Best Green Infrastructure Grants in District of Columbia

With a mission to support environmental programs, American Honda Motor provides District of Columbia nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts may fund projects like green infrastructure, energy efficiency upgrades, recycling, and onsite solar or wind installations benefiting Honda communities.

Nonprofit, faith-based, and educational institutions in the District of Columbia can seek funding to install and recycle rain barrels, issue rebates, and educate residents on stormwater management. With a mission to protect local waterways, the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment provides approximately US $521,000 for green infrastructure and pollution reduction projects on private property.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on green infrastructure and stormwater management in the District of Columbia can seek up to US $2,170,000 to support landscaping installations that reduce runoff and nonpoint source pollution. The District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment’s RiverSmart Homes Landscaping Installation Program funds voluntary projects that conserve water and improve local waterways.

District of Columbia non-governmental, faith-based, university, and private fleet owners can receive funding to replace class 4+ diesel vehicles with zero-emission equivalents that provide significant community benefit. The District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment provides District-registered fleets with green infrastructure and greenhouse gas reduction support through partial rebates for eligible vehicle replacements.

Public entities and partners planning sewage infrastructure construction or rehabilitation projects in the District of Columbia can seek large-scale funding for treatment works and related systems that improve water quality. The District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment supports clean water and green infrastructure by backing wastewater treatment upgrades, sewer rehabilitation, overflow abatement, and energy-reduction measures at treatment facilities.

Organizations planning stormwater green infrastructure construction projects in the District of Columbia can apply for substantial support to design and build clean water improvements. Grants from the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment help fund practices like green streets, permeable pavement, green roofs, bioretention, wetland and stream restoration, and related maintenance equipment, with awards of more than US $250,000.

Nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, universities, and private enterprises in the District of Columbia can receive up to US $75,000 to assess green infrastructure retrofit feasibility and aggregate stormwater retention credits across sites. Grants from District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment help green infrastructure efforts that prioritize projects on properties owned by nonprofits and similar institutions.

For-profit climate and green infrastructure start-ups impacting the District of Columbia can seek equity investment and in-kind support to advance mitigation, resilience, and adaptation solutions. Focused on climate innovation and environmental justice, Exelon Foundation invites ventures serving Exelon’s service territories to apply for the Climate Change Investment Initiative program.

Local governments, nonprofits, and community partners in the District of Columbia and other Chesapeake Bay watershed areas can seek funding for green streets, green infrastructure, and urban greening projects. Focused on stormwater management and livability, Chesapeake Bay Trust offers up to US $175,000 for planning, design, construction, community greening, and related white papers.

Chesapeake Bay Trust provides District of Columbia green infrastructure and forestry workforce programs with funding to train adults and young adults in community forestry skills. Community-based, tax-exempt or fiscally sponsored organizations in EPA-identified disadvantaged areas can request up to US $200,000 for job training, apprenticeships, and career pathways in community forestry and arboriculture.

District of Columbia nonprofits and neighborhood-based organizations can access funding through the Local Initiatives Support Corporation to build or rehabilitate community football fields. The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program offers up to US $250,000 for capital improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and recreational green space, which may benefit projects tied to broader green infrastructure and community health goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets working on workforce readiness, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability projects may be eligible for funding in the District of Columbia and other RBC Wealth Management communities. Focused on skills, community stability, and net-zero transitions, RBC Foundation USA invites established charities to apply for programmatic and capital support.

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, offered by the USDA Forest Service, aims to support Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified non-profits in acquiring private forest lands to establish community forests. This competitive grant program focuses on protecting forestland from non-forest uses while enhancing public access and community benefits such as recreation and education. Applications are due by October 13, 2026, requiring coordination with State Foresters or Tribal officials.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5430 - Unlocking Value and Opportunities from Carbon Flows in Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Identify carbon flows across drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and advanced treatment systems. Carbon flows may include source water, stormwater, process emissions, process inputs, residuals, and biogas.
• Identify the most relevant carbon recovery, capture, conversion, storage, and avoidance opportunities.
• Evaluate value creation pathways, including products, avoided costs, and environmental attributes, and mechanisms and partnerships needed to put them into practice.
• Assess how opportunities vary across system types and local contexts by focusing on more common scenarios for utilities.
• Provide practical, research-based insights to support identification, prioritization, evaluation, and advancement of carbon management opportunities under site-specific conditions and constraints.
• Evaluate implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, environmental attribute claims, and other potential benefits across pathways.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5428 - Establish Standardized Guidelines for Embedding O&M Considerations into the Design Process

Grant Information

• To provide provisions that address common, recurring design issues that drive operations and maintenance (O&M) time and material, including but not limited to standardization of spare parts and consumables, support for condition based and predictive and preventive maintenance, and maintain-in-place design strategies.
• To develop standardized design guidance to measurably reduce lifecycle O&M labor hours for municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations, etc., once required process performance and regulatory compliance are achieved.

About Us

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation.

SWCS Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Award

The Emerging Leader Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) who have demonstrated a commitment to conservation leadership and active participation in the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Three $500 cash awards will be granted to support professional development, Society membership, conference fees, or other career-enhancing opportunities.

U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations leading multidisciplinary projects that implement research on green infrastructure and related environmental systems may be eligible for this funding, with awards from US $50,000 - US $200,000. With a mission to advance natural renewable resources, Renewable Natural Resources Foundation supports collaborative projects across areas like water, air quality, soil health, and sustainable infrastructure, including work in the District of Columbia.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations planning collaborative environmental projects can use these grants for research-to-practice planning or small, targeted initiatives in areas like green infrastructure, water quality, and renewable energy. Grants from Renewable Natural Resources Foundation help District of Columbia sustainability and green infrastructure efforts with up to US $50,000 for multidisciplinary, partner-engaged projects across the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working to reduce fossil fuel use or advance climate change education can apply for support from the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation. Grants may fund general operations or programs, including policy, legal, and educational initiatives that strengthen climate resilience and green infrastructure efforts in places like the District of Columbia.

501(c)(3) organizations working on green infrastructure, drinking water, or sustainable energy in the District of Columbia and across the U.S. can seek support for policy, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts. Park Foundation also considers investigative reporting projects on drinking water and shale gas issues, with funding generally focused on New York State relevance.

District of Columbia green infrastructure researchers can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which awards US $3,000 to a graduate student. Eligible students must be conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health that delivers actionable outcomes for current water industry challenges.

Tribal governments and tribal communities pursuing renewable energy and solar workforce development can apply for GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund capacity-building grants, awarding up to US $100,000 for new solar and related planning projects. Eligible tribal entities in the U.S., including those connected to green infrastructure goals in the District of Columbia, may benefit.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to significantly reduce cigarette waste in public spaces across the U.S. since 2003. The program has successfully implemented strategies in over 1,800 communities, achieving an average 50% reduction in litter. Eligible applicants include KAB affiliates and local organizations focused on recycling and public education. Priority is given to partnerships and projects that expand the program's reach, especially those targeting clean water initiatives.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.