Best Grants for Preschools

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) envisions a Delaware that offers a healthy environment where people embrace a commitment to the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the environment in their daily lives; where Delawareans’ stewardship of natural resources ensures the sustainability of these resources for the appreciation and enjoyment of future generations; and where people recognize that a healthy environment and a strong economy support one another.

The mission of DNREC is to: engage all stakeholders to ensure the wise management, conservation and enhancement of the State’s natural resources; protect public health and the environment; provide quality outdoor recreation; improve the quality of life; lead energy policy and climate preparedness; and educate the public on historic, cultural and natural resource use, requirements and issues.

Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program

The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware. The program was established in 1986 with annual deposits from real estate transfer tax to grow the Trust. Trust-generated income is used to fund the Program. Since 1988, when the first grants were awarded, the program has provided over $36 million in matching grant assistance to eligible local, county and state governments throughout Delaware.

Park Grant

ORPT grant assistance is available for the following types of projects:

• Fee simple acquisition of parkland, open space, or conservation areas
• Purchase of development rights for public parkland, open space, or conservation areas
• Replacement of outdated and unsafe outdoor facilities
• Outdoor recreation facility engineering and design
• Outdoor recreation facility construction for example:
  • Athletic fields and courts
  • Playground equipment
  • Swimming pools
  • Picnic tables and pavilions
• Park maps for information boards or kiosks
• Park infrastructure such as entrance roads, parking, restrooms, and way finding
• Municipal or countywide park/open space comprehensive plans
• Universal accessibility upgrades to outdoor recreation facilities
• Professional services for park master planning 

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) envisions a Delaware that offers a healthy environment where people embrace a commitment to the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the environment in their daily lives; where Delawareans’ stewardship of natural resources ensures the sustainability of these resources for the appreciation and enjoyment of future generations; and where people recognize that a healthy environment and a strong economy support one another.

The mission of DNREC is to: engage all stakeholders to ensure the wise management, conservation and enhancement of the State’s natural resources; protect public health and the environment; provide quality outdoor recreation; improve the quality of life; lead energy policy and climate preparedness; and educate the public on historic, cultural and natural resource use, requirements and issues.

Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program

The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware. The program was established in 1986 with annual deposits from real estate transfer tax to grow the Trust. Trust-generated income is used to fund the Program. Since 1988, when the first grants were awarded, the program has provided over $36 million in matching grant assistance to eligible local, county and state governments throughout Delaware.

Trail Grant

ORPT Program assistance is available for trail projects within parks or public right of ways:

• Trail, pathway or riverwalk pre-construction (design and engineering)
• Trail, pathway or riverwalk construction (paved)
• Trail construction within a park
• Development of trailheads and associated facilities and infrastructure (parking, information boards and kiosks, restrooms, composting toilets, electricity, water)
• Pedestrian and bicycle bridges
• Trail improvements that facilitate access to and use of trails by persons with disabilities
• Development and installation of trail markers or directional signs
• Water trail planning and development
• Acquisition of conservation greenway corridor lands for wildlife habitat, stream corridor protection, buffer preservation, forest preservation, and historic or cultural sites
• Acquisition of fee simple title to property for trail development
• Educational or interpretive brochures and wayside exhibits for a specific trail or conservation greenway
• Trail or greenway corridor maps for information board or kiosks
• Municipal or County Comprehensive Greenway Corridor or Trail Plans

The Grid Supply Chain Alternatives to Lead Energy Dominance (SCALED) initiative aims to enhance U.S. domestic capabilities in energy infrastructure by addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. Launched by the Department of Energy, this program focuses on critical electric grid components, fostering manufacturing growth, and ensuring resilience against shocks. By investing in next-generation technologies, SCALED positions the U.S. as a leader in global energy solutions, ultimately driving innovation and sustainability in the electric grid sector.

This funding opportunity supports research aimed at enhancing climate adaptation strategies through the cooperative agreement with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. Projects will focus on critical areas like water security and habitat resilience, particularly concerning Emory oak, which is vital for local Tribes and wildlife. By using long-term monitoring data, the initiative seeks to map and mitigate the impacts of invasive pathogens and drought, contributing to informed resource management and conservation efforts.

The Cooperative Agreement with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU aims to enhance climate adaptation through research funded by the USGS. This initiative focuses on managing Midwest prairies, combating invasive species, and improving habitat for wildlife while ensuring water security and resilience against climate impacts. By utilizing a comprehensive database from the Prairie Reconstruction Initiative, the project seeks effective management strategies to support decision-making for resource managers, thereby addressing critical environmental challenges.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites CESU partners to apply for funding aimed at analyzing stream temperature data in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This initiative seeks to enhance long-term ecological monitoring by leveraging scientific methods to identify trends and ecological thresholds. Collaborative efforts will focus on improving water quality management strategies and updating the 2016 Land Management Plan, ensuring sustainable practices for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks proposals for a competitive research award through the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center. This initiative aims to address critical issues such as invasive species, specifically King Ranch bluestem and eastern red cedar in Oklahoma, examining their ecological impacts under varying climate conditions. The research will enhance strategies for invasive species hazard mitigation, supporting local and state preparedness, and contribute to national goals of ecological conservation and resilience against natural disasters.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing a funding opportunity for research aimed at analyzing and interpreting aquatic monitoring data within the Northwest Forest Plan area. This project will focus on long-term trends in watershed conditions through collaboration with interagency partners. Results will inform management practices related to recreational opportunities and water quality, supporting key DOI Secretarial Orders aimed at enhancing public lands and access to hunting and fishing.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking proposals for innovative research from partners in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Great Rivers network. This funding opportunity aims to enhance Bayesian statistical methods for analyzing passive bat acoustic monitoring data, crucial for estimating species occurrence and relative abundance. The research will inform conservation efforts and improve predictive accuracy by integrating spatial processes, ultimately supporting the management of 47 bat species across North America.

This funding opportunity from the U.S. Geological Survey aims to enhance climate adaptation efforts through cooperative research. The focus is on invasive species management, supporting national priorities in biodiversity, water security, and ecosystem resilience. The project will leverage expertise from over 20 specialists to gather actionable data, improving decision-making for resource managers. By fostering collaboration and synthesizing local and regional data, it seeks to bolster preparedness against ecological threats, ultimately contributing to sustainable natural resource management.

This funding opportunity invites research proposals that enhance the management of recreational fisheries, vital for food security and economic stability. By utilizing regional datasets, projects will assess harvest, consumption, and economic impacts while promoting adaptive management. The initiative aligns with key executive orders aimed at improving fisheries management and ensuring sustainable practices. This collaborative effort supports informed decision-making for resource managers, ultimately enhancing the resilience and accessibility of U.S. fisheries.

The NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) fosters essential partnerships to enhance research capabilities across 28 jurisdictions. Since its inception in 1992, EPSCoR has aimed to boost research infrastructure and development capacity, ultimately driving national competitiveness. This solicitation invites proposals that significantly advance NASA’s strategic research priorities while enhancing the science and technology capabilities of higher education and contributing to economic development within the funded jurisdictions.

The Cooperative Agreement with the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit aims to enhance science communication for effective decision-making in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This partnership with the USGS will involve translating peer-reviewed research into user-friendly communication products that highlight key Department of Interior priorities, including clean water provision, wildlife protection, and collaboration with local partners. This initiative is crucial for fostering informed environmental stewardship in the region.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing funding for a CESU partner to enhance species barcoding research. This initiative aims to utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor aquatic ecosystems effectively, supporting recreational fishing and species protection. By improving metabarcoding techniques, the project seeks to fill gaps in aquatic species barcode libraries through metagenomics and AI models, ensuring comprehensive assessments of community composition in the Rocky Mountains.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a Cooperative Agreement to a university partner within the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This initiative aims to enhance ecological research along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, focusing on the impacts of drought and dam operations on aquatic life. Key research will involve validating e-DNA detection methods for monitoring various ecological factors and developing modeling tools to project future environmental conditions.

The USGS is providing a funding opportunity for research through a Cooperative Agreement with a partner from the Hawaiʻi-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This initiative focuses on studying stable isotopes in mosquitoes from Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, an area vital for native Hawaiian bird populations, which remain safe from disease-carrying mosquitoes. The project aims to enhance understanding of ecosystem dynamics in this unique habitat.

The First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act aims to equip first responders and communities with the necessary training to effectively administer opioid overdose reversal medications. This initiative, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, addresses the urgent need for immediate response to opioid overdoses, ultimately enhancing community health and safety. By empowering first responders, the program seeks to reduce fatalities related to opioid misuse and foster a supportive recovery environment.

In honor of the late Kim Meier, a top level eventing athlete who made it to the highest levels of the sport through her own grit and determination. This grant is intended to assist those riders who are struggling financially to compete their own horse(s) at the Intermediate level and above who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. Preference will also be given to riders that are competing on horses that they bred. This fund was established and funded through the generosity of Kim’s friends.Each year one applicant will be selected to receive a $5,000 grant.

At Georgetown Health Foundation (GHF), we believe strong nonprofits build a healthier community. That’s why we’re more than just a funder; we’re a partner, advocate, and connector, working alongside local organizations to expand their impact and create meaningful change.Funding Priorities:

• Social Determinants of Health and Basic Needs - Programs that strengthen access to housing, nutritious food, healthcare, transportation, mental health services, and other factors known to influence lifelong health outcomes.
• Continuum of Access and Care - Initiatives that make it easier for individuals and families to connect with the right support at the right time, whether for prevention, intervention, or long-term well-being.
• Community-Informed Solutions - Collaborative efforts that address systemic disparities in access and outcomes, guided by data and grounded in the voices and experiences of Georgetown community members.

Grant requests should not exceed 25% or more of an applicant’s total organizational budget in any given year.

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is designed to establish and enhance fire protection in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. Through this program, the Division of Forestry provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments. 

Volunteer Fire Assistance grants funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 is available through a 50/50 reimbursement system on an annual basis. Grant applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year, and recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. 

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster Grant

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster (VFAND) Grant program, provides grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less that have been negatively affected by a recent Natural Disaster. This includes tornados, flooding, ice storms, and any events where a natural disaster resulted in a declared state of emergency.​ VFAND grants are currently available on an annual basis and applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year. Grant recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Grant funds ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available through a 50/50 reimbursement system. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFAND grant funding include: Nomex clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, wildland fire hand tools and personal protective equipment. 

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Kentucky Firewise USA Community Grants

The Kentucky Division of Forestry, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, is pleased to announce the 2026 Kentucky Firewise USA™ Community Grant Program. Grants may be awarded for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks and hazards in Kentucky's wildland-urban interface communities. Priority for grant funding will be given based on the level of wildfire risk, the establishment of a local Firewise USA™ Community, and the type of project proposed. Program Objectives:

• Support the establishment of Firewise USA™ Communities.
• Provide cost-share funds for wildfire mitigation and Firewise USA™ activities.
• Strengthen collaborative relationships with fire departments, communities, counties, and interested organizations.
• Educate the public about the benefits of wildfire risk reduction and the Firewise USA™ program.
• Reduce the risk of wildfires and their impact in wildland-urban interface areas.
• Complete Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs).

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet serves the public by enforcing laws relating to natural resources and the environment. It keeps citizens safe and healthy, while supporting a positive business climate. Within the EEC are two main departments and several offices, including:

• The Department for Environmental Protection protects and enhances Kentucky's environment through its divisions of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water, Enforcement and Compliance Assistance.
• The Department for Natural Resources provides technical assistance, education and funding to sustain Kentucky's natural resources. It is home to the divisions of Abandoned Mine Lands, Forestry, Mine Permits, Conservation, Oil & Gas, Mine Safety and Mine Reclamation.
• The Office of Energy Policy brings a common-sense approach that ensures the Commonwealth thrives amid rapid changes occurring in the production, delivery, and use of energy.
• The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves works to protect the Commonwealth’s natural heritage and educate Kentuckians about its importance. 
• The Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP) was established in 1979 by Gov. John Y. Brown as a response to the rising environmental concerns that emerged in post-oil crisis America. By 1982, the agency was elevated to cabinet status and renamed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

Urban and Community Forestry Tree Planting Grant

The Kentucky Division of Forestry’s goals for the Urban and Community Program are to: 1) Promote the development and enhancement of self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs. 2) Increase access to urban tree canopies and associated environmental, economic, and human health benefits. 3) Expand engagement in local community forestry planning. 4) Help make communities more resilient to pests, and natural disasters. 5) Improve levels of engagement and knowledge about trees and tree care across small and large communities. 6) Increase community preparedness by developing storm mitigation plans. 7) Prioritize projects focusing work on increasing urban and community tree canopies, mitigating heat islands, increasing stormwater benefits, and workforce development.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)

To help connect all Missouri students to nature, MDC partners with and supports school administrators and teachers. Across Missouri, you’ll find 29 conservation educators located in specific counties and school districts. These educators provide MDC resources and support for their local classroom teachers and schools. Mission and Vision: We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.

Discover Nature Fishing (DNF)

Discover Nature Fishing (DNF) engages students in conservation and aquatic education through classroom instruction and hands-on fishing opportunities. This program helps students gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. Participants learn about aquatic ecology, fish habitat, and fish identification. They also learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The program goal is to develop lifetime anglers. Research shows active anglers have greater mental strength, stress management, confidence, and perceived health.

Transportation Grant

The transportation grant supplements in-school DNF instruction and must provide a hands-on fishing experience for students. The grant is only available to schools actively teaching DNF and reimburses actual bus transportation costs. Agreements require signatures from the lead teacher, school administrator, and MDC conservation educator before being submitted to the DNF program coordinator for final approval and processing. 

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)

To help connect all Missouri students to nature, MDC partners with and supports school administrators and teachers. Across Missouri, you’ll find 29 conservation educators located in specific counties and school districts. These educators provide MDC resources and support for their local classroom teachers and schools. Mission and Vision: We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.

Discover Nature Fishing (DNF)

Discover Nature Fishing (DNF) engages students in conservation and aquatic education through classroom instruction and hands-on fishing opportunities. This program helps students gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. Participants learn about aquatic ecology, fish habitat, and fish identification. They also learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The program goal is to develop lifetime anglers. Research shows active anglers have greater mental strength, stress management, confidence, and perceived health.

High School Fishing Club Grant

Educating and recruiting new anglers helps conserve and restore Missouri’s aquatic natural resources. This grant support efforts that recruit new anglers through educational and community-based activities. High school fishing clubs that are officially recognized by their school district are eligible for this grant. Up to $500 per grant is available annually for fishing clubs that participate in activities including, but not limited to:

• Facilitating activities in which club members are teaching and mentoring youth on angling and aquatic education.
• Assisting with MDC fishing events such as kid’s fishing clinics and free fishing days.
• Adopting a Rod and Reel loaner location and providing maintenance on the fishing equipment throughout the year.
• Working on fish habitat improvement projects.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s mission is to provide Alaskans access to safe, quality, affordable housing. Making mortgages accessible to Alaskans has been at the core of Alaska Housing. Over the years responsibilities of AHFC have expanded to include affordable housing programs, energy efficiency, senior housing and more.

Alaska Housing is a self-supporting public corporation with offices in 16 communities statewide. Alaska Housing has contributed more than $2 billion to the state in the form of direct dividends for the General Fund, the state's funding source for all services and programs. The General Fund provides funds to the state for building and equipment improvements; bonding for projects such as university student housing; purchasing state assets; and maintenance of state-owned property.

Discharge Incentive Grant

The Discharge Incentive Grant (DIG) is a partnership between the Alaska Mental Health Trust (AMHTA), The State of Alaska Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), The State of Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC), and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation(AHFC). This grant primarily funds the housing component of release planning from incarceration for Trust beneficiaries experiencing severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and other cognitive and co-occurring disorders. The DIG has proven valuable every year to the DOC and the community by providing direct support for housing/rent to recently released beneficiaries with SPMI who would have otherwise been homeless due to no income or other housing options.

Louisiana Division of Administration

Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, the Office of Community Development administers federal funding through disaster recovery programs, which help storm-affected communities rebuild and strengthen resilience in housing, infrastructure, economic development and mitigation, as well as through local government assistance programs that provide grants for high-priority rehabilitation, construction and improvement projects throughout Louisiana. To this end, LOCD leverages established statewide partnerships and proven best practices to help Louisiana communities recover, rebuild and implement long-term resilience planning, while also supporting critical local projects that improve our infrastructure and expand opportunities statewide.

Community Water Enrichment Fund

CWEF provides funding to rehabilitate, improve and construct community water system projects to ensure access to safe, clean drinking water. The Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) was established during the 2008 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session through HB 926 (Act 513). The program provides funding to units of local government for the rehabilitation, improvement and construction of community water system projects to ensure access to safe, clean drinking water. Maximum grant ceiling amounts are based on the following population ranges:

• Villages (1-999): up to $25,000
• Towns (1,000-4,999): up to $35,000
• Cities (5,000-35,000): up to $50,000
• Parishes: up to $100,000