Maryland Natural Resources Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maryland schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance environmental education and engage students in hands-on learning experiences that promote environmental stewardship.

This grant provides funding for community organizations and local governments to engage in environmental outreach, education, and restoration projects aimed at improving water quality and ecological health in the Jones Falls watershed of Maryland.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The City of Greenbelt's ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Grant offers a one-time funding opportunity for eligible nonprofit organizations to address negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, aims to support the continuity of operations and critical services provided by Greenbelt-serving nonprofits. While the description doesn't explicitly state a "foundation mission" or "theory of change," the grant's objective to aid nonprofits in their recovery aligns with a broader community resilience and support strategy in the wake of the pandemic. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are Greenbelt residents, with a specific focus on marginalized members of the community and those served by programs in areas like education, science, human rights, veteran support, community development, arts & culture, youth development, senior support, natural resources, racial equity, and human services. The impact goals are to restore and sustain vital nonprofit services, address revenue reductions and operating expenses, and ultimately help the Greenbelt community recover from the pandemic's economic and social challenges. Priority for funding will be given to programs that advance education and science, serve the underprivileged, defend human and civil rights, benefit veterans, combat community deterioration, promote arts & culture, address youth development needs, support seniors/aging in place, conserve natural resources, advance racial equity & justice, and provide human services to marginalized community members. Eligible uses of funds are broad, including programming, events for Greenbelt residents, broadband infrastructure, rental and utility assistance, equipment purchase, digital advertising, technology, contracted services, insurance, program expenses, supplies, COVID-19 related expenses, and payroll assistance. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the grant description, the expected outcomes include the sustained operation of critical nonprofit programs, the ability of organizations to address revenue shortfalls and increased expenses due to COVID-19, and the continued provision of essential services to Greenbelt residents, particularly in the priority areas. The overall strategic priority is to leverage ARPA funds to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector in Greenbelt as it continues to navigate and recover from the pandemic's repercussions.

This program provides funding to various organizations and community groups in Maryland to plant and maintain trees, improving urban environments and combating climate change.

This program provides financial support to farms and agricultural businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, to enhance their marketing efforts and boost local agricultural economic activity.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland farmers and watermen for purchasing and installing cold storage equipment to improve product quality and expand their operations.

This program provides funding for community tree planting projects in areas affected by transportation developments, aimed at enhancing urban forestry and environmental quality.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This program provides funding for research aimed at improving watershed restoration practices to enhance water quality and habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, targeting both non-profit and for-profit organizations that collaborate effectively.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to restore and sustain forests and freshwater habitats in Central Appalachia, benefiting native wildlife and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

This grant provides financial and technical support to local governments, academic institutions, and non-profits for projects that improve water quality, restore waterways, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship in Maryland.

This award recognizes and rewards Maryland landowners engaged in farming, ranching, or forestry who demonstrate exceptional voluntary conservation practices that enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

This grant provides funding to organizations and community groups in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to support projects that enhance forest conservation, reforestation, and ecological restoration efforts.

This grant provides funding to non-profits, schools, and government agencies to develop environmental education projects that empower students and communities to protect Chesapeake and coastal ecosystems.

This funding initiative provides financial support to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community groups in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for projects that promote green stormwater infrastructure and enhance urban green spaces.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Maryland with projects that promote environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and local solutions to environmental issues through activities like clean-ups, education, and tree planting.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations for projects that improve water quality and promote community engagement in watershed restoration efforts in Montgomery County, Maryland.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Maryland, West Virginia, and select areas of Pennsylvania for early-stage projects focused on watershed restoration and planning to improve water quality and promote environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and promote outdoor recreation within the Delaware River watershed, targeting nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and Tribal organizations.