Private Natural Resources Grants

This funding supports conservation organizations in Alaska that are working to protect vital natural areas and address environmental issues by enabling staff to travel for advocacy and outreach efforts.

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 community gardens in metro Atlanta by providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements and larger projects that promote sustainable food growing and community engagement.

This program provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for the design, construction, or improvement of public access facilities for non-motorized waterway recreation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farmers in the Northeast to improve their milk storage and handling systems, enhancing efficiency and food safety.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Gilroy that are dedicated to improving the community through various initiatives in sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

This fellowship provides funding for graduate students in hydrology and related fields to conduct interdisciplinary research and comparative studies by traveling to additional field sites or collaborating with other research groups.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This funding opportunity provides $100,000 to established nonprofits in Central Oklahoma for impactful projects in community development, family support, health and wellness, education, and arts and culture.

This funding opportunity supports North Carolina nonprofit organizations in addressing community-defined oral health needs and reducing disparities through advocacy and educational outreach.

This program provides funding for tree planting projects in Vermont to improve urban green spaces, manage stormwater, and promote public health, targeting municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions.

The Alabama RC&D Grants program focuses on enhancing human and natural resources to improve the quality of life for citizens across all counties in Alabama. This initiative, supported by the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with funding information specifying awards between $5,000.00 and $25,000.00. The program aims to align with a mission of fostering community well-being through strategic project investments. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are local Alabama citizens, with a broad impact goal of improving their overall quality of life. The program achieves this by supporting projects in various key areas, including natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, tourism, and economic development. These projects are intended to create tangible benefits that directly address community needs and promote sustainable growth. The program's priorities for FY 2024-2025 are structured into three main categories: General Funds, Education Funds, and Workforce/Community Training. General Funds prioritize projects related to natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, and tourism and economic development. Education Funds focus on K-12 outdoor education, education benefiting small farmers and community gardens, and K-12 technology. Workforce/Community Training emphasizes projects covering multiple council regions, with a preference for those submitted by RC&D councils or partnering organizations. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural environments, improved community infrastructure, stimulated local economies, and increased educational opportunities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the broad impact goals, the focus on distinct project categories suggests that success will be measured by the successful implementation and observable benefits within these areas. Eligibility requires applicants to be registered 501c3 non-profits or governmental units/sub-units, ensuring that funded projects are implemented by established and accountable entities. The program has clear restrictions, disallowing funding for operational/administration phases, salaries, endowment campaigns, religious purposes, individuals, development/public relations activities, land/property purchases, or post-event situations. These restrictions help ensure that grant funds are directed towards new, impactful projects rather than ongoing operational costs or activities outside the program's core mission. This strategic allocation of resources reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted project funding in these key areas will lead to a better quality of life for Alabama citizens.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to undertake projects that conserve, preserve, or restore the environment in specific regions of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

This grant provides financial support to Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations that deliver dental services, promote oral health education, or offer career development in the dental field, particularly for underserved communities.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Fernley, Nevada, to initiate or expand tourism-related projects and activities that promote the city’s attractions and resources.

This grant provides financial support to community coalitions across the U.S. that aim to create quality jobs and promote an inclusive workforce in the clean energy sector.

This program provides funding for community partnerships to restore habitats, improve water quality, and engage underserved populations in ecological projects across the country.

The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG) program is designed to foster connections between the arts and the health and wellness of residents in Cambria and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. This initiative directly aligns with the 1889 Foundation's foundational principle of supporting innovative programs to improve and transform the overall health and wellness of the region. By integrating arts projects, performance activities, exhibitions, and other health and wellness-related activities, the grant aims to leverage creative approaches to address community needs and enhance well-being. The target beneficiaries of the CHIG are local non-profit organizations that have established arts and health and wellness initiatives, as well as the residents of Cambria and Somerset Counties who benefit from these programs. The impact goals are centered on supporting projects that demonstrate results and positively impact community needs within these counties. The program seeks to empower organizations to utilize the arts as a vehicle for improving health outcomes and promoting a holistic view of wellness among the local population. Key priorities and focuses for funding include collaborative approaches with quality partners, clearly defined arts and healthcare partnerships, and activities such as exhibitions, performances, festivals, and continuing programs that relate to health and wellness. The 1889 Foundation has specific priority goals that guide project funding, encouraging applicants to align their proposals with these established priorities to increase their chances of success. Both new and well-established programs and projects are eligible, allowing for a broad range of innovative and proven initiatives to be supported. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved health and wellness indicators within the communities served, increased access to arts-based health initiatives, and stronger collaborative networks between arts and healthcare entities. The grant also anticipates supporting programs that demonstrate a tangible impact on the needs within the community, reinforcing the foundation's strategic commitment to data-driven and results-oriented interventions. The project period runs from September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025, providing a clear timeframe for program implementation and evaluation. The 1889 Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that innovative programs and initiatives can significantly improve and transform regional health and wellness. The CHIG exemplifies this by directly funding efforts that combine creativity with health objectives. The foundation’s theory of change posits that by investing in local non-profit organizations with arts and health initiatives, it can cultivate a healthier, more engaged community where the arts serve as a vital component of overall well-being. This grant is a direct manifestation of the foundation's leadership in this area for Cambria and Somerset Counties, with the application process managed by the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance (PRAA).

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

The City of Chico Arts Grant Program aims to support local arts organizations and artists, enabling them to offer high-quality arts and cultural work, performances, and exhibitions to the Chico community. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community engagement in the arts and ensure accessibility for all residents. The grants are intended to act as "seed" monies, fostering new projects and initiatives rather than providing ongoing operational support, thereby encouraging artistic innovation and community enrichment. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations operating within the city of Chico with a two-year history of producing or presenting, as well as individual artists applying under the sponsorship of an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit. The program specifically emphasizes inclusive service to broad, diverse, and underserved populations, including those lacking access due to geographic, economic, cultural, social, or physical reasons. The impact goals center on increasing community access to and engagement in arts and cultural experiences, fostering artistic rigor, and demonstrating strong community support for the arts. The program prioritizes projects that deliver or support opportunities for community engagement, demonstrate artistic rigor and thoughtful planning, show strong community support, and provide inclusive service to diverse and underserved populations. "Diversity" is defined broadly to include differences in ability, age, belief, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, and sexual orientation. Funds can be used for various purposes, including projects, events, exhibitions, performances, or capital improvement and equipment projects that enhance an organization's capacity to deliver arts and cultural services. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and accessible arts scene within Chico, with a greater number of community members participating in and benefiting from arts and cultural activities. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of projects supported, the diversity of audiences reached, and the demonstrated community engagement and support for funded initiatives. While not explicitly stated as a "theory of change," the program's strategy implicitly posits that by providing targeted funding to local arts entities, it can cultivate a richer cultural environment, foster community cohesion, and ensure equitable access to artistic expression, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in Chico. The grant's duration of one year and the requirement for matching funds underscore a strategic approach to maximize impact and encourage local investment in the arts.