Environment Grants

This funding program provides financial support to state and local governments, tribes, and urban communities to create and improve parks, protect natural resources, and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly in underserved areas.

The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation invites applications for its Equity and Justice Grant to support Vermont based, Vermont focused nonprofit organizations addressing racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice. The foundation seeks innovative programs that pursue fundamental change through a social justice and equity lens. Grants are up to 15,000 dollars, with an average award of about 10,000 dollars. Funding preference is given to efforts such as equity in education and early childcare, access to safe and affordable housing, criminal justice reform, workers’ rights, and equitable access to healthy and affordable food. Eligible applicants are Vermont based 501(c)(3) organizations or projects represented by a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent with total annual operating budgets under 350,000 dollars. The program does not fund requests that solely provide direct services, discretionary or emergency requests, schools, colleges or universities, individuals or scholarships, research or legal expenses, capital or endowment campaigns, government programs, businesses or associations, religious activities, one time events, other foundations or regranting organizations, or work outside Vermont. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation.

The Illinois EPA is seeking proposals for projects aimed at addressing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution to enhance the quality of Illinois' surface and groundwater. Funded through the Clean Water Act's Section 319(h), this program supports the development and implementation of watershed-based planning projects. These projects may include creating new watershed-based plans, updating existing plans, providing technical assistance for NPS pollution control, and conducting environmental and social indicator monitoring. The goal is to prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments through strategic planning and community engagement. Grant renewed every year.

PLEASE READ: This program is NOT for flooding damage. This program is only available for infrastructure that was damaged from fires or fire suppression activities that occurred on or after July 1, 2020. For questions regarding post-wildfire flooding damage, please contact your local County Emergency Management office. PLEASE READ: Private landowners are only eligible to receive financial assistance if they work through an eligible applicant: Eligible applicants include Governmental organizations (including state, county, and local), 501(c) non-profit organizations, and Indian Tribes. The State of Arizona through the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) invites proposals from Arizona public and private landowners for emergency repairs for infrastructure damaged by fires or fire suppression activities occurring July 1, 2020 and after. The Post-Wildfire Infrastructure Assistance Program goal is to assist in infrastructure repairs to physical systems, operational structures and facilities needed for the use of urban, rural, agricultural, cultural and natural resources.

The National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) has announced the FY24 American Lobster Research Program to support projects that advance the scientific understanding of the American Lobster fishery and aid the resilience of fishing communities against environmental changes and economic uncertainties. Approximately $2 million in federal funds is expected to be available in FY2024, with individual awards capped at $600,000 for projects lasting one to two years. Applicants are required to provide a 50% non-federal match. Eligible projects must occur within the U.S. or its territories and waterways. This opportunity encourages projects involving partnerships across industry, state agencies, academia, and community members to address the fishery's complexities, including its ecological and economic aspects. Grant renewed every year.

This program provides funding for the development and maintenance of off-highway vehicle trails and related facilities, aimed at enhancing safe and sustainable OHV recreation in Arizona for governmental entities, non-profits, and clubs.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), established by Congress in 1965 and permanently funded in 2020, assists governmental units in providing outdoor recreation facilities to meet the increasing demand. In Indiana, the LWCF has allocated around $90 million, benefiting both state and local park projects. The program offers grants covering up to 50% of the costs for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation sites, with a funding range for local applicants between $250,000 and $1 million. Eligible projects include land acquisition, construction, or renovation of public parks and facilities, emphasizing universal access and non-discriminatory public use. Grant renewed every year Grant annual deadline: August 1st

This grant provides funding for projects that educate trail users about safety practices and environmental conservation related to recreational trails.

To help marine businesses recover from the devastating impacts of January 2024’s coastal storms, Island Institute is expanding our Business Resilience Grant program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities that were impacted by the storms on January 10 and 13, 2024. Maine’s fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and it is under a multitude of pressures. Taking up a mere 20 miles of the more than 5,000 miles of Maine’s coastline, the working waterfront infrastructure along our shorelines is in grave danger of being lost forever. The more rural the community, the more reliant communities are on the marine economy. Without safe and reliable wharves, docks, and access ramps, Maine’s fishing communities grind to a halt. This infrastructure is the backbone of the coastal economy and importantly supports the families and communities that rely upon what they catch or grow. It is for this reason we are choosing to urgently support the resilient rebuilding of our working waterfront infrastructure. We will review grant applications weekly and have streamlined our application process to ensure these limited funds will quickly arrive in communities. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure that supports multiple individuals or that plays a critical role in communities with demonstrable impact from these storms. Due to limited available funds, priority is given to businesses that support many independent harvesters. For more information please contact Jeff Frank at brgrants@islandinstitute.org Examples of acceptable uses of funds include: • Wharf infrastructure repair • Equipment repair and replacement • Other: contact us if you're unsure. Before you get started, here is a bit more about the application and process: Individuals and affiliated companies are eligible for one Island Institute grant per fiscal year (this does not include scholarships). Awards from previous fiscal years will not disqualify applications. There is a limited amount of funds available for the Business Resilience Storm Recovery Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 10, 2024 (as long as funds are available), and reviewed weekly to ensure these funds will quickly arrive in communities.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers the Section 319(h) Grant Program to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution affecting Illinois’ water resources. This program, funded through the Clean Water Act, supports projects that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments caused by NPS pollution. Prioritized projects include those implementing approved watershed-based plans or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans, with activities ranging from BMP implementation to monitoring and outreach efforts. The program encourages applications that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to NPS pollution control and offer sustainable environmental benefits. Grant renewed every year.

About the Fund The Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, KS, partners with the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF) and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF) to help improve the quality of life for communities in 26 counties of Northwest Kansas. GSCF and 11 of its affiliate foundations are allocated funding for grants to distribute to 14 counties for charitable projects through a competitive application process. What do the funds support? Grants will be awarded to projects or programs that address the following areas: Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability. Health Care: Ensures access to quality health services and promotes healthy life practices. Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies. Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhances economic and social benefits of outdoor resources. Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas. Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents. Preference will be given to applications that include community involvement and volunteerism. Grants may not be awarded to: reduce or replace regular budgetary needs for programs or projects that are tax-supported support endowment or operational expenses Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall annual opening/ closing deadline: September 15th to November 15th

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 for government entities, non-profits, and clubs to improve safety and navigation on off-highway vehicle trails in Arizona through the installation of signage and informational displays.

This funding opportunity provides up to $100,000 for governmental entities, non-profits, and clubs to quickly repair trail damage caused by vandalism, fire, and weather, while also supporting trash removal and dust mitigation efforts to ensure safe and environmentally preserved OHV trails.

This program provides funding for organizations and communities to maintain and improve non-motorized trails, ensuring they remain safe and accessible for activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

About the Fund The Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan, KS, partners with the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF) and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF) to help improve the quality of life for communities in 26 counties of Northwest Kansas. GSCF and 11 of its affiliate foundations are allocated funding for grants to distribute to 14 counties for charitable projects through a competitive application process. What do the funds support? Grants will be awarded to projects or programs that address the following areas: Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability. Health Care: Ensures access to quality health services and promotes healthy life practices. Community Social Services & Security: Enhance access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies. Conservation & Environment: Support efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment and enhances economic and social benefits of outdoor resources. Arts & Culture: Provide cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas. Community Beautification: Support efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents. Preference will be given to applications that include community involvement and volunteerism. Grants may not be awarded to: reduce or replace regular budgetary needs for programs or projects that are tax-supported support endowment or operational expenses Grant renewed every year. Grant Spring annual opening/ closing deadline: March 15th to May 15th

This funding opportunity supports significant projects that develop and maintain off-highway vehicle trails and facilities in Arizona, targeting governmental entities, non-profits, and clubs involved in OHV recreation.

This program provides funding to local governments, tribal entities, and nonprofits in Colorado to implement projects that reduce flood and erosion risks following wildfires.

PAS Paramaribo invites proposals from NGOs, individuals and government educational institutions for programs that contribute to the improvement of social, economic or environmental conditions in Suriname and which further one or more of the priorities listed below. All programs must include a connection with American cultural element(s), expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy, culture, and perspectives.Priority Program Areas Strengthening democracy Promoting civic involvement, free and fair elections, or democratic governance at the local or national level in a non-partisan manner.Addressing climate change and environmental education Nurturing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change and reduce food and water insecurity, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations.Limiting Corruption - Supporting efforts to counter or prevent corruption in business or government, including efforts to develop greater fiscal transparency, enhance the rule of law, and/or protect intellectual property rights.Supporting a free and expressive media environment Strengthening the professionalism of the media and/or advancing media literacy within the population.Advancing diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all marginalized communities Addressing issues involving ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, and/or indigenous and tribal communities.Promoting academic linkages Creating programs or exchanges designed to increase college and university professional linkages between the U.S. and Suriname, especially with community colleges and technical schools.Empowering women Creating programs focused on the mentorship of women entrepreneurs and/or supporting womens increased participation in civil society.Developing Alumni Supporting programs led by, supported by, or involving the Suriname American Alumni Association, its members, or alumni of U.S. exchange programs.Enhancing agricultural production Supporting efforts that advance understanding of modern agricultural practices and expanding entrepreneurship skills with the goal of increasing exports to U.S. and EU markets.Supporting cultural exchange Hosting cultural performances, artistic workshops, trainings, and exhibitions that highlight the deep and ongoing ties between the United States and Suriname and our shared democratic values.

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) offers grants for flood management, including stream channel repair, improvement, flood risk reduction, and flood prevention. These grants are competitive and statewide, available to flood control districts, drainage districts, irrigation districts, canal companies, municipalities, counties, and other public entities. Applicants must show evidence of flood damage or risk and outline proposed repairs or improvements. Applications are accepted annually until the first Friday of June, with the next deadline on June 7, 2024. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: 1st Friday of June

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. With an estimated total program funding of $25.5 million, the program offers grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. These grants are designed to support equity investment eligible communities, provide on-the-job training, and facilitate the development of projects that benefit low-income households and community-based businesses. The program encourages projects that generate or save energy, with a significant focus on involving equity eligible contractors and workforce from CEJA or FEJA programs. Applicants are encouraged to leverage other funding sources to enhance cost-effectiveness and project impact.