Search Through Grants for Environmental Conservation in Connecticut in the U.S.

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Planning and Pre-Development Projects

Historic Designation Reports

Survey and Planning Grants can be used to fund a variety of historic designation reports, including:

• National Historic Landmark Nominations
• National Register of Historic Places Nominations
• Connecticut State Register of Historic Places Nominations
• Local Historic District or Properties Reports
• Archaeological Preserves

Municipal Historic Preservation Planning Reports

These reports can assist a municipality with integrating historic preservation and a community’s cultural resources into the local planning and design process.

Pre-Development Studies

Survey and Planning Grants can be used to hire a qualified consultant to complete pre-development studies on historic resources owned by Connecticut 501(c)3 or 501(c)13 nonprofits or municipalities, or if a municipality has a financial interest in the resource. Eligible activities in this program area include the following:

• Historic Structures Reports
• Feasibility or Adaptive Reuse Studies 
• Structural Soundness Studies
• Condition Assessment Reports
• Architectural Plans and Specifications

Eligible Activities

• Historic Resources Inventories

Historic Resources Inventories create a detailed record of historic buildings, sites, structures, and/or objects within a defined geographical area, or multiple resources related to a theme, throughout the state. These documents are based on archival research, field work, and photography. Historic Designation Reports are completed by an Architectural Historian or a Historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards as published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.

• Archaeological Surveys and Reports

The principal objective of an archeological investigation is to identify potentially significant archeological deposits located in a certain area to guide future development projects. The consultant will perform background research to identify archeologically sensitive areas and to establish a context for any archeological resources that may be identified. The investigation will include a subsequent Phase I (reconnaissance) level archeological survey which will provide systematic coverage of the property to locate evidence of archaeological deposits. It is expected that the reconnaissance survey will not only determine the presence of archaeological deposits, such as artifacts, features, and/or structural remnants; but also determine the nature and extent of those deposits by performing shovel tests and excavations as part of the investigation. Intensive-level surveys are generally conducted in order to collect sufficient archaeological data to evaluate the National Register eligibility of an identified site.

Archeological surveys shall be conducted by a consultant, as approved by the SHPO, who meets the professional qualifications standards of the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, as stated in 36 CFR 61 Appendix A for Archeology. All work should be in compliance with our Environmental Review Primer for Connecticut’s Archaeological Resources. 

• Historic Designation Reports

Survey and Planning Grants can be used to fund a variety of historic designation reports including:

• National Historic Landmark Nominations
• National Register of Historic Places Nominations
• Connecticut State Register of Historic Places Nominations
• Local Historic District or Properties Reports
• Archaeological Preserves

Historic Designation Reports are completed by an Architectural Historian or a Historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards as published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.

• Municipal Historic Preservation Planning Reports

Historic Preservation Planning Reports can assist a municipality with integrating historic preservation and a community’s cultural resources into the local planning and design process. These plans can be used to assist in developing reports that involve land use, streetscapes, traffic, and signage. These reports can also be developed to assist a municipality in creating historic preservation plans or chapters of a plan of conservation and development. An analysis of the physical, social, and economic characteristics of the area serves as a basis for recommendations which may include rehabilitation guidelines, overlay zoning, or historic designations. Municipal Historic Preservation Planning Reports should be completed by a Historic Preservation Planner with municipal planning credentials; however other consultants may be used with approval from SHPO. 

• Pre-Development Studies

Survey and Planning Grants can be used to hire a qualified consultant to complete pre-development studies on historic resources owned by Connecticut 501(c)3 or 501(c)13 nonprofits or municipalities, or if a municipality has a financial or development interest in the resource. A “Historic Resource” is defined as a property or site listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places. Reports and studies may require a team of qualified professionals that includes any combination of architect, engineer, architectural historian or landscape architect. 

Eligible activities in this program area include:

• Historic Structures Reports- document the history and existing physical condition of a property through research, photographs, physical exploration, etc. The report also provides guidance for the future use, repair,  Survey and Planning Grant Guidelines and Application Instructions maintenance, etc. of the property. These reports are completed by a 36 CFR Part 61 qualified Historical Architect or an engineer, or both.
• Historic Landscape Studies- Historic landscapes can be found in any rural, urban or suburban place. They can be designed or vernacular and include a variety of types including estates, farms, cemeteries, campuses, parks, parkways, conservation areas, or any site that reflects historic cultural activity (human interaction with the land). Eligible studies may include historic landscape inventories, cultural landscape reports, landscape management plans, view shed analyses, and documentations. Historic landscape studies are used to document an existing historic landscape to give us information about its significance and help to safeguard it from sometimes uninformed and irreversible changes. Funding will also support research to produce an historic landscape plan based on a previously existing historic landscape.
• Feasibility or Adaptive Reuse Studies- analyze the reuse potential of an existing building and identify possible new uses, financial strategies, and cost estimates. A feasibility or adaptive reuse study may include preliminary architectural plans completed by a 36 CFR Part 61 qualified Historical Architect.
• Structural Soundness Studies- assess a structure’s physical stability. Structural Soundness Studies are conducted by a 36 CFR Part 61-Qualified structural engineer or architect, and sometimes may include a landscape architect.
• Condition Assessment Reports- assess a resource’s current, existing conditions on a comprehensive basis. Condition assessments can be prepared for a variety of resources including buildings, monuments, objects, bridges, etc. A condition assessment will prioritize the work necessary to rehabilitate or restore a property and will also include cost estimates and/or a proposed budget. These reports include a discussion on building materials, failure of those materials, code violations, and ADA accessibility. For reports on buildings, the condition assessment should be prepared by a 36 CFR Part 61 qualified Historical Architect and/or engineer.
• Architectural Plans and Specifications-must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and be prepared by a 36 CFR Part 61 qualified Historical Architect. If the applicant is planning on using the plans and specifications for a Historic Restoration Fund grant application, the documents should be prepared to Design Development Level.

Funding

Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000. 

SHPO accepts applications on a rolling basis, and all complete applications will be reviewed and considered for funding. If your application is complete, it will be placed on the next available agenda of the Historic Preservation Council, which meets each month.

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Mission

CLCC advocates for land conservation, stewardship and funding, and works to ensure the long-term strength and viability of the land conservation community in Connecticut.

Our Values

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s vision is to effect a verifiable and quantitative change in the social, political, and economic processes that conserve land. We believe in a future where land conservation is embraced as a community value that provides essential quality of life benefits to all people.

CLCC works with land trusts across the state to strengthen conservation efforts and provide equitable access to open space, and advocates for policies that support natural resources as a vital community asset. What distinguishes land trusts from other non-profits is the fact that they are created for the purpose of upholding their mission in perpetuity. CLCC makes sure that happens.

CLCC is committed to understanding and taking action alongside those we serve in addressing and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.

Transaction Assistance Grant Program

The Transaction Assistance Grant (TAG) Program seeks to accelerate the pace of land conservation by providing financial assistance to land trusts for transaction-related project costs. TAG responds to immediate conservation needs and is designed to get funding on the ground efficiently and effectively.

Annual Environmental Grant Program

The Rockfall Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Environmental Grants Program, available to non-profit organizations, municipalities, and schools. The Environmental Grants are for projects and programs that support the environment through conservation, preservation, restoration, or education in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, which includes Middlesex County as well as Lyme and Old Lyme.

Funding for materials, transportation, program/presenter fees, intern stipends and similar items are eligible.  Funding must be applied to the items/activities described in the application form. Substitutions are not permitted unless prior approval has been obtained.

Applications are rated on the following criteria:

• likelihood of proposal reaching fruition and its target audience;
• clear alignment and benefit to a priority area;
• innovation;
• engagement of youth;
• environmental justice/disadvantaged populations;
• Previous Rockfall support or existing project with proven progress;
• implications beyond the immediate purview of the proposal;
• Potential for broader application beyond the proposed activity;
• Clarity and confirmation of matching funds sources.
• likelihood on continuation without further funding from the Foundation; and
• a budget that is clear and reasonable.

Types of programs, projects and initiatives that are funded include:

• environmental education,
• responsible environmental planning,
• preservation of the Connecticut River Watershed,
• innovative solutions to waste stream management and pollution,
• open space acquisition,
• environmental justice, or
• anything consistent with the priorities listed.

Environmental Education is broadly defined, and not limited to school curricula; environmental education programs can target any age from preschool through adults. Activities that engage young people, provide hands-on experiences, offer internships, or creative approaches to learning are encouraged.

Capital projects that facilitate learning are not prohibited but will be carefully scrutinized for their application to hands-on learning. Planning projects should be approached with consideration for the natural environment and those that support sustainable communities. Preservation of the Connecticut River Watershed includes projects designed to protect and benefit the water quality of the Connecticut River watershed and raise awareness of responsible living in the watershed. 

Priority Areas

• Preservation – work to protect ecosystems, species, and other irreplaceable elements of the region’s natural heritage.
• Conservation – work to minimize our use of finite natural resources and our negative impacts on ecosystems and communities.
• Restoration – work to re-establish the healthy functions of an ecosystem or parts of ecosystems.
• Education – work to foster a stronger awareness and understanding of environmental and sustainability issues.

Founded in 1935 by Middletown philanthropist Clarence S. Wadsworth, The Rockfall Foundation is one of Connecticut’s oldest environmental organizations. The Foundation supports environmental education, conservation and planning initiatives in the Lower Connecticut River Valley through public programs and grants. In addition, the Rockfall Foundation operates the historic deKoven House Community Center that offers meeting rooms and office space for non-profit organizations.

Environmental Champions Awards

Through its Environmental Champions Awards, The Rockfall Foundation recognizes individuals and groups to highlight their contributions to the region in the area of natural resource preservation, conservation, restoration, or education. The Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award* is given for outstanding life-long accomplishments. Certificates of Appreciation are awarded to recognize significant programs and projects.

The focus areas include:

• Preservation: work to protect ecosystems, species, and other irreplaceable elements of the region’s natural heritage.
• Conservation: work to minimize our use of finite natural resources and our negative impacts on ecosystems and communities.
• Restoration: work to re-establish the healthy functions of an ecosystem or parts of ecosystems.
• Education: work to foster a stronger awareness and understanding of environmental and sustainability issues.

The nominee’s contributions must impact the Lower Connecticut River Valley, which includes the following towns: Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook. Impacts to the Connecticut River corridor or Long Island Sound are also eligible as long as there is a benefit to at least one of the listed towns. What We FundPrograms, projects, or capacity building initiatives within one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas are eligible for funding. Annual grants support both ongoing programs and start-up initiatives. The Foundation’s grants often provide critical seed money and support for groups that do not have large budgets or staff.Ideally, these grants can be leveraged to attract additional funders.Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. The available pool in 2026 for all grant awards is $31,200. The Grants Committee may schedule applicant interviews at their discretion if they believe it will be helpful to their understanding of the proposal.Funding for materials, transportation, program/presenter fees, intern stipends and similar items are eligible. Items such as food, regular operating expenses (e.g. insurance, rent, and other overhead), indirect labor, salaries and benefits are not generally funded, but may be considered for organizations under financial hardship. Funding must be applied to the items/activities described in the application form. Substitutions are not permitted unless prior approval has been obtained.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

The Peter Grayson Letz Fund for Animals and the Environment was established in 2014 to benefit environmental education and conservation, as well as domestic animals and wildlife, in New London County. The Mary Janvrin & Natalie Janvrin Wiggins Fund for Birds, Other Animals & Nature was established in 2017 and emphasizes the preservation of the natural environment and habitat for birds and other animals.

Programs that promote environmental justice, contribute to movement building, and seek to change inequitable systems through advocacy will be a priority.

Areas of Interest

Preserve the Environment

• Foster understanding of and promote action on the relationship between the health of the natural world and the health and well-being of our residents. 
• Priority given to programs that: 
• preserve and protect environmentally significant lands, waterways and wildlife habitats – for the benefit not only of the ecosystem, but for the health, livelihood and enjoyment of local residents;
• Engage youth in environmental education and activities in natural settings as they learn to become good stewards of their environment.
• Focus on environmental justice: the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens and meaningful participation of all communities in environmental decision-making.
• Grants between $10,000 and $50,000.

Advance Animal Welfare

• Ensure adequate protection, care and humane treatment of animals and wildlife. 
• Priority given to programs that:
• provide support of veterinary care for domestic animals, including spay and neuter services, for low-income families and abandoned pets.
• Grants between $5,000 and $35,000.

About the Fund

The Quinnipiac River Fund was established in 1990 as part of a court settlement between the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Upjohn Company, concerning wastewater discharges from the Upjohn Company's plant in North Haven. Each year the Fund distributes more than $100,000 to organizations that work toward improving the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River, New Haven Harbor and the surrounding watersheds.

Quinnipiac River Fund Grants

The mission of the Quinnipiac River Fund is to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and New Haven Harbor and their watersheds. The committee considers projects for grant funding that work toward this goal.

Examples include:

• Studying the pollution of the waterbodies.
• Studying the ecology of the waterbodies.
• Researching methods of reducing pollution, or otherwise improving the environmental health of the waterbodies.
• Addressing means of reducing both non-point and point sources of pollution to the waterbodies.
• Researching the permitting process, researching particular permits, and making recommendations as to findings.
• Providing public education about the waterbodies.
• Purchasing land in the watersheds for conservation, pollution reduction, and/or improving public access.
• Environmental advocacy (note: funding cannot be used for litigation).
• Habitat restoration.

Overview

The Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund (LISSF) is a competitive grant program seeking proposals to restore and protect the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. We are interested in empowering communities of all kinds (including communities typically underrepresented in environmental programs and projects) to access, improve and benefit from Long Island Sound, its waterways, and surrounding lands. Up to $400,000 is expected to be available for grants in 2025. The most competitive proposals will incorporate multiple values including sustainability, resilience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The LISSF aims to:

• support non-profit 501(c)(3) public charities working on issues and projects that address the strategies and Implementation Actions of the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and support communities and organizations in advancing environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion. 

The Long Island Sound Funders Collaborative

The Long Island Sound Funders Collaborative (the Collaborative) is a group of funders with missions that include clean waters, thriving habitats, and sustainable communities in the Long Island Sound region. While most of the funders are not solely focused on this goal, we aim to build our effectiveness through collaboration. Since its inception, the Collaborative has worked together to learn about the myriad issues facing the Sound and possible solutions.

Urban Community Forestry Planning Grant (CT)

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is dedicated to conserving, improving, and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy. DEEP’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, achieves these goals by creating healthy, vibrant urban forests that provide multiple climate benefits. Urban forests mitigate climate change by storing and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. They also help to reduce many of the negative impacts of climate chance by reducing elevated temperatures which in turn can reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life for residents. Through financial support provided by the USDA Forest Service, DEEP’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is requesting proposals for the Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program.

Identifying and implementing successful urban and community forestry projects depends on a comprehensive understanding of current conditions. To that end, the Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program is providing funding to support projects that will help municipalities and non-profit organizations collect baseline data that can be used to inform future management decisions. Such projects may include, but are not limited to, conducting inventories of street and/or park trees, creating urban and community forest management plans, developing monitoring programs to document tree condition, and surveys of urban forested natural areas. Funds can be used to generate new materials and resources or to update existing ones such as previous inventories or out-of-date management plans. All applicants will need to articulate how such projects will be used to promote data-driven forest management in their respective cities in the future. 

Funding

Awards are for $2,500 - $65,000. The amount requested must be matched 50:50.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Our Mission

To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Connectivity, Climate, Communities Fund

To make the highest possible impact on the climate and biodiversity crises, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is committed to advancing solutions and supporting partners throughout the Appalachians to connect and conserve vital wildlife habitat, build resilience to the impacts of climate change, and generate new job and recreation opportunities for communities.

Approximately one-third of the U.S. population lives in or within 100 miles of the Appalachians, including an estimated 36 million people that rely on the region for sources of drinking water. The landscape contains the world's largest remaining expanses of temperate broadleaf mixed forest and provides habitat to a wide diversity of plants of animals, many of which are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. Conserving this landscape is critical for nature and for the people that live and work there.

However as climate change drives ecosystem instability, plants and animals are shifting their ranges northward, and people are having to find ways to adapt to complex and intertwined challenges. TNC and many others have been working to conserve vital Appalachian habitats for decades. Now we must ramp up our efforts and coordinate with partners across the Appalachians for maximum impact.

To succeed in these efforts, TNC’s Connectivity, Climate, Communities Fund offers two grant programs for conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Federally Recognized Tribal Nations, and local and state agencies in the Appalachians who are working to protect and conserve this region:

• The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program
• The New York Climate Resilience Grant Program

Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 for fee and easement acquisition projects throughout the Appalachians.

Equitable Conservation and Community Benefits

Conservation organizations are increasingly acknowledging the importance of incorporating social equity in their missions, partnerships, and projects and evolving how they work to have better outcomes for people and nature.

TNC defines community benefits as the positive outcomes that directly result from or are included within conservation projects as experienced by local communities and people. This is particularly important for historically marginalized communities, communities with limited access to nature, communities experiencing heightened impacts of climate change due to systemic underinvestment and poor infrastructure, and Indigenous communities. 

RCA program funding will support projects that demonstrate meaningful community engagement, work with those historically excluded from conservation, and lead to a fairer distribution of benefits for people and communities.

Some examples of community benefits include improved and greater access to nature, protection of drinking water sources, recreational and resource-based economic opportunities, flood mitigation, engagement in cross-cultural initiatives, or protection of lands that will meet community-defined conservation needs. We encourage projects with meaningful community benefits that are integrated with the land protection goals.

Project Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated  according to their capacity to deliver land protection outcomes aligned with the program goals, including:

• Location:
  • the project is located within TNC’s Appalachians Program boundary and is in or near a mapped focal area.  Projects outside of focal areas will also be considered.
• Resilience:
  • the percentage of the total project area that is part of the Resilient and Connected Network.
• Connectivity:
  • adjacency to protected lands or other attributes that will lead to landscape connectivity over time (e.g., the project is a necessary acquisition for advancing a local or regional plan that aims to protect a critical conservation corridor).
• Collaboration:
  • evidence of engagement with other organizations, community groups, or local governments (including, but not limited to, shared funding).
• Community:
  • project elements that directly engage and or benefit people, especially vulnerable or marginalized communities.
• Timeline:
  • the project will close within 12 months from the start of the grant agreement term.
• Feasibility:
  • likelihood that the project will close and the costs seem reasonable.

Background

As of November 7, 2024, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting proposals for the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program. Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act is a grant program to address NPS water pollution. DEEP receives these funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that can be passed onto municipalities, communities, local conservation groups, and many other organizations for NPS implementation projects, plans, and statewide NPS management efforts within Connecticut. Proposals may be submitted by any interested public or private organization (award recipients must be registered with the CT Secretary of State).

EPA defines NPS pollution as pollution that is “caused by diffuse sources that are not regulated as point sources and are normally associated with land use and runoff from the land.” Common NPS pollutants include: bacteria, nutrients, sediment, salt, petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and debris. These pollutants are typically carried by stormwater runoff into streams, lakes, and estuaries from diffuse land use and other activities that are not regulated as point source discharges (“end of pipe”). Projects intended to meet mandated requirements of stormwater permits are not eligible for Section 319 grants. However, proposals that provide stormwater mitigation above and beyond permit requirements may be considered.

Demonstrating match from non-federal sources is an important component for the Section 319 NPS Grant program and EPA requires a 40% match for each award. Applicants should demonstrate a goal of 40% match from non-federal sources in their application.

Project Priorities for FY25

Environmental Justice and Environmental Equity

The Section 319 NPS Grant program is committed to DEEP’s NPS efforts and awareness of NPS environmental problems in environmental justice communities. In Connecticut, an environmental justice community is defined as a census block group with 30% or more of a low-income population OR a distressed municipality (https://cga.ct.gov/). Additional information can be found on DEEP’s website for Environmental Justice AND the federal census website. 

Applications for proposed work within a designated environmental justice community or which will have direct benefits to an environmental justice community will be considered a priority during the competitive review process. Applicants can determine where the environmental justice communities are in Connecticut by viewing the map.

Applicants should use the map to identify percentages for minority, poverty level and/or limited English proficiency within the environmental justice community.

Anne S. Richardson Fund

The Fund was created in the mid-1960s under the will of Anne S. Richardson to support charitable purposes.

Funding Interests

• Eight organizations recommended by Miss Richardson;
• In Ridgefield, Connecticut: programs that assist lower-income people or are of broad interest to the community; and
• In Connecticut (particularly Fairfield County): programs that promote the independence of women, support the lesbian and gay community, encourage youth development, or promote environmental conservation. See grant page for this opportunity here.

Type of Support

Project, capital and, in limited circumstances, operating.

The Claire C. Bennitt Watershed Fund, Inc. partners with local land trusts, municipalities, state agencies and others to protect threatened watershed lands. It is proud of its efforts to protect water quality while adding value to a community’s quality of life by protecting open spaces.

Purpose of Grants

• To award grants for the acquisition of title, conservation easements, and/or development rights to watershed land for the purpose of protecting, preserving, and enhancing water quality now and for future generations throughout the region.
• To award grants to organizations providing education in the appreciation of and preservation of our environment, with particular emphasis on the understanding of our water resources, the negative impacts of development and other activities on water quality, and the benefits to water quality and the environment of preserving watershed land as open space.

Funding

Such grants typically do not exceed $10,000.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation's water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.

There are three annual Conservation Innovation Grants funding opportunities:

National CIG Classic

National competition for projects that support the early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.

State CIG Classic

State-level competitions for projects that support early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. While the overall goal and approach match those of CIG Classic, CIG state competitions fund projects that target state-identified conservation priorities. Each year, NRCS state offices may elect to administer their own CIG competitions. State CIG competitions are announced separately from national competitions.

CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials)

National competition for projects that support more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. On-Farm Trials Awardees provide technical assistance and incentive payments to producers to help compensate for risks associated with implementation of new conservation practices, systems and approaches. Awardees also evaluate the environmental, financial and social (to the extent possible) impacts of implementing innovative approaches. The Soil Health Demo Trial is a priority within the On-Farm Trials competition which focuses exclusively on implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection partners with the US Forest Service to implement the Connecticut Forest Legacy Program (FLP). The FLP helps to identify and conserve environmentally important forests. The program protects working forests, those forests that protect water quality and provide habitat, forest products, opportunities for recreation and other public benefits.

The program encourages and supports acquisition of conservation easements. Conservation easements are legally binding agreements transferring a negotiated set of property rights from one party to another, without transferring property ownership. Most FLP conservation easements restrict development, require sustainable forestry practices, and protect various environmental values. There are also limited instances under the program where properties are purchased outright for their conservation values. 

In Connecticut, the Forest Legacy Program is jointly run by the Division of Forestry and the Land Acquisition and Management Division within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The Forest Legacy Program Coordinator's position resides in the Division of Forestry.

1. Introduction

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is dedicated to conserving, improving, and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of affordable, cleaner, and more reliable energy. DEEP’s Urban and Community Forestry Program achieves these goals by supporting healthy urban forests that provide multiple benefits to residents of Connecticut. Urban forests reduce elevated urban temperatures, mitigate air pollution, contribute to stormwater management and filtration, and provide multiple health benefits for residents. These collective impacts provide economic benefits by reducing energy and healthcare costs. Urban trees have also been found to boost local businesses and support economic development. Finally, trees contribute to livable communities and support community cohesion, hence the name of this grant, “Trees for Communities.”

Through financial support provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, DEEP’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program requests proposals for the Trees for Communities Grant Program. Awards are for up to $200,000; no match is required. 

2. Goals of the Program

The Trees for Communities Grant Program addresses the uneven distribution of tree canopy across Connecticut by providing financial support for urban forestry projects in communities of need. Projects must increase tree cover or contribute to other urban forestry objectives such as improvement of forest health or utilization of urban wood. Projects must be rooted in community support and demonstrate efforts to meaningfully incorporate community needs into the project design. 

Trees for Communities Grant Program

The Trees for Communities Grant Program addresses the uneven distribution of tree canopy across Connecticut by providing financial support for urban forestry projects in communities of need. Projects must increase tree cover or contribute to other urban forestry objectives such as improvement of forest health or utilization of urban wood. Projects must be rooted in community support and demonstrate efforts to meaningfully incorporate community needs into project design.

The Trees for Communities Grant Program supports a variety of urban and community forestry projects including but not limited to:

• Tree planting on private lands with permission of landowner
• Engaging groups in urban forest planning and planting 
• Work force development 
• Invasive species management 
• Urban wood utilization
• Impervious surface removal to create space for tree planting 

Projects must demonstrate direct benefit to communities indicated in DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Screening Tool.

Purpose of Grants

Made possible through the Southbury Community Trust Fund, grants provide support for a variety of programs that benefit Southbury residents. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate collaboration and strong partnerships.

Possible Projects

• Social and Community Services: Support Southbury residents by providing access to basic needs, transportation, and affordable housing.
• Wellness and Health Education: Promote a healthy, vibrant community by encouraging access to prevention programs, fitness, and access to care for all ages.
• Enhancement of Youth Development: Foster positive identity, strong values, social competencies, commitment to learning, community service, empowerment, leadership, and resilience for Southbury youth.
• Aging and Livable Communities: Develop and promote programs that enable older adults to age in place successfully. May include: connecting older adults with benefits and services; reaching people who are underserved; home maintenance, chore, and home safety programs; and building age-friendly communities.
• Arts and Culture: Promote access to performing arts and fine arts programs for community enrichment.
• Environmental Awareness: Encourage the preservation, protection, and conservation of land, water, and wildlife.
• Cultural Heritage: Support Southbury’s tangible cultural heritage and town history.

Washington Trust Charitable Foundation

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations within our market area, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts and southeastern Connecticut.

Charitable grants range widely in size. Multi-year grants are often considered for capital funding (to build or repair facilities), capital campaigns, or specific projects, with consideration given to:

• Affordable Housing and Revitalization Programs
• Business and Economic Development
• Youth and Family Services
• Hospitals, Health and Human Service Organizations
• Museums, Arts and Cultural Organizations
• Colleges, Universities, Libraries
• Conservation and Environmental Groups

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi-species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Benefits

CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results. Some of these benefits include:

• Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
• Decreased need for agricultural inputs
• Improved wildlife habitat conditions

CSP Contracts

The program represents a genuine commitment to conservation – CSP contracts are for five years, with the opportunity to compete for a contract renewal if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. An NRCS conservation planner will work closely with you, throughout the entire contract process.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

NRCS may provide a minimum annual payment of $1,500 in any year the Chief determines the total contract payment amount is below a base level.