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@uoregon.edu. Please note that for entries that are accepting applications continuously, the grant deadline column will list "12/31/2023" as the grant deadline. This ensures that those grants will appear immediately after those grants with a set deadline.
| Title |
Organization |
Grant Deadline | Description | Category | Funding Amount | Geography | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Housing Site Loans | USDA | 12/31/2024 |
Applications accepted year round. Rural Housing site loans provide two types of loans to purchase and develop housing sites for low- and moderate-income families:
|
housing, rural communities, development | Varies | Rural Areas | Link |
| Rural Business Development Grants | USDA |
Deadline Passed. Most Recent Deadline February 28, 2023. Application deadlines vary by state. Check with your local program staff. RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. Programmatic activities are separated into enterprise or opportunity type grant activities. |
small business, rural business, family-owned, private business, rural communities | Grants range from $10,000 up to $500,000. | United States | Link | |
| Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees | USDA | 12/31/2024 |
Applications accepted year round. This program helps private lenders provide affordable financing to qualified borrowers to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems for households and businesses in rural areas. Funds may be used to Construct or improve facilities for:
|
water quality, water quantity, waste disposal, rural communities, business, development | varies | Rural Areas | Link |
| Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee | USDA |
Deadline Passed 09/30/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas. For more information on other programs administered by RUS Telecommunications please visit : http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/telecom-programs. Broadband loans provide funding on a technology-neutral basis for financing:
|
broadband access, internet, implementation, development, rural communities | varies | Rural Areas | Link | |
| Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) FY 2019 | USDA |
Deadline Passed 06/10/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The Rural Housing Service (Agency), an Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. Applicants must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the Federal grant. These grants will be made to qualified intermediary organizations that will provide financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development that will support the community. |
rural development, tribal housing, facilities, development projects, non-profit housing, economic development, infrastructure, capacity building | $50,000-$250,000 | United States | Link | |
| Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans & Loan Guarantees | USDA | 12/31/2024 |
Applications accepted year round. This program provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. For more information on other programs administered by RUS Telecommunications please visit : http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/telecom-programs |
telecommunications, infrastructure, development, broadband, construction, rural communities | varies | Rural Areas | Link |
| Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for FY22 (Alaska) | USDA |
Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 11, 2022. This funding seeks to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities for projects carried out in the state of Alaska. A total of up to $415,000 is available for the Alaska (State) CIG competition in FY 2022. Learn more and apply here. |
Conservation, innovation, Alaska, technology | $5,000 - 415,000 | Alaska | Link | |
| Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) | USDA |
he Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. The EFRP does this by authorizing payments to owners of private forests to restore disaster damaged forests. The local FSA County Committee implements EFRP for all disasters with the exceptions of drought and insect infestations. In the case of drought or an insect infestation, the national FSA office authorizes EFRP implementation. |
forest restoration, forest management, private forests, non-industrial forests, natural disasters, forest health | National | Link | ||
| Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program | USDA |
Deadline passed. Modt recent deadline: June 6, 2022. The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program helps improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping non-profit corporations or higher education institutions in the startup, expansion or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses through cooperative development. |
Rural Development, Economic development, Business Development, Community Development, management, infrastructure, local economy, | Maximum Grant Amount up to $200,000 | National | Link | |
| USDA Community Connect Grants | USDA |
Deadline passed. The next application window expected to open early 2023. The Community Connect program serves rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. The projects funded by these grants will help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet. |
Development, Internet | varies | National, Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Alaska | Link | |
| Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants | USDA |
Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: March 31, 2022. This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Increasing energy efficiency and developing more renewable-energy systems is cost effective and reduces the consumption of fuels that generate greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Applications can be for grants of $20,000 or less or a loan/grant combination of $20,000 or less. Learn more and apply here. |
Rural, agriculture, energy, equipment, emissions | Grants of $20,000 or less or a loan/grant combination of $20,000 or less. | National | Link | |
| USDA Local Foods, Local Places Program (Obama Admin Archives) | USDA |
Grant deadline unknown for 2016. Communities are invited to apply for assistance from Local Foods, Local Places, a new program supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to help create more livable places by promoting local foods. Priorities given to communities within Appalachia and surrounding regions, see application for more details. |
public health, Agriculture, food justice, sustainability, human health, disease, local, economy | Varies | 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 |
Renewable energy, Infrastructure, Development, IRA | Varies | Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska | Link |
| USDA Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants | USDA |
The USDA Rural Business Cooperative-Service Agency is accepting applications for Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance grants to establish programs to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations. |
Renewable energy, Agriculture, small businesses | Unspecified | National | Link | |
| USDA Housing Preservation Grants | USDA |
Deadline Passed. Latest Deadline: July 11, 2022. The USDA is seeking applications for grants to preserve and repair housing for very-low- and low-income families living in rural areas. The funds are being made available through USDA Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program. USDA does not provide funding directly to homeowners under this program. |
Infrastructure, public health, rural housing | Varies | Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest | Link | |
| Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) | USDA |
Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: Feburary 25, 2022. The purpose of this program is to establish an Extension presence and support Extension outreach on Federally Recognized Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions of Federally-Recognized Tribes. This program seeks to continue the Land Grants mission of inclusion - providing education and research-based knowledge to those who might not otherwise receive it. Learn more and apply here. |
Land Grant, education, outreach, research, Tribal youth development, economic and workforce development, food sovereignty, Native language and culture preservation | Up to $360,000 | National | Link | |
| Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program (VPA-HIP) | USDA |
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program (VPA-HIP) encourages private landowners to voluntarily make their land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation. States and tribes approved for funding of this Farm Service Agency (FSA) program use the funds as incentives to encourage private landowners of farms, ranches, and forests to make that land available to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation. This may include hunting or fishing. The overall goal of VPA-HIP is to enhance wildlife habitat and management and to boost local economies through activities that attract wildlife enthusiasts. |
Conservation, recreation | varies | Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest | Link | |
| Demonstration Projects to End Child Hunger | USDA |
The purpose of the demonstration projects is to test innovative strategies to end childhood hunger, including alternative models for service delivery and benefit levels that promote the reduction or elimination of childhood hunger and food insecurity. Projects may include enhanced SNAP benefits for eligible households with children; enhanced benefits or innovative program delivery models in school meals, afterschool snacks programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program; and other targeted Federal, State or local assistance, including refundable tax credits, emergency housing, employment and training, or family preservation services, for households with children who are experiencing food insecurity. |
Health, Hunger | varies | Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest | Link | |
| Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Nutrition Education (FDPNE) Grant Program | USDA |
Recent Deadline: 3/22/2021. Since 2008, FNS has awarded funding each fiscal year for nutrition education projects through Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE) grants. Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies (SAs) that have a direct agreement with FNS to administer FDPIR are eligible to apply for funds to conduct projects that provide nutrition information and services to FDPIR participants.
The overall goal of the FDPNE grant program is to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for FDPIR will make healthy food choices consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate Guidance. The project requirements for FDPNE grants are loosely based on the SNAP Education Plan Guidance. FNS selects components of The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for development of FDPNE program goals.
Nutrition education services are a combination of educational strategies and learning experiences, accompanied by supporting policy, systems, and environmental interventions, designed to facilitate the voluntary adoption of food choices and other nutrition-related behaviors conducive to the health and well-being of participants.
In the context of this grant program, nutrition education should focus on how USDA Foods in the FDPIR food package may be used to contribute to a healthy diet. The Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) or State Agency (SA) shall work with appropriate organizations and partners such as: extension agents, registered dieticians, diabetes coordinators, and public health nutrition professionals to provide food and nutrition information, recipes, or cooking demonstrations, as appropriate for households who participate or are eligible to participate in the FDPIR program. The ITO or SA shall provide nutrition education and information specific to the foods included in the FDPIR food package to improve the health of FDPIR participating households.
|
health education, food justice, human health, diet, noncommunicable disease, nutrition, exercise, | $2,000 - $214,000 | National | Link | |
| United Fresh Start Foundation Community Grants Program | USDA |
Deadline passed as of April 20, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The initiative extends the foundation’s work beyond the school day, to provide children with access to fresh fruit and vegetables afterschool, on the weekends, during summer breaks and in other creative venues. The program provides $25,000 in grants to local community organizations and groups that share the United Fresh Start Foundation’s commitment to increasing kids’ access to fresh produce, helping them develop healthy habits to last a lifetime. Grants will support programs, events and/or activities that increase children’s access to fresh produce. |
food justice, distribution, nutrition, education, diet, health, noncommunicable disease,accessibility, local, fresh, economy, school, youth | Grants are available up to a maximum of $2,500. | National | Link | |
| Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations | USDA |
Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: February 4, 2022. The USDA has extended the deadline for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program. This extension is eligible for expenses in 2020 and 2021. Organic farming may help farmers prepare for a changing climate, as organic practices can increase soil water-holding capacity, which can help crops grow in drought years. Learn more and apply here. |
Agriculture, organic, certification, education, pandemic | 25% of a certified operation’s eligible certification expenses, up to $250 per certification category; 75% of a transitional operation’s eligible expenses, up to $750, for each year; OTECP covers 75% of the registration fees, up to $200, per year, for educational events | National | Link | |
| Farmers Market Promotion Program | USDA |
Deadline Passed for 2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), AMS, requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that establish, expand, and promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing. |
Farmers Market, Local Foods, Sustainability, Bioregionalism, Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development. | Capacity Building: Minimum grant award is $50,000. Maximum award is $250,000. Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance: Minimum grant award is $250,000. Maximum award $500,000. | United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. | Link | |
| Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) | USDA |
Deadline Passed 2/24/2020. Deadline Unknown for 2021. The purpose of this program is to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. WAMS-funded projects improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations. |
women, minorities, STEM, rural, food security, sustainability, agriculture, natural resources, education, economic health | Up to $400,000 | National | Link | |
| Crop Insurance in Targeted States Program | USDA |
Deadline Passed 7/30/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The purpose of the Targeted States program is to deliver crop insurance education and information to U.S. agricultural producers in States where there is traditionally, and continues to be a low level of Federal crop insurance participation and availability, and producers are underserved by the Federal crop insurance program. These states, defined as Targeted States for the purposes of this RFA, are Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Any cooperative agreements that may be funded will not exceed the maximum funding amount established for each of the Targeted States. Recipients must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project. |
crop insurance, education, farm management, planning | Alaska- $203,000 | Alaska | Link | |
| Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) | USDA |
Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 19, 2022. The USDA has opened up grant applications to the RISE program, which seeks to increase equity in rural America by offering grants of up to $2 million to consortiums of local governments, investors, industry, institutions of higher education, and other public and private entities that create projects in distressed communities. Communities that have traditionally had high concentrations of employment in fossil fueled energy production and are transitioning away from this are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply here. |
Job creation, business development, rural areas, worker training, local economies | Grant amounts are awarded competitively with a minimum of $500,000 and a maximum grant amount of $2,000,000. | National | Link | |
| Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grants | USDA |
Application Window Closed. This program provides funding to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural communities with extreme unemployment and severe economic depression. An essential community facility is one that provides an essential service to the local community, is needed for the orderly development of the community, serves a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. |
community facilities, development, economic depression, rural areas, public health | Varies | Rural Areas | 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. |
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 | |
| Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) | USDA |
Deadline passed as of June 24, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown.The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov. |
Small Farmers and Ranchers, Sustainable Agriculture, Family Farms, Marketing Opportunities. | Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 for planning grants; $250,000 for working capital grants | National. | Link | |
| Oregon Environmental Quality Incentives Program | USDA |
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. Eligible program participants receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices, or activities like conservation planning, that address natural resource concerns on their land. Payments are made to participants after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan of operations are implemented. Contracts can last up to ten years in duration. |
agriculture, conservation planning, natural resources | Oregon | Link | ||
| Washington Environmental Quality Incentives Program | USDA |
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. Eligible program participants receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices, or activities like conservation planning, that address natural resource concerns on their land. Payments are made to participants after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan of operations are implemented. Contracts can last up to ten years in duration. |
natural resources, agriculture, water and air quality, conservation, | Washington | Link |
