Private Environment Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that enhance community improvement, education, environmental stewardship, and human services for residents in Baldwin, Maine.

The Selley Foundation, a donor-advised fund of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Greater New Orleans area through its grant program. The foundation's mission aligns with its grant-making by primarily supporting capital needs of nonprofits, with occasional consideration for programmatic requests. This strategic focus ensures that the grants contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of organizations serving the community. The target beneficiaries of the Selley Foundation's grants are nonprofits operating within the Greater New Orleans area. The foundation aims to create a positive impact by strengthening organizations in the key areas of education, arts, and occasionally the environment. The expected outcomes include enhanced facilities and resources for educational institutions and arts organizations, leading to improved learning environments and enriched cultural experiences for the community. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. In education, the fund supports capital items and special programs for higher learning institutions and high schools that demonstrate a record of excellence. For arts and culture, the foundation supports organizations that strive for excellence. This emphasis on excellence and capital needs reflects the foundation's strategic priority to build capacity and provide stable infrastructure for high-performing organizations. The Selley Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in the capital needs and specific programs of excellent organizations in education and the arts, it can foster sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on "capital needs" and "special programs" implies outcomes related to improved infrastructure, expanded capabilities, and enhanced program delivery within the supported sectors. The foundation generally does not fund athletics, annual operating budgets, special events, or fundraising benefits, further indicating its strategic focus on long-term, impactful investments.

The Public Art Learning Fund, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), is designed to fortify the public art landscape across New England by offering professional development opportunities directly to artists. NEFA's overarching mission, as reflected in this grant, is to cultivate more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout the region. This initiative aligns with NEFA's strategic goal of fostering a sustainable and equitable public art ecosystem by investing in the skills, resources, and connections of artists working in the public realm. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are artists residing full-time in one of the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) who are actively engaged in public artmaking or are in the process of expanding their practice into this domain. The fund aims to empower these artists, contributing to more just and inclusive public art. Expected outcomes include artists developing enhanced skills and resources, leading to the creation of more vibrant public spaces and a stronger regional community of practice. The Public Art Learning Fund prioritizes opportunities that specifically expand an artist's public art practice and contribute equitably to more just and inclusive public artmaking. NEFA seeks clarity on desired learnings and their application to the artist's practice. The fund welcomes artists at various stages of their public artmaking careers from urban, suburban, and rural communities, recognizing that diverse cultural and artistic expressions are crucial for equitable and vibrant public spaces. A key focus of this grant is equity. NEFA acknowledges that various barriers, including race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography, can limit access to professional development. Therefore, the Public Art Learning Fund actively prioritizes equity in its funding decisions. This may include, but is not limited to, prioritizing artists who self-identify as Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and/or those who are rooted in rural communities, aligning with NEFA's theory of change that targeted support can address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive artistic landscape. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and support opportunities taking place between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants must also have a Creative Ground profile, and the proposed professional development must directly relate to strengthening their public art practice and occur within the grant period. These measurable results, such as the number of artists served and the nature of their professional development, contribute to NEFA's broader strategic aim of fostering a more equitable and sustainable public art ecosystem in New England.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, and churches in Perry County to help cover the cleanup costs from the January 2025 ice storm.

This funding opportunity supports community gardens in metro Atlanta by providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements and larger projects that promote sustainable food growing and community engagement.

The Scanlan Foundation offers grants to Catholic religious, charitable, and educational institutions exclusively within Texas. Its core mission is to foster a culture of vocations, guiding all strategic decisions, giving, and relationship-building efforts. This foundational commitment is supported by five key pillars of funding, each designed to align with and further the foundation's overarching spiritual and community-focused objectives. The foundation's theory of change is rooted in strengthening the Catholic faith and its institutions at various levels, from individual formation to community-wide impact. One of the primary pillars is "Vocations To The Priesthood And Religious Life," with the explicit goal of increasing the number of men and women answering their call to join the priesthood and religious life. This initiative targets individuals discerning a religious vocation, aiming to support their journey and bolster the future leadership of the Catholic Church. Another crucial area is "Marriage & Holy Families," which seeks to encourage sacramental marriage preparedness for engaged couples and strengthen existing marriages, recognizing their vital role as the "Domestic Church." The foundation expects these efforts to result in more robust faith-filled families and a stronger social fabric within the Catholic community. "Catholic Education" is another significant focus, with goals to enhance access for families who value faith-based education but face financial barriers, improve teacher faith-formation, and develop strong campus ministries. The target beneficiaries are students, teachers, and campus communities within Catholic educational institutions across Texas. The expected outcomes include a more accessible and spiritually enriching educational environment, better-prepared educators, and vibrant campus ministries that foster faith development among young people. This pillar reflects the foundation's strategic priority of investing in the future of the Church through education. The "Evangelization & Discipleship" pillar aims to form missionary disciples, particularly on college campuses in Texas, and to foster personal holiness and promote individual faith formation. This involves engaging young adults in their faith journey and equipping them to share the Gospel. Furthermore, the "Life & Human Dignity" pillar is dedicated to assisting the poor, sick, and vulnerable, promoting faith-based therapy, and strengthening the culture of life. These efforts collectively target those in need and seek to uphold the inherent dignity of every human person, reflecting a comprehensive approach to charitable giving and social impact. Across all its funding pillars, the Scanlan Foundation prioritizes expressly Catholic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Texas that align with its mission. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly articulated through the specific goals of each pillar, emphasizing measurable results such as increased vocations, strengthened marriages, enhanced educational access, and improved support for vulnerable populations. The ultimate expected outcomes are a more vibrant, resilient, and faithful Catholic community in Texas, nurtured through targeted support and strategic partnerships.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Akron, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farmers in the Northeast to improve their milk storage and handling systems, enhancing efficiency and food safety.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, Tribal nations, school districts, and nonprofit organizations in Central Minnesota for projects that promote clean energy adoption and enhance community resilience against energy-related challenges.

This grant provides funding to community members and organizations in Philadelphia to improve public spaces and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

The Windham Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the economic, cultural, and civic life in Vermont through its grant-making activities. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting organizations that address the needs and improve the quality of life for Vermonters, recognizing that the social and economic vitality of small towns is maintained through a diverse range of activities. This alignment ensures that grant-funded projects contribute directly to the foundation's overarching goal of fostering well-being in the state's communities. The target beneficiaries of these grants are Vermonters, with a focus on local organizations involved in social, cultural, and educational work within the state. The impact goals are broad, aiming to support educational programs, local food initiatives, land conservation for public use, environmental protection, social services, cultural resources, and historic preservation. By partnering with these organizations, the foundation seeks to empower local efforts that contribute to the overall health and prosperity of Vermont's towns and residents. The foundation's priorities and focuses are diverse, encompassing agricultural preservation and food systems, environmental enhancement, education in its broadest sense, promotion of arts, crafts, and Vermont traditions, meeting basic human needs, and historic preservation that serves a broad community purpose. In evaluating proposals, the foundation assesses an organization's competence, track record, financial stability, fundraising strategies, leadership strength, and the long-term viability of the proposed program. This strategic approach ensures that funding is directed towards capable organizations with sustainable initiatives. Expected outcomes and measurable results, particularly for grants of $5,000 or more, include a requirement for recipients to report back on the success of project implementation. While specific metrics are not detailed, the foundation's emphasis on competence, track record, and long-term viability suggests an expectation of tangible positive change within the community. The foundation awards approximately $65,000 in grants each quarter, with individual grants rarely exceeding $10,000 and an average of $2,500-$5,000, demonstrating a commitment to supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects across the state. The Windham Foundation's strategic priorities are to strengthen organizational capacity, support special initiatives, engage in capacity building, and offer matching and challenge grants. Their theory of change appears to be that by investing in a wide range of community-focused activities and fostering collaboration among non-profit organizations, they can collectively enhance the quality of life and ensure the enduring vitality of Vermont's communities. They will not fund more than 50% of a project, encouraging diverse funding sources and collaborative efforts.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Grants is currently accepting applications for its 2024 CommunityWorks Grant Program. This program is designed to provide a coordinated, systems-based approach toward achieving community aspirations. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, is to foster community development and address critical needs within its service area. The CommunityWorks Grant Program specifically targets organizations operating in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties in Illinois, or Paris, IL. Eligible applicants include those with 501(c)(3) status or qualified charitable or government organizations. The program's impact goals are to support initiatives that contribute to workforce development, education, and environmental sustainability, ultimately improving the quality of life and opportunities within these communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: workforce development, education, and environmental sustainability. Proposals are invited in these three key areas, indicating the foundation's strategic commitment to these pillars of community well-being. This focused approach suggests a theory of change where investment in these sectors leads to a stronger, more resilient community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program aims for the achievement of "community aspirations" through a "coordinated, systems-based approach." The funding range of $10,000 to $100,000 per grant, with a total of $400,000 available, suggests a significant investment intended to yield tangible improvements in the targeted areas. Successful outcomes would likely include enhanced employment opportunities, improved educational attainment, and demonstrable progress in environmental conservation within the supported regions.

ArcStone has launched the Unleash the Good Grant program, an initiative designed to bolster nonprofit organizations by enhancing their online presence and facilitating the achievement of their missions through strategic web development services. This program aligns with ArcStone's commitment to supporting organizations that are dedicated to protecting, preserving, and improving the Earth’s natural environment. By offering in-kind grants for web development, ArcStone aims to empower these nonprofits with the digital tools necessary to expand their reach and effectiveness. The target beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations that actively work towards environmental impact. The program's core focus is on providing comprehensive web development services, including website discovery and sitemap creation, accessible and inclusive design, WordPress development, SEO basics for key pages, limited content entry, project management, quality assurance, training, launch support, and one year of free hosting. The impact goal is to enable selected organizations to create compelling and impactful online platforms that further their environmental objectives. The Unleash the Good Grant prioritizes organizations with a clear vision of how web design services will enhance their online presence and mission. This ensures that the provided services will be strategically utilized for maximum impact. The expected outcomes include a significantly improved online presence for recipient organizations, leading to greater visibility, enhanced engagement with their target audiences, and ultimately, a more effective pursuit of their environmental protection and preservation goals. The measurable results of this program will be observed through the successful implementation of the web development services and the subsequent online performance of the recipient organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on SEO, accessible design, and a year of free hosting suggests an emphasis on creating sustainable and impactful digital platforms that can be tracked through website analytics and audience engagement. ArcStone’s strategic priority is to leverage its expertise in web development to contribute to environmental causes, operating under the theory of change that by strengthening the digital infrastructure of environmental nonprofits, their overall capacity to achieve their missions will be significantly enhanced.

The Food for Thought Grant Program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, aims to support educational and artistic projects that foster awareness, build knowledge, and cultivate conscious advocates for local and regional food systems. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to engage artists, educators, community members, and food system stakeholders in creative expression and collaboration to spark social change. The program's core objective is to bring these diverse groups together to highlight the importance of just and sustainable food systems. The program primarily targets organizations interested in submitting projects that use arts and/or education to uplift opportunities or inform on issues related to the food system. The ultimate beneficiaries are the communities within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York, as the program seeks to widen community participation, promote collaboration and dialogue, and engage and empower these communities at large. The impact goals include raising awareness, inspiring action, and creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system. The program prioritizes projects designed to foster community participation and dialogue, encouraging creative approaches to food system education. It also focuses on the facilitation and exchange of learnings, insights, and expertise related to the food system to inform the public. Learning agendas are specifically encouraged to share practical knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire action towards building better food systems. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities or those with a fiscal sponsor or acting as a pass-through. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with food system issues, enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, and a more informed public regarding sustainable and equitable food practices. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, the reach of educational and artistic initiatives, and documented shifts in community knowledge and advocacy. The Western New York Foundation’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, lean towards fostering community-led initiatives that utilize innovative methods like arts and education to address critical social and environmental issues, particularly within the context of local food systems. Their theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by empowering local communities and fostering creative dialogue, significant social and systemic changes can be achieved.

The Manhattan Composting Award, offered by the Manhattan Borough, aims to combat climate change by reducing organic waste in the waste stream through supporting composting programs. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to address environmental challenges at the local level by fostering sustainable practices within the community. The grant specifically focuses on promoting composting as an accessible and effective method for waste reduction, thereby contributing to a healthier environment and mitigating the effects of climate change within Manhattan. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth, seniors, intergenerational populations, and the broader Manhattan community. The grant seeks to impact these groups by increasing their engagement in composting activities and enhancing their understanding of its importance. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge and resources to participate in organic waste diversion, leading to a measurable reduction in the volume of organic materials sent to landfills. Project priorities for the Manhattan Composting Award include the establishment and expansion of composting and composting education programs tailored for youth and seniors, as well as initiatives that foster intergenerational participation. Community engagement efforts that highlight the benefits of composting and the diverse options available throughout Manhattan are also a key focus. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to integrating composting into the daily lives of residents across different age groups and demographics. The expected outcomes of this grant include a significant increase in the number of composting programs implemented and the level of community participation in these programs. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the volume of organic waste diverted from landfills, the number of individuals educated through composting programs, and the establishment of new composting infrastructure. While a specific theory of change or explicit strategic priorities of the "foundation" (in this case, the Manhattan Borough) are not detailed, the program implicitly operates on the theory that increased community participation and education in composting will directly lead to reduced waste, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable urban ecosystem. The focus on education and community engagement suggests a belief that empowering residents with knowledge and practical skills is the most effective way to achieve long-term environmental benefits.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is offering Community Grants for Health & Wellness to enhance the health of the region's residents. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to improve community well-being by addressing critical health disparities. The program focuses on the understanding that various factors, including genetics, education, individual behavior, environment, and access to quality healthcare, contribute to a person's overall health and wellness. The foundation's strategic approach is to support programs that tackle these multifaceted challenges, particularly for under-resourced populations. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of South Hampton Roads, including specific counties and cities within Virginia, who face health disparities and challenges in accessing quality healthcare. The program targets individuals in Chesapeake, the Eastern Shore of Virginia (Accomack and Northampton counties), Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The impact goal is to improve the health status of these populations by increasing access to essential health services and promoting healthy behaviors. The program prioritizes efforts that support participant access to primary, dental, and/or mental/behavioral health services, including substance/drug abuse treatment. A significant focus is also placed on sustained programs that encourage healthy behaviors known to reduce chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease, especially in populations with high rates of health disparity. Preference will be given to programs that emphasize improving participants' health literacy, indicating a strategic focus on empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed health decisions. Expected outcomes include individuals with health disparities connecting with a medical home and receiving care/treatment that leads to an improved health status. For oral care programs, the outcome is that individuals complete a dental treatment plan. Improved behavioral health needs or conditions of clients are also a key outcome. Measurable results will include participants increasing their knowledge of chronic disease conditions and exhibiting healthy behaviors that lead to improved health, thereby contributing to the foundation's broader theory of change which posits that increased access, education, and behavioral changes will lead to a healthier community.

The Annual FirstClass Grant Program for Teachers is a grant opportunity for K-5 public school teachers in the towns of Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, Fairfield, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, and Bridgeport. The program aims to support creative educational programs that have a broad impact on an entire class or grade. Eligible programs include nature-based, astronomy, financial literacy, conservation, and environmentally focused initiatives. Requests for books, magazine subscriptions, school trips, and electronics are not eligible. The maximum grant amount is $1,000. Applications are accepted from September 1st to October 31st each year and require authorization from the school principal. For more information and to access the application form, please contact 203.462.4858 or email foundation@firstcountybank.com.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Philadelphia to secure existing urban gardens and farms from development threats, aiming to increase their long-term preservation and community impact.

The Santa Fe Community Foundation's Piñon Awards program recognizes local nonprofit organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the community in northern New Mexico. These awards align with the Foundation's mission to strengthen the community by supporting impactful organizations. The program's strategic priorities are to identify and honor nonprofits demonstrating courageous innovation, quiet inspiration, resiliency, and consistent, high-quality programs. The target beneficiaries of the Piñon Awards are 501(c)(3) or tribal entities that have operated for at least three years in northern New Mexico (specifically Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties) and have a proven track record. These organizations serve communities aligned with the Foundation’s funding priorities, which include Arts & Culture, Animal Welfare, Civic & Economic Opportunities, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellbeing. The program focuses on recognizing organizations that exemplify specific qualities through its award categories. The Courageous Innovation Award celebrates new solutions to persistent problems, based on sound theory. The Quiet Inspiration Award honors organizations working respectfully within the community, earning long-term support and trust. The Resiliency Award acknowledges efforts to build resilience in vulnerable communities facing emergencies and systemic injustices. Finally, the Tried & True Award recognizes organizations with over a decade of consistent, high-quality service despite external changes. Expected outcomes include increased visibility and recognition for these high-impact organizations, fostering continued excellence and innovation in the nonprofit sector. While specific measurable results for the Piñon Awards themselves are not detailed as quantitative metrics in the provided text, the criteria for winning nonprofits, such as a proven track record and alignment with funding priorities, serve as qualitative indicators of successful impact within the community. The Foundation's theory of change, implicit in these awards, is that by recognizing and celebrating effective organizations, it encourages best practices, strengthens the local nonprofit ecosystem, and ultimately contributes to the overall well-being and resilience of northern New Mexico.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.