Private Environment Grants

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) is offering a grant program through its Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). The EEF acquires funds from spill violations, aligning with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. This initiative directly supports CDFW-OSPR's mission to protect and restore California's natural resources by funding projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are various entities including nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and, where permitted, federal agencies. The ultimate impact goal is to benefit fish and wildlife populations by improving their habitats and restoring ecosystem functions. All eligible groups and projects are strongly encouraged to apply, fostering a broad approach to environmental enhancement. The program prioritizes environmental enhancement projects that are located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, as defined in California Government Code (of Section 8670.3). These projects must also demonstrate measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe and be specifically designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The selection committee, composed of representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and CDFW-OSPR, will evaluate proposals based on these criteria. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in habitat quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. Projects are required to have measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and demonstrating the effectiveness of the funded initiatives. The selection committee is specifically seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000, indicating a focus on substantial and impactful projects. All projects must be completed by April 1, 2031, providing a clear timeframe for implementation and results. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted investment in habitat restoration and acquisition directly leads to the recovery and enhancement of California's diverse fish and wildlife populations.

The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) is a competitive program offered by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) in Franklin County, Ohio. Its primary mission is to fund innovative projects that significantly reduce waste and/or increase the diversion of recoverable materials from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. This aligns with SWACO's broader objective of promoting sustainable waste management practices within central Ohio. The program targets local governmental or non-profit organizations, including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and churches, that serve the unique waste reduction and material diversion needs of central Ohio. The impact goal is to assist these organizations in building sustainable programs, projects, and services that address these needs, ultimately benefiting the community and the environment by reducing landfill dependence. Projects should prioritize addressing specific waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs within Central Ohio, emphasizing partnership building and collaboration. A key focus is on leveraging the waste stream for community and economic benefit. Funding is available for infrastructure, and outreach and education activities that promote reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Applications that implement reduction and diversion processes and systems, alongside outreach and education, are strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include establishing, improving, or expanding waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation activities within SWACO's jurisdiction. Grantees are required to document and measure the impact of their project's activities, with projects needing to be completed by December 31, 2025, and a final report submitted. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change from a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed, SWACO's role as the donor suggests its strategic priority is the overall reduction of waste and increased material diversion in Franklin County, achieved through community-led initiatives and measurable results.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Washington, DC, to create Family Success Centers that help vulnerable families improve their economic stability and access essential resources in underserved neighborhoods.

This microgrant provides funding to teachers and teens in underserved U.S. communities to host educational screening events focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering youth engagement in global change efforts.

This grant provides funding to early-stage companies in the U.S. and Canada that are developing innovative software and AI solutions aimed at combating climate change and promoting sustainability.

The Opportunity Grants by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offering up to $10,000 for a 12-month period, are designed to stimulate and support new or existing programs, projects, or capital investments of nonprofit organizations serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties in South Carolina, excluding general operating support, religious, political activities, and scholarships among others.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to implement impactful water quality improvement projects and promote environmental stewardship within their communities.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that help communities and ecosystems adapt to and recover from extreme weather events and natural hazards.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on improving health and well-being for families, particularly children and their caregivers, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit the public in areas like education, public safety, healthcare, and community development, with a focus on direct community impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) grant program is designed to actively address wildfire preparedness and prevention needs across California. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to protect and enhance public safety, as well as the safety of California's firefighters and other first responders. By supporting projects in these critical areas, CFF aims to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires and safeguard communities throughout the state. The program seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a more resilient California in the face of climate-caused disasters. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, federally-recognized tribes, and local nonprofit organizations. Indirectly, the grant aims to benefit communities across California, with a specific focus on under-resourced communities at heightened risk and/or socially vulnerable populations. This includes low-income/impoverished individuals, minority status groups, those with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and seniors/older adults. The overarching impact goal is to reduce wildfire risk, enhance community safety, and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate-caused wildfires and other disasters. The grant program prioritizes several key focus areas. These include vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction efforts, which directly address the physical conditions that contribute to wildfire spread. Additionally, the program supports education, planning, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness and foster preparedness among residents. Finally, funding is available for the purchase of personal protective equipment or specialized firefighting equipment, directly enhancing the capabilities of first responders. In this cycle, a strong emphasis is placed on projects serving under-resourced communities and socially vulnerable populations in areas of heightened fire risk. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in wildfire occurrences and severity in funded project areas, an increase in community preparedness and awareness, and improved safety and operational effectiveness for fire departments and first responders. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact, the focus on tangible actions like fuels reduction and equipment purchases implies a direct and observable improvement in wildfire resilience. The CFF's strategic priority is to support proactive measures that prevent disasters and protect the most vulnerable, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and targeted support lead to safer, more resilient communities. The grant period for projects is typically 12 months, encouraging timely completion and demonstrable impact.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. composters, communities, and nonprofits in expanding infrastructure and programs to divert food scraps and certified compostable packaging from landfills.

The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation is offering grants to support projects that align with its mission to sustain Idaho’s fishing, hunting, and wildlife heritage. Eligible applicants include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and tax-exempt organizations. Volunteer groups can apply if they have fiscal sponsorship and an endorsement letter from a tax-exempt organization. The maximum funding request is $10,000, with a preferred but not required one-to-one match of Foundation funds. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2025. The Foundation does not fund projects outside Idaho, multi-year proposals, salaries (except for contract personnel), advocacy or fundraising activities, ongoing operating costs, or pass-through grants. Only one applicant may apply per project; if part of a consortium, the lead applicant must apply. Grant renewed very year; January 1st to April 30st

Strategy Grants support projects that align with the foundation's goals of fostering thriving youth and families, promoting racial equity, building a just economy, and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Prioritized are proposals that address multiple goals, increase equity, and support vulnerable communities, particularly those led by or supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Eligible projects can receive general operating, capital support, capacity building, or programmatic support. Average grants range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a focus on organizations serving Curry, Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit and community organizations on O‘ahu in their efforts to protect and engage the community in the conservation of the Honouliuli Preserve through projects focused on ecosystem restoration, education, and community outreach.

This grant provides funding to partnerships and organizations working to improve water quality and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through innovative practices that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution.

The Women’s Fund through Stark Community Foundation in Ohio offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Stark County, focusing on economic stability, mental health support, and neighborhood-based programming.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations in the Pacific Northwest working to address environmental justice and public health challenges in historically underinvested communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative marketing projects that promote tourism and boost the local economy in the Tillamook Coast area.