Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Indiana

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Utility Studies

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

• Single Utility Study ($30,000)
  • A single utility study evaluates the condition, needs, alternatives, costs, and implementation steps for one utility system to determine the most viable, fundable solutions and guide immediate planning and investment decisions.
• Two Utility Study ($60,000) 
  • A Two Utility Study examines two water systems (typically drinking water plus wastewater or stormwater) together to identify conditions, needs, and service gaps and sustainability measures; and deliver prioritized, fundable action steps to operationalize and finance the recommended improvements.
• Master or Three Utility Study ($90,000)
  • A Master Utility Study provides an integrated assessment of all community-controlled water systems (drinking water, wastewater, stormwater), identifies needs and service gaps, evaluates coordinated alternatives with lifecycle and environmental analyses, and delivers prioritized designs, cost estimates, operating budgets, permitting and financing options, and a implementation plan.

Local governments in rural Indiana seeking funding for downtown streetscapes, pedestrian safety, ADA access, and other Main Street infrastructure can apply for the Main Street Revitalization Program, with awards up to US $600,000. Grants from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs help communities integrate green infrastructure, water management, and energy-efficient improvements into revitalization projects.

Indiana local governments needing stormwater system upgrades in Indiana can apply for construction funding to improve stormwater management and reduce flooding. Administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, these CDBG Stormwater Improvements Program grants support projects like water retention, line improvements, drainage rehabilitation, and green infrastructure to protect rivers, lakes, and community livability; awards are more than US $5,000.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides Indiana nonprofits and schools with funding for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts serving Honda communities in Indiana can apply for the Environment Pillar Award, with grants ranging from US $25,000 - US $100,000.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Indiana and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for the Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Funding can support green infrastructure, stormwater, air and water quality, and related environmental justice efforts in disadvantaged communities.

Indiana community-led organizations working on climate, democracy, environmental justice, or green infrastructure can seek US $5,000 - US $100,000 for capacity and infrastructure building. Focused on movement building, Central Indiana Community Foundation prioritizes frontline, place-based, BIPOC- and LGBTQ+-led groups, tribal governments, and rural communities advancing measurable community outcomes.

Coastal communities, local governments, and conservation-focused organizations in Indiana and other eligible U.S. coastal areas can seek major funding to plan, design, and implement nature-based coastal resilience projects. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports green-gray infrastructure such as marsh and wetland restoration, dunes, living shorelines, and floodplain reconnection to protect communities and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, with awards from US $1,000,000 - US $10,000,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Indiana communities served by RBC Wealth Management can apply for funding to build in-demand skills, expand job readiness, and support inclusive prosperity and environmental sustainability projects. RBC Foundation USA provides Indiana groups with support that may include green infrastructure or energy-efficiency improvements as part of broader community and climate initiatives.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5428 - Establish Standardized Guidelines for Embedding O&M Considerations into the Design Process

Grant Information

• To provide provisions that address common, recurring design issues that drive operations and maintenance (O&M) time and material, including but not limited to standardization of spare parts and consumables, support for condition based and predictive and preventive maintenance, and maintain-in-place design strategies.
• To develop standardized design guidance to measurably reduce lifecycle O&M labor hours for municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations, etc., once required process performance and regulatory compliance are achieved.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5430 - Unlocking Value and Opportunities from Carbon Flows in Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Identify carbon flows across drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and advanced treatment systems. Carbon flows may include source water, stormwater, process emissions, process inputs, residuals, and biogas.
• Identify the most relevant carbon recovery, capture, conversion, storage, and avoidance opportunities.
• Evaluate value creation pathways, including products, avoided costs, and environmental attributes, and mechanisms and partnerships needed to put them into practice.
• Assess how opportunities vary across system types and local contexts by focusing on more common scenarios for utilities.
• Provide practical, research-based insights to support identification, prioritization, evaluation, and advancement of carbon management opportunities under site-specific conditions and constraints.
• Evaluate implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, environmental attribute claims, and other potential benefits across pathways.

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.

Emerging Leaders Program alumni working in conservation and green infrastructure, including those in Indiana, can receive US $500 awards for professional development and career-enhancing opportunities. The Soil and Water Conservation Society supports graduates who are current members and demonstrate ongoing engagement and leadership in conservation-focused work and Society activities.

U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations leading multidisciplinary environmental projects can use these grants for green infrastructure and related sustainability initiatives, including water, air, soil, and waste systems. Grants from Renewable Natural Resources Foundation help Indiana and other U.S. projects implement research-based solutions through collaborative efforts, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $200,000.

Renewable Natural Resources Foundation provides Indiana green infrastructure and environmental organizations with planning and small grants up to US $50,000 for collaborative projects. U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) leads working on areas like renewable energy, water quality, soil health, or recycling with multidisciplinary partners, including at least one from an RNRF member organization, may be eligible.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate education can access funding through the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation to reduce fossil fuel demand and provide accurate climate change education for young adults. U.S.-based nonprofits, excluding those operating exclusively abroad, may request general operating or program-specific support for innovative, research-informed strategies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on green infrastructure, clean drinking water, or sustainable energy in Indiana and across the U.S. can seek support for policy, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility initiatives. Grants from Park Foundation may also fund investigative reporting on drinking water and shale gas issues, especially those relevant to New York State.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association invites students, including those whose work touches green infrastructure in Indiana, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Tribal governments and communities pursuing renewable energy and solar workforce development projects can use this funding for capacity building and new solar installations, including in Indiana. Grants from GRID Alternatives help tribal entities advance green infrastructure, energy sovereignty, and climate resilience through solar education, training, long-term energy planning, and community-engaged renewable energy projects, with awards up to US $100,000.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can access funding to tell impactful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports communications that highlight efforts such as green infrastructure, environmental conservation, mental health, and early childhood education; awards are typically more than US $50,000.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on green infrastructure, transportation, or STEM-related initiatives in eligible GM communities can access funding through General Motors Foundation to support programmatic work. Grants support projects like sustainable transportation, public infrastructure, climate resilience, and related workforce or technical education in counties such as Grant, Howard, and Monroe, with applications accepted January through September.

With a mission to support community development and sustainability, Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation provides Indiana nonprofits and U.S. accredited schools with funding for STEM education, sustainable construction, green infrastructure, and workforce development projects. Organizations in eligible Indiana counties that can also engage employee volunteers may be especially competitive for these direct grants.

With a mission to strengthen communities and climate resiliency, Duke Energy Foundation provides Indiana 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities with funding up to US $20,000 for green infrastructure and environmental projects. Eligible programs include land conservation, clean water, biodiversity, climate change resiliency, disaster preparedness, and access to green space in underserved communities within Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas service areas.

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to significantly reduce cigarette waste in public spaces across the U.S. since 2003. The program has successfully implemented strategies in over 1,800 communities, achieving an average 50% reduction in litter. Eligible applicants include KAB affiliates and local organizations focused on recycling and public education. Priority is given to partnerships and projects that expand the program's reach, especially those targeting clean water initiatives.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.