Environment Grants

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC), serving as an advisory body to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to fund scientific research that tests the effectiveness of the California Forest Practice Rules and associated regulations. This includes addressing natural resource issues such as watershed science, wildlife concerns, and wildfire hazard. Proposals are sought that focus on one or more of EMC's Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions, particularly those that contribute to understanding and enhancing wildfire resilience and response to climate change across California's forestlands. Projects must directly relate to management activities on private timberlands in the state, although those on public lands may qualify if they demonstrate relevance to non-federal timberland activities.

The True Inspiration Awards® grant offers financial support ranging from $30,000 to $350,000 to organizations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with a total annual commitment of $5 million. Eligible organizations include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) entities and Canadian charities with equivalent status. The application deadline is May 1st, 2024. Awards will be granted in four key areas: Caring for People, Caring through Food, Caring for Communities, and Caring for our Planet, aiming to support educational initiatives, address hunger and food insecurity, provide housing and other direct services, and promote environmental stewardship respectively. Sixteen organizations will be selected based on their contributions to these areas. In 2024, we will continue to support nonprofits with a total commitment of $5 million in grants ranging from $30,000-$350,000. Sixteen organizations will be awarded for their work in these areas. Caring for People (four winners): Programs or projects supporting educational initiatives, including fostering character and leadership development, academic excellence and community involvement in underserved youth. Caring through Food (four winners): Programs or projects focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity facing children and their families. Caring for Communities (four winners): Programs or projects focused on providing housing and other direct services to support young people and their families. Caring for our Planet (four winners): Programs or projects that show care for our environment and our planet, or that demonstrate environmental stewardship through initiatives directly related to our other True Inspiration Awards categories of food, community and people (i.e., community beautification, education opportunities, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, etc.) Grant renewed every year.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities and municipal authorities in Pennsylvania for improving public water supply and sanitary sewer systems through various infrastructure projects.

This program provides financial assistance to private marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs for the construction of sewage pumpout and dump stations to help reduce pollution from recreational boating.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has launched the Goat and Sheep Dairy Development Grant program to bolster the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector. This initiative aligns with the NE-DBIC's broader mission to strengthen regional dairy industries by addressing critical areas such as business viability, market development, and innovative production methods. The program aims to enhance the growth and long-term viability of individual small ruminant businesses, while also tackling gaps in technical assistance, improving supply chain partnerships, and expanding market access. The program targets several beneficiaries, including dairy farmers (producers) currently or transitioning to producing goat or sheep milk, dairy processors transforming raw goat/sheep milk into edible products, dairy producer associations representing and promoting goat/sheep dairy products, and technical assistance providers working with these groups. The impact goals are to foster growth, increase profitability, improve herd/flock health and milk quality, reduce barriers to new markets, and expand distribution opportunities for goat/sheep dairy products within the Northeast region. The grant program focuses on two main project types: Individual Business Projects and Sector Enhancement Projects. Individual Business Projects support farmers and processors in making improvements to increase business viability, market development, or production innovations. Examples include engaging with technical assistance providers for business improvements, diversification and marketing efforts, research and development of innovative solutions, and purchasing specialized dairy equipment. Sector Enhancement Projects are designed to engage multiple dairy businesses in activities that improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets, strengthening relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain. Examples include developing tools and resources, improving farmer access to resources, and initial investments to strengthen supply chain relationships. Funding priorities emphasize projects that address at least two of the following: developing resources to fill unmet technical assistance needs, increasing pay price for goat/sheep dairy farmers, producing deliverables for new or transitioning dairy farmers, including educational/information sharing components, fostering collaborative efforts, increasing profits for dairy businesses, improving herd/flock health/nutrition/milk quality, reducing barriers to new markets, developing market channels, and implementing innovative strategies to increase awareness and consumption of goat/sheep dairy products. The program's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these specific areas, both individual businesses and the sector as a whole will experience sustainable growth and increased competitiveness. Individual business grants range from $15,000 to $50,000, requiring a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Supply chain projects are eligible for grants between $25,000 and $75,000, also with a 25% match commitment. A total of $760,000 is available for this program. The expected outcomes include a more robust and resilient goat and sheep dairy sector in the Northeast, with enhanced business viability for producers and processors, expanded market reach for their products, and a stronger, more collaborative supply chain. The grant period for projects is between 8 and 12 months.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Funding is authorized through section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. These funds are a potential source of support for drinking water protection projects in Nebraska. Program overview, grant process, general program information, funding priority, project requirements and format are outlined in the attached guidance. Project proposals will be reviewed by staff at Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and representatives of other organizations. Projects recommended by the reviewers will be forwarded to the Director of NDEE for approval. Any questions you may have regarding this invitation may be submitted to the Source Water Coordinator at the address below. Questions will be answered directly and then posted on the NDEE website for reference. Proposals must be submitted to the NDEE office in Lincoln by 5:00 PM July 1, 2024.

This program provides funding to county conservation boards in Iowa to improve and enhance fish habitats in local water bodies, promoting better fishing opportunities and water quality.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income families to improve their homes' energy efficiency, helping them save on energy costs while ensuring their health and safety.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is inviting proposals for its "Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice" initiative. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop and implement programs cultivating future STEMM leaders in Environmental Justice (EJ). The GRP's mission, as evident in this program, aligns with fostering scientific literacy and addressing critical environmental challenges through education and mentorship. The grant aims to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people to apply STEMM disciplines to explore the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on community health and resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young people in grades 9-12, particularly those from communities affected by environmental inequalities in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The impact goal is to increase the number of young people in this region who pursue studies and careers in STEMM disciplines within the field of Environmental Justice. The program specifically encourages collaborations with nonprofit or community-based organizations that have a history of working with children and youth, especially underrepresented or underserved populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students with low socio-economic status, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, and students from rural or remote areas. The core focus of this funding opportunity is on education and mentorship. Projects should provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM principles in examining environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Activities can take place in both formal and informal educational settings, but must target 9th-12th graders and complement formal education standards. The GRP prioritizes proposals that foster the development of scientific and environmental literacy, skills, and competencies crucial for cultivating the next generation of EJ leaders. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding among youth regarding environmental hazards and their effects on communities, as well as enhanced capacity for youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in Environmental Justice. The GRP anticipates a measurable increase in the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region engaging with STEMM disciplines related to EJ. This grant operates with a strategic priority of building human capacity and fostering a more equitable and resilient future by empowering youth to address environmental challenges. The theory of change behind this initiative is that by investing in early education and mentorship in STEMM and EJ, the GRP can create a pipeline of informed and capable leaders who will contribute to solving complex environmental issues in vulnerable communities.

The EPA Exchange Network Grant Program is soliciting project applications to support the Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) to:Facilitate sharing of environmental data, especially through shared and reusable services.Reduce burden and avoid costs for co-regulators and the regulated community.Streamline data collection and exchanges to improve its timeliness for decision making.Increase the quality and access to environmental data through discovery, publishing, outbound and analytical services so it is more useful to environmental managers.Increase data and IT management capabilities needed to fully participate in the EN.

The Clean Water Grant Program (CWGP), offered by the County of Cumberland, Pennsylvania, provides financial support for "shovel-ready" initiatives aimed at enhancing local water quality within Cumberland County. While the description doesn't explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," it can be inferred that the program aligns with broader environmental stewardship and public health goals, likely stemming from the county's responsibility to manage and improve local resources. The program's core objective is to maximize the impact of limited pollution reduction funding by investing in priority water quality projects. The target beneficiaries of the CWGP are diverse, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, municipal governments, educational institutions, and businesses with headquarters in Cumberland County. The impact goals are directly tied to improving local water quality. The program focuses on developing a water quality project backlog to leverage additional funding, pursuing multifaceted pollution reduction strategies with various stakeholders, accelerating progress toward county pollution reduction goals, and institutionalizing an annual project identification process integrated into county CAP development plans. The priorities and focuses of the CWGP revolve around "shovel-ready" projects that deliver tangible water quality improvements. While there is no minimum or maximum grant award, projects with a local match will receive higher priority, indicating a preference for initiatives that demonstrate community investment and shared responsibility. The program anticipates approximately $500,000 will be available for subawards in 2025, with funding decisions at the sole discretion of Cumberland County and contingent upon PADEP approval. Expected outcomes and measurable results include enhanced local water quality, increased leveraging of additional government and nonprofit funding for water quality projects, a more coordinated approach to pollution reduction among various stakeholders, accelerated progress towards county-wide pollution reduction targets, and a sustainable, integrated annual process for identifying and developing water quality initiatives. The grant period for performance is from March 2025 to December 2025, emphasizing a focus on projects that can demonstrate impact within a relatively short timeframe.

This program provides financial assistance to Michigan's food and agriculture businesses to help them meet wastewater regulations and improve their infrastructure.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological, economic, and cultural integrity of Americas lands and waters and the communities they support. Once invasive species are established, it is often challenging and costly to control or eradicate those infestations. In some cases, however, eradication the removal or destruction of an entire population of invasive species from a defined area is both possible and feasible, resulting in substantial ecological and economic benefits. This can include eradication of a founding population of invasive species (e.g., a newly introduced species to a specific area) or eradicating a well-established population. Eradication, while it represents the ideal outcome in most cases, requires consideration of the available eradication techniques, cost, likelihood of success, likelihood of re-invasion, public support, complexity of environmental compliance, and availability of resources. This latter consideration is frequently a barrier to implementing eradication measures that can lead to restoring ecosystem health.Furthermore, successful eradication efforts are often dependent on the use of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, making well informed decisions, and applying a collaborative approach. IPM is defined as an approach to managing pests that uses biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes health, environmental, and economic risks. Collaboration with relevant parties, such as state, federal, local, tribal, territory, private, and other land managers, is often essential for successful eradication projects.For eradication to be an option, resource managers must have access to effective tools. Therefore, it is important to support both on-the-ground eradication efforts and also the research into and development of tools where they do not exist. DOI encourages leveraging science and technology to increase the likelihood of eradication of invasive species and increase the likelihood of long-term success. As such, proposals will be considered for on-the-ground projects that eradicate an invasive species or those projects that advance research that increases the effectiveness and near-term availability of eradication tools. For example, studies that lead to the development of genetic interventions and physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological eradication tools would be eligible.Examples of the type of work being targeted for this Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity include:Eradication of the invasive annual grass Cenchrus spp. A Weed Risk Assessment for the invasive annual grass Cenchrus spp. in Hawaii identified the species as high risk for many reasons. It thrives and spreads in tropical climates. It is an invasive plant that affects native coastal vegetation and seabird habitat. It has spiny burs that disperse easily via clothing or feathers, reproduces by prolific seed production, and is easily spread by high winds and storms. It reaches maturity in less than one year and persists in the seedbank for one to five years. Cenchrus spp. was introduced to the remote island of Nihoa, a volcanic remnant in the Hawaiian Archipelago with many geographically distinct species including two endemic and endangered passerines and three endemic and endangered plants. Early detection and monitoring indicated that the Cenchrus spp. infestation on Nihoa dramatically increased from just seven plants observed in 2017 to over 600 plants in 2018. This expansion indicated that it was initiating its ascent of the exponential growth curve common in invasive species. Eradication efforts are underway to eradicate Cenchrus spp. from Nihoa via an integrated pest management process (e.g., physical and chemical treatments) coupled with rigorous biosecurity measures to prevent reinvasion.Research on the use of YY technology for invasive fish eradication. The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies initiated, in 2018, the YY Male Consortium (Consortium) with funding from 13 western states. The Consortium is building upon the work initiated by the State of Idaho to develop YY male broodstock for invasive brook trout. They are developing research broodstock for five additional regionally invasive species, including the common carp, walleye, lake trout, brown trout and Northern pike. Ongoing field evaluations of eradication programs using YY male brook trout in several western states indicate suppression is happening as modeled. In addition, populations in smaller systems are on the verge of documenting total eradication. This work combines multiple control tools using the principles of integrated pest management by suppressing invasive brook trout populations annually through mechanical and/or chemical control, and then stocking the equivalent number of YY males to replace those removed. YY males breed with the wild females, producing only YY males, leading ultimately to an all YY male population and population eradication. Note: This Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity is separate from the Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species Notice of Funding Opportunity (grants.gov announcement number F24AS00175). The Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species is intended to support the planning and deployment of responses to newly detected populations of aquatic invasive species in pursuit of eradicating the population before it becomes established and spreads. This Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity, however, is open to all taxa (see Eligible Taxa section) and can be used for eradication of newly detected populations of terrestrial invasive species, eradication of well-established populations of aquatic or terrestrial invasive species, or for research that advances tools for effective eradication of aquatic or terrestrial invasive species. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Ecosystem Restoration Program and DOI PrioritiesThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also referred to as BIL, or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)), Section 40804 (Ecosystem Restoration) provided funding to DOI for invasive species detection, prevention, and eradication, including conducting research and providing resources to facilitate detection of invasive species at points of entry and awarding grants for eradication of invasive species on non-Federal land and on Federal land. This Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity aims to meet BILs direction to offer grants for eradication of invasive species.This funding opportunity also advances DOIs policy regarding invasive species management (524 DM 1) which identifies eradication undertaken in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner as one objective of an integrated pest management approach. Additionally, it advances Goal 4 of the DOIs Invasive Species Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 to cost-effectively control or eradicate established invasive species populations to reduce impacts and help restore ecosystems.For this funding opportunity, collaboration with one of DOIs Keystone Initiatives is encouraged, as appropriate. DOI prioritized these Keystone Initiatives as focal areas for transformational conservation efforts across the nation. The Keystone Initiatives advance the Restoration and Resiliency Framework and include:Gravel to GravelGrasslandsHawaiian Forest BirdsKlamath BasinSagebrush EcosystemSaltmarsh, andAppalachiaPurpose and Program Grant Requirements:In Fiscal Year 2024, DOI prioritized BIL funds to establish this Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity within the existing authorities of DOI, to be administered by the USFWS in collaboration with DOI bureaus. Accordingly, the DOI bureaus, through the USFWS, invite proposals to support the eradication of a newly introduced or established species in terrestrial or aquatic habitats of the United States, including the U.S. territories (aquatic habitats include freshwater, wetland, riparian, estuarian, and marine). While preference will be given to proposals that result in eradication of invasive species, research proposals that advance research that increases the effectiveness and availability of eradication tools will be considered. Eradication is defined as the removal or destruction of an entire population of invasive species. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, this means the elimination of all individuals of a distinct population in a geographically defined area that is not contiguous or connected (via natural dispersal) with other populations and that is surrounded by naturally occurring or human-made barriers sufficiently effective to prevent reinvasion as verified using monitoring and inventories. Projects targeted at eradicating a founding population of a terrestrial invasive species or those eradicating established populations of aquatic or terrestrial invasive species will be considered. Eradication can be a key resource management step that then allows other resource management objectives to be achieved, such as habitat restoration or the recovery of Threatened and Endangered Species. This funding opportunity recognizes that eradication of a widespread established invasive species is possible and can be successful late in the invasion stages, but it requires strategic approaches (such as by using IPM) and targeted investments. The intent of this funding opportunity is to promote and invest in those projects with a high likelihood of achieving eradication success and in those that have existing partnerships and plans in place. NOTE: Projects responding to founding populations of aquatic invasive species within the early detection and rapid response context should instead apply for funding through the Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species. Projects addressing established aquatic invasive species infestations with a high likelihood of eradication can apply for this Eradication Funding Opportunity. Proposals submitted for this opportunity should address how the proposed project supports DOIs mission, especially helping to protect vulnerable, high priority, or protected species or areas. Proposals that service underserved, or historically disadvantaged communities are also encouraged. These will be considered among the grant review criteria listed under the Application Review Information section later in this document.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits and public-serving organizations in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties, Colorado, to enhance community health, vitality, and various local initiatives.

Program: Impact Grants Funding Organization: CCCF (Community and Conservation Charitable Foundation) Contact Information: For more information, please visit the CCCF website or contact the CCCF Grants Department at grants@cccfoundation.org. Award Details: The Impact Grants program provides funding for housing and environmental solutions. The grant application period is open from April 29 to May 31. The specific award amounts are not mentioned, but it can be assumed that the grants provide financial support to selected organizations. Eligibility: Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations working towards housing and environmental solutions. Further eligibility criteria may be outlined on the CCCF website or in the grant application guidelines. CCCF invests in housing and environmental solutions through the Impact Grants. Other Relevant Information: It is recommended that potential applicants thoroughly review the CCCF website and grant application guidelines for detailed information on eligibility requirements, application process, and any additional criteria or restrictions.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Connecticut. A total of up to $500,000 is available for the Connecticut CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $250,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 24, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by July 31, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The General Appropriation Act of 2020 (1A of 2020) and the Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2020 (Act 17A of 2020) together appropriated a combined total of $5,000,000 to establish the State Facility Closure Transition Program (SFCTP). The SFCTP is intended to ensure adequate community support following the closure of commonwealth facilities in directly impacted and contiguous counties. Financial Info: The General Appropriation Act of 2020 (1A of 2020) and the Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2020 (Act 17A of 2020) together appropriated a combined total of $5,000,000 to establish the State Facility Closure Transition Program (SFCTP). The SFCTP is intended to ensure adequate community support following the closure of commonwealth facilities in directly impacted and contiguous counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Arizona for projects that improve recreational facilities and safety on lakes where motorized boats are permitted.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Idaho for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50% income from agricultural operations and small businesses in rural areas, meeting specific criteria. The program supports a range of projects, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar energy systems, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

The Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund (ONREF) offers grants to public or private high schools in Oregon committed to providing educational opportunities in Forestry. Grants support the acquisition of natural resource-related tools, equipment, technology, and other educational resources. The funding range is between $500 to $2,500, with the possibility of larger awards under special circumstances. The application period is from January 1 to March 1 annually. Eligible schools must demonstrate a commitment to Forestry Programs of Study, focusing on a comprehensive curriculum that includes wood products, silviculture, harvesting, and the management of Oregon's forest-related natural resources, alongside career and leadership development. There are also four Subfunds with specific funding objectives and eligibility requirements. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/closing deadline: January 1st to March 1st