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@uoregon.eduPlease 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 Organizationsort descending Grant Deadline Description Category Funding Amount Geography Website
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.

Resesarch, Wastewater, water quality, Water Conservation Up to $750,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Tribal Clean Air Act EPA

Deadline passed as of March 3, 2023. EPA Region 9 anticipates awarding approximately 30 grants to federally-recognized tribes within the Region 9 geographic area for funding tribal air pollution control programs, air quality education and assessment projects, and the development of tribal air program capacity.

clean air, air pollution, education It is expected that the awards will range from $50,000 to $120,000. Pacific Southwest Link
FY20 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants EPA

Deadline Passed 12/03/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended by the Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development (BUILD) Act (P.L. 115-141), requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidance for grants to assess and clean up brownfield sites. EPA’s Brownfields Program provides funds to empower states, communities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. This guidance provides information on applying for Assessment Grants.

Health up to $600,000 Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National Link
Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing research on science for sustainable and healthy tribes. This solicitation is focused on research to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that affect tribes. The objectives of the awards to be made under this solicitation are to improve understanding of: 1) the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations; and 2) the health impacts of indoor air pollution exposures that derive from or are directly affecting traditional tribal life-ways and cultural practices. In both cases, projects should focus on impacts to vulnerable sub-populations of the Tribal communities. Proposals should also consider sustainable, culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention, and adaptation/mitigation strategies.

Tribal Health, Adaptation, Mitigation The total funding available is $6 million; individual projects may be funded for up to $920,000 Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Environmental Justice Governemnt to Government (EJG2G) Program EPA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 14, 2023. The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) program provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and Tribal level to support  government activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. Model EJG2G programs should leverage existing resources to develop processes or tools that integrate environmental justice considerations into governmental decision-making at all levels. Applications submitted in response to this funding opportunity that will receive must address one of the following five broad categories:   

  • community-led air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure and workforce development that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants;  
  • mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events;  climate resiliency and adaptation;   
  • reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution; or   
  • facilitating engagement of marginalized communities in Local, State and Federal public processes, such as advisory groups, workshops, and rulemakings. 

Apply here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345311 

public health, air pollution, climate mitigation, adaptation, toxins, community up to $1,000,000 National, US territories Link
Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2019 EPA

Deadline Passed March 26, 2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions, particularly from fleets operating at or servicing goods movement facilities located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding will be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage affected communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

Energy, Diesel Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants EPA 06/15/2023

Deadline: June 15, 2023. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will provide noncompetitive planning grant opportunities for Federally recognized Tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories interested in participating in the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program will provide grants to states, territories, tribes, air pollution control agencies, and local governments to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support these efforts to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies. This two-staged grant program provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants. An informational webinar intended specifically for tribes, tribal consortia and U.S. Territories will be held March 9, 2023 at 11am Pacific and will be recorded and posted to https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/climate-pollution-reduction-.... Register for the webinar here.

pollution, IRA, greenhouse gas, air quality, health Varies National, US territories, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico Link
FY 2019 National Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Solicitation Notice EPA

Deadline Passed 04/08/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The EPA Exchange Network Grant Program is soliciting project proposals that use the Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) to:

  • Facilitate sharing of environmental data, especially through shared and reusable services.
  • Streamline data collection and exchanges to improve its timeliness for decision making.
  • Increase the quality and access to environmental data through discovery, publishing, outbound, and analytical services so it is more useful to environmental managers.
  • Develop foundational EN shared services to reduce burden and avoid costs for co-regulators and the regulated community.
  • Expand and improve participation in the EN by strengthening the requisite information management and technology capabilities for interested parties to fully participate in the EN
Regulatory, Research, Environmental Data, Decision Making Up to $400,000 Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska 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

Research, Air Pollution Control, public health Up to $10,000,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program EPA

Deadline extended: 6/1/2021. The EJSG program awards grants that support community-driven projects designed to engage, educate, and empower communities to better understand local environmental and public health issues and develop strategies for addressing those issues, building consensus in the community, and setting community priorities.  The EJSG program will award approximately $2.8 million nationwide for this competitive opportunity. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 56 grants ( about 5 per EPA region) of up to $50,000 each.  These grants are for one-year projects. This opportunity places special emphasis on projects focusing on COVID-19 impacts, as well as climate and disaster resiliency.  Additionally, EPA is emphasizing projects addressing diesel pollution in underserved communities living near ports and railyards as part of EPA’s Ports Initiative.  Finally, to promote equitable accessibility to EPA grant funding and to assist small entities, approximately half of the total available funding under this announcement is intended to be reserved for small non-profit organizations as defined in the announcement.

community-based organizations, underserved communities, environmental issues, health issues, environmental justice up to $50,000 United States Link
National Clean Diesel Funding Tribal Assistance Program EPA

EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting proposals nationwide for Tribal projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.

Emissions Reduction, Clean Energy, Transportation Infrastructure, Mitigation Varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Puget Sound Action Agenda – Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead EPA

Deadline Passed. Most recent deadline: March 31, 2023. This RFA announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible applicants that are interested in acting as the Puget Sound Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead. The overall goal is to establish an innovative and collaborative riparian conservation program that provides financial incentives for landowners to set aside and restore riparian areas important for salmon recovery, while successfully implementing approaches to climate resiliency and riparian conservation that become a robust and sustainable program.

riparian ecosystem, conservation, climate resiliency, salmon, flooding, erosion Up to $30,000,000 Puget Sound, Washington Link
Tribal and Insular Area Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) EPA

Most Recent Deadline: 7/09/2021. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $5 million in DERA funding under this announcement. A total of $4.5 million will be made available to tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native villages, and $500,000 will be made available to insular area governments. EPA anticipates awarding five to ten cooperative agreements to tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native villages and two to four cooperative agreements to insular area governments. This year's Request for Applications (RFA) has no mandatory cost share requirement and sets funding limits to $800,000 for tribal applicants and $250,000 for insular area applicants. Each applicant may submit up to two applications. Although funding for both tribes and insular areas is planned under this single RFA, the applications will be competed separately.  Tribal applications will be reviewed, ranked and selected by one review panel, and insular area applications will be reviewed, ranked and selected by a separate review panel. EPA's ten regional offices will manage awards. The number and size of cooperative agreements made under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other considerations. 

Emissions Reduction, Mitigation, Energy efficiency up to $800,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes EPA

Deadline Passed 08/01/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from federally-recognized tribes or intertribal consortia for the development and implementation of hazardous waste programs and for building capacity to address hazardous waste management in Indian country.  In accordance with the EPA Indian Policy of 1984, EPA recognizes tribal governments as the primary parties for managing programs for reservations.

To maximize the benefits to tribes from the limited funding to support the Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes, EPA has reassessed the criteria used to evaluate Applications submitted for funding through this grant program beginning in FY 2015.  The goal of this effort is to provide technical assistance to a greater number of tribes for activities that involve hazardous waste management on tribal lands.

Hazardous Waste Management up to $98,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Nonpoint Source Management Grants Under Clean Water Act Section 319 EPA

Tribes are eligible to receive Clean Water Act Section 319 grant funding to implement EPA-approved NPS programs. As required under the Clean Water Act, tribes must be approved for treatment in a similar manner as a state (TAS) and have an EPA-approved NPS assessment report and NPS management program to receive §319 funds. Each year, a §319-eligible tribe may apply for a base §319 grant that support their NPS management program, and they are eligible to compete nationally for additional §319 funds (competitive §319 grants) to implement on-the-ground projects to restore and protect their waters. 

nonpoint source pollution, management, watersheds, Clean Water Act Up to $100,000 Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Smart Growth Information Clearinghouse Grants EPA

Under this solicitation, EPA intends to fund further development and ongoing maintenance of a web-based national information clearinghouse focused on smart growth. This clearinghouse will be designed to support communities by providing timely information that supports local decision-making that delivers better environmental and public health outcomes from growth and development

Development, Database, Smart Growth varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2018 EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality

Deadline Passed 04/03/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding will be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage affected communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended. 

emissions, alternative energy, sustainability, climate adaptation, air quality Awards will range from $0-$800,000. United States Link
Environmental Education Local Grants EPA Region 10

Deadline Passed 01/06/2020. Deadline Unknown for 2020.  The purpose of the Environmental Education Local Grants Program in Region 10 is to support locally-focused environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental and conservation issues and provide the skills that participants in its funded projects need to make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.

Environmental Education, stewardship, public awareness, conservation $50,000-$100,000 National. Link
Tribal Training and Outreach Support for the American Indian Air Quality Training Program EPA, AIAQTP, R&IEL

Grant deadline unknown for 2016. This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities to provide tribal training, technical and outreach support for the American Indian Air Quality Training Program. The American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) provides workshop training, internships and technical support to tribal governments seeking to investigate, develop and establish air quality management programs for lands under their jurisdiction and provides opportunity for American Indian students to pursue environmental careers in the field of air quality management. The Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center is a component of the AIAQTP, and is a partnership effort between the selected grant recipient and EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, hosted by the Radiation and Indoor Environments National (R&IEL) laboratory in Las Vegas, to provide a full spectrum of technical support to tribes undertaking air quality monitoring and related activities.

workshop training, technical support, internships, Air Quality Up to $1,600,000 National, Las Vegas Link
EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program EPA, NGO

Smart Growth America and Global Green USA are soliciting applications for technical assistance, which is available under grants EPA awarded to these two organizations through the Office of Sustainable Communities' Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities grant program. (Listen to the November 6 webinar about both offerings.) Global Green USA's technical assistance is based on the LEED for Neighborhood Development standard, which provides a nationally recognized method for creating neighborhoods that are walkable, bikeable, resource-efficient, and equitable. At the conclusion of the assistance, the team will provide recommendations for both physical and policy changes that can enhance neighborhood sustainability.

Sustainable Development, infrastructure, planning, policy, climate change Grant provides assistance as opposed to cash National, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Alaska Link
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Environmental Technology Developers EPA, SBIR

Deadline passed as of October 20, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mission is to protect human health and the environment. EPA’s SBIR Program supports small businesses (500 or fewer employees) to develop and commercialize novel environmental technologies that support this mission.

small business, economy, technology, development, information, Approximately 18 Phase I firm-fixed price contract awards for $100,000 for "proof of concept" United States Link
Village Safe Water Program/Alaska Native Village and Rural Communities Program EPA, State-funded

The Village Safe Water Program provides technical and financial support to communities to design and construct water and wastewater systems. It is meant to assist Alaska Native Villages and Alaska rural communities with the construction of new or improved drinking water and wastewater systems. This funding can also be used to provide training and technical assistance in the operations and maintenance of these systems.

Water, Natural Resources, Education Varies Northwest, Alaska Link
Integrating Human Health and Well-Being with Ecosystem Services EPA, Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program

Unknown for 2017. Specifically, this research examines how communities can integrate ecosystem services with human health and well-being to inform their decision making and management practices. This RFA aims to develop information that allows communities to integrate environmental, societal and economic information and to better manage multiple stressors and their cumulative impacts on humans and ecosystems. The ultimate goal is to help communities achieve their own objectives while taking advantage of more relevant and accessible information about ecosystem services.

Community Development, Community Resilience, Climate Resilience, Public Health, Management, Ecosystem Services. Up to a total of $600,000 for regular awards and $400,000 for early-career awards, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of three years. National. Link
FDPIR Program Nutrition Education Grants FDPIR, USDA

Deadline Passed April 30, 2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. Since 2008, FNS awards funding for nutrition education projects through Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE) grants each fiscal year. Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies (SAs) that are current FDPIR allowance holders (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 Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 SNAP Education Plan Guidance is the basis for FDPNE nutrition, gardening, and physical activities

food, nutrition, distribution. gardening Ceiling $220,000 Floor $2,000 National Link
Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program Region 10 FEMA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: July 29, 2022. The purpose of the RCPGP is to build regional capacity to manage catastrophic incidents by improving and expanding collaboration for catastrophic incident preparedness. The strategic priorities for the FY 2022 RCPGP are equity, climate resilience, and readiness. Learn more and apply here.

Climate resilience, disaster response, equity, hazards Up to $1,200,000 Oregon, Washington, Idaho Link
The FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) FEMA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: February 10, 2023. The purpose of the AFG Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTA). The funds provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

In awarding grants, the Administrator of FEMA is required to consider the following:

  • The findings and recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP).
  • The degree to which an award will reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage by reducing the risks associated with fire related and other hazards.
  • The extent of an applicant’s need for an AFG grant and the need to protect the United States as a whole.
  • The number of calls requesting or requiring a firefighting or emergency medical response received by an applicant.
fire-related hazards, emergency preparedness, public safety, firefighters up to $9,000,000 National Link
FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) Program FEMA

The purpose of FEMA’s Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program is to make grants to States, to assist State, local, tribal, and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards. The EMPG program supports efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across the nation. Past outcomes have included strengthening governance integration, approved emergency plans, trainings, and whole community approaches to emergency management. FEMA anticipates awarding approximately 58 grants with an available funding amount of $332 million. Periods of performance will last 24 months.

Emergency Response Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, International (US Territories) Link
Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program FEMA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 28, 2023. The Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act became law on Jan. 1, 2021 and authorizes FEMA to provide capitalization grants to states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to establish revolving loan funds that provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters. These low interest loans will allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering. Federally recognized tribes that received a major disaster declaration are eligible to apply. Currently, this includes 20 tribal nations.

hazard mitigation, technical assistance, drought, extreme heat, storms, wildfire, flood, earthquake, community resilience Varies National, US territories Link
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program FEMA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: January 27, 2023. The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to states, local communities, federally recognized tribes and territories. Funds can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA chooses recipients based on the applicant’s ranking of the project and the eligibility and cost-effectiveness of the project. FEMA requires state, local, tribal and territorial governments to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for hazard mitigation assistance projects. For more information, go to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance.

Flood mitigation, disaster mitigation, infrastructure, development, community Varies National Link
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs FEMA

Recent Deadline: 1/29/2021. FEMA's hazard mitigation assistance provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. Mitigation planning breaks the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage. Hazard mitigation includes long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance has five grant programs. 

  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Assists in implementing long-term hazard mitigation planning and projects following a Presidential major disaster declaration.
  • Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program. Provides funds for planning and projects to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings that are insured annually under the National Flood Insurance Program.
  • Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program. Provides funds annually for hazard mitigation planning and projects.
  • HMGP Post Fire Grant. Assistance available to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures after wildfire disasters.
  • Building Resilient Infastructure and Communities (BRIC). Support for states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.
Adaptation, Research, Mitigation, Water, Disaster, Emergency Management, Land, Fire, Flood Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link

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