Private Environment Grants

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 grant provides funding for projects that improve air quality and public health in East Oakland, particularly benefiting disadvantaged communities affected by pollution from a former foundry.

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.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship in the Twin Cities area, targeting eligible non-profits, schools, and local organizations.

Established in 1959, The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation is committed to improving the human condition through promoting life-long educational opportunities and a spectrum of cultural programming. The Foundation focuses its grantmaking primarily in the Baltimore area, awarding grants to nonprofit organizations sponsoring high quality programs in three program areas: Arts and Culture, Youth Development, and Adult Self-Sufficiency. The Foundation provides support for programs and general operations and will occasionally consider requests for capital support. In Arts and Culture, the Foundation focuses on growing and diversifying audiences, increasing access to arts across age and income levels, and engaging young people as producers and consumers of arts and arts education. In Youth Development, the Foundation promotes recreation, learning and leadership development through out-of-school-time programs; supports pregnancy prevention and other policies and practices that improve outcomes for vulnerable youth. In the Adult Self-Sufficiency program area, the aim is to strengthen families by supporting adult literacy training, parenting programs and industry-specific job training and preparedness programs.

The City of Leavenworth's 2025 General Fund Grant Program offers funding to non-profit organizations to benefit its residents. This program is rooted in the city's commitment to enhancing community well-being and development, aligning with a broad mission to support local initiatives. The funding, sourced from the city's General Fund, is strategically allocated to address various community needs and foster a vibrant, supportive environment within Leavenworth. The program primarily targets non-profit organizations that serve the Leavenworth community, with a focus on youth and seniors, event and activity implementation, organizational development, capacity building, and capital improvements. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Leavenworth residents through a diverse range of projects and services. This includes expanding youth programs, supporting essential services like food assistance, strengthening non-profit infrastructure, and investing in community-benefiting capital projects. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. It emphasizes Youth and Senior Services, aiming to support non-profits that specifically benefit these demographics. Another key area is Events and Activities, providing funding for the operational costs of programs and services, such as food assistance. Organizational Development and Capacity Building is also a focus, supporting community-focused education and program planning. Finally, Capital Improvements are supported for projects that directly benefit the Leavenworth community. Expected outcomes include an increase in available services for youth and seniors, more robust community events and activities, enhanced organizational capabilities for non-profits, and tangible capital improvements within the city. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure suggests a focus on the successful implementation and reach of funded projects. The strategic priority is to allocate a total of $62,000, with a maximum grant request of $5,000 per applicant, not exceeding 50% of the program cost. This ensures a broad distribution of funds and encourages co-investment from applicants. The theory of change is that by investing in non-profit initiatives that directly benefit residents, the city can foster a stronger, more supportive, and enriched community.

The Albert and Mary Dick Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations that promote higher education, assist youth, and prevent cruelty to children and animals, with primary emphasis on Victoria County, Texas. The trust’s purpose is to fund programs that benefit the local community across several program areas. Grants support work in education, environment and animals, health, and human services. Typical awards average 7,000 dollars, and the trust’s average total giving per year is approximately 200,000 dollars. Specific project scopes and uses should align with the trust’s focus on youth, education, and humane treatment of children and animals. Eligible applicants are organizations that qualify as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form as specified by the trustee. The deadline is May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information, including application procedures, is available through the trustee’s online portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

The Water-Right Charitable Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities in Wisconsin, particularly those serving the Fox Valley Region, to support projects addressing basic needs, environmental needs, and education.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that benefit individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families, empowering the CF community to create impactful initiatives.

The First Nations’ Young Natural Resource Professionals Cohort is a 12-month enrichment opportunity designed to enhance the knowledge and networks of young natural resource professionals in the Northern Great Plains. This program directly aligns with the First Nations Development Institute's mission to support Native American communities, particularly in areas of natural resource management and tribal sovereignty. The grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aims to foster professional development and community-led conservation efforts within tribal lands. The primary beneficiaries of this program are 15 early-career natural resource professionals, aged 18-30, who are tribally-affiliated and employed by tribal natural resource and/or environmental departments in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The program's impact goals are to develop professional, leadership, and technical skills among these individuals, enabling them to effectively employ tribal and community conservation priorities. The cohort prioritizes a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, specialized project management training, and the ability to communicate the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty, cultural grounding, and connection to ancestral lands in resource management. Participants will gain access to a $5,000 stipend for their hosting Tribe, travel support for professional development, a $50,000 tribal grant to lead a conservation-focused project, and a supportive network with mentorship opportunities. Expected outcomes include participants gaining a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, receiving specialized training in project management, and becoming adept at communicating the importance of tribal sovereignty and cultural connection in resource management. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of conservation-focused projects and the sustained professional growth of the cohort members within their tribal communities. The project period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

The Community Foundation for Perry County, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is currently accepting grant applications. This program is designed to support nonprofits, schools, and public organizations undertaking projects and programs that directly benefit the residents and communities within Perry County, Ohio. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in enhancing the quality of life for the Perry community, both in the present and for future generations. Established in 2012 by a collaborative effort of past and present residents, the core objective of CFPC is to build enduring funds and resources to create a tangible and lasting positive difference for Perry County. This initiative serves as an additional channel for residents to contribute locally, ensuring that resources specifically benefit the Perry County community and its citizens. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals of all ages within Perry County. The impact goals are centered around spearheading efforts that generate opportunities, address critical needs, and unlock the full potential residing within Perry County. The program's priorities and focuses are structured around five key areas of need, collectively referred to as the Pillars of Prosperity. These pillars encompass arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Projects and programs that align with and advance opportunities within these five areas will be prioritized for funding. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this grant program are broad, aiming to foster significant improvements across the identified Pillars of Prosperity. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing potential suggests a focus on tangible community development, improved access to essential services, enhanced educational outcomes, and strengthened cultural and environmental well-being within Perry County. The consideration of larger requests based on potential impact further indicates a desire for projects with substantial and transformative effects. Approximately $46,000 in funding is anticipated to be awarded this year. Grants typically fall within the range of $500 to $5,000, though applications for larger amounts will be given consideration if they demonstrate a greater potential for impact. The eligibility criteria are inclusive, allowing nonprofit organizations, including 501(c) organizations, public organizations such as school districts and government subdivisions, and even groups operating under fiscal sponsorship to apply, ensuring a wide reach for beneficial projects within the county.

This fellowship provides support, resources, and funding to U.S. entrepreneurs developing scalable solutions in climate, health, and equity, with a focus on historically underrepresented founders.

This program provides funding for tree planting projects in Vermont to improve urban green spaces, manage stormwater, and promote public health, targeting municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions.

This program provides micro-grants to woman-owned small businesses in York County, Pennsylvania, to support improvements that foster growth and enhance customer experience.