Best Climate Change Grants in Georgia

Universities, research institutions, and similar organizations studying coastal resilience laws and policies, including in Georgia, can apply for National Sea Grant Law Center’s Coastal Resilience Program, with awards of US $75,000. Projects should analyze how legal and policy frameworks address sea level rise, flooding, storms, land use, or related environmental factors and their effectiveness.

Georgia agricultural producers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest landowners can receive funding and technical help to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat. Focused on climate resilience, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Georgia land stewards to adopt climate-smart practices that boost drought resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental justice, water, or climate and energy projects, especially outside metro Atlanta, can access funding through Sapelo Foundation to strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and community organizing. Grants support policy change, civic engagement, and organizational capacity that help marginalized and rural communities live in healthier, more sustainable environments.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and public agencies in the Appalachians can seek up to US $100,000 for land acquisition and related project costs. Focused on climate resilience and equity, The Nature Conservancy invites Georgia and other Appalachian land protection projects that enhance connectivity, community benefits, and long-term stewardship.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) Grant supports US-based projects aimed at enhancing community resilience against climate change. With a budget of $1.5-2 million, grants typically range from $75,000 to $115,000. CSCI prioritizes projects that focus on historically disinvested populations facing climate vulnerabilities, emphasizing equity, nature-based solutions, and community capacity building. The initiative encourages collaboration between climate adaptation practitioners and local government entities to address climate impacts effectively.

The Rural Climate Partnership Grant supports innovative, community-led climate solutions in rural America. With funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, it empowers organizations focused on rural leadership and equitable climate actions. The grant aims to strengthen rural economies and enhance climate resilience by providing critical resources and support to rural-serving entities. It prioritizes projects that benefit under-resourced communities and actively engage in addressing pressing rural issues, making a meaningful impact on local climate narratives.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation for general operating or program-specific support. U.S.-based groups focused on reducing fossil fuel demand, opposing new oil and gas infrastructure, or educating young adults on climate action may be eligible.

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working on climate-focused projects, including in Georgia, can apply for Earth Rising Foundation grants of US $200 - US $20,000 to support bold, bottom-up climate action. Funding may support Indigenous sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, climate justice and equity, visionary climate futures, and youth climate activism, with all funds disbursed through an existing U.S. nonprofit.

Georgia nonprofits focused on youth confidence, inclusion, or sustainability projects can apply for community grants supporting programmatic work. Georgia climate change and environmental groups may be eligible if their initiatives protect the planet or advance climate resilience and equity. Funding from the Aerie Real Foundation is available to U.S. and Canada-based 501(c)(3) organizations, up to US $10,000.

Georgia climate and equity-focused organizations improving rural broadband access can access funding through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants; awards range from US $100,000 - US $5,000,000. Eligible applicants include governments, tribes, cooperatives, nonprofits, and for-profit entities proposing broadband projects in unserved rural areas that support economic recovery, racial justice, climate resilience, and community development.

Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers at U.S. institutions studying fungi-focused climate science can receive US $10,000 for innovative projects addressing human-driven climate change. With a mission to advance mycology, Mycological Society of America provides Georgia and other U.S. climate resilience researchers support for fundamental or translational fungal-climate studies that generate openly shared results.

Organizations worldwide working on social innovations in climate action, pandemics and health systems, inclusive economies, racial justice, or effective governance can receive Skoll Awards of $2 million in unrestricted funding to scale systemic impact. Grants from Skoll Foundation help Georgia climate change and resilience organizations that meet these criteria and operate beyond a single locality participate in a global community of change leaders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with climate resilience, environmental, or conservation initiatives in Georgia and across the U.S. can apply for Impact100 Global Veterans funding up to US $100,000. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans supports new or expanding projects in defined focus areas that fully expend funds within two years.

Early-career faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, or related social science topics can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project support. Focused on social science research, Russell Sage Foundation invites Georgia scholars, including those studying climate change resilience and equity, to propose innovative, data-driven projects that address structural barriers and systemic inequalities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia working on climate change resilience, rare disease research, elder care, Jewish heritage, or intellectual freedom programs can seek support for innovative, well-planned projects. The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation funds efforts with clear beneficiaries, measurable objectives, and strong organizational capacity within its stated priority areas.

Graduate students in engineering, science, or architecture at accredited U.S. or Canadian universities can receive US $35,000 fellowships for cement and concrete research that advances sustainability and carbon reduction. The Portland Cement Association Education Foundation funds studies aligned with climate change resilience, which may benefit Georgia-focused projects within these technical fields.

Nonprofit visual arts institutions and arts education organizations in Georgia and across the U.S. can seek up to US $20,000 for clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects in their facilities. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Catalyst Grants support first-step or small-scale climate initiatives that reduce emissions and operational costs in the visual arts sector.

The NOAA Climate Program Office is inviting proposals for the FY 2027 grants competition aimed at leveraging Super Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance Earth system science and hazard resilience. This initiative focuses on improving predictive capabilities, hazard resilience decision-support, and preparedness for extreme heat. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the program seeks innovative solutions to better forecast and respond to climate-related challenges, ultimately fostering safer and more resilient communities.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program offers federal funds aimed at reducing flood risks for buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative supports states, U.S. territories, and local governments in implementing various flood mitigation activities, thereby lessening the financial burden on the NFIP. FEMA prioritizes applications that enhance multistate or regional capabilities, contributing to a safer infrastructure and community resilience against flooding.

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.

5427 - Advancing Actionable Climate Resilience Metrics for Water Supply Planning

Grant Information

• Catalog existing performance metrics that consistently drive water utility operational and capital decisions, assess their applicability to support future resilience-based decision making under nonstationary climate conditions, and identify adjustments or alternative metrics needed to support forward-looking, resilience-based decision making for water utilities.
• Determine the appropriate level of climate resilience analysis needed to evaluate and apply climate resilience metrics, with requirements scaled based on metric sensitivity to climate change, decision context, and utility characteristics.
• Develop guidance to integrate climate resilience metrics into planning and decision processes.

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.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting proposals for projects that enhance coastal flood protection through public-private partnerships, innovative insurance products, and improved sediment management. This initiative aims to utilize natural infrastructure to bolster flood preparedness and resilience. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is available for selected projects, supporting research teams that collaborate with regional stakeholders. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov, ensuring accessibility to critical resources and information.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

The ROSES 2025: A.16 Cryosphere program by NASA focuses on the vital role of Earth's ice within the global climate system. It aims to enhance understanding of cryospheric processes through satellite and airborne observations, addressing the challenges posed by the remoteness of icy regions. The program supports research on Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, glaciers, and Arctic sea ice to monitor changes and their impacts on sea level rise, ocean biology, and climate feedback mechanisms.

QBE Foundation Inc.

The QBE Foundation’s focus is on creating strong, resilient and inclusive communities. We work in partnership with community organizations, working in climate resilience and inclusion – two areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact.

The QBE Foundation is one component that reflects our company’s focus, involvement, and investment in the neighborhoods where we do business, and where our employees live and work. The QBE Foundation also empowers our employees to volunteer with colleagues and community partners to make a difference for those in need. Employees can also coordinate fundraisers that are matched by the foundation.

QBE Foundation Local Grant Program

This program supports high-impact, community-based initiatives aligned to our focus on climate resilience and inclusion.

• Climate Resilience:
  • Helping communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from climate-related risks, including preparedness, financial resilience, and risk reduction solutions.
• Inclusion:
  • Expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities through economic inclusion, workforce pathways, and removing systemic barriers.

Multiple grants of $30,000 will be awarded across our two focus areas.