Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Virgin Islands

Environmental nonprofits working on conservation or advocacy in the Virgin Islands can seek project support that protects wild species and habitats. Grants from Fund for Wild Nature help small, Canada- or U.S.-registered 501(c)(3)-equivalent groups challenge destructive policies and actions; organizations must operate within Canada, the U.S., or their territories and have annual budgets under $250,000.

Conservation districts, state and territory associations, agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in the Virgin Islands can receive approximately US $18,000,000 in technical assistance funding to expand conservation staffing and services. National Association of Conservation Districts supports work on environmental justice, clean water, food security, outdoor equity, and related conservation priorities across eligible U.S. states and territories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving environmental justice, conservation, recreation, or related initiatives for veterans in the Virgin Islands can access funding through Impact100 Global Veterans, with awards up to US $100,000. Projects must fully serve veterans in U.S. territories, fit one focus area, and be new or expanding programs or collaborations.

Grassroots community organizations working on social justice and community organizing in the Virgin Islands can apply for Peace Development Fund’s Community Organizing Grants, with awards of approximately US $5,000 for general or project support. Groups building local power, dismantling oppression, and creating democratic, sustainable structures may be especially competitive, including those integrating environmental justice into broader systemic change efforts.

Organizations and government entities planning broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas of the Virgin Islands can apply for Community Connect Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for community-oriented connectivity. Grants from USDA Rural Development help expand high-speed internet that supports economic opportunity, education, healthcare, public safety, and environmental justice priorities in underserved communities.

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.

The Confluence Grant Program, initiated by the Conservation Alliance in 2021, aims to strengthen partnerships with historically racially excluded groups. It awards four grants of $100,000 over two years to support projects that protect or restore natural places. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships and sharing resources, ensuring that funded projects center on solutions led by impacted communities. By fostering collaboration and addressing funding gaps, the program enhances the conservation landscape for diverse voices.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, villages, and individuals can receive up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct action and movement-building work protecting land, air, water, and natural resources. With a mission to defend Indigenous rights, NDN Collective provides support across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and related island territories, including the Virgin Islands.

Artists and arts organizations in the Virgin Islands creating solution-focused environmental and climate crisis projects can apply for Puffin Foundation’s Environmental Artistic Activism support. Funding prioritizes U.S.-based, fiscally needy creators using environmentally conscious methods. Individual artists, organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects addressing environmental justice through art may be eligible.

Virgin Islands 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, and peer support, typically partnering with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 working on environmental justice and related issues in North America, including U.S. territories like the Virgin Islands, can receive US $3,000 and leadership development support. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards honor impactful, scalable projects with strong youth leadership, innovative approaches, and clear community or campus benefits.

Focused on environmental justice and climate storytelling, Bloomberg Philanthropies invites filmmakers, including those in Virgin Islands, to submit short documentaries under 10 minutes for the Bloomberg Green Docs Contest. Eligible creators can compete for a US $25,000 grand prize for films highlighting the urgency and impacts of climate change.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can apply for the Science Policy Fellowship, a 1–2 year placement with the American Chemical Society’s Government Affairs team. Grants from American Chemical Society help Virgin Islands environmental justice advocates engage in federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, and regulatory policy discussions at the national level.

Environmental and social justice nonprofits working on advocacy and direct-action campaigns can use this funding for environmental justice, habitat protection, and environmental health work, including public education and nonpartisan voter registration. Patagonia Org provides Virgin Islands environmental justice and advocacy groups with US $5,000 - US $20,000 to address root causes and build inclusive, community-led movements.

Youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups in the Virgin Islands can seek flexible support to strengthen organizing and capacity-building work. With a mission to empower young climate justice leaders, Climate Group provides grants up to US $40,000 for emerging collectives, including those advancing environmental justice and advocacy in community-based efforts.

Virgin Islands environmental justice nonprofits can access funding through Levine Impact Lab’s 18‑month Operational Support Program, which offers up to US $25,000 plus intensive capacity-building. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental justice, climate solutions, or sustainability with midsized budgets and staff may be eligible, including those serving Indigenous communities in U.S. territories.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and their overseas equivalents working on environmental justice, conservation, or sustainability across the Americas may be eligible for this funding, including work benefiting the Virgin Islands. With a mission to promote environmental causes, Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas supports research, education, community rights, and sustainable local livelihoods.

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.