Environment Grants

The 2025 Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Program is a grant that awards scallop quota to successful applicants for conducting research to enhance knowledge about the scallop fishery resource and contribute to scallop management decisions, with funding generated from the sale of the awarded quota.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in New Mexico that are working to improve the health, safety, and empowerment of at-risk and underserved LGBTQ+ communities.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is offering matching grants through its Surface Water Matching Planning Grant program. This initiative, developed by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC), aims to improve water quality in developed landscapes within Delaware's impaired watersheds. The program aligns with a mission to assist local governments in proactively addressing water quality challenges, particularly through planning and preliminary engineering efforts for surface water improvement projects. The grants target Delaware county and municipal governments, conservation districts, and estuary programs. While non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community organizations, and homeowner’s associations cannot apply directly, they are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants. The primary impact goal is to enhance water quality in impaired watersheds by supporting planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analysis of surface water improvement projects. These projects can include retrofitting stormwater systems, establishing green technology practices, restoring streams and wetlands, conducting small watershed studies, and developing master surface water and drainage plans. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear benefits to water quality within impaired watersheds. Specific focuses include planning and/or preliminary design for projects associated with watershed management plans, community stormwater management improvements in existing developments and municipalities, and restoration or retrofit projects designed to yield water quality benefits. This strategic approach ensures that funding is directed towards foundational planning and design efforts that are critical for long-term water quality improvement. Expected outcomes include the preparation of surface water projects for future funding through the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF). Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analyses, leading to actionable project designs ready for loan applications. The funding, capped at $50,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement, is designed to jumpstart projects, laying the groundwork for significant water quality improvements across Delaware. The grant duration is two years, emphasizing a focused and efficient planning period to achieve these preparatory outcomes.

To support Nigeria’s Global Methane Pledge commitments to better monitor, reduce, and harness methane emissions towards its 2031 goal of reducing fugitive methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 61 percent. Approach. Methane abatement is an emerging field for USAID/Nigeria, and we aim to tap into the expertise of local organizations and private companies already active in this sector to co-design a project that mitigates current and/or projected methane emissions in Nigeria. USAID/Nigeria encourages concepts with innovative or pilot approaches that use or develop tools, methods and/or business models to promote practices. We look for a partner who understands the current landscape of actors and proposes a concept that works within existing systems and government agencies to avoid duplication while engaging regularly with the oil and gas sector to ensure sustainability. A successful concept will focus on methane abatement, but will suggest holistic ways to support the environment that has been negatively impacted due to climate change and the oil and gas sector, specifically the mangrove forests. Geographic Focus. The target region of this activity is the Niger Delta. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which traps heat and contributes to the overall warming of the planet thereby exacerbating climate change. It is the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide but is more than 80 times as potent in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Methane emissions must be reduced by 45 percent by 2030 to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Improved management and utilization of Nigeria’s methane emissions is crucial to mitigating Nigeria’s contribution to climate change. Nigeria is the seventh largest methane emitter in the world and the largest in Africa with 235 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria’s methane emissions come primarily from its energy sector, with additional significant contributions from its agriculture and waste sectors. Nigeria was the largest gas flarer in 2022 with 5.3 billion m3 flared amounting to $610 million of unrealized revenue which could be used to generate power for millions of Nigerians. The International Energy Agency methane tracker estimates that about 71 percent of emissions from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria can be abated, half of which can be abated at no net cost. In recent years, Nigeria has committed to better monitor, reduce, and harness methane emissions, in part by joining the Global Methane Pledge in 2021 and enacting a methane guideline for the oil and gas sector in 2022, the first African country to do so. Despite these efforts, major gaps remain in implementing methane abatement activities in the country. The Nigerian government lacks fugitive methane emission estimation capabilities and relies on oil and gas companies’ self reported flare data. Meanwhile, there are not sufficient incentives for oil and gas companies to reduce methane emissions, and the infrastructure for converting flares for captive generation remains absent. The goal of this activity is to reduce current and/or projected methane emissions in Nigeria's oil and gas sector to contribute towards attaining Nigeria’s methane pledge.

This initiative seeks to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services in urban and peri-urban areas of Côte d'Ivoire and Benin, particularly for low-income communities, by enhancing governance, fostering private sector engagement, and promoting sustainable investment in WASH infrastructure.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) is launching the Community Roots Program, a grant initiative designed to foster investments in tree planting, maintenance, planning, and capacity building within selected communities. This program directly aligns with the ADF's mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, contributing to healthier communities and environments. By providing significant funding and expert support, the program aims to amplify the impact of community-based efforts in urban and rural forestry, reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of expanding tree cover and green infrastructure nationwide. The target beneficiaries of the Community Roots Program are community-based nonprofit organizations that support and/or represent communities and specific populations within them. These organizations must lead work that directly impacts disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) or the Environmental Protection Agency’s EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities tool, and ultimately benefit historically underserved or underrepresented communities. The program’s impact goals include enhancing community engagement in environmental stewardship, improving local ecological health through increased tree canopy, and building the long-term capacity of local organizations to manage and sustain urban and community forestry initiatives. The program prioritizes activities such as tree planting and maintenance, strategic planning for urban forestry, and capacity building for local organizations. It focuses on creating a cohort of subawardees who will benefit from peer-to-peer learning and access to experts within the Arbor Day Foundation and the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS)’s networks. This collaborative approach, combined with mentorship opportunities, is central to the program's theory of change: by empowering local leaders and fostering a network of knowledge, the program can drive sustainable environmental improvements and social equity in communities across all states and counties. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant increase in tree planting and maintenance activities, leading to expanded urban and community tree canopies. Subawardees will demonstrate improved organizational capacity in program management and community engagement. Individual subawards, ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over a three-year period, are expected to facilitate impactful projects tailored to the unique needs of each community. With a minimum of $4,300,000 in total funding available, the program anticipates a broad reach and a substantial collective impact on environmental health and community well-being, measured by the scope of work completed, the number of trees planted, and the engagement of disadvantaged communities.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Air Quality VW Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Funding aims to expand Level 2 EV charging access throughout Washington State. This initiative aligns with the state's broader mission to reduce emissions, particularly from diesel engines, and to fully mitigate excess NOx emissions from Volkswagen vehicles. The program supports the state's clean air and climate goals, including those outlined in the Washington Clean Air Act, Washington GHG emission reduction limits (70.235 RCW), and the Washington Climate Commitment Act, demonstrating a clear strategic priority on environmental protection and sustainable transportation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing businesses, non-profit organizations, investor-owned and municipal utilities, multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings, and various state, local, and tribal government entities in Washington State. The program seeks to impact these groups by increasing the availability of EV charging infrastructure where drivers typically spend one to four hours, thereby encouraging electric vehicle adoption. The impact goals are directly tied to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality across the state, contributing to a healthier environment for all. The program's priorities are multifaceted, focusing on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, equipment, and vessels, promoting electrification technologies in public transportation fleets, and accelerating fleet turnover to cleaner vehicles. Other key priorities include achieving substantial additional emission reductions beyond what would naturally occur, ensuring cost-effectiveness in project implementation, and leveraging additional matching funds to maximize the program's reach and impact. These priorities reflect a strategic theory of change that by investing in accessible charging infrastructure and supporting electrification, the state can drive a significant shift towards cleaner transportation and achieve its environmental objectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in emissions from diesel engines, full mitigation of total, lifetime excess NOx emissions from specific Volkswagen vehicles, and a quantifiable increase in Level 2 EV charging access across the state. The program anticipates projects being completed within one year of grant execution. With a total of $3.52 million available, and projects eligible for up to $10,000 per plug at varying percentages based on project category, the grant aims to catalyze a significant expansion of charging infrastructure, contributing directly to the state’s objectives under the Washington State Clean Energy Fund and the Washington Clean Transportation and Healthy Air Goal.

The Advancing Westfield Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit partnerships in their efforts to provide vital services. This aligns with their mission to ensure sustainable support for a wide range of services benefiting youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled community members within the Westfield community. The foundation's strategic priority is to strengthen the community by supporting organizations that directly serve these diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals residing in or served by organizations operating in the Westfield community. The impact goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for these community members by providing essential services. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for addressing the needs of these groups. The grant program focuses on supporting 501c3 accredited organizations that operate in and/or serve the Westfield community. This eligibility criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established and legitimate entities with a direct connection to the community they aim to help. The maximum grant request per organization is $25,000, which is part of a larger grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include the continued provision and expansion of vital services to the identified beneficiary groups. Measurable results would typically include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the positive changes observed in the community. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in local nonprofit partnerships, it can create a ripple effect, leading to a stronger, more resilient community with improved access to essential support for all its members.

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment grant program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-based projects that align directly with the Foundation’s core mission of environmental stewardship and water sustainability within American Water’s service areas. The program seeks to fund new, non-operational initiatives focused on three key aspects: improving, restoring, or protecting watersheds, surface water, and groundwater; promoting water conservation practices; and enhancing equitable access to water-based recreation for underserved communities. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities located within the company’s operational footprint, ensuring a direct local impact. The grant program’s priorities and focuses center on addressing local environmental and community needs. Key focus areas include scientific investigation and monitoring of pollutants, the development and implementation of green infrastructure, and environmental education. For example, grants were awarded to support analytical costs for increasing upstream pollution monitoring, to fund new sampling sites for pollutant testing in rivers, and to install bioswales to reduce runoff and recharge local aquifers. The target beneficiaries are the local communities within American Water’s service regions, with a specific focus on projects that improve equitable access for underserved populations. The expected outcomes are strongly tied to measurable, on-the-ground results that contribute to improved water quality and conservation. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as eliminating pollution sources, providing communities with actionable data for improving local water quality, reducing runoff, and supporting remediation efforts based on new scientific findings. To ensure efficiency, all projects are required to be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded. This emphasis on clear, time-bound deliverables ensures that the Foundation’s investment translates quickly into demonstrable environmental and community benefits. The Foundation's strategic priorities and implicit theory of change rest on the principle that local, community-driven investment is the most effective pathway to sustainable water resource management and protection. By funding specific, measurable activities—such as water quality monitoring, targeted infrastructure installation, and educational programming—the Foundation aims to achieve intermediate outcomes like reduced contamination and increased environmental awareness. This approach is rooted in the belief that empowering local organizations to gather data, implement physical solutions, and cultivate environmental stewardship will lead to the long-term impact of protected and enhanced water supplies across the communities served by American Water.

BOEM and its partners are seeking to develop, automate, and enhance the detection and classification of important species in high-resolution aerial imagery by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as deep learning computer vision frameworks. This study will develop detection and classification algorithms for protected species using artificial intelligence and machine learning. These algorithms will be used to analyze aerial imagery collected in the Gulf of Mexico by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under a separate agreement. This award will be a single-source cooperative agreement with a member institution of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units.Furthermore, BOEM is interested in developing a web-based visualization tool that will provide status updates on USFWS and BOEM remote-sensing, aerial-imagery surveys conducted in the Gulf of Mexico in areas where energy development is occurring or will occur. This tool will be a valuable resource for stakeholdersincluding government agencies, researchers, and the public it will enable us to track the progress of ongoing surveys and access the latest data and information.Over the planned project timeline of five years, this study will develop the following:State-of-the-art detection and classification algorithms using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze aerial imagery gathered by the USFWS in the Gulf of MexicoA public-facing, web-based tool providing results of aerial surveys

This program provides funding to local governments, regional park districts, and eligible Tribal Entities in California to promote the use of recycled rubberized pavement in public roadways and pathways, helping to reduce tire waste and support sustainable practices.

This competitive grant offering is designed to fund construction projects that establish new or expand existing HHW programs in California. HHW construction projects do not qualify for CalRecycle grant funding unless they are past the design phase of the project and are prepared for construction (shovel ready). Applicants must have completed proper site analysis, conceptual design and most of the local approval processes. The permitting, licensing and siting approval process must be well underway. Applicants must provide documentation by providing a completed General Checklist of Business Permits, Licenses and Filings form (CalRecycle 669). The applicant must convincingly indicate that they are beyond the planning phase of the construction project and can successfully complete the HHW construction project before the Grant Term ends (date of Notice to Proceed email to September 30, 2026). Grant applications must indicate one of the following types of projects: (1) Construction of a new Permanent HHW Collection Facility or Recycle-Only HHW Collection Facility; or (2) A construction project that expands/upgrades an existing Permanent HHW Collection Facility or Recycle-Only Collection Facility. A Resolution is required by the secondary due date.  

This funding opportunity supports research to create advanced nanosensor technology that can detect, monitor, and break down harmful pollutants, particularly PFAS, in water sources, encouraging participation from diverse research institutions, including those serving minority communities.

The Green Transportation Capital Grant Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation, aims to fund cost-effective capital projects for transit authorities. Its core mission is to reduce the carbon intensity of Washington's transportation system, aligning with broader climate action efforts supported by the state's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA's strategic priority is to decrease climate pollution, create jobs, and enhance public health, making this grant a direct mechanism to achieve these goals by investing in sustainable transportation solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are transit agencies within Washington state, including various city, county, metropolitan, public, unincorporated, regional, and special purpose district transit systems. The impact goals are centered on transforming public transportation infrastructure to be more environmentally friendly. This includes the electrification of transit vehicle fleets and the development of necessary supporting infrastructure, such as charging and fueling stations, and associated electrical system upgrades. The program prioritizes capital projects that directly contribute to fleet electrification and the transition to zero-emission transportation. Eligible projects encompass the acquisition of battery and fuel cell-operated electric vehicles, modification of facilities for electrification or hydrogen refueling, and the construction of new facilities that primarily support electrified fleets. Additionally, it covers essential upgrades to electrical transmission and distribution systems, in-house staff managing capital construction, and property rights acquisition for these projects. The expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the Washington transportation sector, directly contributing to the state's climate goals. Historically, the program has awarded between $12 million and $50 million per biennium, indicating a substantial investment in achieving these outcomes. The project period for most applications is two years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027), with construction projects potentially extending to four years, allowing for tangible progress in transitioning to green transportation.

The City of Bellingham is offering a grant for parties capable of producing a special or unique public experience, referred to as a “signature event.” This grant aims to foster artistic and cultural impact within the local community and among visitors, celebrating Bellingham’s indoor food, restaurant, arts, and culture scene. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not explicitly stated as a separate entity, the City of Bellingham's Tourism Commission acts as the guiding body with clearly defined goals that serve a similar purpose, aligning with the broader civic objective of enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality through tourism and cultural enrichment. The target beneficiaries include the local community of Bellingham, visitors (with an emphasis on Canadian tourists), and historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to create meaningful artistic and cultural experiences, celebrate local culinary and arts scenes, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, attract significant tourism (particularly overnight stays), generate secondary economic benefits, and foster a positive long-lasting impression of Bellingham/Whatcom County. The program also seeks to integrate new and emerging talent, ensuring a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes events that provide a unique and distinctive Pacific Northwest experience, avoiding replication of events found in larger cities like Seattle. A strong focus is placed on walkability, highlighting the food and restaurant scene, and incorporating local businesses, history, attractions, and environmental stewardship. Crucially, the program aims for the signature events to become self-sustaining within a few years, minimizing the long-term reliance on City funding. This reflects a strategic priority to seed initiatives that can ultimately thrive independently, contributing to the city's cultural and economic fabric for the long term. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism, particularly from Canadian visitors, and a higher likelihood of overnight stays. The events are anticipated to generate numerous secondary economic benefits for local businesses. Success will also be measured by the artistic and cultural impact on the community, the level of diversity and inclusivity achieved, and the creation of a lasting positive impression of Bellingham. The long-term goal is for these events to become financially self-sufficient after three years, demonstrating a successful launch and sustainable operation, thereby contributing to the City's broader tourism and economic development objectives. Funding is committed for up to three years to provide seed money. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year, with approximately $70,000 for each of the following two years, for one or more signature events. Eligible expenses cover marketing and operational costs. Marketing activities include advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract tourists, as well as developing tourism expansion strategies. Operational expenses encompass typical event management costs such as supplies, equipment rentals, and venue fees. This financial structure supports the strategic objective of launching a new event and fostering its growth towards self-sustainability within the initial three-year period.

This grant cycle has been designed for smaller projects that complement existing and/or regional HHW programs in California. Grant applications must include one or more of the following types of projects: HHW public education and outreach for general audiences (may include extended producer responsibility [EPR] information).Implementation of sustainable EPR collection opportunities, to include but not limited to: (1) Promotion of an ongoing retail take-back program such as batteries or fluorescent lamps at local hardware stores, businesses, or government facilities.(2) Promotional collection events hosted at businesses or government facilities.(3) Promotional public education and outreach materials specifically for local retail take-back programs. (4) Project to: Determine and implement the most safe and cost effective methods for collecting propane gas cylinders and/or marine flares.Implement effective education programs and identify effective incentives that reduce the disposal of household hazardous waste. The incentives must be something reusable to replace HHW being disposed (does not include monetary or SWAG incentives, rechargeable batteries, adapters, valves, caps or other accessories for refilling propane canisters).(5) Set-up and operation of temporary or mobile collection program for one-day or multi-day collection events for the following except for those materials that are currently covered by another recycling/collection program (e.g. covered electronic waste, cell phones, thermostat, etc.): Common HHW materials and universal waste.Marine flaresPropane gas cylinders up to 5 gallonsSolar panels as a pilot project. Awardees are required to collect and report data on type/style of panels, manufacturer, volume, and the method of disposal.(6) New or expanded curbside and/or door-to-door collection programs to allow for the collection of new and eligible HHW materials. (7) Minor improvements to an existing HHW facility. (Examples include but are not limited to: storage bins, signage, painting, paving, shelving, etc.). Purchase of personal protection equipment. (8) 8-hour refresher Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standards (HAZWOPER) training. Projects that do not fall within one of these eight categories will not be eligible for grant funding. A Resolution is required by the secondary due date.  

The "Models To Predict The Removal Of Emerging Micropollutants From Water By Novel Adsorbents In Fixed-Bed Column Processes" grant aims to fund the development, testing, and deployment of innovative water technologies, specifically models for novel adsorbents, to improve drinking water quality by removing micropollutants, with a particular encouragement for minority serving institutions to apply.

The Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.