State Environment Grants

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Funding is authorized through section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. These funds are a potential source of support for drinking water protection projects in Nebraska. Program overview, grant process, general program information, funding priority, project requirements and format are outlined in the attached guidance. Project proposals will be reviewed by staff at Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and representatives of other organizations. Projects recommended by the reviewers will be forwarded to the Director of NDEE for approval. Any questions you may have regarding this invitation may be submitted to the Source Water Coordinator at the address below. Questions will be answered directly and then posted on the NDEE website for reference. Proposals must be submitted to the NDEE office in Lincoln by 5:00 PM July 1, 2024.

This grant provides funding for researchers focused on the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered plant species in Arizona.

This funding opportunity supports Arizona grain producers by financing research projects that address production challenges and promote sustainable practices in the grain industry.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to North Carolina entities for replacing older diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner alternatives to reduce harmful emissions and promote cleaner air.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is offering a reimbursement grant program, funded by the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, for municipalities, counties, or other government entities to enhance emergency response capabilities through projects like training centers, public safety centers, and equipment purchases, with a preference for projects that benefit multiple jurisdictions and have a comprehensive approach to preparedness.

The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program (CPP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding to assist Maryland’s incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City in developing and enhancing public parks and green spaces. This initiative is grounded in the state’s commitment to improving access to outdoor recreational areas, particularly for children and underserved communities. Funded primarily through Maryland’s State General Obligation Bonds, the program supports both the revitalization of existing parks and the creation of new public recreation spaces. These investments aim to promote community well-being, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to recreational infrastructure. The CPP program accepts project proposals from incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City for a broad range of eligible activities. These include the development of new parks, rehabilitation or expansion of existing park infrastructure, installation of playground equipment, creation of nature-oriented recreational features, development of trails and water access points, and acquisition of land intended for new parks. While land acquisition projects are eligible, the program prioritizes capital investments directly tied to park development and improvement. In addition, inclusive playground projects are encouraged and should follow guidance issued by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Department of Disabilities. Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered eligible. Projects must comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, be publicly accessible, and remain open without discrimination. The applicant must have legal rights to develop the proposed site, demonstrate readiness to proceed promptly following state approval, and ensure the project's longevity—development projects must remain functional for at least 20 years. Furthermore, applicants must show capacity for long-term project maintenance. For projects involving land acquisition, two independent appraisals are required, and properties acquired must remain in public recreational use in perpetuity. The proposal review and selection process is competitive. DNR staff evaluate each application based on alignment with program goals, compliance with eligibility requirements, and prior grant performance. Projects recommended by the DNR are submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for possible inclusion in the Governor’s budget proposal. Upon legislative approval, the projects proceed to the Board of Public Works and the State Clearinghouse for final authorization. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, although in some cases, advance payment may be considered after state approval. Applications for FY 2027 are due by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Submissions must be sent via email to laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov, and applicants are encouraged to consult with their assigned Program Administrator before submission to ensure eligibility and completeness. DNR staff will also host two virtual grant workshops via Google Meet to support applicants—on June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Award notifications are expected to be issued in May or June 2026, contingent upon state budget approval. Contact information is provided for three regional program administrators: Tiffany DePaoli (tiffanyr.depaoli@maryland.gov | 667-270-0786), Katelyn Mayberry (kate.mayberry@maryland.gov | 443-883-5800), and Michael McQuarrie (michael.mcquarrie@maryland.gov | 410-279-8147). Each administrator is responsible for specific counties and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate contact for support. Further information and updates are available on the program’s official website.

This program provides funding to Oklahoma local governments and state agencies to upgrade their indoor and outdoor lighting systems for improved energy efficiency and cost savings.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions to improve public access to the Hudson River estuary, focusing on recreational activities and climate resilience, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance urban forestry management through data collection and planning.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a diverse range of applicants, including businesses, nonprofits, and government entities, to enhance tree production, distribution, and workforce capacity, ultimately promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience in New York State.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development seeks proposals for Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities to address energy needs at a community or regional scale. The program supports comprehensive solutions aligned with the state’s pillars of reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, and encourages partnerships with measurable public benefits. Eligible project topics include energy efficiency such as building upgrades and energy management technologies, alternative fueling and charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible, energy security and reliability including backup generation, microgrids, and cybersecurity, and clean energy resources such as solar, storage, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Vehicle purchases and certain high speed charging are not allowable under program rules. Projects should also demonstrate connections to state priorities such as economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Eligible entities include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, for profit entities, and institutions of higher education that are Indiana based and registered federally and with the state. Approximately 2,500,000 dollars is available, with anticipated awards averaging 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for project periods of up to three years. One proposal per eligible entity is allowed; applicants may coordinate regional submissions but cannot make tiered subawards. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Additional information is available from the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

This funding opportunity supports scientific research projects that evaluate the effectiveness of California's forest management regulations, targeting a wide range of applicants including government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations focused on sustainable land management.

This grant provides funding to Illinois courts and related offices to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in court activities and receive necessary accommodations.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, schools, and community groups in Hawaii to develop and sustain urban forestry projects that promote tree planting, care, and education while emphasizing equity and environmental justice.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indian Nations in New York State for purchasing land to protect natural resources, enhance outdoor recreation, and improve climate resilience.

This funding opportunity provides $7.34 million to nonprofit organizations in New York that are working to address environmental issues and promote community health and development through research-based projects.

This program provides funding to local governments and organizations in Florida for small-scale transportation projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, while also preserving cultural and environmental resources.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program, supported by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), aims to establish or expand clinical training for eligible health professional training programs within Minnesota. This initiative is designed to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, particularly by increasing access to primary care and mental health services in rural and underserved urban communities. The grant program directly aligns with MDH's mission to improve public health by addressing workforce shortages and enhancing healthcare accessibility across the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota, who will benefit from increased access to health care, and eligible health professional programs and their students, who will gain expanded clinical training opportunities. The impact goals are to strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for these target communities. The grant funds activities related to planning and implementing new clinical training programs, as well as expanding existing ones in these identified areas. Key priorities for this grant include health equity, with a specific focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving rural and underserved urban communities. Other competitive priorities emphasize programs that advance health equity, incorporate a strong model of team-based primary care, and demonstrate a likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant period. The program's theory of change posits that by expanding clinical training opportunities, more qualified health professionals will be available to serve these critical areas, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Expected outcomes include greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities and a measurable increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program, with eligible clinical training programs potentially receiving up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project or up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible expenses cover a broad range of activities, from establishing and expanding clinical training for various health professionals to recruitment, training, student support, site improvements, and program evaluations, all designed to achieve these specific and measurable outcomes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and tribal entities in Washington for projects aimed at conserving and restoring the state's most endangered wildlife species.