Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Puerto Rico

Nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico and other eligible U.S. territories or Canada working on environmental conservation and environmental justice can apply for project support; awards fund advocacy and campaigns to protect wild species and habitats. Grants from Fund for Wild Nature help smaller, grassroots groups address underfunded ecological threats through bold, policy-challenging efforts.

Conservation districts, state and territory associations, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Puerto Rico can receive funding to expand technical assistance staff and services for land stewards. National Association of Conservation Districts and NRCS support conservation planning, environmental justice, food security, clean water, outdoor access, and civic engagement as part of a nationwide conservation delivery system, with approximately US $18,000,000 available.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through environmental justice, conservation, recreation, or related initiatives in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. Impact100 Global Veterans funds veteran-focused programs in art and culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.

Grassroots community organizations advancing social justice and community organizing in Puerto Rico can apply for Peace Development Fund’s Community Organizing Grants Program, with awards of approximately US $5,000 for general or project support. Groups working on environmental justice through base-building, movement-building, or dismantling oppression efforts may be especially well-suited.

Eligible incorporated entities, tribal organizations, governments, cooperatives, and other legal entities in Puerto Rico can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for rural broadband infrastructure and community internet access. Grants from USDA: Rural Development (RD) help expand connectivity that supports environmental justice, economic opportunity, education, health care, and public safety in underserved rural areas.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, villages, and individuals conducting non-violent direct actions and movement-building work can seek funding for environmental and climate justice efforts in Puerto Rico and across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With a mission to defend Indigenous rights, NDN Collective provides support for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel, with awards up to US $15,000.

Artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects creating solution-focused environmental artistic activism can apply for Puffin Foundation support; awards fund climate and environmental justice work through art. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients are eligible, and projects centered on environmental justice and advocacy in Puerto Rico may be considered if they prioritize accessibility for U.S. audiences.

Puerto Rico youth leaders with environmental justice or other kindness-driven social impact projects can access funding through Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship. U.S. citizens and DACA recipients ages 13–23 receive up to US $5,000 plus a 12‑month leadership program, coaching, mentorship, and peer support to implement or expand their projects.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in North America working on environmental justice and related issues can receive US $3,000 plus leadership development support. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards recognize impactful, scalable projects; Puerto Rico youth advocates addressing pollution, climate, or community environmental challenges may be strong candidates.

Youth-led environmental project teams in Puerto Rico can seek support to fund and expand their initiatives through microgrants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative. The John Goddard Prize backs ambitious youth efforts in areas like environmental justice, conservation, pollution, and stewardship, with awards made multiple times each year to projects across the U.S.

Focused on climate storytelling, Bloomberg Philanthropies invites filmmakers, including those in Puerto Rico, to submit short documentaries on the urgency of climate change. Eligible creators can compete for a US $25,000 grand prize for films under 10 minutes, with the winner announced at the Bloomberg Green Docs Film Festival.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can gain paid policy experience through a 1–2 year Science Policy Fellowship in the U.S. Grants from American Chemical Society help fellows work on federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, and environmental and regulatory policy. Puerto Rico–focused environmental justice advocates with strong chemistry backgrounds may be competitive applicants.

Environmental and social justice nonprofits in Puerto Rico can seek funding for grassroots, direct-action campaigns that address root causes of environmental harm and protect affected communities. Patagonia Org provides US $5,000 - US $20,000 for action-oriented environmental justice and advocacy efforts that build public involvement, confront systemic bias, and pursue long-term change.

Youth-led environmental and climate justice groups in Puerto Rico can seek flexible project funding, capacity strengthening, and resources to advance community-based organizing. With a mission to empower young climate leaders, Climate Group’s Youth Climate Justice Fund offers up to US $40,000 for emerging collectives focused on inclusive, intersectional movement building and non-partisan, non-violent socio-environmental work.

Puerto Rico environmental justice and climate-focused nonprofits can access funding and intensive operational support via Levine Impact Lab. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental justice, climate solutions, or sustainability, with $500,000–$3.5 million budgets and at least 8–10 staff, may receive up to US $25,000 plus 18 months of strategic, hands-on capacity-building.

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.

With a mission to advance environmental causes, Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas provides Puerto Rico environmental justice and advocacy nonprofits with funding for biodiversity conservation, environmental education, environmental justice, and sustainable development projects. 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. or their overseas equivalents working in the Americas may be eligible, with timing ideal in the first quarter.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

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.