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 Sort descending Grant Deadline Description Funding Amount Geography Website
Gulf Sea Level Variation and Rise Grants The Gulf Research Program

Most recent deadline: 8/18/2021. The Gulf Research Program announced the availability of the full Request for Applications (RFA) on June 17, 2021. This funding opportunity focuses on advancing the understanding of the regional components of sea level variation and rise and then incorporating this understanding into more reliable forecast models and projections of relative sea level rise. 

Categories: sea level rise, ocean,

Up to $5 million Gulf of Mexico Link
ITC Native American Natural Resource Research Scholarship The Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), USDA

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: varies by scholarship. The ITC Education Scholarship is designed to support tribally relevant, natural resource based, research being conducted by Native American scholars enrolled in a graduate program.

Categories: scholarship, natural resources

Varies, not to exceed $5,000 National Link
Community Water Justice Awards The Joint Futures Initiative

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: February 1, 2024. The Joint Futures Initiative is thrilled to announce the first-ever call for Community Water Justice Awards funded by a state budget allocation. Apply now! Awards up to $50,000.00. For questions, please contact Dr. Alai Reyes-Santos at alai@uoregon.edu. For more information, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMKE7Rw9udzBuDQyDR6Z3y47AoGy0….

Bridging Knowledge to Action The National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

Most Recent Deadline: 8/27/2021. The Gulf Research Program (GRP) is seeking proposals from U.S. academic institutions or nonprofit organizations that demonstrate how the use of data can help state/local/tribal governments achieve more equitable outcomes associated with climate hazards or other disasters in order to address the priorities or needs of communities that are disproportionately at risk. The GRP expects to award up to six projects under this funding opportunity.

Up to $1.8 million National. Link
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) The National Park Service

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: May 31, 2023. On August 4, 2020 the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. The bill provides $900 million in permanent and dedicated annual funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and invests up to $9.5 billion to address priority repairs in our national parks and other public lands. The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program, created in 2014, is an urban park grants program funded through the Land & Water Conservation Fund. The ORLP offers nationally competitive grants to support the creation or significant renovation of state or locally-owned parks and other outdoor recreation spaces located in urban areas. Funded projects help the public access or re-connect with the outdoors, and specifically target economically disadvantaged neighborhoods that lack adequate parks and recreational opportunities. The sixth application round with $192 million available is now open. Grants range from $300,000 to $10 million. Applications are being accepted in Grants.gov through May 31, 2023, with an early submission deadline of January 31, 2023 for those that have application requirements completed. Interested jurisdictions should contact their state lead agency for LWCF.

Categories: land water conservation, parks and recreation, outdoors, publicly-owned lands

$300,000-$10,000,000 population of at least 30000 people Link
PGE Salmon Habitat Support Fund The Nature Conservancy, Portland General Electric

Most recent deadline: June 7, 2024. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Portland General Electric Company (PGE) are soliciting proposals for projects that conserve, restore, or enhance the habitat of native anadromous fish species. Successful projects will demonstrate a clear and direct benefit to anadromous fish species or their habitat, exhibit a high likelihood of success, leverage a large amount of matching funds, and utilize the most sustainable and scientifically rigorous approaches. These funds may be used for project planning, implementation, or both. Incorporating communication, outreach, or education as a component of the project is encouraged. The Habitat Support Fund will award approximately $160,000 in grants ranging from $10,000 - $50,000. Preference will be given to projects requesting equal to or less than $35,000; however, exceptionally high-impact projects with a demonstrated need for additional funding may request up to $50,000.

Categories: salmon conservation, stream restoration, anadromous fish species

$10,000 to $50,000 Oregon Link
Explore Fund--The North Face Annual Grant The North Face (Corporation)

Deadline unknown for FY 2017. The North Face Explore Fund provides $500,000 annually in grants to nonprofit organizations working in powerful and creative ways to encourage participants to experience outdoor activities and develop an enduring appreciation of the outdoors. Since its founding in 2010, the Explore Fund has provided more than 400 grants to nonprofit organizations that serve thousands of people in communities around the country. The Explore Fund reflects a significant commitment by The North Face to introduce more people to the joy of exploring the outdoors and the natural world.

Categories: Environmental Education

$5,000-$25,000 National Link
Rural Housing Preservation Grants The Rural Housing Service (RHS)

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces that it is soliciting applications under its Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The HPG program is a grant program which provides qualified public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, which may include but not be limited to Faith-Based and Community Organizations, and other eligible entities grant funds to assist very low- and low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes in rural areas. In addition, the HPG program assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in repairing and rehabilitating their units if they agree to make such units available to low- and very low-income persons.

Categories: Community Development, Housing, Infrastructure

Up to $50,000 Rural Link
Tomkat Charitable Trust: Grants for Climate & Energy Tomkat Charitable

Tomkat does not accept proposals, but they can be reached by email. This fund is strongly and vocally in support of clean energy development and sustainable living. Aside from energy, Steyer and wife Taylor (get it, Tomkat), are also invested in healthy foods and sustainable food systems, going so far as to start their own ranch. They also back some education stuff and more run-of-the-mill environmentalism, but their biggest giving to date has gone to energy and climate. 

Categories: climate change, sustainability, food justice, subsistence, emissions, conservation, coal, carbon

Varies. International Link
Tribal Energy Plan Grant Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: October 7, 2022. The Tribal Energy Plan Grant program is open until funding is fully subscribed. Applicants may apply for funding up to $25,000 for up to one year. The development of Tribal Energy Plans are intended to help tribal communities quickly and efficiently triage the known practical and impactful strategies to reduce greenhouse gas, reduce energy costs, and operate more sustainably. The grants can be used to compensate the planning team for their time, contract the services of consultants or other third-party experts, and cover the costs of public meetings and other methods soliciting public input. Learn more and apply here.

Categories: Climate resilience, mitigation, research, adaptation, capacity building

Varies. California Link
Planning Assistance to States Program U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Most recent deadline: September 30, 2024. Under the authority provided by Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-251), as amended, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide states, local governments, other non-Federal entities, and eligible Native American Indian tribes assistance in the preparation of comprehensive plans for the development, utilization, and conservation of water and related land resources. Typical studies are only planning level of detail; they do not include detailed design for project construction. The program can encompass many types of studies dealing with water resources issues. Types of studies conducted in recent years under the program include the following: water supply/demand, water conservation, water quality, environmental/conservation, wetlands evaluation/restoration, dam safety/failure, flood damage reduction, coastal zone protection, and harbor planning.

There are two types of assistance available: (1) development of a Comprehensive Plans for planning for the development, utilization, and conservation of the water resources and (2) Technical Assistance related to the management of state water resources.

Categories: water, conservation, planning, water quality

No more than $5M in Federal funds for comprehensive planning efforts may be expended in a State, Tribe, or U.S. Territory per fiscal year. National Link
WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grants U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Reclamation may reduce or waive the non-Federal cost share requirement upon request by the applicant if an overwhelming Federal interest and a significant financial need are identified.

Funding Available: Water Strategy and Project Design Grants: Maximum Award: $400,000.00 Minimum Award: $100,000.00 Drought Contingency Planning: Maximum Award: $400,000.00 Minimum Award: $25,000.00 

Types of Projects: Technical Analyses to Identify Problems, Needs and Opportunities; Water Marketing and Water Rights Analyses; Research of Legal and Institutional Requirements; Decision Support Tools; Development and Comparison of Project Alternatives

Categories: Technical Analyses to Identify Problems, Needs and Opportunities; Water Marketing and Water Rights Analyses; Research of Legal and Institutional Requirements; Decision Support Tools; Development and Comparison of Project Alternatives

Funding Available: Water Strategy and Project Design Grants:
Maximum Award: $400,000.00
Minimum Award: $100,000.00
Drought Contingency Planning:
Maximum Award: $400,000.00
Minimum Award: $25,000.00
National Link
Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Most recent deadline: 3/15/2021. The overall goal of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is to support the development and implementation of research, extension and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices. NIFA administers the ORG program by determining priorities in U.S. agriculture through Agency stakeholder input processes in consultation with the NAREEEAB. ORG will continue to prioritize environmental services provided by organic farming systems in the area of soil conservation, pollinator health, and climate change mitigation, including greenhouse gases (GHG), as well as the development of educational tools for Cooperative Extension personnel and other agricultural professionals who advise producers on organic practices, and development of cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to substances recommended for removal from the National Organic Program’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. It is expected that all projects will integrate research, education and extension activities, as appropriate to project goals, although some projects may be weighted more heavily than others in one or more of these areas. However, all proposals should have activities and impact in research and at least one of the other areas: education and extension.

Categories: Agriculture, Organic

$0 - $500,000 National. Link
Wetland Reserve Easements U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 1/1/2025

Funding Available: Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical & financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. Land eligible includes privately held wetlands that were previously degraded due to agricultural uses and can be restored. 

Types of Projects: To enroll land through wetland reserve easements, NRCS enters into purchase agreements with eligible private landowners or Indian tribes that include the right for NRCS to develop and implement a Wetland Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPO).

Wetland Reserve enrollment options include:

  • Permanent Easements – Permanent easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs.
  • 30-year Easements – 30-year easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.  
  • Term Easements - Term easements are easements that are for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws. NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the term easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
  • 30-year Contracts – 30-year contracts are only available to enroll acreage owned by Indian tribes and program payment rates are commensurate with 30-year easements.

Categories: Easement

Varies National Link
START Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Offi ce of Indian Energy is now accepting applications for the third round of
its Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance
Program. Through START, Tribes can get customized technical assistance for furthering the development of
community- and commercial-scale renewable energy projects. Applications are due May 1, 2015; up to fi ve
projects will be selected in June 2015.

Categories: Renewable energy, Development

Unknown National, Tribes, Alaska 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
Resilience and Durability to Extreme Weather Pilot Program U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Deadline Passed as of 2/09/2018. Deadline for 2019 Unknown. Natural disasters have become increasingly damaging and problematic to transportation systems in many locations within the United States, affecting the performance of the transportation network and straining state and Federal funding for repair and maintenance. Addressing this critical issue is included in the U.S. Department of Transportation Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2018 -2021, which includes development of new tools to improve transportation infrastructure durability and resilience as a priority innovation area. It also states that infrastructure should be made resilient and durable to withstand extreme weather events. This pilot program will assist U.S. DOT and FHWA in achieving these strategic objectives, reducing future maintenance costs over the full life-cycle of transportation assets.

Categories: transportation, highway resilience, durability, extreme weather impacts, engineering

$10,000-$250,000 National Link
Coastal Ecosystems Climate Resilience U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Most recent deadline: May 1, 2024. This funding opportunity solicits research needed to advance our understanding of the properties and processes important to climate resilience in estuarine and coastal marine ecosystems to better inform coastal ecosystem management strategies

Types of Projects: 1) characterize, quantify, and define resilience for coastal ecosystems, especially those that have climate mitigation and adaptation and 2) develop methods to advance economic valuation of resilience benefits of coastal ecosystems.

Categories: Coast, Ecosystem, Climate, Resilience,

The EPA anticipates funding approximately 7 awards under this funding opportunity up to
$1,200,000 per award.
National Link
Region 9: Water Pollution Control Program U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Recent Deadline: 2/01/2021. The Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 106 – Water Pollution Control Program assists federally-recognized Indian tribes with achieving environmental results by developing institutional capacity for administering water quality programs to protect, improve and enhance natural resources.

Categories: Water Pollution, Clean Water

$40,000-$200,000. First-time eligible applicants may receive grants for $40,000. Pacific Southwest Link
Tribal Wetland Program Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Most recent deadline: 01/15/2021. Tribal Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) assist tribal governments and intertribal consortia to develop or refine tribal programs which protect, manage, and restore wetlands. The primary focus of these grants is to develop/refine tribal wetland programs. The goals of EPA’s wetland program include increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands in the U.S. by conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland condition. In pursuing these goals, EPA seeks to develop the capacity of all levels of government to develop and refine effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management.

Categories: wetlands, conservation, clean water act

$25,000-$250,000 National Link
Clean Water Act Indian Set-Aside Program U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The purpose of the Clean Water Act Indian Set-Aside (CWISA) Program is to provide funding for wastewater infrastructure to federally recognized tribal governments and Alaska Native Villages. Funds may be used for planning, design and construction
of wastewater collection and treatment systems. The CWISA Program is adminis- tered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in cooperation with the Indian Health Service (IHS). The program was established by the 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act, in Section 518(c).The CWISA program is administered in cooperation with the Indian Health Service (IHS). To be considered for CWISA program funding, tribes must identify their wastewater needs to the IHS Sanitation Deficiency System. EPA uses the IHS Sanitation Deficiency System priority lists to identify and select projects for CWISA program funding.

Categories: clean water, wastewater, sanitation, Indian Health Service

The average award amount for individual projects is $300,000. Pacific Southwest Link
Zoonotic Disease Grant Program U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: April 20, 2023. The Zoonotic Disease Initiative is a grant program focused on wildlife disease prevention and preparedness. Authorized under the American Rescue Plan (2021, H.R. 1319, Section 6003.3), the Initiative will provide $9 million in available funding to states, Tribes and territories to strengthen early detection, rapid response and science-based management research to address wildlife disease outbreaks before they cross the barrier from animals to humans and become pandemics. The highest priority for the funding is to increase organizational readiness and ensure a network of state, Tribal and territorial wildlife managers across the nation are prepared for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Strengthening partner capacity for wildlife health monitoring will allow for the early detection of diseases. Learn more and apply here. Grants for Tribes are open through NOFO F23AS00139. For more information, please contact Anna-Marie York at anna-marie_york@fws.gov.

Categories: Wildlife disease prevention, wildlife health, science-based management, monitoring

$75,000 - $775,000 National Link
Coastal Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Most Recent Deadline: September 30, 2023. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Coastal Program is a voluntary, community-based program that provides technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements to coastal communities, conservation partners, and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands. The Coastal Program staff coordinates with partners, stakeholders and other Service programs to identify geographic focus areas and develop habitat conservation goals and priorities within these focus areas. Geographic focus areas are where the Coastal Program directs resources to conserve habitat for Federal trust species. Projects are developed in collaboration with partners, and with substantial involvement from Service field staff. Coastal Program projects must support the missions of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and the Coastal Program, and be based on biological principles and the best available science. The Coastal Program takes an adaptive approach to designing and implementing coastal habitat protection and restoration strategies that anticipate and ameriorate the impacts of climate change and other environmental stressors. Coastal Program habitat improvement projects strive to increase coastal resiliency by improving the ability of coastal ecosystems to adapt to environmental changes and supporting natural and nature-based infrastructure projects to protect and enhance coastal habitats.

Categories: coasts, coastal communities, conservation, restoration, stewardship, fish health

up to $200,000 Pacific Region, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, Alaska, Pacific Southwest Link
Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program U.S. Forest Service

Deadline Passed. Most recent deadline: March 23, 2023. The Community Wood Grant Program, launched in 2020, provides funding for grants to install thermally led community wood energy systems or to build innovative wood product manufacturing facilities. The Forest Service expects renewable wood energy systems installed under this program to use the most stringent control technologies. The program places extra emphasis on assisting sawmills in economically challenged areas to retool or add advanced technology. Read the funding announcement here.

Categories: thermal energy, wood energy, forest health, economy, alternative fuels, wood products, hazardous fuels reduction, forest management, economic health, environmental health

Up to $1.5 million National Link
Community-Based Collaborative Action Grants UDOE

Deadline passed as of June 9, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. By design, Collaborative Actions allow conversations to emerge that shape the community and social context, and catalyze positive dynamics. These actions may be permanent or temporary, tangible or intangible, and may include creative placemaking, mapping, art installations or community events. They are typically small-scale, low-cost, and short in duration, but often fit into a larger community effort.

Categories: social justice, community building, human health, peace courts, community organizing, relationship building

$5,000. National Link
Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative United States Department of Agriculture

Most recent deadline: 1/14/2021. The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives.

Categories: Agriculture, social sciences, economics, biology, organic land

$50,000 - $3,000,000 National Link
Water Management, Planning and Pre-Development (N34) (Water Management) and the Water Rights Negotiation/Litigation (R31) (Water Rights) Programs United States Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, Northwest Regional Office

Deadline passed as of September 2, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown. Programs support the litigation and negotiation of Indian water rights, studies to determine the quantity of surface and groundwater supplies, identify arable lands, determine historical water use, water requirements for resources such as fish and wildlife, and the amounts of water required for irrigates agriculture, and relates engineering and economic studies for water delivery.

Categories: water rights, irrigation, watershed, water health, water,

Award amount varies. National Link
University of Arizona Haury Tribal Resilience Initiative Recruitment Grants. University of Arizona

Deadline passed. Deadline for 2022 unknown. The Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice in 2020 announced its new Tribal Resilience Initiative (TRI). Special consideration will be given to applications to support hiring of scholars (1) whose work addresses the severe water access challenges that face Native American and Indigenous communities, especially those facing Native American communities within Arizona; and (2) to scholars who have significant expertise or experience that relates to tribal customs and governance, and to traditional knowledge, and ways of approaching resilience challenges of Native American and Indigenous communities that respect both. The Haury Program will award up to ten one-time grants in Spring of 2021 to support the recruitment of scholars whose teaching, scholarship, or outreach centers on matters relevant to Native American and Indigenous resilience. Each one-time award will be for $18,000 to be used to support the position, or to support a research assistant for the awardee.

Categories: Scholars, water, tribal governance, traditional knowledge

$18,000 National Link
Green and Resilient Retrofit Program US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Most Recent Deadline through March 2024. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program provides funding for direct loans and grants to fund projects that improve energy or water efficiency, enhance indoor air quality or sustainability, implement the use of zero-emission electricity generation, low-emission building materials or processes, energy storage, or building electrification strategies, or address climate resilience, of eligible HUD-assisted multifamily properties. Eligible owners primarily include owners receiving HUD rental assistance under Multifamily Section 8 project-based rental assistance, Section 202 Supportive Housing for Low-Income Elderly, and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Low-Income Persons with Disabilities. There are three different paths/cohorts depending on the properties' stages of development.

Categories: development, property, infrastructure, IRA, retrofit

Varies National Link
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund US Department of Transportation

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: January 15, 2024. Transportation fatalities and injuries severely impact the quality of life in Indian country. Each year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as enacted by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), 4% of the available TTP funds are set aside to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive, discretionary program. Projects are chosen whose outcomes will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Link