solar cooperatives.

This program provides funding to Illinois-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities to enhance the specialty crop industry, focusing on food safety, research, and support for underserved farmers.

This grant provides technical assistance to organizations involved in pesticide safety training and education, helping them manage their grants and improve their applications for future funding.

Application website will be open starting August 1, 2024 Award amount is based on availability of funding. Award amount is not to exceed $300,000. Award will be based on the merit of the proposal. Proposals are due September 13, 2024. Project is to be completed by January 30, 2026 Application Website: https://nucfac-ten-year-action-plan-grant.urbanandcommunityforests.org Link to RFP: https://nucfac.org/forms/Final%20%20NUCFAC%20RFP%206_17_2024%20ADA%20V05_.pdf Congress established the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council) to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to the nations urban and community forests and related natural resources. The Council is charged by law (P.L. 95-313 Section 9 as amended through PL 110-246, [16 U.S.C. 2105](g)(1)(A)) with developing a ten-year action plan; providing annual accomplishments for the action plan and assisting the U.S. Forest Service in establishing categories and recommendations for award to the agencys competitive National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program . The current National Urban and Community Forestry Ten-year Action plan (Action Plan) will expire at the end of 2026. To prepare for the next ten-year action plan, the Forest Service is requesting proposals from qualified organizations/entities to coordinate, facilitate and manage a collaborative and comprehensive process for the development of the next ten-year Action Plan. PROPOSAL REQUEST: Coordinate, facilitate, and manage a collaborative and comprehensive process for the development of the next National Urban and Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan (2027-2037). This includes publishing and rollout assistance. The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Councils authorizing legislation requires the Council to prepare a National Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan every ten years. The current Action Plan, 2016-2026, is to be updated by January 30, 2026, for the Council to meet its mandate. The Forest Service is seeking proposals from qualified organizations/entities to conduct a current assessment, and review and identify emerging issues of the nations urban forest resources and the urban and community forestry programs and activities conducted by Federal and State agencies, nonprofit organizations, community and civic organizations and other interested parties across the country. Funds are to support the development of a National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Councils Ten-Year Action Plan, 2027-2037 as mandated by Congress. The award will be based on the availability of funding, which may be subject to change. The maximum award amount may not to exceed $300,000. Proposals will be expected to address the following key elements, through implementation of the scope and criteria below. This will also include incorporating the Councils comments and recommendations. Key Elements: 1) Work with the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council and the Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry staff throughout the process for input and guidance. 2) Assess the current Action Plans accomplishments, gaps, and items to carry over into the next Action Plan. 3) Summarize the status of urban forest resources in the United States. This is to include the human dimension of urban forestry as well as the urban natural resources. 4) A review of urban and community forestry related programs and activities in the United States, including education and technical assistance activities conducted by: - the Department of Agriculture, and other Federal agencies, - the State forestry organizations, - private industry, - nonprofit organizations, community and civic organizations - Indian Nation and Indigenous communities, and - interested others. 5) Facilitate and integrate applicable public engagement recommendations for improving the status of the Nations urban and community forest resources, including education and technical assistance and modifications required in existing programs and policies of relevant Federal agencies. 6) A review of the urban and community forestry research, documents including-- a) a review of all past five years of research and ongoing research associated with urban and community forests, arboricultural practices, urban forest management, work with disadvantaged communities, and the economic, social, and psychological benefits of trees and forest cover in urban and community environments being conducted by the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities. b) recommendations for new and expanded research efforts directed to and by the Forest Service Research, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities; around urban and community forestry concerns identified by this Action Plan; and c) a summary of research priorities and an estimate of the funds needed to implement such research, on an annual basis, by the Forest Service Research, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities; for the next ten years. 7) An estimate of the financial and technical resources needed to implement the National Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan and the Urban and Community Forestry Program for the succeeding 10 fiscal years.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to individual artists in Illinois to support their professional development and enhance community engagement through their creative practices.