Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Nebraska

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) environmental justice, climate, or sustainability nonprofits seeking operational growth support can apply for the Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program, with awards up to US $25,000. Focused on strengthening environmental organizations, Levine Impact Lab invites U.S.-based midsized groups, including those serving Indigenous communities, to join an 18‑month, high-engagement capacity-building cohort.

Youth-led environmental justice and climate groups in Nebraska and worldwide can access funding through Climate Group’s Youth Climate Justice Fund to support local or national socio-environmental organizing. Eligible collectives are led by people 35 and under, non-partisan, non-violent, and based in specified global regions; awards are up to US $40,000.

Environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits in Nebraska can seek funding for bold, action-oriented campaigns that address root causes of environmental harm and protect affected communities. Patagonia Org supports grassroots groups within the U.S. and other eligible countries, offering US $5,000 - US $20,000 for strategic, measurable efforts that build public involvement and long-term environmental change.

Scientists and engineers with strong backgrounds in the chemical sciences interested in environmental policy and justice can apply for a 1–2 year Science Policy Fellowship based in the U.S. Focused on environmental policy and related issues, American Chemical Society invites Nebraska environmental justice advocates to gain hands-on experience in federal science policy and member-driven advocacy.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice in Nebraska can apply for the Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, which awards a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help climate-focused storytellers worldwide, so Nebraska environmental justice advocates using film may be competitive applicants.

Young people leading environmental projects in Nebraska and across the U.S. can seek microgrants to grow ambitious, youth-led initiatives. Grants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative help youth advance work in environmental justice and advocacy, sustainability, conservation, pollution, stewardship, and leadership development through the John Goddard Prize for Environmental Conservancy.

Youth leaders ages 13 to 22 in Nebraska working on environmental projects can receive US $3,000 to support their initiatives. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards recognize impactful, scalable environmental justice and conservation efforts across North America, offering cash prizes, a short film, and a week of leadership, media, and career development programming for six awardees.

Youth changemakers ages 13–23 in Nebraska can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship; awards up to US $5,000 for youth-led social impact projects. Eligible projects include efforts in environmental justice, food insecurity, homelessness, education equity, LGBTQIA+ rights, animal welfare, and performing or visual arts that build kindness and community.

Environmental justice and advocacy artists and arts organizations in Nebraska can seek support for solution-focused projects addressing climate and other pressing environmental issues. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artists, Puffin Foundation provides funding for U.S.-based artistic projects that educate the public, prioritizing smaller budgets and environmentally conscious methodologies.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through environmental, educational, arts, family, or health initiatives can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects, including work in Nebraska. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformative grants that may support veteran-focused environmental justice and related programs.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Nebraska can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 to expand conservation staffing and services. Projects that advance environmental justice, food security, clean water, outdoor access, and civic engagement may be eligible.

Indigenous-led grassroots and community-based groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous people in Nebraska and across North America can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and movement-building. Funding can cover supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel for urgent environmental justice and climate response efforts.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

Nebraska environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits can access funding through Grand Rapids Community Foundation for projects advancing racial equity in education, health, housing, environment, arts, and economic prosperity. 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor may be eligible, with a primary geographic focus on Kent County, Michigan.

Wabtec Foundation provides Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community programs in education and environment, especially where Wabtec operates and employees can volunteer. Organizations advancing environmental justice and advocacy, pollution reduction, or natural resource management in these communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development in the Americas, including Nebraska, can apply for support from Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations and international equivalents, with a preference for areas where the corporation has a strong presence or employee volunteer opportunities.

Environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits in Nebraska and other U.S. and Canadian locations can seek project support for protecting wild species and habitats. Focused on grassroots ecological campaigns, Fund for Wild Nature backs small, tax-exempt organizations (under about $250,000 annual budget) that challenge destructive policies and do not receive any government funding.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) and public organizations working on environmental stewardship, sustainability education, or community vitality projects can seek support to strengthen local engagement and resilience. Waste Management’s charitable contributions program may benefit environmental justice and advocacy efforts, workforce and skills development, and initiatives that enhance safe, sustainable neighborhoods and public spaces.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.