Local Environment Grants

This program provides federal funding to support economic development and infrastructure projects in Appalachian communities, targeting local governments and organizations that enhance workforce skills, critical infrastructure, and community capacity.

This funding program provides financial support to the Town of Lexington for projects that enhance open space, preserve historic resources, develop recreational areas, and create affordable housing, benefiting the community and its residents.

This program provides funding to municipalities in Morris County, New Jersey, to construct trails on preserved public parklands, promoting recreation and enhancing community quality of life.

This program provides financial assistance to neighborhood and nonprofit groups in Sacramento for organizing community clean-up events that promote environmental responsibility and neighborhood pride.

This grant provides financial support for projects that protect and conserve fish and wildlife in Mendocino County, including habitat improvement, scientific research, and public education initiatives.

This program provides funding to support events that boost tourism and overnight visits in Twentynine Palms, California, particularly during the off-peak season, and is open to nonprofits, independent event producers, and for-profit businesses with event planning experience.

The 2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant, offered by the Kauai County Office of Economic Development (OED), seeks to support the growth of Kauai’s agricultural industry. The program provides targeted funding to projects that aim to expand farming operations across the island. The funding period spans from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Kauai Standard Time. Late submissions or proposals sent via mail, email, or fax will not be considered. The grant is open to organizations proposing projects or programs that advance the agricultural sector. Proposals will be reviewed, and funding recommendations will be made, with recipients notified during the week of February 3, 2025. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the program’s goals and meet all submission requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The full RFP can be accessed through the Kauai County OED website, and the Amplifund system provides the portal for proposal submissions. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing to [email protected] by November 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations due to disabilities must contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or [email protected] by November 23, 2023, to ensure adequate time for requests to be fulfilled. Alternate formats for notices, such as large print or Braille, are available upon request. This grant provides a strategic opportunity to invest in Kauai’s agricultural infrastructure, promote industry growth, and foster sustainable farming practices. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and submit detailed proposals that align with the program’s objectives before the deadline.

This funding program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for projects that improve housing, infrastructure, economic opportunities, and public services for low- and very low-income residents in Contra Costa County.

The 2024 Land and Climate Grant Program, a collaborative effort by the Open Space Institute and the Land Trust Alliance, is designed to integrate climate change considerations into land protection and management. This initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to conserve and steward land by building the capacity of land trusts and other groups. The program's core objective is to foster climate-informed land conservation, stewardship, policy, and communications, directly supporting the broader strategic priorities of enhancing environmental resilience and mitigating climate impacts. The program targets land trusts, other land-conserving groups, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, and state or federally recognized Tribes. The primary impact goal is to develop and implement plans that address critical climate-related issues such as habitat resilience, carbon mitigation, renewable energy siting, and community adaptation to climate impacts like storms, flooding, drought, fire, or extreme heat. This focus aims to create a tangible difference in how land is protected and managed in the face of a changing climate. The program prioritizes several key areas, including the development of land protection plans that incorporate climate science into strategic conservation, management plans that integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, comprehensive climate communication strategies, and renewable energy siting plans. Preference is given to accredited land trusts and organizations committed to pursuing accreditation, particularly for Land Trust Alliance grants. For Open Space Institute grants, applications from Northern New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) and the Delaware River Watershed (portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware) are favored, with a focus on projects that integrate forest carbon and/or mitigation of flood hazards. Expected outcomes include the creation of new or revised strategic conservation plans, updated land stewardship and management plans, robust climate communication strategies, and well-defined policies for renewable energy siting on conservation lands. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, will support projects with a duration of one year, with all projects expected to commence in 2024 and conclude by December 1, 2025. The funding can cover various costs, including staff time, travel, graphic design, printing, mailing, indirect costs, and project consultants, ensuring comprehensive support for the development and implementation of these vital climate-resilient initiatives.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, a collaboration between the City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is designed to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This initiative is part of a larger effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to activate youth-led projects that align with the New Orleans Climate Action Plan. The program's core mission is to foster environmental stewardship and facilitate tangible climate solutions at a grassroots level, thereby directly contributing to the city's broader environmental goals. The primary beneficiaries of this micro-grant program are youth between the ages of 15-24 residing in Orleans Parish, whose projects are intended to directly benefit the City of New Orleans. The program seeks to engage and mobilize this demographic, providing them with the financial resources and support necessary to translate their innovative ideas into impactful climate action. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders and to implement effective, youth-led initiatives that tackle critical climate issues within the community. Projects funded through the YCAF Micro-Grant Program must align with one or more of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities. These key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction, and Data, Research & Engagement. This ensures that all supported initiatives contribute to the city's established climate strategy, maximizing their collective impact. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives and a strong potential for achieving measurable results in these critical areas. Successful applicants will receive micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, distributed through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024. These funds can be utilized for various project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse youth-led climate projects, increased community engagement in climate action, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact across the specified priority areas. While the document does not explicitly detail the Greater New Orleans Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, its partnership in this program strongly indicates an alignment with community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The Conservancy may fund activities within or benefitting the Delta and Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code section 85058 (a map can be found at this link: https://www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/figure-1-1-delta-boundaries.pdf). The Conservancy may fund an action outside the Delta and Suisun Marsh if the Board makes all the findings described in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 (CWC, div. 35, §§ 85000 – 85350). The Conservancy will fund planning projects, which include pilot projects. Allowable activities for planning projects include, but are not limited to, project scoping (partnership development, outreach to impacted parties, stakeholder coordination, negotiation of site access or land tenure); planning and design (engineering design, identifying appropriate best management practices); and environmental compliance (permitting, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) activities, Delta Plan consistency). The Conservancy will fund implementation projects, which include acquisition projects. Implementation projects are specific, on-the-ground projects that result in the construction, improvement, or acquisition of a capital asset that will be maintained for a minimum of 15 years. Implementation projects are "shovel-ready" projects. Applicants must submit a concept proposal, as found on the Conservancy’s website, before submitting a full proposal. Partnerships are encouraged but not required. There are no limitations on number of submissions by organizations. Applications are received via email for concept proposals and by uploading files to a designated site for full proposals. Awards are announced at a Board Meeting and applicants are informed with a letter.

This program provides funding to community organizations and local governments in Santa Cruz County to support projects that improve environmental health, enhance public access to parks, and promote community resilience.

This grant provides financial and technical assistance to local organizations and governments in Syracuse to create and improve affordable housing options for residents.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New York City to enhance commercial district public spaces through projects like lighting, murals, and wayfinding tools, fostering vibrant and safe environments for local businesses.

The City of Claremont's Community Based Organization (CBO) Program for 2025 aims to partner with non-profit service providers to strengthen the social, economic, and family infrastructure within the Claremont community. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to address the social service needs of its residents by supporting non-profit agencies in developing programs that meet both existing and emerging community needs. The program's overarching goal is to foster a more robust and supportive environment for Claremont residents through collaborative efforts. The CBO Grant Program targets Claremont residents in need of social services, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. Through its two distinct funding programs—General Services and Homeless Services/Critical Need—the program seeks to make a tangible impact on various aspects of community well-being. The impact goals include improving health and wellbeing, supporting special needs individuals, enhancing children's education, providing services for seniors, promoting arts, and addressing environmental concerns, in addition to directly supporting homeless individuals and those facing critical needs. The program prioritizes funding for initiatives that best address the community's identified needs and priorities. Specifically, the grant categories are divided into two main focuses: grants providing funding for homeless services/critical need, and grants providing funding for general services. Within the general services category, the program focuses on health and wellbeing, special needs, children/education, seniors, arts, and environmental programs. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards areas where it can have the most significant and targeted impact. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided description, the program's design implies an expectation of improved social, economic, and family infrastructure within the Claremont community. Successful outcomes would include a strengthened network of non-profit service providers, increased access to vital services for residents, and a demonstrated ability of funded programs to meet new and emerging community needs. The continuous offering of the program in 2025 suggests an ongoing commitment to achieving and sustaining these positive community impacts.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The City of Philadelphia's Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund is offering $15,000 grants to 20 Philadelphia-based organizations working on long-term environmental justice projects, with the aim to support grassroots activism, community resilience, and the removal of environmental injustices.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

Grant Opportunity: Parcel Assessment and Strategy Development for Permanent Preservation in the South Branch Flint River - Description: This grant opportunity supports a deeper analysis of two parcels totaling 1200 acres in the upper Flint River Basin. The analysis includes on-the-ground ecosystem assessment, habitat delineation, mapping, valuation/appraisal, title search, and overall environmental evaluation. The goal is to prepare for making an offer and potential campaign to acquire the properties or a conservation easement. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Shiatown Park Improvement Readiness - Description: This grant opportunity supports various improvements at Shiatown Park along the Shiawassee River. Funding will be used for wetlands determination and assessment, installation of park boundary and trail markers, historic interpretive signage, floodplain determination, and enhancing community resilience. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Gladwin City Park FAA Site Invasive Species Eradication and Habitat Restoration - Description: This grant opportunity supports the restoration and revitalization of a 1.3 acre section of land near Gladwin City Park. Funding will be used for invasive species eradication, habitat restoration, benches, plantings along the trail, interpretive signage, and educational components. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. (Note: The breakdowns for other grant opportunities are not included due to character limitations.)