The Tribal Climate Change Guide is part of the Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Project (TCCP). The TCCP is part of the L.I.G.H.T. Foundation (LF), is an independent, Indigenous-led, conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofit established on the Colville Indian Reservation in the traditional territory of the Nespelem Tribe in present-day north central Washington State. LF supports the restoration and cultivation of native Plant and Pollinator Relatives and the culturally respectful conservation of habitats and ecosystems which are climate resilient and adaptive. For more information about LF, visit: https://thepnwlf.org/. For more information about the Tribal Climate Change Project, visit: https://tribalclimate.uoregon.edu/. If you would like to add information to this guide, please email kathy.lynn.or@gmail.com.

 

Funding

The Tribal Climate Change Funding Guide is intended to provide up-to-date information on grants, programs and plans that may assist tribes in addressing climate change through a broad range of sectors. We will update this guide regularly, so please check back often. If you have questions or updates for this guide, email: kathy.lynn.or@gmail.com. Please note that for entries that are accepting applications continuously, the grant deadline column will list "12/31/2024" as the grant deadline. This ensures that those grants will appear immediately after those grants with a set deadline.

Title Organization Grant Deadline Description Funding Amount Geography Website
Tribal Climate Resilience Program Grants in Washington Washington State Department of Commerce

Most Recent Deadline: June 7, 2024. The Washington State Department of Commerce has consulted with tribes within Washington state to co-design a strategy for the distribution of $50 million of Climate Commitment Act (CCA) dollars that the Washington Legislature appropriated for tribal climate resilience in the 2023-2025 biennium. https://www.commerce.wa.gov/program-index/tribal-climate-resilience-program-grants/

Categories: Resilience, Climate Committment Act

Washington state Link
Human and Ecological Health Impacts Associated with Water Reuse and Conservation Practices (USEPA) EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency, as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications to conduct research on and demonstration of human and ecological impacts of treated wastewater applications (reclaimed water and wastewater reuse), and water conservation practices including the use of non-traditional water sources as well as more comprehensive long-term management and availability of water resources.

Categories: Resesarch, Wastewater, water quality, Water Conservation

Up to $750,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Tribal Extension Grant Program USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Deadline is Ongoing. The Tribal College Extension grant program allows the 1994 Land-Grants to create extension offices for their reservation communities. Each extension office works with reservation communities to build programs that target local needs. The result is a diversified and targeted outreach. Reservation youth participate in fun activities in a safe environment. Farmers and ranchers gain science-based insights to improve their productivity. Financial literacy training enhances rural reservation economies. The 1994 Land-Grants also provide culture-centered family activities to restore Native languages, traditions and agriculture. Within this grant program are two types of funds: Capacity grants and Special Emphasis. Capacity grants fund an entire Extension office which can have many mission areas and clients. Special Emphasis are targeted, short-term pilot projects that allow Extension educators to explore new ways to better serve their community.

Categories: reservation communities, financial literacy training, education, culture, native languages, traditions, agrculture

Varies Link
National Center for Sustainable Water Infrastructure Modeling Research (USEPA) EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency, as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking initial applications proposing the creation of a National Center for Sustainable Water Infrastructure Modeling Research that facilitates technology transfer of open source water infrastructure models and shares green infrastructure tools and research advancements with local communities and stakeholders.

Categories: Research, Water, Infrastructure

Up to $4 million Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southesat, National, Alaska Link
Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding DOE

DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office supports a broad research, development, and deployment technology portfolio focused on reducing the cost and improving the performance of a mix of near- and long-term vehicle technologies. Specifically, activities are aimed at improving vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles, powertrains, fuel, tires, and auxiliary systems. This Funding Opportunity Announcement contains a total of 14 areas of interest in the general areas of advanced light-weighting; advanced battery development; power electronics; advanced heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems; and fuels and lubricants.

Categories: Research, Vehicles, Research and Development

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, National, Alaska Link
Great Basin LCC Project Funding LCC

The Great Basin LCC is excited to announce support for Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) projects for 2014. These funds will be used to support western scientific-focused projects which (1) pertain to invasive species, fire,sagebrush habitats and sagebrush-dependent species, (2) provide management-relevant tools and information for strategic decision-making in the face of changing climate,and (3) address one or more of the six GNLCC objectives; these funds will be used to support TEK-focused projects which (1) clearly identify a management utility or application, (2) be applicable to some portion of the geographic range of the GBLCC, and (3) address one of the following eligible activities: Support assessment of climate-related impacts and adaptation planning for cultural or subsistence resources that are traditionally gathered or huntedor forplaces of historic cultural value.

Categories: Research, Natural Resource Management, traditional knowledges

$20,000-$100,000 Northwest, Midwest, Great Basin Link
TWS Native American Professional Development Partnership with USFS FS, DOA

US Forest Services Research and Development has entered into a partnership with The Wildlife Society (TWS) that includes support for Native American wildlife biology college and graduate students to both attend the national annual conference, and to gain experience working with Forest Service R&D wildlife research biologists or ecologists in a Research Assistant position for a field season. TWS is committed to developing wildlife biology expertise within Native American communities, and helping to prepare the students for successful careers. R&D is committed to partnerships with tribes and tribal colleges. USFS scientists will submit proposals detailing their interest, while Native American students will submit separate applications. USFS proposals that include a specific student will also be considered. Please contact Monica Tomosy, National Wildlife Research Program Leader and Liaison to the National
Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center USDA Forest Service Research, for more information: mstomosy@fs.fed.us; 703-402-5625.

Categories: Research, Natural Resource Management

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest
California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment Tribal Research Grant Program California Energy Commission

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: November 17, 2023. The purpose of this solicitation is to provide funding for tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal-serving non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to conduct tribally-led climate change research, assessments, and similar projects deemed a priority by the applying tribe. Senate Bill 170 (Skinner, Chapter 240, Statutes of 2021) appropriated $3.625 million in grant funds for the California Energy Commission (CEC) to administer pursuant to this purpose. The Tribal Research Grant Program will fund tribally led climate change research, assessments, and similar projects deemed a priority by the applying tribe. This includes projects that have an indigenous knowledge focus, a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, and practices that have been historically underfunded in climate initiatives, as well as Western science approaches, and the collaboration of the two knowledge systems. The program will accommodate a diversity of geographies, environments, project types, and climate impacts with tribal governments and tribal communities. The CEC encourages, but does not require, grant recipients to share the results of projects funded under this solicitation with the Fifth California Climate Change Assessment. Recipients shall inform the CEC whether and how project results can be shared with the Fifth California Climate Change Assessment during the agreement development phase.

Categories: research, IK, culture, climate assessment, implementation, tool development, restoration

$20,000 - $400,000 California Link
CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Applied Research (PHEPRAR) CDC

Deadline Passed 05/17/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. OPHPR aims to support innovative research to improve the ability of CDC and its partners, especially state and local health departments, to effectively prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and disasters. Research topics were identified and prioritized through a systematic process, based on the needs of OPHPR. Topic areas in this solicitation are as follows (refer to the announcement for detailed explanations and requirements): Topic 1: Determining Requirements to Ensure Entities Have Effectively Inactivated Biological Select Agents and Regulated Nucleic Acids. Topic 2: Utility of the National Health Security Preparedness Index (NHSPI) for State and Local Public Health Preparedness Activities. Topic 3: Incident Management Systems (IMS) Promising Measures of Performance and Effectiveness. Topic 4: Evidence-Based Interventions to Mitigate Adverse Impacts on At-Risk Populations. Topic 5: Identifying Information Needs and Communication Channels for Reaching At-Risk Populations during Emergencies

Categories: research, health, public health, emergency preparedness, management, mitigation, at-risk populations

National Link
Fiscal Year 14 Funding Opportunity:Select LCCs and CSCs CSC

Seven of the eight U.S. Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers (Alaska, North Central, Northeast, Pacific Islands, South Central, Southeast and Southwest) and the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC) are seeking Statements of Interest (SOIs) and Proposals for funding in Fiscal Year 2015. Projects are invited that support CSC/NCCWSC science priorities as described in the guidance document below. PLEASE NOTE: 6/17/2014 is the deadline for statements of interest, while 8/1/2014 is the deadline for proposals.

Categories: Research, Education, Vulnerability Assessment, Ecosystem Function

Varies Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Alaska, Pacific Islands, Midwest Link
Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program USDA, NIFA

Deadline Passed 11/01/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. This program was designed to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) in building institutional research capacity through applied projects that address student educational needs and meet community, reservation or regional challenges. 

Categories: Research, Education, Land, Natural Resources, curriculum, higher education

$60,000-$500,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National. Midwest, Alaska Link
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development USDA, NIFA

Deadline Passed 07/19/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Education and Workforce Development (EWD) (formerly the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences Education and Literacy Initiative, or ELI) focuses on developing the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. In FY 2018, EWD invites applications in four areas: professional development opportunities for K-14 teachers and education professionals; training of undergraduate students in research and extension; fellowships for predoctoral candidates; and fellowships for postdoctoral scholars. See EWD Request for Applications for specific details.

Categories: research, education, food, agriculture, training

up to $500,000 National Link
Decision, Risk and Management Sciences (DRMS) National Science Foundation

Deadline Passed 08/19/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The Decision, Risk and Management Sciences program supports scientific research directed at increasing the understanding and effectiveness of decision making by individuals, groups, organizations, and society. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, doctoral dissertation research improvement grants (DDRIGs), and workshops are funded in the areas of judgment and decision making; decision analysis and decision aids; risk analysis, perception, and communication; societal and public policy decision making; management science and organizational design. The program also supports small grants that are time-critical (Rapid Response Research - RAPID) and small grants that are high-risk and of a potentially transformative nature (EArly-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research - EAGER).

Categories: research, decision making, public policy, science

Varies National Link
Coastal Research Application Funding Opportunity Sea Grant and the U.S. Coastal Research Program (USCRP)

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: June 15, 2022. Sea Grant and the U.S. Coastal Research Program (USCRP) announced a new funding opportunity for collaborative projects to integrate research, its application, and community engagement in thematic areas of long-term coastal evolution, extreme storms, and human and ecosystem health. Proposals should address the needs or gaps that have been identified by or are evident from USCRP-funded projects, to move research project findings toward application through service delivery and decision support for coastal community decision-makers, planners, and other coastal stakeholders. It is anticipated that approximately $4,000,000 will be available to fund 10-20 projects at up to $150,000 over two years (Tier 1) or up to $500,000 over four years (Tier 2). Matching funds will not be required for this competition. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Research, community engagement, coastal communities, climate change, ecosystem health

Up to $150,000 over two years (Tier 1) or up to $500,000 over four years (Tier 2) National Link
National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Collaborative Science Program 2019 NOAA

Deadline Passed 12/03/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA is soliciting applications to administer a 5-year, applied research program that supports collaborative research in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). This funding opportunity will provide support for the grantee to develop and administer a comprehensive national program that funds extramural collaborative science projects to address the system-wide research and management needs of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, while being responsive to local and regional reserve priorities and those of NOAA. 

Categories: research, collaboration, management, coastal management, estuarine management, implementation

Total Program Funding: $20,000,000 US coastlines Link
Systems-Based Research for Evaluating Ecological Impacts of Manufactured Chemicals EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR), and Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) research programs is funding grants with the goal of applying systems-based approaches for identifying, addressing, and reducing uncertainties from limited exposure data and stressor-response relationships.EPA is seeking applications focusing on integrated, transdisciplinary research that would advance scientific understanding of potential for impacts to ecosystem wellbeing associated with the use of manufactured chemicals.Specifically, the RFA solicits proposals for systems-based research to develop and apply innovative metrics and modeling approaches to improve evaluation of ecological resilience and impact analyses, and to support environmental sustainability. Successful proposals will translate emerging and advanced methods, data, and computational tools to address complexity of these systems and distill drivers of adverse outcomes to ecological organisms and populations.

Categories: Research, Chemical Pollution

Up to $800,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Alaska, National Link
Tribal College Research Area of Expertise USDA, NIFA

Deadline Passed 08/30/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The Tribal College Research Area of Expertise (TCRAE) for fiscal year (FY) 2018 to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions in building research capacity through competitive funding of applied projects that address student educational needs and solve community, reservation or regional problems consistent with the 1994 Research Grants (Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994) (Public Law 103–382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note).

Categories: research, capacity building, education, community engagement

$200,000- $500,000 National Link
Air Climate and Energy (ACE) Centers EPA

Deadline Unknown. Closed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications for Air, Climate and Energy (ACE) Centers. EPA is interested in supporting research on the development of sound science to systematically inform policy makers at the state and local levels regarding the development of innovative approaches to enable effective implementation of air pollution control strategies to achieve the greatest public health benefits by reducing exposure to harmful air pollution

Categories: Research, Air Pollution Control, public health

Up to $10,000,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program Western SARE, Montana State University

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: 05/20/2021.The Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program announces the Call for Pre- proposals for Research & Education grants for 2022. With a Research and Education grant, a researcher and at least three (3) Producers work together to develop a proposal to conduct both research and education on a sustainable agriculture topic. Outreach activities may include on-farm/ranch demonstrations, farmer-to-farmer educational activities, and other approaches to assist producer adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The goal of this program is to achieve results that can be communicated to producers and professionals; sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resource base on which agriculture depends; improve the profitability of farmers/ranchers and associated agricultural businesses; and enhance the quality of life for farmers/ranchers in their local communities.

Categories: research and education, agriculture, sustainability farming, natural resources, ranching

Projects may be one to three years in length. Total funds requested may not exceed $350,000 over the entire budget period.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation NGO

Applications accepted continuously. This foundation offers grant assistance in 6 major program areas. Two such areas are the “Public Understanding of Science,” and the “Basic Research” areas. Through these programs, the foundation offers grants for high-quality, original STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) research that benefits the scientific community, as well as increases the public understanding of relevant and complex scientific issues. A grant applicant must first submit a letter of inquiry that outlines the idea of the grant, since the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. If accepted, the applicant will receive notice to submit a full proposal for evaluation.

Categories: Research

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Solar Grant Program Washington Department of Commerce

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: May 25, 2022. Solar Energy grants provide competitive funding to install solar at public buildings and facilities, such as schools, hospitals, civic buildings and wastewater treatment plants, maximum award $250,000 per applicant. Projects must provide 50% of the total project cost, or 33% if developed by federally recognized Tribal Governments or located in highly impacted communities, lower income communities, rural communities. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Renewable energy, solar, Tribally-owned facilities, highly impacted communities, rural communities

Up to $250,000 ‎Washington Link
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems in Oregon Grants USDA, RD 12/31/2024

Rolling deadline. REAP (formerly known as the "006" program) offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generating systems. Assistance is limited to small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together, they may finance up to 75 percent of a project's total cost. Grants can never finance more than 25 percent if a project or $500,000 -- whichever is less. While applications are accepted continuously, funding is not always available. Please see website for opportunity to sign up to be notified about funding availability.

Categories: Renewable energy, Rural Development, IRA

Varies, includes loans Oregon, Northwest Link
Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) USDA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 19, 2022. USDA has opened up grant applications for communities to further develop renewable energy through REPP. Funds can be used to support community energy planning, community efficiency and weatherization, installing and equipping community scale renewable energy. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Renewable energy, rural areas, efficiency, weatherization, community development

Awards to successful applicants will be in the form of cost-share grants for up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs, not to exceed $2 million. National Link
USFS Hazardous Fuels Wood to Energy Grant Program FS, DOA

The U.S Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC) requests proposals for wood energy projects that require engineering services necessary for final design and cost analysis. The Hazardous Fuels Wood to Energy (W2E) Grant Program will fund projects for which some or all of the woody biomass is generated from National Forest Service System lands as a result of hazardous fuel treatments, forest restoration activities, insect and disease mitigation, catastrophic weather events, or thinning overstocked stands. Projects that use woody biomass from multiple land ownerships (State, Tribal, or private lands) and multiple sources (wood products facilities, urban wood waste, etc.) will be considered as long as some of the woody biomass is generated from National Forest System lands. Projects that do not anticipate using any wood from National Forest System lands will not be eligible. The woody biomass must be used in commercially proven wood energy systems to produce thermal, electrical, liquid, or gaseous energy. Examples of projects might include, but are not limited to, engineering design of a woody biomass boiler that generates steam at a sawmill, hospital, or school; a nonpressurized hot water system; a biomass power generation facility; or geographic or sector-based clusters of wood energy systems. The lack of a professional engineering design often limits the ability of an applicant to secure Federal, State, or private funding. This program is intended for applicants seeking financial assistance to complete the necessary engineering design work, including permitting or other preconstruction analyses, required to secure public or private funding for construction of wood energy projects.

Categories: Renewable energy, Natural Resource Management, Disaster Mitigation

$25,000-250,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
REAP Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Program USDA 12/31/2024

Rolling Deadlines. REAP Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Program.Refer to Application Package AND Application Instruction links to obtain all necessary forms for a complete application

Categories: Renewable energy, Infrastructure, Development, IRA

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program DOE

The Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program is part of the DOE Office of Indian Energy effort to assist in the development of tribal renewable energy projects. Through START, Tribes in the 48 contiguous states and Alaska can apply for and are selected to receive technical assistance from DOE and national laboratory experts to move projects closer to implementation.

Categories: Renewable energy, Infrastructure

technical assistance, not funds, are provided Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
START Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance DOE, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs

The DOE Office of Indian Energy is now accepting applications for the third round of the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance Program to provide Tribes with technical assistance with furthering the development of community- and commercial-scale renewable energy projects.

Categories: Renewable energy, Infrastructure

See application National, Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Alaska Link
Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to Determine B.C. Local Governments and First Nations Interest in a Potential Call for Applications Under the New Community Energy Leadership Program (CELP) Community Energy Leadership Program (CELP), The Ministry of Energy and Mines

Communities will be eligible for funding if they undertake either: One of a range of renewable energy capital projects that the local government or First Nation has part (e.g., IPP equity stake) or full ownership of; or a major energy efficiency initiative applied specifically to the local government's or First Nation's own infrastructure. Interested communities are invited to respond to this RFEI by no later than Monday, May 4th 2015 by email referring to RFEI Number "CELP2015".

Categories: Renewable energy, Energy efficiency, Local Government, First Nations, Infrastructure

The objective of the Ministry’s Community Energy Leadership Program (CELP) is to provide local
governments and First Nations with pivotal funding ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 per Application.
National Link
Transitioning Tribal Colleges and Universities to Clean Energy DOE Office of Indian Energy

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: July 27, 2023. The DOE Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Tribal Colleges and Universities for clean energy project planning to transition the Tribal College or University to a clean energy campus and clean energy curriculum planning to complement the transition to clean energy (Topic Area 1); and the deployment of clean energy technology(ies) to transition the Tribal College or University to a clean energy campus, and implementation of a related clean energy curriculum (Topic Area 2).

Categories: renewable energy, education, energy efficiency,

Topic Area 1: $100,000 - $250,000; Topic Area 2: $250,000 - $4,000,000 National Link
Tribal Energy Program Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy on Indian Lands DOE

Dealine unknown for 2019. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program, in conjunction with the DOE Office of Indian Energy, is pleased to announce the availability of up to $7 million in funding to accelerate clean energy development on tribal lands. For more tribal grant opportunites use this link https://www.energy.gov/indianenergy/funding/current-funding-opportuniti… 

Categories: Renewable energy, Development

Varies National, Alaska, Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast Link