State Natural Resources Grants

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is accepting grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund program until September 13, 2024. The program provides 50 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects sponsored by political subdivisions and other public agencies. Eligible projects include the development and/or acquisition of outdoor facilities for public recreation. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility according to the LWCF guidelines and the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applications should include all required documentation and meet the needs identified in the 2021 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). A checklist is included to ensure project sponsors have met all requirements. Incomplete or late applications will result in withdrawal from funding consideration. Federal Standard Forms (SF-424) for Budget Information and Compliance Assurance are also required.

The Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program (WFLGP) WFLGP program [PDF] is a cost share program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is designed to assist woodland owners in protecting and enhancing their woodlands. This program reimburses woodland owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible practices. Grant amounts are based on the type of project and number of acres to be completed.

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering a grant for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to provide Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. This grant aligns with the federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) state grant, which DHS administers in partnership with the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV). The program's mission is to prevent incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, and to provide comprehensive support for survivors and their dependents. This directly aligns with the broader goal of fostering community safety and well-being by addressing the root causes and immediate needs related to violence. The target beneficiaries of this grant are survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents. This includes children exposed to violence, underserved populations, and victims from racial and ethnic minority populations. The impact goals are to provide immediate shelter and supportive services, offer access to community-based programs, and deliver specialized services that address the unique needs of vulnerable groups. The program aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families impacted by violence, enabling them to heal and rebuild their lives. The grant prioritizes three key categories: Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. The funding allocation reflects these priorities, with the largest portion dedicated to Shelter and Supportive Services ($567,522.20), followed by equal amounts for Non-residential Counseling and Case Management ($101,343.25) and Education and Outreach ($101,343.25). These categories are designed to provide a holistic approach to addressing violence, from immediate crisis intervention to long-term prevention and recovery. The strategic priorities are to establish, maintain, and expand programs that effectively prevent violence and support survivors. Expected outcomes include a reduction in incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, increased access to immediate shelter and supportive services for survivors, and enhanced community-based programs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served, the duration of shelter provided, the utilization of counseling and case management services, and the reach of education and outreach initiatives. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive and culturally appropriate services, the program can empower survivors, prevent future violence, and foster safer communities for all. The total estimated program award funding for this grant is $770,209.00, with an award period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria specify that entities must be a local public agency or a nonprofit private organization (including faith-based, charitable, community-based, tribal, and voluntary associations) with a documented history of effective work concerning family, domestic, or dating violence. Partnerships of two or more agencies or organizations, including one with the described experience and another with a demonstrated history of serving populations with culturally appropriate services, are also eligible.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups in Michigan for projects that improve urban forestry, such as tree planting, management plans, and educational initiatives.

The Florida Department of State's Cultural Facilities Grant program provides funding for the renovation, new construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. This program is designed to support organizations whose core mission involves arts and cultural programming across various disciplines. The grant aligns with the state's strategic priority to enhance and sustain Florida's cultural infrastructure, thereby fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector that benefits communities statewide. The theory of change suggests that by investing in cultural facilities, the state can improve access to arts and culture, strengthen cultural organizations, and contribute to local economic development and quality of life. The program targets organizations dedicated to arts and cultural programming. These include single-use facilities like theaters, performance centers, museums (including aquariums, botanical gardens, history centers, and zoos), and art centers. It also supports multi-purpose facilities such as community centers, recreation centers, civic centers, and municipal buildings, provided their projects are directly related to arts and cultural activities. The impact goals are to ensure the continued availability and improvement of spaces where cultural activities can thrive, serving a broad public audience across all counties in Florida. The grant prioritizes projects that directly conduct arts and cultural programming and demonstrate clear plans for facility use. Specific focuses include ensuring legal status of the applicant, unrestricted use of property (evidenced by a 10-year restrictive covenant or surety bond), and ownership retention of improvements. For leased properties, eligibility is restricted to leases with public or not-for-profit entities as lessors. Additionally, applicants must provide documentation of financial support, matching funds, current architectural plans, budget estimates, and local official support. A critical focus is also placed on historical structures, requiring a determination letter from the Division of Historical Resources if a facility is 50 years or older. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded cultural facilities capable of hosting diverse arts and cultural programming, increased community engagement with the arts, and enhanced organizational capacity for cultural institutions. Measurable results will include the number of facilities renovated or constructed, the percentage of time facilities are used for arts and cultural purposes, and the total public served by these improved facilities. The program also aims to ensure long-term sustainability of cultural infrastructure, evidenced by the 23-month grant duration and a policy encouraging applications every other year for grantees with ongoing projects. The maximum grant amounts of $500,000 for purpose-built facilities and $200,000 for multi-purpose facilities reflect a strategic allocation of resources to achieve these outcomes.

The FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program is a $5 million fund aimed at helping fire departments across the Commonwealth purchase essential safety equipment that meets NFPA and OSHA standards, with applications open from September 19 to October 17, 2024.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering grants to local governments and Soil and Water Conservation Districts to assist in the initial planning of non-agricultural nonpoint source water quality improvement projects. The grants are also available for regulated MS4 Operators for mapping. The program supports projects like upgrading wastewater treatment systems and streambank stabilization. Applicants seeking planning grants for wastewater treatment systems should refer to the NYS DEC/EFC Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant Program. The program also focuses on projects affecting environmental justice and disadvantaged communities, and includes a variety of eligible report categories such as green infrastructure, stormwater retrofits, and stream culvert repair.

The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL) is designed to support the conservation, management, development, and preservation of Montana's renewable resources. The program offers funding primarily for public facility projects like water, wastewater, and solid waste development, as well as projects related to irrigation rehabilitation, dam repair, and forest enhancement. Eligible applicants are divisions of state government, tribal governments, and other local political subdivisions, with funding available in the form of grants or loans for feasibility studies, construction plans, and implementation efforts.

Project WINGS is an innovative program aimed at transforming electrical and gas transmission rights-of-ways into vibrant wildlife habitats within Georgia. By providing cash grants of up to $1,500 over three years, along with professional wildlife management advice, the program encourages landowners, leaseholders, hunting clubs, wildlife organizations, and government entities to manage these corridors for the benefit of both non-game and game species. Eligible rights-of-ways include those under Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission, MEAG Power, Savannah Electric, and AGL Resources. Common practices supported by the program include chemical control of exotic plants, planting of annual or perennial plants, and encouraging native vegetation through disking or mowing. Applications for the program are accepted annually from May 15 through July 15 at Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May 15th to July 15th.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to county governments in Kern and Los Angeles Counties for training programs that prepare workers to safely cap abandoned oil wells, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

This grant provides funding to public agencies for the development and improvement of boat launching facilities, including ramps and parking areas, to enhance access for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities in New York State for developing or expanding food scraps recycling programs to promote sustainable waste management and reduce landfill waste.

The Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.

This program provides no-interest or low-interest loans to municipalities in Illinois for the cleanup of contaminated sites that have already been assessed and have an approved remediation plan.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments and agencies for cleaning up illegal waste sites along public roads and ditches.

This program provides funding to landowners and organizations in California to protect and conserve rangeland, grazing land, and grassland through conservation easements, promoting sustainable land use practices.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is currently accepting grant applications for the Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters Program. This initiative aims to support wildlife, shooting, fraternal, and nonprofit civil organizations in recruiting the next generation of hunters and shooters. Priority will be given to hunting events over shooting-only events. Eligible expenses for reimbursement include advertising and promotion, event insurance premiums, rental of specific equipment and facilities, hunting and safety equipment, nonmonetary landowner appreciation gifts, and costs related to ammunition, targets, clay throwers, etc. The program has previously funded various youth pheasant and waterfowl hunts, along with trap and shooting events such as archery and rifle shooting. A 25% in-kind match, which can include volunteer time valued at $28/hr or other expenses, is required for all events. Grant renewed every grant. Grant Annual deadline: May 1st.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers in improving their resilience to extreme weather through the purchase of equipment and supplies.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is offering its Community Forestry Grant Program, a state-funded initiative designed to support community-based tree planting for derecho recovery. This program is rooted in the Iowa Legislature's appropriation of state infrastructure funds, specifically earmarked for urban and community forestry services. The core mission of this grant program aligns with enhancing Iowa's natural environment and aiding in the recovery of communities affected by derecho events through strategic tree planting on public lands. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are state and local government entities, schools, volunteer organizations, and service organizations actively involved with local urban and community forest services. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate the purchase and planting of trees on publicly owned lands across Iowa, contributing to environmental restoration and community resilience following natural disasters. Eligible planting areas include, but are not limited to, street right-of-ways, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries, and trails, ensuring broad community access to the benefits of reforestation. Grant priorities emphasize several key areas to maximize impact and ensure effective resource allocation. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating clear need stemming from derecho impact, cost-effectiveness through a $1 for $1 cash match, robust community involvement, alignment with Tree City/Campus/Line USA designation, and a focus on species/genera diversity and environmental impact. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to fostering sustainable urban and community forests, promoting ecological health, and encouraging local engagement in environmental stewardship. The expected outcomes of the Community Forestry Grant Program include the successful planting of a diverse range of suitable trees across publicly owned lands in Iowa. Measurable results will be tied to the number of trees planted, the extent of community involvement, and the degree to which projects address the specified priorities, particularly in derecho-affected and EAB Reforestation eligible counties. The program's strategic priorities are centered on recovery, environmental enhancement, and community engagement, working towards a theory of change where targeted tree planting leads to stronger, more resilient communities and improved ecological well-being throughout the state. The grants, ranging from $500 to $10,000, are specifically for the purchase and planting of trees, with special requests for other landscape plantings requiring detailed justification.