Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Florida

Florida environmental nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust for general operating or program support. Eligible projects may address environmental ingenuity, freshwater and marine conservation, or related initiatives, provided they align with the foundation’s mission and serve residents in its active regions, including Florida.

Florida 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities can receive up to US $20,000 for environmental and community projects, including land and water conservation, climate resiliency, disaster preparedness, and equity initiatives. The Duke Energy Foundation provides Local Impact Grants year-round to organizations in eligible Florida counties that can demonstrate measurable community impact.

Florida landowners conserving environmentally important forests in Florida can access funding through the Florida Forest Legacy Program to prevent conversion to non-forest uses. Administered by the Florida Forest Service and supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program uses acquisitions and conservation easements to maintain forestland and its environmental values.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies working on American Civil War battlefield preservation or related education can seek funding for projects in Florida and nationwide. Grants from HTR Foundation help protect historic sites through land or easement acquisition, support partner entities, and develop educational initiatives that may complement environmental and heritage conservation efforts.

Florida 501(c)(3) public charities can seek project or general operating support for environmental education and related youth, health, arts, and human services programs that benefit Miami-Dade County residents. Peacock Foundation provides flexible funding to nonprofits registered to solicit in Florida that first submit a mailed letter of inquiry before being invited to apply online.

Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental protection and permanent land conservation can access funding through River Branch Foundation. This regional funder focuses on projects in the Jacksonville beaches and northeast Florida counties including Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay, Baker, Flagler, and Putnam, with proposals submitted via a brief written letter.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Grassroots, rural community groups in Florida working on social, economic, or environmental justice through community organizing can apply for up to US $3,500 to support projects, capacity building, and travel. Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement across its 12-state Southern region.

Florida environmental nonprofits and 501(c)(3) community groups can seek up to US $2,500 to improve quality of life in the Town of Cutler Bay through environmental, beautification, cultural, educational, social service, or other philanthropic projects. Town of Cutler Bay prioritizes programs serving Cutler Bay residents across areas like conservation, green infrastructure, recycling, and community gardening.

Environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, or Sumter counties can apply for SECO Energy Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support local projects. Funding may back environmental stewardship, STEM education, energy efficiency, veterans initiatives, public safety, and health or human services programs in these Florida communities.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms in Florida pursuing impact litigation can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Cases advancing environmental justice or broader economic, racial, or social justice for communities facing systemic oppression may be supported.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Florida Communities Trust Parks and Open Space Grant

The preservation of green space, including parks, open space, beaches and natural areas, is an important factor in creating livable communities. In 1989, the Florida Communities Trust was created to meet this need. The Trust was funded through the Preservation 2000 bond program until the Florida Forever program was approved by the Florida Legislature in 1999. 

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever grant program provides funding to local governments and eligible nonprofit environmental organizations for acquisition of community-based parks, open space and greenways that further outdoor recreation and natural resource protection needs identified in local government comprehensive plans. The program provides local governments the opportunity to leverage local dollars with state dollars to optimize conservation benefits and encourages both public-private partnerships and land acquisition initiatives. 

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program requires local governments to provide a minimum 25% match, except for nonprofit environmental organizations and small local governments (defined as municipalities with a population less than 10,000 and counties with a population less than 75,000).

Funding

A total of $6.8 million is available in funding for this application cycle. Under the provisions of subsection 62-818.003(7), F.A.C., the total amount of any award or combination of awards applied for by any local government or nonprofit environmental organization under any application(s) or partnership application(s) for any project(s) shall not exceed five million dollars during any one cycle.

Awards requested in a partnership application are divided equally among the partners for the purposes of calculating individual applicant limits. However, the project will not be funded if the Applicant has three or more active Grant Agreements at the time of project selection. The Applicant may close out active Grant Agreements prior to project selection to regain eligibility pursuant to subsection 62-818.003(5), F.A.C.

 

Florida nonprofits, producer groups, agencies, universities, and related organizations can seek funding for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture. Florida environmental and agriculture-focused groups may be eligible for research, education, marketing, and access projects through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project-specific funding for environmental, education, health care, social service, civic, or cultural initiatives, including work in Florida. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Florida environmental organizations and other eligible charities access US $5,000 - US $25,000. Funding is typically for one year, with one application per organization annually.

Florida environmental nonprofits serving Okaloosa and Walton County residents can access funding through IMPACT 100 of Northwest Florida for high-impact projects in areas like environmental conservation, habitat restoration, recreation, and community greening. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may receive more than US $100,000 for new or expanded initiatives that fully use the grant within 24 months.

Environmental and natural resource conservation nonprofits in Florida can apply for US $10,000 - US $40,000 to support marine resource protection and other ecosystem projects, including work in South Florida. Grants from The Curtis & Edith Munson Foundation often require a 1:1 match and full board giving, and do not fund individuals or endowments.

Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning environmental stewardship, education, health, or cultural arts projects can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $50,000. Florida environmental groups can access funding through St. Joe Community Foundation for projects that protect, preserve, and restore natural resources, especially benefiting residents of Bay and Walton Counties.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Florida using grassroots organizing strategies can seek general or project support to advance social, economic, and environmental justice. Southern Partners Fund provides funding to strengthen rural leadership, build organizing capacity, and support justice-focused campaigns, which may include environmental justice and advocacy work in rural Florida communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Organizations providing environmental education projects in Florida and other Gulf Coast states can apply for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $750,000. Funding supports place-based programs that build community resilience, teach local environmental challenges, and engage participants in solutions-focused activities.

Florida local governments and nonprofit organizations can seek funding for innovative projects that prevent, mitigate, or clean up harmful algal blooms and nutrient enrichment in fresh waterbodies. Florida environmental groups can access funding through Florida Department of Environmental Protection to deploy scalable, construction-ready technologies for reduction, removal, prediction, or prevention in priority waterways with restoration plans.

Florida schools and civic or community organizations in Florida can receive grants to run environmental education projects focused on water issues and habitats. Florida Association for Water Quality Control provides up to US $1,000 to support cost-effective, science-based activities that foster awareness, engage students or citizens, and enhance water resources or associated habitats.

Florida coastal counties, municipalities, public colleges, universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs, and nonprofits partnering with local governments can seek $10,000 - $30,000 for coastal resilience and stewardship projects in Florida. Grants from Florida Department of Environmental Protection support climate adaptation, habitat restoration, public access improvements, and working waterfront revitalization that protect and manage coastal resources.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Florida environmental and community nonprofits can seek flexible project funding that advances wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and stronger communities. Grants from Big Nova Foundation help Central Florida organizations that have operated at least two years and align with goals like protecting the planet, uplifting those in need, pediatric cancer research, and patient and family support during treatment.