Federal Funding Opportunities

Inflation Reduction Act allocated $8.45 billion over four years

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

Deadline: Year-round. By state ranking date for current cycle.

$2 billion available, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act

EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy.

The Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program will fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation. This will enable communities and their partners to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and for generations to come.

There will be two tracks of funding under this opportunity. Track I will fund approximately 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million - $20 million. Track II will fund approximately 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million - $3 million. Grants cannot exceed three years in duration. Please review the NOFO for further information about the exciting opportunities under the Community Change Grants program and details about the application process.

Eligibility Condition: Applications must be submitted by: A partnership between two community-based non-profit organizations; or a partnership between a community-based non-profit organization and one of the following: a Federally Recognized Tribe; a local government; an institution of higher education.

Deadline: Nov. 21, 2024.

Alliance for Green Heat is making more than $1 million available to expand and connect the nation’s network of firewood banks thanks to a grant from the USDA Forest Service made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Firewood banks, similar in approach to food banks, provide a local, renewable and cost-effective heating source to households in need.

This year, FY 2025, there will be three categories of eligibility — new, start-ups and renewals. New firewood banks (existing firewood banks that have not received funding previously) and start-up firewood banks (individuals or organizations launching new firewood banks in 2024-2025) may apply for funding beginning May 1. Renewal firewood banks (firewood banks that have received funding previously) may apply beginning Sept. 1.

Deadlines: Applications open May 1, 2024 for new and start-up firewood banks; Sept. 1, 2024 for renewals.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks two or three qualified Contractors to provide technical assistance as “field liaisons” to support applicants and grantees of the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) and other associated NFWF grant programs, including the Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund (Big Game). This support will help to advance the goals of the ATBC, the Big Game and other associated NFWF grant programs, improve grantee and applicant experience, and increase the quality and scale of qualified proposals. The contractor will provide support for one-year (with the option to renew for an additional year) and report to Rachel Dawson, Program Director, National Programs.

Deadline: Sept. 17, 2024

$70 million available, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The NFPP is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers, restore aquatic organism passage, and restore climate resilient aquatic connectivity in rivers, floodplains, and coastal habitats for the benefit of Federal trust resources. The program targets aquatic connectivity opportunities that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of the Service’s aquatic trust species, enhance watershed health, promote resilient ecosystems and communities especially in disadvantaged communities, and improve economic vitality, including local employment. NFPP aims to maintain or increase native fish populations to improve ecosystem resiliency and provide quality fishing experiences for the American people. Activities that restore aquatic connectivity and fish passage also support the modernization of the country’s infrastructure such as road culverts, bridges, and water diversions contributing to enhanced community resilience to the impacts from climate change and other public safety hazards. NFPP funds a variety of project types including, but not limited to dam removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration and reconnection, dike breaches, and reconnection of tidal habitats.

The NFPP is delivered through the Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC) across all States and territories. FAC staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify and collaboratively develop and implement projects within regional priority areas. Project work plans are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement from FAC staff. Projects must be based upon sound scientific and technical principles, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic ecosystem resilience. Applicants seeking funding under this program should contact the regional NFPP Coordinator that corresponds to the location of the project for additional information on regional priorities and coordination with FAC staff prior to applying for funding.

Deadline: Dec. 31, 2024.

Inflation Reduction Act allocated $3.25 billion over four years: $250 million in FY 2023, $500 million in FY 2024, $1 billion in FY 2025 and $1.5 billion in FY 2026

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Deadlines: Year round. By state ranking date for current cycle.