Natural Resources Grants

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

The Cleveland Tree Coalition Grant 2024, offered by the Cleveland Tree Coalition, aims to re-establish the urban forest in the City of Cleveland. This initiative aligns directly with the coalition's mission as a partnership of public, private, and community stakeholders dedicated to creating a healthy, vibrant, sustainable, and equitable urban forest through the implementation of the Cleveland Tree Plan. The grant program specifically targets neighborhoods within Cleveland that suffer from low tree canopy cover, seeking to address environmental inequities and enhance urban green spaces for all residents. The primary goal of the Cleveland Tree Coalition (CTC) Fall 2024 Grant program is to plant trees in these identified areas. This focus is a strategic priority, contributing to the broader objective of rebuilding Cleveland's urban forest. Eligible projects include tree planting and associated supplies such as staking, mulching, and fencing, as well as costs for establishment activities like watering and soil preparation. The program also supports free tree giveaways, with a limit of 50 trees per giveaway, further encouraging community involvement and individual action in tree planting efforts. The program prioritizes projects that incorporate proper site selection, regardless of whether planting occurs on public or private property. A crucial requirement for all projects is the provision of both a comprehensive planting plan and a detailed three-year maintenance plan. This emphasis on long-term care ensures the successful establishment and survival of newly planted trees, contributing to the lasting impact and sustainability of the urban forest. This structured approach reflects a theory of change that posits thoughtful planning and sustained effort are essential for achieving robust environmental outcomes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tree canopy cover in targeted Cleveland neighborhoods, leading to improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effects, and enhanced biodiversity. The grant anticipates fostering greater community engagement in environmental stewardship through activities like free tree giveaways and active participation in planting and maintenance. Organizations can apply for up to $75,000 in grant funds, which will facilitate a significant expansion of tree planting efforts across the city, contributing directly to the Cleveland Tree Plan's vision for a healthier and more equitable urban environment.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering its 2024 Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Grant. This program aims to aid communities in restoring their urban tree canopy after natural disasters by funding the planting of replacement trees. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community resilience, focusing on re-establishing critical natural infrastructure within urban areas. The grant seeks to mitigate the long-term environmental and aesthetic damage caused by natural disasters, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of affected communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Indiana. The target impact is the recovery and enhancement of urban tree canopies, which in turn offers numerous environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, enhanced stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. The program also encourages community engagement, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and local involvement in environmental recovery efforts, which can lead to more sustainable outcomes and stronger community bonds. The grant prioritizes the planting of trees native to Indiana and explicitly excludes the purchase of maples (Acer genus) unless specific conditions are met, demonstrating a commitment to ecological integrity and the prevention of monoculture. Beyond tree planting, the grant also supports crucial urban forestry management tools, including community tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, and storm response plans. These tools are vital for a proactive and strategic approach to urban forestry, enabling communities to not only recover from disasters but also to build more resilient and effectively managed tree populations for the future. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in urban tree canopy coverage in disaster-affected areas, improved community preparedness for future natural disasters through comprehensive management and response plans, and a heightened level of community engagement in local environmental initiatives. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of trees planted, the development and implementation of urban forestry plans, and the scope of community participation. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial assistance for tree recovery and urban forestry planning, IDNR can empower local entities to rebuild stronger, more sustainable, and more beautiful communities capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. Funding for project requests ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, with an overall available fund of $40,000. This ensures that a diverse range of projects, from small-scale plantings to more comprehensive planning initiatives, can be supported. Eligible activities include the creation or updating of tree inventories and canopy assessments, the development or review of management/response plans, and tree planting projects that incorporate community engagement. The emphasis on native species and strategic planning reflects a thoughtful approach to environmental restoration and long-term ecological health.

The Georgia Health Initiative invites organizations to apply for its 2024 Building the Field of Health Advocacy grant program, which aims to improve the health of people in Georgia through advocacy projects. This grant aligns directly with the Georgia Health Initiative's mission, vision, and values by supporting non-profit partners who are advancing advocacy initiatives to bring about change at a systems level. The overarching goal is to transform processes, power structures, policies, and/or relationships that determine how resources and services are distributed, ultimately advancing health equity across the state. The target beneficiaries are Georgians, with a focus on communities and populations that stand to benefit from improved health equity. The grant program seeks to support projects that elevate community voices to educate decision-makers on important health-related issues. The impact goals are centered around creating systemic change, ensuring a more equitable distribution of health resources and services throughout Georgia. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt public charities, state or local government agencies, or coalitions/collaboratives using a fiscal sponsor, and must work in Georgia on behalf of Georgians. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are multifaceted. It aims to identify emerging opportunities to advance health equity in Georgia at the systems level, whether locally or statewide. Another key focus is to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations to engage in effective advocacy efforts, which includes research, policy development, coalition building and mobilization, community education, and strategic communications. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to strengthen the overall field of health advocacy in Georgia. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of advocacy initiatives that lead to tangible changes in systems, policies, and power structures affecting health. This could manifest as new policies enacted, improved access to services, or stronger community engagement in health decision-making processes. The grant aims to foster a more robust and effective health advocacy ecosystem in Georgia, with a greater number of capable non-profit organizations driving positive change. The Initiative anticipates investing a total of $1.2 million, with organizations able to apply for up to $75,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months, allowing for sustained and impactful advocacy work.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is offering the 2024 Community & Urban Forestry Assistance (CUFA) Grant. This program aims to foster the long-term growth and development of community forestry programs throughout Indiana. The core mission of the grant aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents by investing in sustainable urban forest management. The overall funding available for this program is $230,000, with individual project requests ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000. The target beneficiaries of the CUFA Grant include municipalities (cities, towns, townships, counties, and other local government entities as defined by IC 369-1-2) and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. The grant's impact goals are broad, focusing on the expansion and preservation of urban tree canopy, increased and more equitable access to urban tree canopy, broadened community engagement in urban forest planning, and improved resilience to climate change, pests, and storm events through best management practices. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include establishing and strengthening community urban forestry programs, promoting urban forestry benefits through proper tree selection, planting, and care, establishing comprehensive tree inventories for data-driven decisions, and promoting risk management through tree assessment and mitigation plans. The grant also emphasizes restoring diminished community tree canopy, diversifying urban forests for long-term resilience, and ensuring urban forests provide ecosystem services such as cleaner air, improved watershed health, reduced erosion, stormwater runoff, and reduced urban heat island effects. Expected outcomes and measurable results include addressing historic inequities in urban forestry, adapting urban forest accessibility to changing demographics, promoting the Indiana nursery and arboriculture industries, and enhancing the built environment through increased property values and reduced energy demands. The grant supports activities such as the development of tree inventories or urban tree canopy assessments, creation or update of urban forestry management/response plans, education and training, and community engagement and tree planting initiatives. All tree planting projects must include community engagement, occur on public property, utilize 100% native Indiana species (with limited exceptions for Acer genus trees), and include a maintenance plan. Other supported activities include urban wood utilization, establishment of urban food forests, invasive species removal, and community website development specific to urban forestry.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Colorado-based nonprofits for their state and local policy and advocacy initiatives, focusing on community engagement and coalition building.

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a national initiative designed to invigorate innovations in career-connected learning (CCL), aiming to provide learners aged 11-22 with access to transformative educational experiences that integrate academics with career exploration. This program is aligned with the broader mission of the national Catalyze Challenge, which since 2021, has impacted over 45,000 students through more than $13 million in grants to over 50 organizations. The core objective is to empower young individuals to discover their aptitudes and pursue rewarding careers by bridging education and industry. The challenge targets learners residing, studying, or working in the Birmingham region, specifically Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering career opportunities and enhancing the potential success of local participants through innovative career-connected learning. Catalyze seeks to fund and learn from bold ideas that rethink the connections between the education system, postsecondary education, vocational programs, apprenticeships, and employment for young people in this region. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge prioritizes novel approaches to career-connected learning that align with two key themes: Career Exploration for Young Adolescents and Activating Employer Partnerships. These themes are strategically chosen to address existing gaps in the market and to create learning experiences that challenge traditional educational paradigms. The program actively encourages forward-looking organizations with groundbreaking solutions that address specific CCL challenges, particularly those faced by learners navigating career pathways and by individuals and organizations within the education and industry sectors. Expected outcomes include building learners' skills and agency to effectively navigate lifelong career journeys. Grantees will contribute to a wider effort to build an evidence base around the identified themes, while simultaneously addressing practical challenges within their communities and beyond. The Birmingham coalition, with the aid of a regional evaluation and selection committee, will engage, source, evaluate, and fund high-potential innovations. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge will award pilot grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 each, supporting 12-24 months of exploratory implementation for these impactful solutions.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects that restore rural forest landscapes in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming for significant environmental impact and alignment with state forest management priorities.

The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety (NWMCRS), supported by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), is offering grants to enhance highway and traffic safety programs and resources across selected counties in Northwest Missouri. This initiative directly aligns with MoDOT's mission to reduce injuries and fatalities on roadways, addressing a critical need highlighted by 49 fatalities within 16 of the region's 20 counties in 2023. The grants aim to empower local agencies and organizations to implement effective safety measures and awareness campaigns. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a broad spectrum of community entities such as schools, community groups, law enforcement, and health departments. These organizations are uniquely positioned to address local safety challenges and implement programs that resonate with their specific communities. The primary impact goal is a tangible reduction in roadway injuries and fatalities, contributing to safer travel for all residents within the designated Northwest Missouri region. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly contribute to roadway safety. While specific programmatic focuses are not exhaustively detailed, the overall emphasis is on "highway and traffic safety programs and resources." This broad mandate allows for a variety of approaches, from educational campaigns in schools to enforcement initiatives by law enforcement, and health-focused interventions by health departments, all working towards the common goal of safer roads. The expected outcomes of these grants are manifold. Successful applicants will be able to develop and implement programs that educate the public on safe driving practices, enforce traffic laws, and provide resources to prevent accidents. Measurable results will likely include a decrease in accident rates, a reduction in the number of serious injuries, and, most importantly, a decline in traffic-related fatalities within the targeted counties. The grant amounts, ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 per request, are designed to support impactful, community-level interventions. MoDOT's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant program, is to foster a proactive approach to roadway safety through community engagement and support. The underlying theory of change is that by empowering local organizations with funding and resources, tailored and effective safety programs can be implemented at the grassroots level, leading to a significant and measurable improvement in overall road safety. This localized approach is critical in addressing the diverse safety needs across the various counties of Northwest Missouri.

This funding opportunity is designed to support citizen science projects that enhance federal fisheries stock assessments and improve understanding of climate change impacts on fish stocks and fishing communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state agencies for conservation efforts aimed at recovering endangered and threatened marine and anadromous species, particularly those under NOAA's jurisdiction.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized tribes for conservation efforts aimed at protecting and recovering endangered marine and anadromous species.

History/Background: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) has been an active installation since the 1940s, focusing on providing services, material support, and training venues that promote combat readiness. Since, its inception and the establishment of the Sikes Act in 1960, MCAS Miramar has actively been monitoring the effects of military land use on the overall condition of natural resources. In 1994, the Center for Earth Systems Analysis Research, a shared educational and research center located at San Diego State University, established a long term monitoring protocol to provide the mechanism for documenting the effects of military operations and training on vegetation native to MCAS Miramar. This protocol provided a continuous database of which to assist in altering land management actions to ensure long-term availability of natural areas for training and conservation. Brief Description of Anticipated Work: The project is to develop and implement a work plan for the current iteration of this monitoring effort, re-survey 82 permanently established monitoring plots according to MCAS Miramars standardized ecosystem monitoring program that inventories and monitors the condition of training lands and natural resources, identify and describe any ecological trends developing as indicated by the previous and current survey efforts for the monitoring plots, provide detailed site descriptions and information on disturbance and erosion, provide individual summaries of the composition, structure and site characteristics of the 82 plots surveyed in the 2003 LTEM report, provide contrast of summaries of the individual plots that comprise each major vegetation type for the three survey efforts, provide evaluation and discussion of management implications, provide photographic documentation of the plots, and submit draft and final reports along with all associated Geographical Information System (GIS) deliverables and maps for this monitoring effort that integrates all years efforts, results, analyses, evaluates the effectiveness of this effort. Please see enclosure 1 for full scope of work and enclosure 2 for applicable terms and conditions.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.

The AARP Foundation is offering a grant opportunity to organizations seeking to increase their impact by piloting a scaling strategy. This aligns with the AARP Foundation's mission to materially improve the circumstances of people aged 50 and over with incomes at or below 250% of the poverty line, lift their income above this threshold, or prevent them from falling below it. The Foundation also prioritizes programs that consult older adults in their development and implementation or create volunteer opportunities for them. This funding opportunity aims to support organizations in expanding their reach and depth to engage a larger audience, thereby addressing urgent problems faced by this demographic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals aged 50 and over who are living with low income. The impact goals are to improve the financial well-being of this population through direct services or non-direct services such as capacity building, systems change, or implementation. The Foundation is particularly interested in projects serving older adults in 22 specific U.S. states and territories that exhibit high levels of senior poverty, including Alabama, Arizona, and Puerto Rico, among others. Organizations from anywhere in the U.S. are eligible, but those serving populations disproportionately affected by systemic barriers, racial and ethnic disparities, and other harmful biases will be prioritized. The AARP Foundation's strategic priorities for this grant focus on scaling existing work to achieve greater impact. This can involve leveraging partnerships to increase program reach, using collaborative or coalition models to enhance organizational capacity, engaging new partners for policy implementation (excluding legislative advocacy), expanding public-private partnerships, applying effective systems-level approaches to new areas, or incorporating innovative strategies into existing programs. These diverse approaches reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting organizations in scaling their effective programs, a broader positive impact on the economic security of older adults can be achieved. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increasing the number of 50+ individuals whose circumstances are materially improved, whose income is lifted above 250% of the poverty line, or who are prevented from falling below it. The grant aims to foster expanded reach and depth of programs, engaging larger audiences and demonstrating the effectiveness of various scaling strategies. The total program funding for this opportunity is up to $2 million, supporting projects for up to three years, indicating a commitment to sustained impact and the development of robust, scalable solutions to senior poverty.

The 2025 Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Program is a grant that awards scallop quota to successful applicants for conducting research to enhance knowledge about the scallop fishery resource and contribute to scallop management decisions, with funding generated from the sale of the awarded quota.

The FY2025 LGBTQIA+ Violence Prevention & Response Team (VPART) Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA), aims to prevent crime and address violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in the District of Columbia. This grant directly aligns with MOLGBTQA's mission to convene community and government agencies to reduce violence and harm against members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The grant seeks to support qualified community-based organizations (CBOs) that can coordinate the VPART team, provide services to LGBTQIA+ crime victims, and empower other CBOs through training. The primary target beneficiaries for these funds are individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning, with a specific focus on those at a higher risk of being targeted by hate crimes and bias incidents. The overall impact goal is to address and mitigate violence within the LGBTQIA+ community and further reduce violence and harm through comprehensive support, education, and outreach. Expected outcomes include improved support for victims navigating legal and social service systems, increased access to culturally appropriate mental health services, enhanced community education on harm reduction, and strengthened capacity of CBOs to serve the LGBTQIA+ population. The grant prioritizes two main service areas: Violence Response Services and Victim Prevention Outreach. Violence Response Services include case management to assist victims through criminal, civil legal, and social service systems; legal services providing professional advice on criminal proceedings; and trauma-informed mental health services linking individuals to culturally appropriate and victim-centered care. Victim Prevention Outreach focuses on cultural humility training for organizations serving the LGBTQIA+ population, community education to reduce physical or emotional harm through workshops and campaigns, and harm reduction interventions providing resources and connections to addiction treatment. Organizations applying for this grant are encouraged to demonstrate their full capacity by applying to as many services and programs as possible within these funding areas. The MOLGBTQA's strategic approach, or theory of change, is rooted in the belief that by bringing together public safety, human services agencies, and community organizations, they can effectively prevent crime, support victims, and build community resilience against violence. This collaborative model, facilitated by the VPART meetings and supported by designated grantee organizations, is intended to lead to measurable results in reduced violence and improved well-being for the LGBTQIA+ community in Washington, DC.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is offering matching grants through its Surface Water Matching Planning Grant program. This initiative, developed by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC), aims to improve water quality in developed landscapes within Delaware's impaired watersheds. The program aligns with a mission to assist local governments in proactively addressing water quality challenges, particularly through planning and preliminary engineering efforts for surface water improvement projects. The grants target Delaware county and municipal governments, conservation districts, and estuary programs. While non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community organizations, and homeowner’s associations cannot apply directly, they are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants. The primary impact goal is to enhance water quality in impaired watersheds by supporting planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analysis of surface water improvement projects. These projects can include retrofitting stormwater systems, establishing green technology practices, restoring streams and wetlands, conducting small watershed studies, and developing master surface water and drainage plans. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear benefits to water quality within impaired watersheds. Specific focuses include planning and/or preliminary design for projects associated with watershed management plans, community stormwater management improvements in existing developments and municipalities, and restoration or retrofit projects designed to yield water quality benefits. This strategic approach ensures that funding is directed towards foundational planning and design efforts that are critical for long-term water quality improvement. Expected outcomes include the preparation of surface water projects for future funding through the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF). Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analyses, leading to actionable project designs ready for loan applications. The funding, capped at $50,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement, is designed to jumpstart projects, laying the groundwork for significant water quality improvements across Delaware. The grant duration is two years, emphasizing a focused and efficient planning period to achieve these preparatory outcomes.

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment grant program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-based projects that align directly with the Foundation’s core mission of environmental stewardship and water sustainability within American Water’s service areas. The program seeks to fund new, non-operational initiatives focused on three key aspects: improving, restoring, or protecting watersheds, surface water, and groundwater; promoting water conservation practices; and enhancing equitable access to water-based recreation for underserved communities. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities located within the company’s operational footprint, ensuring a direct local impact. The grant program’s priorities and focuses center on addressing local environmental and community needs. Key focus areas include scientific investigation and monitoring of pollutants, the development and implementation of green infrastructure, and environmental education. For example, grants were awarded to support analytical costs for increasing upstream pollution monitoring, to fund new sampling sites for pollutant testing in rivers, and to install bioswales to reduce runoff and recharge local aquifers. The target beneficiaries are the local communities within American Water’s service regions, with a specific focus on projects that improve equitable access for underserved populations. The expected outcomes are strongly tied to measurable, on-the-ground results that contribute to improved water quality and conservation. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as eliminating pollution sources, providing communities with actionable data for improving local water quality, reducing runoff, and supporting remediation efforts based on new scientific findings. To ensure efficiency, all projects are required to be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded. This emphasis on clear, time-bound deliverables ensures that the Foundation’s investment translates quickly into demonstrable environmental and community benefits. The Foundation's strategic priorities and implicit theory of change rest on the principle that local, community-driven investment is the most effective pathway to sustainable water resource management and protection. By funding specific, measurable activities—such as water quality monitoring, targeted infrastructure installation, and educational programming—the Foundation aims to achieve intermediate outcomes like reduced contamination and increased environmental awareness. This approach is rooted in the belief that empowering local organizations to gather data, implement physical solutions, and cultivate environmental stewardship will lead to the long-term impact of protected and enhanced water supplies across the communities served by American Water.

This program provides funding to local governments, regional park districts, and eligible Tribal Entities in California to promote the use of recycled rubberized pavement in public roadways and pathways, helping to reduce tire waste and support sustainable practices.