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 Organization Grant Deadline Description Category Funding Amountsort descending Geography Website
Food Sovereignty Fund Na’ah Illahee Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: February 17, 2022. Na’ah Illahee Fund works in relationship with Mother Earth to strengthen her living systems in acts of support, reciprocity, and respect. This Food Sovereignty Grant seeks to support our hunter, gather, grower way of life by funding Native organizations and individuals who preserve and practice these ways. NIF is looking to provide grants to Native people who are leading community-based food sovereignty and sustainability efforts in their communities. We will award financial support to projects, or organized activities led by Indigenous people that aim to revitalize or increase the practice of Indigenous lifeways and create access to traditional foods and medicines through community programming, workshops, and skill sharing. Learn more and apply here.

Food sovereignty, Indigenous lifeways, traditional foods, community programming, sustainability Awards up to $25,000 Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia Link
NIF Food Soveriegnty Grant Opportunity Na'ah Illahee Fund

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: February 16, 2023. Na’ah Illahee Fund (NIF) provides resources for Native Communities across the Pacific Northwest who are located in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. As Native people, Na’ah Illahee sees the land as a living entity and tailors all of our community work and grantmaking to support this concept. We work in relationship with Mother Earth to strengthen her living systems in acts of support, reciprocity and respect. NIF places a high value on sharing old teachings of growing and harvesting our own foods and medicines. We encourage sharing of these teachings in new ways. NIF is looking to provide grants to community based food program efforts led by Native people. NIF also encourages the teachings and sustaining of hunting and fishing practices and those being passed on to the younger generations. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on Native Communities and has shed light on the structural inequities in access to basic needs such as food. As we move forward from COVID to post-pandemic, we strive to advance a “just recovery” by helping tribal communities, to not only meet the healthy food needs of the people, but to support their right to choose their own foods into the future. NIF seeks to preserve our gather, hunter, grower way of life by funding organizations who help preserve these cultural practices.

food, gardens, seeds, traditional food, fishing, hunting, food systems, education, community Awards up to $25,000 Pacific Northwest Link
Homeland Security National Training Program Department of Homeland Security, FEMA

Deadline passed as of August 22, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unkonown. The Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP), Continuing Training Grants (CTG) program plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal (the Goal) of a secure and resilient Nation. Delivering core capabilities requires the combined effort of the whole community, rather than the exclusive effort of any single organization or level of government. The FY 2016 HSNTP/CTG supports efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery mission areas, with specific focus on addressing the training needs of our Nation. Objectives: FY 2016 HSNTP/CTG training programs will provide training solutions to address specific national preparedness gaps, correlate training needs with exercise activities and outcomes, incorporate the core capabilities identified in the National Preparedness Goal, and ensure training is available and accessible to a nationwide audience.

homeland security, mitigation, hazard preparedness, natural disaster Awards vary. Total program funding: $11,521,000. 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. 

emissions, alternative energy, sustainability, climate adaptation, air quality Awards will range from $0-$800,000. United States 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
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
Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) Program EPA

Communities receive direct technical assistance from team of national experts in one of two areas: policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, school siting guidelines,transportation policies, etc.) or public participatory processes (e.g., visioning, design workshops, alternative analysis, build-out analysis, etc.). The assistance is tailored to the community's unique situation and priorities. EPA provides the assistance through a contractor team –not a grant. Through a multiple-day site visit and a detailed final report, the multi-disciplinary teams provide information to help the community achieve its goal of encouraging growth that fosters economic progress and environmental protection.

Infrastructure, Smart Growth Competitive program in which awardees receive technical assistance from experts; no funds dispersed Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
First Steps toward Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Tribal Lands – 2016 DOE

Deadline passed as of October 20, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown. Under the planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy intends to solicit applications from Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native regional corporations and village corporations) and Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations under the following topic areas: (1) Conduct energy options analyses (Topic Area 1); (2) Establish baseline energy use (Topic Area 2); (3) Develop energy organizations (Topic Area 3); (4) Conduct climate resiliency planning (Topic Area 4); (5) Establish policy, regulations, and codes to reduce energy use or promote energy develop (Topic Area 5); and, (6) Obtain skills and training related to energy use and development (Topic Area 6). It is expected that proposed activities will result in specific measurable results or end-products that will lead to the development and deployment of energy solutions, and/or build knowledge or skills necessary to implement successful strategic energy solutions.

climate change, carbon emissions, clean energy, sustainable energy, energy planning DOE currently anticipates making eight to twenty grant awards in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on Congressional appropriations. National Link
Funding Opportunity: pre-proposal request Western AK LCC Terrestrial Systems Theme USFWS, Western AK LCC (Western Alaska Landscape Conservation Cooperative)

RFP closed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) receives funds to support collaborative science and knowledge activities of the Western Alaska Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC). The Service administers these funds through financial assistance on a competitive basis for projects, studies, and events that advance the scientific and public community’s understanding of large-scale changes in landscape characteristics and the impacts of these changes on important species.

Terrestrial Systems Due to the limited funds available, modest funding requests (< $100,000.00) are encouraged, however, higher amounts may be requested with appropriate justification. National Link
Climate Solutions University NGO

Applications accepted throughout the year. CSU aids local rural communities, connected through a peer learning network, by offering training, expertise, and support in climate adaptation planning. Through this training, expertise, and support, CSU strengthens local leadership, public engagement, and ecosystem protection efforts in rural communities.

Adaptation Each participating community receives $100K in training, mentoring, and access to tools/resources Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska Link
EPA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Grant EPA

RFP closed for 2016. The EPA is seeking applications for a noncompetitive $50 million grant program to establish and enhance state and tribal response programs. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) 128(a) response program grants are funded with State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) appropriations. Generally, these response programs address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites with actual or perceived contamination.

Response program, assessment, redevelopment, cleanup EPA will consider funding requests up to a maximum of $1.0 million per state or tribe for FY2015. National Link
National Land Remote Sensing Education Outreach and Research Activity (NLRSEORA) USGS

Deadline Passed 09/04/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019.  The National Land Imaging (NLI) Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Land Resources (LR) mission area is soliciting applications from qualified Educational Institutions, State and Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations (NPOs) to develop a U.S. national consortium to expand the science of remote sensing through education, outreach and research / applications development for environmental monitoring to include the effects of land use and land cover change on water quality, quantity and utility; societal adaptation and phenology; public health-related issues to include identification of potential indicators relating to vector-borne diseases and harmful algal blooms; natural resource management, agricultural applications, disaster risk reduction, and other land surface and surface water monitoring applications.

remote sensing, education, outreach, research, environmental monitoring, land use, public health, vector-borne disease, algae blooms Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,250,000 National Link
Great Lakes Fisheries and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) USFWS

The USFWS requests interested entities to submit restoration, research and regional project proposals for the restoration of the Great Lakes Basin fish and wildlife resources, as authorized by the GLFWRA. The purpose of the act is to provide assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes Basin.

Habitat restoration, Conservation, Restoration, Species management. Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,700,000 National Link
Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program USFWS

Deadline passed. Previous deadline: January 2, 2023. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will partner with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to administer the 2019 FWS Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) for undergraduate and recently accepted graduate students who are in interested in a conservation career. Expected fellowship dates: May 20, 2019 to August 16, 2019. 

Conservation, Fellowship, Natural Resources Management Fellowship National Link
Ski Conservation Fund: White River National Forest The National Forest Foundation (NFF)

Partnered with Vail Resorts, Inc., Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin, the NFF offers a grant opportunity to help maintain and enhance the quality of the White River National Forest.

Forestry, watershed conservation, recreation, wildlife habitat Funding is distributed as a match to an anticipated in-kind non-Federal donation of at least 50% of the total award. White River National Forest, Rockies Mountains, CO Link
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), Research to Grassroots Grant Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: November 17, 2021. These projects take research results from previously funded SARE projects and bring those results into the field through education to agricultural professionals and producers. Learn more and apply here.

Agriculture, research, education, sustainability, outreach Funding limit is $100,000 per project. Western US Link
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), Professional Development Grant Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: November 10, 2021. This grant program focuses on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. Learn more and apply here.

Funding limit is $100,000 per project. Western US Link
Bureau of Indian Affairs Invasive Species (IS) Program Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Most recent deadline: January 13, 2023. Successful applications will focus on the management/control of invasive species on tribal trust lands, individual Indian allotment lands, or in areas managed by tribes through treaties or agreements. Instead of focusing on the definition of “Invasive Species,” this program will focus on the damage caused to Tribal Trust Resources and leave it to the discretion of the applicant to describe whether the species is “invasive” or represents an instance in which a native species is behaving as an invasive species due to altered environmental conditions. This funding can cover all invasive species (plants/animals) outside of noxious weeds in agricultural settings. BIA Northwest region: https://www.bia.gov/regional-offices/northwest

Invasive Species, planning, prevention, implementation, tribal trust resources Funding requests can range from $2,500 - $250,000 per application. Proposals addressing more than one focus area may be combined into one proposal. Northwest, National Link
Individual Water & Wastewater Grants USDA

Applications accepted continuously. The purpose of this grant is to provide water and waste disposal facilities and services to low income rural communities whose residents face significant health risks. Every effort is made to identify and fund the neediest projects. This program is only eligible in states with Colonias, and those are Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Adaptation, Water, Health, Natural Resources Generally, applicants are expected to borrow as much as they can afford to repay, as in the regular loan program. However, water and waste disposal systems can obtain up to 100 percent grants to construct basic drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste disposal and storm drainage to serve the residents. Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas 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
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
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Washington State Department of Agriculture

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: January 13, 2022. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Projects should enhance the competitiveness of Washington’s specialty crops. grant requests can range from $25,000 to $250,000, for a maximum period of three years. Learn more and apply here.

Agriculture, specialty crops, Grant requests can range from $25,000 to $250,000. Washington state Link
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program USDA 12/31/2024

Rolling Deadline. This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

housing, infrastructure, facilities, rural Grants and Loans available. Award amount varies. United States 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
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), Sabbatical Research and Education Grant Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

Deadline passed. Most recent deadline: November 18, 2021. These grants provide an opportunity for faculty around the world to partner with farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and researchers of the Western U.S. region for conducting research, education, and extension activities. Projects focused on unexplored topics in underserved communities and understudied geographic locations are of special interest. Learn more and apply here.

Agriculture, research, education, sustainability Grants cannot exceed $75,000 Western US 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
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
Community Facilities Tribal College Initiative Grants USDA 12/31/2024

Deadline is ongoing. This program provides funding to 1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) to make capital improvements to their educational facilities and to purchase equipment.

community facilities, development, educational facilities, infrastructure, renovation and improvements, cultural projects Grants up to $250,000 per land grant institution Funds can be used to pay up to 95% of the project cost National Link
Potlatch Resiliency Fund Potlatch Fund

Grant Closed on December 31, 2021. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Native communities, the Potlatch Resiliency Fund seeks to protect our way of life by funding resiliency actions that create hope, social connection, adaption, flexibility and purpose. This fund will provide grants that support general operating funds, projects, and artists. For more information and to apply, click here.

Resilience, COVID-19, art, community involvement Grants will be awarded in two amounts: $10,000 and $15,000, based on funding eligibility. Oregon, Washington, Idaho, or Montana Link
Matching Awards Program National Forest Foundation 01/16/2024

Deadline: January 16, 2024. The National Forest Foundation is pleased to announce that it is currently soliciting proposals for its Matching Awards Program (MAP). With recent changes to the program, MAP: Connecting People to Forests now focuses primarily on in-person community engagement and completion of appropriate stewardship activities. Program goals are to create lasting change that will allow all communities, especially underserved communities, opportunities to benefit from activities on National Forest System lands or adjacent public lands. Learn more and apply here.

National forests, restoration, impacts, forest health, civic engagement, community involvement In recent years, NFF has considered applications ranging from less than $5,000 to over $60,000. New applicants to MAP are encouraged to submit applications requesting under $30,000. National Link

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