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  

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

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, 2025.   

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 Recreational Trails Grant Until December 18   

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Recreational Trails Grant. The deadline to apply is December 18, 2025.  

Funding supports the planning, design, and construction of new trails, along with the maintenance of existing trails, and acquisition of land for trails. Funding supports these activities for both motorized and non-motorized trails. Funding may also support increasing accessibility to trails, the purchase or lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment, and the operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection of recreational trails.   

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, state governments, and tribal governments. Award amounts vary depending on availability of state funding. Requests should be less than $1,000,000. Awards may cover up to 80% of project costs, and require a 20% match.   

An informational webinar will be held on October 16, 2025. Visit DEEP’s website to learn more.   

Federal  

Warning Direct from Grants.gov  

“There has been a lapse in appropriated federal funds as of October 1, 2025. Grants.gov will still be available, but service may be delayed with reduced Federal support staff presence. For those programs affected by the funding lapse, the Grants.gov system will accept and store applications until such time as the responsible awarding agency has the authority and funding to return to normal business operations.”  

HHS Drug-Free Communities Support Program Deadline April 14 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is accepting applications for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Applications are due by April 14, 2026.  

Funding supports collaborations and community coalitions working to prevent and reduce youth substance use. The DCF program has two primary goals. The first is to establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public, and private non-profit agencies, as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support work by community coalitions to prevent and reduce substance use among those 18 years of age and younger. The second goal is to reduce youth substance use over time, and to reduce adult substance use by addressing community factors that increase risk.   

Eligible applicants include county governments, special district governments, city or town governments, Native American tribal organizations and tribal governments, non-profits, public and private institutions of higher education, and independent school districts. 

The award ceiling is $125,000 with a total estimated program funding of $31,250,000.  

Learn more about this opportunity on Grants.gov.  

DOJ Accepting Applications for the FY 25 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program Until October 27  

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently accepting applications for the FY 25 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies. Applications are due October 27, 2025.   

Funding supports publicly funded law enforcement and correctional agencies in establishing or expanding body-worn camera (BWC) programs. Properly implemented BWC programs can strengthen the evidentiary foundation for criminal prosecutions, provide reliable documentation of officer-citizen encounters, and deter assaults on officers.    

Eligible applicants include, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, county governments, state governments, city or town governments, independent school districts, public and state higher education institutions, and special district governments.   

The award ceiling is $2,000,000. Learn more about this opportunity on Grants.gov.   

EPA Accepting Applications for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia Until December 12 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently accepting applications for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia. The application deadline is December 12, 2025.  

Funding supports local waste management authorities by supporting improvements to post-consumer materials management, including recycling programs, and assisting waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems. 

Eligible activities include materials and waste streams that includes solid waste including, plastics, organics, paper, metal, glass, etc., electronic waste, batteries, household hazardous waste, tire scraps, construction and demolition debris, and disaster debris. Materials must be managed through source reduction, reuse, sending to recovery facilities, composting, rendering, anaerobic digestion, and sending to animal feed. 

Program objectives should include:  

• Develop or update plans focused on encouraging environmentally sound post-consumer materials management such as source reduction  
• Develop, strengthen, or implement comprehensive data collection efforts  
• Establish, increase, or expand materials management infrastructure 
• Establish or identify end-markets for the use of recycled materials 
• Demonstrate an increase in the diversion recycling rate, or quality of materials collected 

Eligible applicants include Indian tribes as defined in 33 U.S.C. 4201 and section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304), and Intertribal consortia, consistent with the requirements in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 35.504(a). 

Award amounts are expected to range from $100,000 to $1,500,000. The total estimated program funding is $20,000,000.  

Learn more about project eligibility on the EPA’s website and view this opportunity on Grants.gov.  

Florida  

Deadline for Florida Forever Program Approaching 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications for the Florida Forever program until October 15, 2025.    

Funding supports recreation activities and conservation of the state’s natural and cultural heritage through land acquisition. Applications are ranked within the goals of the Florida Forever Priority List as determined by the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC).    

The six Florida Forever categories include:    

• Critical Natural Lands   
• Partnerships and Regional Incentives   
• Less-Than-Fee   
• Climate Change Lands   
• Substantially Complete    
• Critical Historical Resources    

Learn more about the Florida Forever Program, other deadlines, and eligibility requirements.    

Maine  

DACF Accepting Pre-Proposals for PFAS Research Grants Until November 10

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) is accepting mandatory pre-proposals for Major Grants and Targeted Grants for the study of PFAS in agriculture from the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund). Mandatory pre-proposals are due November 10, 2025, and full proposals are due February 13, 2026.  

Funding supports research to help Maine farmers determine the best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their property. The Major Grants allocation will fund multiple projects. Priority Major Grants research topics include:  

• PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Water, Soil, and Plant Studies 
• PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Animals and Animal Product Studies 
• Understanding and Managing PFAS in On-Farm Agricultural Settings and Products  

Targeted Grant proposals should focus on research questions specified within the Request for Applications (RFA). Targeted Grant research questions should address: 

• Management of Waste Products 
• Safe Sources of Food for Hogs 
• Effective Communication Strategies 
• The Extent of PFAS Accumulation in Pollinators  

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, public and private non-profit institutions and organizations, state and local governments, and Tribal governments. Collaboration with Maine-based producers, agricultural service providers, and institutions is encouraged.  

Awards for Major Grants will range between $100,000 and $500,000 over the course of 2 years with a total of $3,000,000 available for Major Grants.  

The ceiling for Targeted Grants awards is $100,000 over the course of 18 months, with a total of $500,000 available for Targeted Grants.  

Learn more about this program on the PFAS Fund Website, submit questions to PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov, and learn more about the DACF’s PFAS Response.  

DACF Accepting Applications for 2025 Project Canopy Assistance Grants Until October 30

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Forest Service (MFS) are accepting applications for 2025 Project Canopy Assistance Grants. The application deadline is October 30, 2025.   

Funding is available for Project Canopy Assistance and Urban and Community Forestry Restoration Grants. Projects may fall into three categories:   

• Project Canopy Assistance Planning and Education: Maximum award of $20,000 for sustainable community forestry management, and efforts to increase awareness of the benefits of trees and forests.  
• Project Canopy Planting and Maintenance: Maximum award of $15,000 for projects that increase the health and livability of communities through proper tree planting and maintenance.  
• Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry: Maximum award of $200,000 for projects that establish and protect urban and community tree canopies.  

Eligible activities include urban wood utilization, urban food forests, local capacity building through workforce development, climate resiliency through tree planting, community tree nursery establishment, and building understanding to care for and manage community trees. Project Canopy Assistance Grants require a 50% match, while the Urban and Community Forestry Restoration grants do not require any match.   

Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch the recorded workshop that reviews grant writing, project development, sustainable community forest management, and grant administration for both programs. Grant office will be held from 9-10 a.m. on October 1st and 15th.   

Learn more about this opportunity on DACF’s website.   

Massachusetts  

MCC Accepting Applications for Cultural Facilities Fund Starting October 9  

The Massachusetts Cultural Council will begin accepting applications for the Cultural Facilities Fund starting October 9, 2025. The deadline to submit an application is December 11, 2025.  

Funding supports the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities. The Cultural Facilities Fund is comprised of three separate grant programs.  

• Capital Grants: For the acquisition, design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation or other capital improvements or deferred maintenance of a cultural facility.  
  • (i.e. acquisition of cultural facility or site, new construction, additions to existing structure, renovations or repairs to an existing structure, fixed or integrated equipment).  

• Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants (FTA): For the overall planning and feasibility for a proposed eligible project.  
  • (i.e. Architectual and engineering plans, designs, or studies, energy efficiency or green build assessments, ADA accessibility assessments, capital campaign feasibility studies, business and operations planning for opening or expansion). 

• Systems Replacement Plan Grants (SRP): A 20-year capital needs assessment conducted by a preselected contractor hired by the Cultural Facilities Fund to assess the facility’s structure and its mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems. Organizations must own the facility to be eligible. 

Eligible applicants include nonprofit cultural organizations primarily concerned with the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. Eligible facilities must be owned, leased, or used by the nonprofit cultural organization and accessible to the public. A municipal owned cultural facility must be at least 50,000 square feet and 50% dedicated to cultural purposes, or the building structure can be at least 125 years old and of any size.  

Awards will range depending on the type of grant. Capital Grants have a ceiling of $200,000; Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grants have a ceiling of $35,000; and Systems Replacement Plan Grants awards will range from $8,000 to $14,000. All Cultural Facility Fund Grants require a 1:1 Match.  

Learn more on the MCC’s website.  

MassWildlife Accepting Applications for FY 26 MassWildlife Habitat Management Program Until October 31  

MassWildlife is currently accepting applications for FY 26 MassWildlife Habitat Management Program (MHMGP). The application deadline is October 31, 2025.  

Funding supports active habitat management on conserved lands. MassWildlife is dedicated to the conservation, restoration, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The MHMGP is designed to encourage landowners to engage in active habitat management to benefit wildlife.  

Program objectives include:  

• Improve habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, as identified in the 2025 Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), with emphasis on MESA-listed species. 
• Enhance habitat in ecological communities that are disproportionally susceptible to climate change. 
• Contribute to improving habitat in a landscape that is high priority for biodiversity conservation. 
• Promote access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, birding, fishing, hunting, and trapping. 

Eligible applicants include owners of private or municipal conserved lands in Massachusetts. Conserved lands are property protected by a Conservation Restriction or Easement, Agricultural Protection Restriction, or land enrolled in Chapter 61 or 61A/B, land subject to the Landowner Incentive Program covenant, land owned in fee by a non-profit organization whose primary mission is the conservation of land, and municipal land under the care and control of the municipality’s conservation commission and town forests.  

Town Parks and Recreation lands are not eligible unless a Conservation Restriction is in place, or the land is enrolled in Chapter 61/61A/B.  

Awards will range from $5,000 and $75,000 per grant. Any awarded funds must be expended by June 30, 2026.  

Learn more about this opportunity on MassWildlife website, and view the opportunity on COMMBUYS.  

New Mexico  

WNP Accepting Applications for James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant Until December 31  

The Western National Parks (WNP) is currently accepting applications for the James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant. Applications are due December 31, 2025.  

WNP supports projects that deepen the public understanding and appreciation for a park’s natural, cultural, and historical landscapes, and aims to influence the next generation of park stewards. Classroom projects are intended to inspire a lifelong relationship to these resources. The James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant aims to educate youth, expand access for underrepresented communities, and make national parks more accessible.  

Eligible applicants include K-12 public, private, parochial, or home-school educators. Schools may submit more than one application, but only one application per class will be accepted.  

Eligible funding uses include, transportation costs, program fees, park entry fees, education supplies, materials for arts and crafts, scientific equipment for nature study, supplies for citizen-science projects, and equipment rentals or zoom access for virtual classrooms.  

The award ceiling for virtual classrooms is $750, for an in-classroom experience the award ceiling is $750, and up to $2,000 for an in-park experience.  

Learn more about this program and apply on WNP’s website.  

Vermont  

VTrans Accepting Applications for Better Roads Program Until October 31  

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is accepting applications for the Better Roads Program. Applications are due October 31, 2025.  

Funding supports technical support to municipalities to promote the use of erosion controls and maintenance techniques that save money while protecting and enhancing water quality in Vermont.  

Project Categories are as follows:  

• A: Road Erosion Inventory (new category, LOI’s accepted, on first come first serve basis until funding is exhausted) 
• B: Correction of Road Related Erosion Problem, Stormwater Mitigation, or Retrofit for both gravel and paved roads. (Maximum award: $20,000) 
• C: Correction of a Stream Bank, Lake Shore, or Slope Related Problem (Maximum award: $40,000) 
• D: Structure or Culvert Installation or Replacement for Culverts 36” or larger (Maximum award: $60,000) 

Applications for B,C,D projects are due October 31, 2025, while category A projects are accepting LOI’s on a first come first serve basis until funds are exhausted. A minimum of 20% local match is required.  

 Learn more about this program, and review application requirements on the Better Roads website.  

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