Best Green Infrastructure Grants

The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Grant aims to enhance water quality in Puget Sound through community-based projects. Funded by the Rose Foundation, the grant supports 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities focusing on pollution mitigation, conservation, and education. Grants typically span one year with a maximum of $40,000. The foundation prefers locally-led initiatives and encourages applications from environmental justice organizations to foster equity in project implementation.

California Natural Resources Agency

The California Natural Resources Agency oversees and supports more than 26 distinct departments, conservancies, and commissions. Our Agency Executive Team leads efforts to steward California’s natural environment and to advance Governor Newsom’s key priorities.

Over 25,000 Californians work within our Agency all across the state to meet our mission to protect, manage, and restore the state’s environment and its vast natural, cultural, and historical resources. We advance this work with science as our foundation and inclusion and collaboration as our guiding principles.

Urban Greening Grant Program

Funding Purpose

The Urban Greening Grant Program will fund projects that use nature-based solutions to mitigate the urban heat island effect, rising temperatures, and extreme heat impacts in urban areas.

Nature-based solutions include all the ways land can be managed to boost the health and resilience of natural systems, helping them store carbon and protect against climate change impacts, including extreme heat. Nature-based solutions that address extreme heat impacts use natural cooling strategies to limit temperature increase and urban heat islands. Examples include planting trees that provide strategic shade, expanding green spaces that serve as places of refuge during heat waves, and increasing tree canopy cover in cities, communities, and schoolyards.

Successful projects will green and cool communities and offer multiple benefits including sequestering carbon, limiting stormwater runoff, providing habitat and preserving biodiversity, protecting public health during extreme heat, increasing equity, and expanding economic and workforce opportunities. Funded projects are expected to advance the goals of the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan and Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets. 

The Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance program, offered by NYSERDA, aims to enhance solar access for low-to-moderate income households in New York. With grants totaling $3,600,000, it addresses barriers to solar installations in rental and multifamily housing. Projects can receive up to $200,000 to support predevelopment efforts, ensuring equitable solar development and meaningful benefits for underserved communities.

Environmental Stewardship: Community Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

To support locally driven projects that preserve and enhance our natural environment.

Community grants empower local communities to preserve and enhance our natural environment.

We know relatively modest projects can make an outsized difference when they promote environmental stewardship and engage whole communities in conservation. More details about these grants and how to apply can be found on page 5. At least $50,000 is available to support community grants.

The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program supports distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities in enhancing urban green spaces. It provides funding for projects such as community gardens and green infrastructure, aiming to improve public enjoyment and environmental education. Eligible applicants must be municipalities or registered non-profits, with a focus on projects that demonstrate public accessibility. This match-share reimbursement program requires applicants to secure 50% of the total project cost.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The NYC Green Infrastructure Grant Program offers funding for private property owners to retrofit their roofs with green roofs, aiming to manage stormwater runoff effectively. Projects undergo a detailed design review process, with reimbursement rates determined by soil depth and green roof area. The minimum funding requirement is $50,000, ensuring substantial investment in green infrastructure. This initiative, managed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, seeks to enhance urban sustainability and resilience.

The Urban and Community Forestry - Inflation Reduction Act Grant aims to enhance urban forest management in Florida, promoting the retention and expansion of community tree canopies. This initiative emphasizes the importance of trees in urban settings, highlighting their benefits such as increased property values, improved mental and physical health, and reduced environmental issues. By educating communities on proper tree care and green infrastructure, the program strives to optimize the ecological and social advantages of urban forestry.

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Grant offers municipalities in New York State access to low or no-interest financing for vital wastewater and sewer infrastructure projects. This initiative supports various projects, including the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and stormwater management systems. By repaying their loans, communities can reinvest in future projects, ensuring sustainable funding for essential environmental protection and infrastructure improvements across the state.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

About

Community Foundation of Greenville bridges philanthropy and purpose in Greenville County, helping people make their charitable giving simpler and more powerful for 70 years. We strategically match diverse needs and opportunities in Greenville County with philanthropic resources.

Vision:

Community Foundation of Greenville will be the leading catalyst for developing assets and unlocking potential to meet the needs of an inclusive and equitable community.

Mission:

Community Foundation of Greenville improves the lives of Greenville County residents through strategic philanthropy, community investment, and collaborative leadership.

New Leaf Fund

Community Foundation of Greenville administers grants to preserve parks, open spaces, and historical and cultural assets through the New Leaf Fund.

The New Leaf Fund was established in 2025 by a Greenville native with a passion for conservation.

Established 501c(3) organizations and local municipalities are invited by the New Leaf Fund Committee to apply online through Community Foundation’s website during the spring, summer, and/or winter grant cycles.

The Foundation encourages grant requests that include the protection of land and waterfront areas, increased tree cover and access to green spaces, and the protection and restoration of historical properties, in the City of Greenville, in Greenville County, and, to a lesser degree, in the Upstate.

RFP: Grants for Enhancing MA Grid Resilience & Reliability

Increased electricity demand and more severe weather events pose a challenge to Massachusetts’ grid infrastructure and state energy users. This program funds projects to enhance the resilience of the electric grid, prevent outages, and mitigate the impact of disruptive events. MassCEC is interested in supporting microgrid enabling projects that help achieve resiliency goals at critical facilities, more details in the Request for Proposals below.​

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, offered by the USDA Forest Service, aims to support Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified non-profits in acquiring private forest lands to establish community forests. This competitive grant program focuses on protecting forestland from non-forest uses while enhancing public access and community benefits such as recreation and education. Applications are due by October 13, 2026, requiring coordination with State Foresters or Tribal officials.

The Walters Family Foundation Fund aims to enhance Michigan communities through funding initiatives focused on conserving the natural environment, promoting arts and culture, advancing economic vitality, and empowering youth through innovative learning programs. With a minimum grant request of $25,000, eligible applicants must be Michigan-based public charities recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission of fostering community engagement and stewardship.

The Colorado AmeriCorp Operational Grant, administered by Serve Colorado, aims to enhance community service through AmeriCorps funding. It supports programs targeting workforce development, health care, and green infrastructure, focusing on underserved communities. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to priority areas, ensuring high-quality program designs to improve lives and foster civic participation. This grant empowers organizations to engage AmeriCorps members in impactful service, promoting economic mobility and advancing racial equity, while addressing local community needs.

The Community Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants, administered by the Illinois Finance Authority, aims to deploy over $14 million in federal funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This initiative focuses on expanding access to EV charging in both urban and rural communities, particularly in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Eligible applicants include government, education, and nonprofit organizations, with a requirement for a 20% cost match. The program prioritizes projects enhancing community-based infrastructure for all Illinois residents.

The NJ eMobility Rolling Grant Program aims to reduce transportation emissions in New Jersey, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. By promoting electric mobility solutions like rideshare and electric vehicle infrastructure, the program addresses health disparities linked to pollution. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and scalability, ensuring access to clean transportation options while improving air quality and public health. The funding prioritizes shovel-ready projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of community needs.

CDBG Construction Grants

Overview

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

• Blight Clearance
• Main Street Revitalization
• Public Facilities
• Stormwater Improvements
• Wastewater/Drinking Water

Main Street Revitalization

The Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) is designed to empower rural communities in their efforts to build vibrant, sustainable environments and enhance overall quality of life.

Eligible projects include:

• Traffic Control or Pedestrian Safety
• Functional Art
• ADA Improvements
• Sidewalk Rehabilitation or Addition
• Signage or Utility Relocation for Accessibility
• Pavers
• Water Management
• Energy Efficiency (LED Traffic Lights or Signals)
• Alley Activation

To be eligible, applicants must have a designated Indiana Main Street organization that meets one of the following qualifications:

• National Accreditation through the National Main Street Center (NAMS), or
• Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status with at least three years of active designation
• Be in good standing with the Indiana Mainstreet Program requirements

Grant awards are based on the proposed project cost, as outlined below.

• Projects over $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $600,000
• Projects under $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $500,000
• A local match of 20% of the total project cost is required for funding consideration.

CDBG funds will be awarded at a rate of $5,000 per project beneficiary.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Community Forestry Grants Program by Texas A&M Forest Service aims to foster sustainable urban forestry initiatives, enhancing community resilience against climate change while promoting health equity. Each grant, worth $50,000, supports projects that develop diverse tree cover and improve public access to green spaces, particularly in historically disadvantaged areas. Eligible entities include public and non-profit organizations, focusing on innovative solutions that integrate urban forestry into community planning and wellness strategies.

The Liberty Mutual Foundation is launching its Climate Resiliency RFP to enhance climate resilience in low-income and underrepresented neighborhoods in Boston. This initiative aims to support nature-based solutions, training for green jobs, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. By funding innovative programs, the foundation seeks to tackle climate challenges while empowering vulnerable communities. Eligible organizations can apply for planning or implementation grants, focusing on measurable outcomes that create lasting impact.

About Us

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is charged with oversight and management of Vermont's natural environment on behalf of the people of Vermont. We endeavor to draw from and build upon Vermonters' shared ethic of responsibility for our natural environment, an ethic that encompasses a sense of place, community and quality of life, and an understanding that we are an integral part of the environment and that we must all be responsible stewards for this and future generations.

Combined Sewer Overflow Program

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation will issue grants from our ARPA allocations to municipalities to accelerate CSO elimination projects, allowing these projects to progress on a faster schedule and with more affordability to the ratepayers. The allocations have been outlined in the State Fiscal Year 2023 Intended Use Plan and will be able to be used towards CSO abatement projects submitted for the project priority list.

Equity Considerations

ARPA funds will help disadvantaged communities address the public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and help protect them from future crises. ARPA funding will be prioritized to help CSO communities. CSO communities carry higher debt burdens than communities that have separate stormwater systems and this creates a hardship for ratepayers and the development of other necessary infrastructure projects.

Department of Energy and Environment

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia. Using a combination of regulations, outreach, education, and incentives, our agency administers programs and services to fulfill our mission. We work collaboratively with other government agencies, residents, businesses, and institutions to promote environmentally responsible behavior that will lead to a more sustainable urban environment.

Clean Water Construction Grant Program

The mission of the District of Columbia’s Clean Water Construction (CWC) program is to fund the design and construction of voluntary projects that provide clean water to District streams and rivers.

Clean Water Construction Treatment Works Projects - Notice Of Funding Availability and Request For Partners (RFP)

DOEE seeks to identify collaborative partners for its fiscal year (FY) 2027 Clean Water Construction (CWC) grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Applications are requested for project partners in three categories of work: (1) Sewage Infrastructure Projects, (2) Stormwater Grey Infrastructure Projects, and (3) Stormwater Green Infrastructure Projects. This RFP is competitive.

Clean Water Construction Grant Program - Stormwater Green Infrastructure Projects

Stormwater Green Infrastructure Projects include techniques and plantings used to reduce stormwater runoff through groundwater infiltration, evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting; and projects designed to protect, restore, or construct stream and wetland ecosystems.

Project examples

• Green streets;
• Permeable pavement;
• Bioretention;
• Green roofs;
• Cisterns for harvesting and reuse of stormwater;
• Street tree/urban forestry/tree box expansion;
• Downspout disconnection;
• Wetland restoration;
• Stream restoration and daylighting;
• Sustainable landscaping and site design;
• Other practices that mimic natural hydrology to provide a water quality benefit; and
• Equipment to maintain these practices, such as a vacuum-powered street sweeping of permeable pavers.

The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program plays a vital role in California's climate strategy by funding projects that promote affordable housing and sustainable transportation. By reducing reliance on personal vehicles, it aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The program supports new construction, renovation of affordable housing, and transportation infrastructure, including transit amenities and safe walking and biking options, thereby fostering equitable access to essential services for all residents.

The Main Street Matters program aims to revitalize downtown areas and surrounding neighborhoods through grants for planning, business support, and aesthetic improvements. Eligible entities include local governments, redevelopment authorities, and nonprofits. Funding supports various projects, such as building rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements, with a minimum 50% match required. This initiative promotes community development, safety, and sustainability, helping districts recover from disasters while fostering vibrant local economies.

The Equity and Access Grant Program: Clean Energy Access in LA County provides up to $200,000 for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to enhance outreach and education on the TECH Clean CA initiative. This program focuses on building decarbonization and health impacts, particularly in underserved areas like the Aliso Canyon Disaster Area. It aims to connect communities to clean energy resources, increasing awareness and participation in sustainable practices while addressing public health and environmental challenges.