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!

Florida Opportunities 

The FY 26-27 Beach Management Funding Assistance Program Closes July 31

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for The Beach Management Funding Assistance Program. Local government funding requests for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 close July 31, 2025.   

Funding is designed to support critically eroded beaches. Funding supports up to 50% of the cost of beach projects and 75% of inlet projects. Funds are available for planning and implementing beach and inlet management projects on Florida’s coasts.   

Projects should be designed to protect upland infrastructure, provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, provide recreational opportunities, and support local tourism. Eligible applicants include municipal government, county government, community development districts, and special taxing districts.   

Eligible activities may include:   

• Beach restoration and nourishment activities 
• Project design and engineering studies  
• Environmental studies and monitoring  
• Inlet management planning  
• Inlet sand transfer  
• Dune restoration  
• Beach and inlet protection activities  

To learn more about the program read the DEP’s overview. Access application information and documents here.   

Maine Opportunities

Preliminary Summary Application for Fall Round of Maine Outdoor Heritage Due July 15th

Organizations interested in sponsorship from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) must make Initial Contact with their Natural Resource Agency Representative and submit the preliminary summary application by July 15, 2025, to qualify for the Fall round.  

This fund provides funding for wildlife conservation projects throughout the state. The purpose of funding is to maintain, improve, and expand state and local natural resource conservation efforts in accordance with the MOHF Strategic Plan.  

The MOHF has 4 general funding categories:  

• Conservation of fisheries, wildlife, and habitats
• Acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and outdoor recreation sites and facilities  
• Conservation of endangered and threatened species 
• Natural resource law enforcement and protection of public health 

Eligible applicants include any established and insured vendor with the State of Maine, and any Maine State Agency. Partnerships with state agencies, municipalities, and other organizations are strongly encouraged.  

Important dates for Fall sponsorship are as follows:  

• July 15 – Preliminary Summary Application to Natural Resource Agency Representative 
• August 20 – Full Grant Proposal Application Due 

Information, application documents, and contact information for the Natural Resource Agency Representative can be found on the Funds website. An overview of the process can be found on the Quick Step Guide.  

Maine Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Applications for Next Funding Period Due by July 15th

Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is accepting applications to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program on a rolling basis. However, to qualify for funding for the next annual funding period, completed applications must be submitted by July 15, 2025.  

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program was formerly a set of programs, the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Transportation Enhancements (TE), Quality Communities (QC), and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs.  

Funding is designed to improve sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, off-road transportation trails, downtown transportation projects, and projects that improve safety and ADA compliance. Approximately $3 million in federal funds is allocated to the program annually; it requires a 20% local match, and the per project award ceiling of $720,000.  

With the deadline to apply for the next funding cycle approaching, application process steps are as follows:  

• Call MaineDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager to discuss project 
• Schedule a site visit  
• Secure a local match 
• Complete & submit the application: applicants must send one electronic completed application via email, and one printed version with original signatures via US Mail 
• Decisions will be announced in September 

For more information visit MaineDOT’s website.  

New Mexico Opportunities

New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Now Open!  

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is now accepting applications to the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant. An informational webinar will be held on August 14, 2025.  

This program provides funding for the planning, development, and improvement of trails and related infrastructure to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. The program is intended to boost local economies and outdoor industries, as well as foster community wellbeing through equitable access.  

Eligible applicants include Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations, Municipalities, Counties, non-profits, public schools and school districts, public colleges and universities, soil and water conservation districts, Acequia and land grant associations.  

The program has already awarded a total of over $28.7 million to 221 projects since the programs start in 2020.  

The FY 26 round is expected to have $7.2 million available for distribution.  

For more information visit the program website.  

Applications for 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) due August 19th  

The New Mexico Infrastructure Planning and Development Division of the Department of Finance and Administration has announced that applications for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) are due August 19, 2025.  

Eligible applicants of the infrastructure grants include all counties, incorporated municipalities, and the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority.  

Eligible Project Activities include:  

• Community Infrastructure: water, sewer, and stormwater systems, solid waste disposal systems, and street improvements 
• Public Facility: property acquisition, construction or improvement of structures like community centers, senior centers, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, substance abuse facilities, and any other community facilities designed to provide health, social, or recreational services.  
• Colonia Projects: 10% of the state’s CDBG funding must be allocated to Colonias that were designated prior to Nov. 1990, located within 150 miles of the U.S./ Mexico border, and must address lack of potable water or inadequate sewage systems.  

Additional information can be found on the New Mexico CDBG application website.  

Vermont Opportunities

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) Offering Technical Assistance for Prospective Disaster Recovery Projects

The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will receive over $67 million in Disaster Recovery funds related to the July 2023 flooding events.  Funding is designed to support expenses related to disaster relief, long term recovery, and the restoration of infrastructure and housing in the most impacted and distressed (MID) areas.  

• Approximately $54 million must serve HUD-Identified MID areas in Lamoille and Washington Counties.  
• Approximately $13 million may be used for unmet needs in State-Identified MID areas in Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor Counties. 

ACCD will be accepting pre-applications to the ACCD’s online grants management system currently in development. Notification of availability is expected later in the summer.  

In the interim, ACCD is providing technical assistance to prospective Disaster Recovery Projects in both the HUD and State Identified MID areas.  

To schedule technical assistance, contact ACCD staff at ACCD.CDBGDR@Vermont.gov.  

To learn more about this opportunity, visit ACCD’s website.  

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