Best Grants for BIPOC

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering the Wildlife Corridors – Nature Based Solutions Grant to fund projects enhancing ecosystem restoration and protection. With over $200 million available, this initiative supports connectivity projects that align with the State Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible applicants include tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, aiming to foster multi-benefit, nature-based solutions for wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity.

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land Acquisition & Conservation Easements

(See page 34 of attatched PDF)

Grants under this subprogram provide funding for permanent protection of land associated with lakes and rivers. Grants may be used for the acquisition of property or some property rights (also called easements) to protect lakes, rivers, and their ecosystems in perpetuity. Land acquisition projects are reviewed and processed by local environmental grant specialists. 

Grants may cover 75% of eligible project costs.

The Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages landowners with five or more acres of unimproved land to manage their properties for environmental conservation. By implementing habitat management plans, participants can potentially lower their property tax valuations. Key goals include restoring native species, controlling invasive species, and enhancing critical habitats. This program is essential for preserving Illinois’ biodiversity in a predominantly private landscape, making it a valuable initiative for local landowners.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation offers mini grants up to $7,500 to support organizations addressing community needs in Lowell, Massachusetts. Established in 1944, the foundation prioritizes assistance for children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. It encourages applications from non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsors that serve Lowell residents, ensuring balanced representation within their management. Mini-grant applications are reviewed quarterly, fostering a more equitable community.

The Unifour Foundation Endowment Fund, established in 1998, supports qualified charitable organizations in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. With over $3 million awarded since 1991, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The fund prioritizes projects addressing early childhood education, mental health, and community needs like housing and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units, with applications open to those serving the designated areas.

The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program in Massachusetts provides funding to support projects aimed at enhancing and preserving the state's natural resources and scenic qualities. Established in 2013, it focuses on public health, safety, and ecological restoration. Applicants must adhere to specific requirements, including utilizing the Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool and submitting projects for MEPA review. This initiative underscores the commitment to sustainable environmental practices in Massachusetts.

The Lakes and Rivers Planning Grants, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, provide vital funding for surface water protection and restoration projects. These grants support a variety of initiatives, including education, ecological assessments, and invasive species control. Whether you're developing organizational capacity or implementing specific projects, this program enables you to enhance Wisconsin's natural resources effectively. For detailed eligibility requirements and application instructions, refer to the Surface Water Grant Program Applicant Guide.

What is Sea Grant?

Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) is part of a national network of 34 programs that engage in the better understanding, conservation, and use of coastal ecosystems. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant works in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify Hawaiʻi’s key environmental management issues and guide cutting-edge scientific research to address these challenges.

Pacific Islands Coastal Health Fellowship Program (PICH)

The Pacific Islands Coastal Health Fellowship is a place-based program for recent graduates from the Pacific Islands who want to return home and gain meaningful, hands-on experience in environmental and community work. Fellows will be placed with organizations in Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and/or Guam. Placement is dependent on fit between applicant and host organization.

Coordinated by the Hawai‘i Sea Grant Center for Pacific Ocean and Island Health and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing Systems (PacIOOS), the fellowship places early-career professionals full-time within local government agencies or community organizations working on projects related to fisheries and coastal health. Fellows will work in partnership with participating government agencies or community-serving institutions to work on priorities identified by those agencies and their communities. Focus areas include fisheries, ciguatera, water quality, marine debris, and human health, reflecting the everyday land–sea issues island communities face.

Fellows can expect to gain skills in research, management, outreach, and education. They will receive professional training and support throughout their fellowship period. This fellowship should equip recent graduates to transition into graduate school or into a meaningful career at the conclusion of the year. We hope they will build lasting relationships with host organizations and mentors that will support long-term collaborations and project support.

The NFL Grants program, in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. This initiative funds programs aimed at improving health and well-being, enhancing opportunities, and reducing barriers to care. Organizations providing direct services to the military community can apply for funding, ensuring financial responsibility and sustainability. Grants are awarded twice a year, with applications reviewed year-round.

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grant aims to support small nonprofits in Illinois by providing funding for programs in food, housing, and workforce development. Established in 2007, this initiative utilizes filing fees from nonprofits to sustain its efforts. The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle will focus on food and housing, while the Fall 2024 cycle will address food and economic development. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure effective use of funds.

About

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to maintaining open communication and engagement with the community, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), and the Council of the District of Columbia to find solutions for transportation-related matters. DDOT's Community Engagement Division (CED) coordinates, assesses, and addresses community and ANC requests, informs ANCs and communities on the status of DDOT projects and service requests, and identifies strategic and routine actions to build community support for the District's transportation infrastructure projects and program initiatives. 

DC Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The TAP or TA Set-Aside is a reimbursable federal aid funding program for transportation-related community projects designed to strengthen the intermodal transportation system. The program aims to expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life, and protect the environment by supporting non-traditional projects linked to the transportation system.

Projects will be reviewed through a competitive process and selected based upon a number of criteria, including the project’s expected benefits to the community, feasibility and project readiness, consistency with agency plans and missions, and the sponsor’s demonstrated ability to manage a federal-aid project.

The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) encourages TAP projects that support the following:

• Multimodal Transportation Options (with emphasis on non-auto modes)
• Activity Centers
• Access to Transit
• Safe Routes to School
• Disadvantaged Communities
• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act

FY 25-26 Funding 

DDOT will be accepting projects on a 2-year cycle. Projects for both FY25 and FY26 will be selected and approved through this application cycle. A total of approximately $2,269,378 million in funding will be available through a citywide competitive process for qualifying, non-traditional projects. Awarded projects will be funded in either FY25 or FY26 based on project readiness and availability of funds, so Applicants should be prepared that they might not receive funding until 2026. The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will work with DDOT to conduct the competitive selection process for funds. 

The Transportation Alternatives program is a part of the Federal-aid Highway Program. Although the program is a “grant” program under Federal regulation, it is not an “up-front” grant program and funds are available only on a reimbursement basis. Only after a project has been approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division office can costs become eligible for reimbursement. This means project sponsors must incur the cost of the project prior to being repaid. Costs incurred prior to FHWA division office project approval are not eligible for reimbursement

The Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program, funded by Proposition 1, aims to enhance water quality and habitats in the Delta. This initiative aligns with the California Water Action Plan, supporting projects that address critical environmental priorities. Eligible proposals will focus on improving water quality, restoring habitats, or conducting scientific studies that aid in restoration efforts. The program seeks to foster a resilient ecosystem while ensuring sustainable water management in California.

The Missouri State Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants to enhance outdoor recreation throughout Missouri. Since 1965, over $87 million has been allocated for various projects statewide. These grants, available to local governments and public schools, require a 50% match and ensure projects are maintained for public use for at least 25 years. The initiative aims to create a legacy of quality recreational areas and facilities.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant, offered by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, supports one-year projects aimed at improving healthcare access for Eastern Oregonians. Eligible applicants, including public health departments, can propose initiatives targeting early childhood trauma, pre- and post-partum care, and data collection for health metrics. Technical assistance is required before application submission, ensuring applicants are well-prepared to enhance community health outcomes.

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

The ASCA: Harper Arts Touring Fund, managed by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, supports diverse arts initiatives in Alaska. Established in 2002, it provides grants for travel and freight expenses related to touring performances and exhibitions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government units. The fund promotes community engagement through arts presentations that reach underserved populations. It aims to enhance access to quality cultural experiences across Alaskan communities, fostering local artist development and audience growth.

The Iowa Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports landowners in protecting and enhancing working agricultural lands through conservation easements. It offers financial assistance and technical support for maintaining agricultural practices while preserving wetlands and grasslands. Enrollment is open to eligible partners, including tribes and local governments, while prioritizing applications that maximize agricultural land protection. ACEP contributes up to 75% of the easement's market value for lands of special environmental significance.

The Iowa Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (WRE) offers financial and technical assistance to restore and protect wetlands. It aims to enhance ecosystems while allowing landowners to retain ownership. Eligible participants include private landowners and Indian tribes, who can enroll in permanent or 30-year easements. This program prioritizes projects that benefit wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Applications are accepted continuously, with funding contingent upon available resources.

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is launching the 2025 Arts & Community Health Grant to promote art's role in enhancing community health. This initiative seeks innovative arts programs that encourage healthy behaviors, raise health awareness, and foster dialogue about key health issues. Eligible applicants include arts organizations in New Jersey that engage in health-focused programming. The Foundation aims to empower communities through creative solutions that address health challenges effectively.

The Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust, administered by First American Bank in Dundee, IL, focuses on funding education for individuals with various challenges, as well as programs for children, seniors, and U.S. veterans. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in the greater Chicago metropolitan area that face difficulties in securing funding from other sources. This trust aims to support those in need and enhance community welfare.

The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities through impactful grantmaking. It focuses on programs that foster community development, youth development, and artistic initiatives. The Foundation encourages collaboration among non-profits and governmental bodies to maximize grant effectiveness. It provides support for operating expenses to organizations serving vital community needs, considering requests both under and over $2,500. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized non-profits operating in specific New York counties.

Infrastructure Planning and Development Division

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD) collaborates with state agencies, the legislative and judicial branches, local public bodies, and Tribes to provide comprehensive planning and funding assistance for capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP).

Our mission is to expertly manage the planning and funding process for all capital outlay projects, ensuring that they are fully funded through various appropriations and financing mechanisms, including the Capital Appropriation Bill, the Reauthorization Bill, the GOB Bill, the HB2 Specials, federal grant and loan programs, state grant and loan programs, and any Junior Bill.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually on a formula basis. The New Mexico State CDBG program provides funding for infrastructure projects to small cities and non-entitlement communities in New Mexico. The Community Development Council (CDC) selects grantees for funding in annual allocation meetings.

Prince George’s Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program

The Prince George’s County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce the ninth year of partnership for the Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program. This grant program encourages on-the-ground restoration activities that improve communities, improve water quality, support the County’s Climate Action Plan, and engage Prince George’s County residents in the restoration and protection of the local rivers and streams of Prince George’s County.

Program Goals

This program seeks projects that improve aesthetics of communities and treat the stormwater runoff that comes from various types of properties, thus reducing the negative impact of this runoff on the County’s local streams, rivers, and other natural resources in areas where community residents live and recreate. Projects must accomplish on-the ground restoration to result in improvements in water quality and watershed health (e.g., reducing pollutants carried by stormwater, reducing carbon emissions, increasing tree canopy, greening areas for beautification and increased community use/enjoyment, and better habitat for wildlife).

As part of an effort to more fully engage underrepresented groups in its grant-making, the Trust strongly encourages projects that increase awareness and participation of multicultural communities to improve watershed health and local ecological ownership. The strongest proposals will show committed collaborators that provide funding, technicalassistance, and/or other in-kind services to support the successful implementation of the project. 

Applicants can request funds from the following project tracks.

• Track 1: Water Quality Implementation: ($50,000 to $200,000)
• Track 2: Tree Canopy: Outreach, Education, Maintenance, and Preservation ($50,000 to
• $300,000)
• Track 3: Community Awareness and Engagement ($10,000 to $60,000)
• Track 4: Litter Reduction and Beautification ($10,000 to $50,000)
• Track 5: Additional Project Support Fund ($500 to $5,000)

Northland Foundation

The Northland Foundation is a place-based, publicly supported foundation working within seven Northeast Minnesota counties and all or parts of five Native nations.

Mission: Our mission is to support Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund

The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $600,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.

Focus Areas that OBT Grants Will Support

Grants may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations operating within northeast Minnesota. Grant proposals must be for work in one or more of the following OBT focus areas.

• Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs (large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are NOT included).
• Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.
• Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/under-insured.
• Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.

The NH Clean Water State Revolving Fund offers low-cost financial assistance for projects aimed at enhancing public health and water quality. It supports local communities with funding for wastewater infrastructure and pollution control initiatives. Benefits include below-market loan rates, potential loan forgiveness, and project support throughout planning and construction phases. Annual loan pre-applications are encouraged for various water management projects, ensuring a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship in New Hampshire.