State Environment Grants

The Well Abandonment Grant program provides financial assistance to properly fill and seal abandoned or unused private wells. Eligible applicants include landowners, their spouses, heirs, legal representatives, renters of the land, and shared well owners of a private residential water supply. To qualify, applicants must have a family income of $65,000 or less from the prior calendar year, with reduced reimbursement for those earning between $45,000 and $65,000. The grant covers the costs of materials and labor required for well abandonment. Applications must be submitted and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before any work begins to qualify for reimbursement. The application process involves obtaining an itemized estimate from a licensed well driller or pump installer, completing the necessary DNR forms, and submitting them via email or mail. Approved applicants will receive a grant award packet and must complete the well abandonment within one year. Reimbursement, which covers 75% of eligible expenses, is processed after submitting the completed reimbursement forms.

Environmental Cleanup & Brownfields Redevelopment. The RR Program accepts applications for traditional petroleum grants and loans year-round. There is no application deadline. We recommend that anyone interested in applying for funding first discuss your project with DNR staff. Please contact Gena Larson to discuss your project. In order to be eligible for funding, a site must meet the following criteria. The site must meet the federal definition of an eligible brownfield, which is "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." The site or costs must be ineligible for the Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund Award (PECFA) reimbursement. The grant or loan recipient must not have contributed to contamination, and there are no persons responsible for the contamination that are both subject to an environmental enforcement action and able to pay for the cleanup. There must be no federal enforcement action under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), obligation under the federal Oil Pollution Act (OPA), or use of federal leaking underground storage tank (LUST) funds at the site. The DNR can help make this determination.

The **California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)** administers the **Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Grant Program** to help local governments develop and operate safe, effective systems for managing household hazardous waste. This program provides financial assistance to improve public health and environmental protection by reducing the improper disposal of hazardous materials such as paints, batteries, solvents, and cleaning agents. Through funding and technical support, CalRecycle enables communities across California to expand their waste prevention, recycling, and education efforts in ways that make long-term environmental stewardship more sustainable. Each year, approximately **$1.5 million** is allocated to this program, depending on available state funding. The grants support a wide range of activities related to household hazardous waste management. Eligible projects may include **public education campaigns** that teach residents how to reduce or safely dispose of hazardous materials; **source reduction programs** that minimize waste generation at its origin; **reuse and recycling initiatives** that recover valuable resources from discarded items; and **collection systems**, such as drop-off facilities and mobile collection events. Funding can also support **load-check programs**, which prevent hazardous materials from entering municipal solid waste streams. Eligibility is limited to **local governments and entities directly responsible for HHW management** in California. This includes cities, counties, and combined city-county jurisdictions, as well as **regional or local sanitation and waste management agencies**. **Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs)** with solid or hazardous waste management responsibilities may also apply. In addition, **Qualifying Tribal Entities** are eligible if they are federally recognized or can demonstrate governmental authority consistent with the program’s requirements. The inclusion of tribal governments reflects CalRecycle’s commitment to equitable access and environmental justice throughout the state. The HHW Grant Program is an integral part of California’s broader environmental protection strategy, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed responsibly and that communities have the infrastructure needed to prevent pollution. Funded programs often enhance collaboration among local jurisdictions and provide residents with greater access to safe disposal and recycling options. By investing in education, prevention, and infrastructure, CalRecycle helps localities meet their sustainability goals while protecting natural resources, public health, and community well-being. Although the **most recent grant cycle is now closed**, the program typically operates on an annual basis, and future opportunities will continue to support innovative, community-driven approaches to hazardous waste management. Through ongoing investment in safe handling and waste reduction, CalRecycle reinforces California’s leadership in environmental sustainability and resource conservation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for historic preservation projects, such as surveys and planning, to local governments and non-profit organizations working to protect and promote historic sites in Maine.

Conservancy priority for the funding is for projects that advance the evaluation of sea otter reintroduction as a potential recovery strategy for southern sea otters in California. This may include activities such as conducting biological and socioeconomic studies, stakeholder engagement, risk and impact analyses, baseline assessments, and other research and planning.   Other projects that plan, implement, or conducted research related to other critical recovery actions of the Federal Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan will be considered as a second priority.  

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal entities, and certain non-profits in Oklahoma for various solid waste management initiatives, including cleanup efforts and equipment purchases, to promote environmental sustainability.

The New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant, offered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is a competitive state-funded initiative designed to foster economic growth and innovation within the state. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of supporting local businesses and technological advancement, aiming to strengthen New Mexico's position in key industry sectors. By providing financial resources to early-stage companies, the program directly contributes to the state's strategic priorities of stimulating research and development and promoting the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. The target beneficiaries of this grant are New Mexico-based, for-profit science or technology companies, particularly those engaged in research and development with the potential to commercialize their technology. The program specifically assists early-stage companies that are developing unique products and demonstrate strong growth potential. The impact goal is to provide these companies with the necessary resources to develop and commercialize their technology, thereby creating new jobs, diversifying the state's economy, and establishing a robust innovation ecosystem. The grant prioritizes companies operating within specific industry sectors deemed crucial for New Mexico's economic future. These include aerospace, biosciences, advanced computing, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable and green energy. The focus is on supporting business development expenses, enabling recipients to overcome the financial hurdles often faced in the early stages of commercializing innovative technologies. This strategic focus ensures that the grant funds are directed towards areas with the highest potential for long-term economic benefit and technological leadership. The expected outcomes of the New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant include the successful commercialization of new technologies, the growth of promising early-stage companies, and the creation of high-value jobs within the state. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative science and technology businesses, New Mexico will see an increase in its economic competitiveness and a more resilient, diversified economy. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a dynamic environment where technological advancements can flourish and translate into tangible economic benefits for the state and its residents.

This grant provides funding for organizations experienced in wetland management to acquire, restore, and create wetlands in the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds, promoting ecological health and community engagement.

This fellowship provides resources and training for local newsrooms in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to enhance their climate and environmental reporting, particularly benefiting those serving marginalized communities.

This program provides funding to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Illinois, specifically targeting disadvantaged communities and organizations that serve them.

Our Water Quality Combined Funding Program is an integrated funding program for projects that improve and protect water quality throughout the state. The program combines grants and loans from state and federal funding sources. We also provide technical assistance to program applicants to help them navigate this process. We have one combined funding cycle, one application, one competitive rating process, and one list of funding offers. Applicants submit just one application for all of the funding sources under the Water Quality Combined Funding Program. Amount of funding available: Varies based on the state budget — ranges from $100 million to $200 million annually. Grant award limit: Varies depending on funding source and project type. See the current funding year guidelines below for more information. Amount of matching funds required: Depends on the funding source you receive, can be up to 25 percent match required.

This program provides matching funds to local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in Colorado to replace high-water-use turf with water-efficient landscapes, promoting water conservation and community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports educational projects in Ohio that raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues, targeting schools, nonprofits, and local governments to engage diverse audiences in making informed environmental decisions.

The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School provides funding for outdoor educational programs in Oregon that last between three to six days during the school year. Eligible programs must be educational experiences occurring during school hours and cater to Oregon students, typically in 5th or 6th grade. The funding supports programs aiming to enhance outdoor learning, and may include additional support such as indirect cost reimbursements if reports are submitted by certain deadlines. The program stresses the importance of including all students and provides alternatives for those who opt-out, ensuring inclusive access to outdoor education.

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) offers Irrigation Modernization Funding to enhance water use efficiency in existing agricultural irrigation systems. This initiative focuses on improving the operational efficiency of irrigation methods and infrastructure on currently irrigated agricultural lands. Eligible projects include piping, lining, installing sprinkler or microirrigation systems, upgrading existing infrastructure such as flumes or pipes, and integrating technology like SCADA systems and irrigation scheduling software. Projects are required to meet public economic, environmental, and social/cultural benefits to be eligible for funding.

Forestland preservation grants provide funding to lease or buy voluntary land preservation agreements (also called conservation easements) for forests to ensure they remain available for timber production in the future. Grant recipients also may use some of the funding to restore habitats in forests. The program is part of the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which was created in 1990 to conserve land for outdoor recreation and wildlife, to keep pace with a growing population. In 2016, the Legislature expanded the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to include preservation of forestland with the goal of supporting working forests that also provide habitat for wildlife, environmental benefits, and public access.

LWCF is a federal matching grant supporting acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The LWCF program provides matching grants to states to administer to state and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Recreation Educational Services administers the LWCF grants in Tennessee. These grants require a 50% match.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Minnesota for projects that enhance education, health, and economic stability, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Land Trust Alliance, with support from Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Legislature, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is pleased to announce a third round of competitive land trust grants through the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trust Program. This new public-private partnership is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Alliance, in coordination with the DEC. Up to $1.35 million in funding is available through the 2024 grant round which will be awarded in the fall of 2024. Grant awards are contingent upon the receipt of state funds. The program has a two-step application process which includes a preapplication and a full application. Preapplications are now being accepted and are due by May 10. Full applications are by invitation only. Applicants invited to submit a full application will be notified by June 14. Full applications will be due July 29. Preapplications and full applications must be completed through our online application and reporting system. Complete details about this grant opportunity including eligibility requirements and other program elements can be found below. Please review carefully as you evaluate whether your project is a potential fit. Visit the FCELT webpage for more information including: • 2024 Roundtables Schedule • Resource Guide • Frequently Asked Questions The Alliance reserves the right to amend the request for applications specifications to correct errors or oversights, or to supply additional information, as it becomes available. Preapplications due by 05/10/2024, Full applications due by 07/29/2024

This program provides financial assistance to local governments and organizations in Ohio for cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties to promote economic growth and environmental health.