Grant Watch Wednesday

It’s Wednesday and we at Capital Strategic Solutions have compiled the best grant opportunities we’ve found across all the states we serve – just for you! This list covers a number of grants that can assist you in building a stronger community!

Connecticut Opportunities 

DEEP Accepting Applications for Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program Until November 3rd

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program. Applications will be accepted through November 3, 2015.  

Funding provides financial assistance to acquire land for open space or for Class I or II water supply property. Eligible applicants include municipalities, water companies, and registered non-profits. DEEP will prioritize projects that offer the highest conservation and recreational value while leveraging the greatest percentage of private and municipal funding. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply for acquisition of parcels that can be purchased within a 12-month period.  

Awards will made to acquisitions that:  

• Provide recreation, forestry, fishing, conservation, or natural resource value 
• Are a prime natural feature of the state’s landscape 
• Provide habitat for native plant or animal species listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern 
• Are an undisturbed example of an uncommon native ecological community 
• Enhance conserving water quality 
• Preserve local agricultural heritage 
• Are eligible to be classified as Class I or Class II watershed land 

Funding for this program is competitive. Interested applicants can find the application and guidelines on the OSWA program page.  
 

DEEP Accepting Applications for Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program Until November 3rd 

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant (UGCG) Program. Applications will be accepted through November 3, 2025.  

Funding provides assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and environmental education. Program activities may include the development of a community garden or reclaiming or enhancing existing open space for public use.  

Program eligibility requirements include but are not limited to:  

• Applicants must have match funds available to match 50% of total anticipated cost 
• Projects must create, enhance, or restore public urban community garden or green space 
• Applicants must demonstrate public access of the project 

Eligible applicants include distressed municipalities, targeted investment communities, registered non-profits, and environmental justice communities. Additional program information can be found on the UGCG program website.  

Florida Opportunities

Florida DEP Accepting Applications for Water Restoration and Resilience Grant Programs

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has opened the FY 2025-2025 Grants Portal and is currently accepting applications for water restoration and resilience grant programs. All grant programs will close September 1, 2025. 

Multiple grant opportunities in water restoration and resilience are available; eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early and for all programs for which they are eligible.  

Water Restoration Grant Opportunities Include:  

• Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Programs 
• Alternative Water Supply Grant Program 
• Springs Restoration Grant Program 
• Innovative Technology for Harmful Algal Bloom Grant Program 
• Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program 
• Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative Grant Program 
• Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern Grant Program  

Resilient Florida Grant Opportunities Include:  

• Planning Grants  
• Implementation Grants 

Application documents, examples of past projects, and program FAQ’s can be found on the Florida DEP grant portal.  

Maine Opportunities

Clean Energy Partnership: Residential Energy Efficiency Workforce Training Grants Accepting Applications  

The Maine Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is currently accepting applications for the Clean Energy Partnership: Residential Energy Efficiency Workforce Training Grant. Applications are due September 17, 2025.  

Funding supports workforce development programs to grow the state’s energy efficiency workforce. Eligible program services include but are not limited to, short term workforce training, pre-apprenticeships, paid internships, on the job training, registered apprenticeships, scholarships for certification programs, stipends, technical assistance for delivery of energy efficiency rebates and incentives, or business development assistance.  

Broad program objectives should:  

• Increase number of new energy efficiency workers in Maine 
• Provide upskilling opportunities for energy efficiency workers  
• Prepare contractors for business growth and delivery of home energy efficiency and electrification rebates and programs 
• Increase the number and availability of energy efficiency workers and contractors statewide 

Anticipated award size ranges from $100,000 to $450,000. An estimated $1,220,000 is available in the total grant.  

An information session will be held August 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. and any questions must be submitted by August 8, 2025.  

Additional resources and the link to the information can be found here, and prospective applicants can download the RFA here.  

Vermont Opportunities

Vermont Village Trust Initiative Accepting Applications Until September 5th

The Preservation Trust of Vermont in partnership with Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) and the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) is currently accepting applications to the Village Trust Initiative. Applications are due September 5, 2025.  

Funding supports projects that bolster local community trust organizations, and projects that transform or revitalize a village project. Funding is provided in two phases, technical assistance to assist in pre-development work, and implementation funding.  

Eligible technical assistance expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Legal support establishing a 501(c)3 
• Landscape architectural services 
• Budget and fundraising consultant support 
• Project management support 
• Environmental review, testing, and engineering 
• Hazardous materials testing 
• And appraisal services 

Awards range between $200,000-$450,000 depending on project scale, community need, and funding landscape. 

The Initiative application, information webinar, and other program guidelines can be found from the Vermont Preservation Trust website.  

Let Capital Strategic Solutions assist with your grant writing, research, and compliance needs.