Best Grants for Environmental Justice in North Dakota

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Focused on environmental justice and sustainability, Levine Impact Lab invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofits, including those serving North Dakota, to seek up to US $25,000 plus intensive operational support. Mid-sized organizations with social enterprise or earned revenue models may receive 18 months of strategic advising, peer learning, and capacity-building to advance climate and justice priorities.

North Dakota environmental justice and youth-led climate groups can access funding through Climate Group’s Youth Climate Justice Fund to support local or national socio-environmental organizing. Eligible collectives are led by people 35 and under, are non-partisan and non-violent, and may receive up to US $40,000 through a participatory grantmaking process.

Environmental and justice-focused nonprofits in North Dakota can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support bold, direct-action campaigns addressing root causes of environmental harm and protecting affected communities. Patagonia Org supports grassroots efforts that build an equitable, inclusive movement, confront systemic bias, and engage the public in long-term environmental protection strategies.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can gain policy experience through a 1–2 year Science Policy Fellowship based in the U.S., which may benefit those working on North Dakota issues. Focused on federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, and regulatory and environmental policy, American Chemical Society fellows work alongside its Government Affairs team.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice in North Dakota can apply for the Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, which awards a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help storytellers worldwide highlight urgent climate issues, which may include environmental justice challenges facing North Dakota communities.

Youth leaders pursuing environmental projects in North Dakota and across the U.S. can seek microgrants to grow their initiatives. Grants from Earth Island Institute help young people advance work in environmental justice and advocacy, sustainability, conservation, pollution, stewardship, and youth leadership through the New Leaders Initiative’s John Goddard Prize program.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in North America working on environmental justice and related issues can receive recognition and funding for their projects. Earth Island Institute provides North Dakota youth advocates with US $3,000 awards, leadership development programming, and media support through the Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in North Dakota with environmental justice or other community-focused projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which awards up to US $5,000 to launch or expand youth-led initiatives. Funding supports project expenses through a 12‑month leadership development fellowship and fiscal sponsorship with a 501(c)(3) partner.

Artists and arts organizations creating solution-focused environmental and climate justice projects in the U.S., including North Dakota, can seek support for work in any artistic discipline Puffin funds. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artists, Puffin Foundation prioritizes smaller-budget projects and those serving underserved communities through environmental artistic activism.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with veteran-focused environmental justice or conservation projects can seek up to US $100,000 for programs in the U.S. and its territories. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large project grants for initiatives benefiting veterans, which may include North Dakota environmental justice and stewardship efforts.

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in North Dakota can apply for the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Technical Assistance Grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 to expand staff capacity for conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance. Projects may support environmental justice, water quality, food security, outdoor access, and civic engagement in conservation.

Indigenous-led grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and Indigenous individuals in North Dakota working on non-violent direct action or movement-building to defend Indigenous rights and protect land, air, water, and natural resources can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund; awards up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel.

North Dakota environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits can access funding through Grand Rapids Community Foundation for projects advancing racial equity in education, health, housing, environment, arts, and economic prosperity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor; pre-applications are accepted year-round with feedback typically within 14–30 days.

The Actions of Public Witness Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program, provides matching grants of up to $1,500 to Unitarian Universalist congregations engaging in timely actions of public witness. This initiative supports efforts in social and environmental justice, encouraging congregations to mobilize during critical moments. Grants are available on a rolling basis and are intended for urgent projects that extend beyond the regular grant timeframe. Notably, individual applications are not accepted.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development in the Americas, including North Dakota, can apply for support from the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations and international equivalents, with a preference for areas where the corporation has a strong presence or employee volunteer opportunities.

Environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits in North Dakota can seek project support that protects wild species and habitats. Focused on grassroots ecological campaigns in the U.S., Canada, and their territories, the Fund for Wild Nature prioritizes small, tax-exempt organizations without government funding and with annual budgets under $250,000, especially those addressing underfunded ecological issues.

Nonprofit and public organizations in North Dakota working on environmental stewardship, sustainability education, or community vitality may be eligible for charitable support that advances environmental justice and related initiatives. Waste Management supports programs that preserve natural resources, build workforce and skills, and strengthen safe, sustainable communities through its Charitable Contributions Program.

North Dakota environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits addressing hard rock or metals mining impacts can access funding through Western Mining Action Network’s IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program. Grants of US $4,000 support project-specific work such as organizing, legal or technical assistance, education, outreach, media, reports, travel, and consultants on mining campaigns; Indigenous and grassroots groups receive priority.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.