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.edu. 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
Community Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment DOE

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: October 11, 2022. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced up to $13 million in funding for the Community Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement, which supports the development, design, and installation of community geothermal heating and cooling systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also create related workforce training and identify and address environmental justice concerns. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Energy, Geothermal, Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Development, Environmental Justice

$300,000 – $13,000,000 National Link
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: June 13, 2023. The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) is a new competitive grant program created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – urban and rural areas alike – in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles. This program provides two funding categories of grants: (1) Community Charging and Fueling Grants (Community Program); and (2) Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $2.5 billion over five years for this program. This NOFO offers up to $700 million from Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure projects in urban and rural communities in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities. Apply on Grants.gov here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=346798 

Categories: energy, electric vehicles, alternative fuels, infrastructure, BIL

$500,000 National, US territories Link
Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid DOE, National Energy Technology Lab

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: August 31, 2023. Application deadline recently extended. Under Section 40101(d) Formula Grant Program of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Department of Energy will provide grants to States (including U.S. Territories) and Indian Tribes to improve the resilience of their electric grids. States and Indian Tribes may further allocate funds to “eligible entities”, as defined by Section 40101(d). These grants offer a unique opportunity to advance the capabilities of States and Indian Tribes, and their communities, to address not only current, but future resilience needs.

Categories: energy, electric grids, infrastructure, power, BIL

Varies National 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.

Categories: Energy, Diesel

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Regional Climate Collaboratives Program Grant California Strategic Growth Council

Most recent deadline: December 6, 2023. The California Strategic Growth Council recently released the Notice of Funding Availability for Round 2 of the Regional Climate Collaboratives (RCC) Program. RCC is a capacity building grant program that funds community-rooted and cross-sectoral partners to develop the processes, plans, and projects that will drive and sustain climate action in their communities. RCC invests in projects that advance the following key Program Objectives: Develop Actionable Plans and Projects, Build Social Infrastructure, Center Community Engagement and Decision Making, and Develop Equity-Centered Processes.

Categories: Energy, climate, resilience, environmental justice, underserved communities

Small grants between $500,000 and $999,999. Large grants between $1M and $1.75M California Link
Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grants DOI, BIA

Last Deadline: 9/1/2020. The goal of the Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) program is to develop tribal management, organizational and technical capacity needed to maximize the economic impact of energy resourcedevelopment on Indian land. The TEDC grant gives tribes the ability to developor enhance their business and regulatory environment for energy resourcedevelopment. Proposed projects must include building tribal capacity to:  develop organizational structures, businessentity structures, or develop or enhance regulatory functions. All of the functions are related to building tribal energy development capacity for thepurpose of strengthening tribal capacity for development and management of energyprojects.

Categories: energy, capacity building, infrastructure, management, resource development, management

$10,000-$1,000,000 National Link
Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities EPA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 28, 2022. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities. For purposes of this competition and the evaluation of applications, “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including people of color, low income, rural, tribal, indigenous, and other populations that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental harms and risks. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Energy transitions, community-engaged research, underserved communities, environmental justice

Up to a total of $1,125,000 per regular award, and up to a total of $650,000 per early career award, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of four years. National Link
Sun Grant Program US Dept of Agriculture

Deadline Passed 06/27/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The purpose of the Sun Grant Program (SGP) is to enhance national energy security through the development, distribution, and implementation of biobased energy technologies; to promote diversification in, and the environmental sustainability of, agricultural production in the United States through biobased energy and product technologies; to promote economic diversification in rural areas of the United States through biobased energy and product technologies; and to enhance the efficiency of bioenergy and biomass research and development programs through improved coordination and collaboration among the Department of Agriculture; other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary); and Land Grant Institutions.

Categories: energy security, biobased energy, technologies, biomass

2.7 million distributed between awardees United States Link
Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) DOE

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 16, 2022. ETIPP is accepting applications through April 15 and has an informational webinar on Feb 16. Competitively selected communities receive technical assistance from the ETIPP network, working collaboratively with DOE and national laboratories and regional partner organizations on strategic energy planning and analysis to investigate solutions that address their specific challenges and goals. Spark Northwest is available to support rural communities and tribal governments with their applications. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Energy resilience, energy transition, remote communities, capacity building

National Link
Deployment of Clean Energy Technology on Indian Lands DOE, Office of Indian Energy

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: May 16, 2023. The DOE Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications for Tribes to install clean energy generating system(s) and energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal buildings; deploy community-scale clean energy generating system(s) or energy storage on Tribal lands; or install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation to power essential Tribal facilities during  emergency situations or for Tribal community resilience. Individual awards vary depending on type of project with a range $100,000 to $5,000,000. This opportunity builds on the important discussions at the 7th biennial Tribal Clean Energy Summit, where U.S Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm held a nation-to-nation roundtable with Tribal leaders to share ideas and explore cost-effective approaches to clean energy that strengthen Tribal energy and economic infrastructure, address climate resilience, and build stronger and safer communities.

Categories: Energy efficiency, Renewable energy, Energy, clean energy, community, development, BIL

Award amount varies. National Link
FY 2021 Energizing Insular Communities Grant Program DOI

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: 6/30/2021. The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is requesting proposals for its Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program which provides grant funding for sustainable energy strategies that mitigate climate change, reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fuels, develop and utilize domestic energy sources, and improve the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in the territories.

Categories: Energy efficiency, energy infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, rural

$8,500,000 National Link
Tribal Energy Development and Capacity-Building (TEDC) Grant Program DOI; OIEED

No RFP announced for 2016 as of 4/13/2016. The TEDC grant program helps tribes in assessing, developing, or obtaining the managerial and technical capacity needed to develop energy resources on Indian land and properly account for energy resource production and revenues, as provided for under Title V. Section 503 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Categories: Energy Development

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southesat, National, Alaska Link
High Energy Cost Grants (USDA) USDA

Deadline passed. Latest deadline: July 6, 2021. The USDA Rural Development High Energy Costs Grant assists energy providers and other eligible entities in lowering energy costs for families and individuals in areas with extremely high per-household energy costs (275 percent of the national average or higher.) The funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of facilities serving eligible communities. NOTE: Program details may change over time. Before you begin an application, please confirm you have the most current information by emailing Rural Electric Program staff or consulting the program instructions listed in the section above titled "What Governs this Program?"

Categories: Energy conservation, Infrastructure, Community development

$100,000-$3,000,000 National Link
Green Neighborhoods Grant Program NGO

Deadline Passed 8/15/2016. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program will award grants and provide educational resources to affordable housing developers and related public agencies who choose to pursue LEED 2009 for Neighborhood Development certification. Preference will be given to qualifying projects that meet additional goals, including the redevelopment of infill and previously developed sites, effort to strengthen the surrounding neighborhoods, commitment to engage stakeholders in the development process, and the provision of green housing for a range of income levels.

Categories: Energy

Individual awards of $25,000 Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Bureau of Indian Affairs Endangered Species Program Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Most recent deadline: January 13, 2023.The Bureau of Indian Affairs has announced plans to provide funding (of up to $150,000 per applicant) in an effort to support restoration, management, and economic development, of “tribal trust resources”, as they are defined in the FOA attachment: "Those natural resources, either on or off Indian lands, retained by, or reserved by or for Indian tribes through treaties, statutes, judicial decisions, and executive orders, which are protected by a fiduciary obligation on the part of the U.S." (BIA, Endangered Species Program, Ranking Criteria and Application Process). As highlighted in the application process, the project proposals are expected to promote tribal revenue, through the utilization of these resources. Therefore, significant effort and concern should be placed in the preservation of important natural and traditional resources. BIA Northwest Region website: https://www.bia.gov/regional-offices/northwest.

Categories: Endangered Species, Tribal Trust Resources, Restoration, Management, Economic Development

The maximum funding request is $120,000 per application. The funding request cannot include the tribal indirect rate. Midwest, West, Pacific, Northwest, East, Southeast, Alaska, Southwest, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Southern Plains, Navajo, Eastern Oklahoma Link
Recovery Challenge DOI, FWS

Deadline Passed 04/26/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The Recovery challenge funding opportunity is to enhance and increase partnerships with agencies and organizations implementing highest priority recovery actions for federally listed endangered and threatened species, and in particular for genetically-sound breeding, rearing and reintroduction programs. Section 2(a)(5) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1535, as amended, authorizes the use of Federal financial assistance to encourage the States and other interested parties to develop and maintain conservation programs to safeguard the Nation's heritage in fish, wildlife and plants for the benefit of all citizens. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 (H.J. Res. 31, 116th Cong. Div. E, Title I (2019)) authorized specific funding for the Recovery Challenge funding opportunity.

Categories: endangered species, species recovery, reintroduction, conservation

$100-$3,000,000 National Link
Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Threatened and Endangered Species DOI, BLM

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 14, 2023. BLM Oregon/Washington has an opportunity to work with partner organizations to assist with the conservation of various species, to include federally-listed, candidate and Bureau of sensitive species. Conservation includes, but is not limited to, gaining knowledge about species and their habitats, providing for protection or management of species and their habitats, augmenting species, restoring, and enhancing rare species habitat.

Categories: endangered species, conservation, habitat protection, habitat enhancement, stewardship, monitoring, restoration

$5,000-$500,000 Oregon, Washington Link
Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife

Recognizing that more than half of all species listed as endangered or threatened spend at least part of their life cycle on private land, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began working with private landowners to foster stewardship on private lands. To encourage this cooperation, the service has four grant programs available through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. These programs include Traditional Conservation Grants, Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants, Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants, and Recovery Land Acquisition Grants.

Categories: Endangered Species, Biodiversity, Habitat Conservation, Land Acquisition & Recovery.

Up to $2,000,000. National Link
Energy and Mineral Development Program BIA

Deadline Passed 1/25/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The goal of the EMDP is to assist tribes by helping to expand tribal knowledge of energy and mineral resources on their lands and to bring tribal energy and mineral projects to the point where the economic benefits can be realized from the targeted resource in an economically efficient and environmentally sound manner.

Categories: emissions, energy, footprint, sustainability, infrastructure, conservation, management, development, minerals, mining

Up to $100,000. National 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. 

Categories: emissions, alternative energy, sustainability, climate adaptation, air quality

Awards will range from $0-$800,000. United States 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. 

Categories: Emissions Reduction, Mitigation, Energy efficiency

up to $800,000 Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest 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.

Categories: Emissions Reduction, Clean Energy, Transportation Infrastructure, Mitigation

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest Link
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FEMA

Most recent Deadline: February 29, 2024. The application period is now open for FEMA's FY23 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs. The BRIC program priorities are to Enhance climate resilience and adaptation, Promote equity and prioritize disadvantaged communities, Incorporate nature-based solutions, Incentivize natural hazard risk reduction activities, and Encourage the adoption and enforcement of updated building codes. For those interested in Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) for BRIC, they can help design holistic, equitable hazard mitigation solutions. $1B is available for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program: https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructur…. BRIC Direct Technical Assistance Request: https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/building-resilient-infrastructur…

Categories: Emergency, management, mitigation, pre-disaster, risk reduction

$1B is available for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program. National Link
Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Grant First Nations Development Institute 5/22/2024

Deadline to Apply: May 22, 2024. Tribes and Native communities are on the front lines of climate change, experiencing extreme weather, rising sea levels, extended drought, warming temperatures, and melting permafrost. The IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report demonstrates that climate change affects Indigenous peoples more severely and earlier than other populations. Many tribes and Native communities are located in remote and coastal locations, which increases their vulnerabilities to flooding and wildfire. Furthermore, subsistence and cultural practices rely on healthy ecosystems that are stewarded by Native peoples. To support climate action that addresses adaptation and disaster preparation First Nations established the second project under its newly created Climate Initiative, Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions. This project is designed to provide tribes and Native nonprofits with resources to support climate action that addresses adaptation and disaster preparation (e.g., wildfires, flooding, drought) through the application of nature-based solutions based on Native knowledge. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.firstnations.org/rfps/advancing-tribal-nature-based-solutions-grant

Categories: Emergency response planning and preparation
Climate proofing infrastructure and services
Climate risk governance and capacity building
Wildlife management and habitat restoration
Workforce development initiatives (e.g., community training opportunities, youth conservation programs, paid internships)
Capacity building for the organization and staff (e.g, specialized trainings, transportation)
Departmental and programmatic development and advancement
Updating tribal climate adaptation and resource management plans

Total requested funds in project budgets under this funding opportunity should not exceed $200,000. 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.

Categories: Emergency Response

Varies Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, International (US Territories) Link
Local Governments Reimbursement Program EPA 12/31/2024

Rolling Deadline. In the event of a release (or threatened release) of hazardous substances, EPA may reimburse local governments for expenses related to the release and associated emergency response measures. The Local Governments Reimbursement Program provides a "safety net" of up to $25,000 per incident to local governments that do not have funds available to pay for response actions.

Categories: Emergency Management, Disaster, Adaptation, Health, Natural Resources

Up to $25,000 per incident Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) USDA, FSA

ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. ELAP assistance is provided for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, such as losses not covered by the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

Categories: emergency assistance, disaster resources, extreme weather events

National Link
Wetlands Mitigation Banking Program (NRCS) NRCS (National Resources Conservation Service), USDA

RFP Closed for 2016. Expect Announcement Winter of 2016-17. The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of Wetland Mitigation Banking Program grant funds for the development and establishment of mitigation banks and banking opportunities solely for agricultural producers with wetlands subject to the Wetland Conservation Compliance provisions of the 1985 Food Security Act (as amended).

Categories: Eligibility includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments.

Up to $1,000,000 per award. National. Link
Funding Opportunity for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure State of Washington, Department of Ecology

Deadline Passed 02/04/2020. Deadline Unknown for 2021. The Washington Department of Ecology will open a grant opportunity to install or upgrade existing publicly available direct current fast chargers (DCFC) along high-traffic transportation corridors. Preliminary information on eligibility and minimum criteria is available to provide applicants sufficient time to prepare this funding opportunity. Additional detail, including scoring criteria and process, will be available in the grant guidelines when the funding opportunity opens on December 3, 2019.

Categories: Electric vehicles, transportation, installation, charging stations

up to $600,000 Washington state Link
FY18 Chesapeake Bay-Watershed Education and Training Program Department of Commerce

Deadline Passed as of 3/09/2018. Deadline for 2019 Unknown. Funding Opportunity #: NOAA-NMFS-NCBO-2018-2005490. Chesapeake B-WET funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. MWEEs involve learning both outdoors and in the classroom as students engage in issue definition, outdoor field experiences, synthesis and conclusions, and action projects. The goal is to increase understanding and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and its local watersheds, including the rivers, upland streams, and natural habitats found throughout the region. Projects advance the environmental literacy goal of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and the NOAA Education Strategic Plan.

Categories: education, watersheds, field experience, stewardship

$25,000-$150,000 Chesapeake Bay Link