Grant Watch Wednesday

This Wednesday, Capital Strategic Solutions is bringing you a curated selection of standout grant opportunities from across the region. Explore programs that can help your community grow, thrive, and plan for the future.

Connecticut Opportunities

Deadline Approaching: CT DEEP CERCLA 128(a) Brownfield Grants

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the third round of the CERCLA 128(a) Brownfield Grant Program, with applications due December 5, 2025.

This EPA-funded program supports environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, helping communities restore polluted properties for public benefit. Projects may focus on creating or enhancing parks, greenways, and other publicly accessible recreational spaces, while advancing DEEP’s mission to protect natural resources, improve environmental quality, and safeguard public health.

Eligible applicants: Municipalities and non-profit organizations
Available funding: $680,000 total program funding
Award limits: Up to $250,000 per project for assessment or cleanup

Learn more about this program on DEEP’s website.  

Deadline Approaching: CT Community Investment Fund Round 8

The Connecticut Community Investment Fund (CIF) is now open for Round 8 applications, with the deadline quickly approaching on December 5, 2025.

CIF supports transformative economic development projects in historically underserved communities, prioritizing initiatives that advance equity, access, and opportunity. Funding is available for:

Capital Improvements: Including brownfield remediation, infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, clean energy development, and public facility or home rehabilitation
Project Planning: Such as feasibility studies, community engagement, and development of construction budgets or project plans

Projects may receive priority consideration if they demonstrate local hiring, leverage non-state funds, include legislative support, or incorporate labor agreements or hiring of ex-offenders or individuals with disabilities.

Eligible applicants include Distressed Municipalities, Public Investment Communities, Alliance Districts, Community Development Corporations, and non-profits.

A total of $875 million is available, with two funding rounds each fiscal year.

Learn more about this program at the Community Investment Fund 2030 website.

Federal Opportunities

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.” 

Deadline Approaching: USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant (FY 2026)

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is accepting applications for the FY 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant, with submissions due December 5, 2025.

This program funds projects that strengthen connections between schools and local food systems, expanding access to locally sourced foods and agricultural education across Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites. Eligible initiatives include:

• Launching farm-to-school pilot programs
• Increasing use of unprocessed, minimally processed, or locally sourced ingredients
• Training producers on procurement rules and food safety standards
• Improving infrastructure to support local menu items
• Overcoming distribution barriers to local sourcing
• Expanding agricultural education, school gardens, farmers markets, and experiential learning
• Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption
• Incorporating Indigenous food knowledge into curriculum
• Developing integrated, farm-to-classroom learning opportunities

Eligible applicants include school districts, federally recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and non-profits.

Awards: $100,000–$500,000
Total funding available: Approximately $18 million

To learn more about this opportunity from the USDA’s website and view this opportunity on Grants.gov.  

Deadline Approaching: FEMA FIFA World Cup Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through FEMA, is accepting applications for the FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP) until December 5, 2025.

This program provides $625 million to support the enhanced safety and security measures required for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will include 78 matches hosted across 11 U.S. cities. Funding supports SEAR I and II events, covering:

• Large-scale public safety and security operations
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Emergency response planning
• Coordinated efforts to safeguard players, staff, spectators, and venues

Eligible applicants: Governor-designated State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), which will distribute funds to Host City Committee Task Forces and local government partners.

Award range: Approximately $32–$74 million per host city

Learn more about program requirements in FEMA’s NOFO and view the opportunity on Grants.gov.

Florida Opportunities

Only a Few Weeks Left: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), with the deadline just a few weeks away on December 15, 2025.

The LWCF program provides matching grants to local governments to acquire or develop land for public outdoor recreation. Eligible projects include trails, beaches, ballfields, playgrounds, picnic areas, courts, and supporting amenities such as lighting, restrooms, parking, and landscaping. Funding may also support the acquisition of land intended for future recreational use.

Key details:

• Eligible applicants: Local government entities responsible for public outdoor recreation
• Funding type: Competitive reimbursement grant
• Maximum award: Up to $1.5 million
• Match requirement: 50% (local funds or in-kind)
• Deadline: December 15, 2025

Learn more and access application materials on the Florida DEP website.

Applications Now Open for Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program. Applications are open until January 19, 2026.

The program provides funding to local governments and eligible nonprofit environmental organizations for the acquisition of parks, open space, beaches, and greenways that support outdoor recreation and natural resource protection.

Applicants must provide a 25% match, except for nonprofit environmental organizations and small local governments (municipalities under 10,000 population and counties under 75,000).

Learn more about eligibility, application materials, and resources on the Florida DEP website, or contact FloridaCommunitiesTrust@floridadep.gov for additional information.

Massachusetts Opportunities

Deadline Quickly Approaching: SFY 2026 Body-Worn Camera Grant Program

The Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR), within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), is accepting applications for the SFY 2026 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Grant Program, with the deadline quickly approaching on December 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

Approximately $3.49 million is available to help municipal police departments across the Commonwealth establish, expand, or upgrade their body-worn camera programs. Funds may be used to launch new BWC initiatives, increase coverage, or replace outdated equipment. No single award will exceed $250,000, and the average cost per camera is estimated at $1,000. Applicants must submit a BWC Wear Policy and documentation of collective bargaining approval (or good-faith efforts to obtain it).

The funding performance period runs from January 2026 through June 20, 2026. Learn more and access application materials on the OGR website or contact Program Coordinator Allison Garvey at Allison.C.Garvey@mass.gov.

MCC Accepting Applications for Cultural Facilities Fund Until December 11  

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is currently accepting applications for the Cultural Facilities Fund. 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. Architectural 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.  

New Hampshire Opportunities

Deadline Approaching: NH DES Section 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grants

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is accepting pre-proposals for the Section 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grant Program, with pre-proposals due by 4:00 PM on December 5, 2025.

Approximately $180,000 is available statewide through the U.S. EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 604(b) program to support local and regional water quality planning—including efforts focused on nonpoint source pollution, watershed management, and stormwater planning.

Eligible applicants include:

• Municipalities and regional planning commissions
• County conservation districts
• Watershed, lake, pond, river, and estuary associations
• Nonprofits and public water suppliers

Eligible projects may involve:

• Developing watershed-based or river corridor management plans
• Monitoring or modeling to identify water quality issues
• Planning stormwater retrofits or green infrastructure
• Supporting MS4 stormwater planning goals
• Prioritizing best management practices (BMPs) and associated costs

Key details:

• No local match is required (in-kind or cash contributions encouraged)
• Preference for projects addressing high-priority or impaired waters
• Projects are expected to begin in Fall 2026

Learn more and access the 2026 Information Packet on the NHDES website. For questions or pre-proposal coordination, contact Andrea Bejtlich at (603) 271-8475 or andrea.l.bejtlich@des.nh.gov.

New Mexico Opportunities

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.  

NMED Accepting Applications for Fourth Round of Volkswagen Settlement Funding Until January 14, 2026 

The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) is currently accepting applications for the Fourth Round of funding from the Volkswagen Settlement. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.

Funding supports projects that reduce diesel emissions. The goal of funding is to offset the excess emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NO_X) emitted by affected Volkswagen light-duty vehicles registered within New Mexico.

A total of $2.6 million is available in project funding.

Learn more from NMED’s website.

Rhode Island Opportunities

Deadline Approaching: RI Municipal Infrastructure Design Initiative (FY26)

The Rhode Island Department of Housing (RIHOU) is accepting applications for the FY26 Municipal Infrastructure Design Initiative, with the deadline approaching on December 5, 2025.

This program provides funding to support architectural and engineering costs tied to affordable housing development. Eligible project types include:

• Water and sewer infrastructure supporting housing
• Streets and sidewalk improvements linked to housing projects
• Utility upgrades necessary for housing development

Eligible applicants: Rhode Island municipalities, with priority given to proposals that include a planned affordability component.

Available funding: Up to $1,000,000 statewide, with no set minimum or maximum per project.

Learn more about this opportunity on the State’s Grants Management Office website.  

Deadline Approaching: RI Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) Grants

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is accepting applications for the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Program, with applications due December 5, 2025.

LASA funding supports the growth, development, and marketing of Rhode Island–grown food and seafood. This round prioritizes projects that:

• Support Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, Small, Women, and Veteran producers
• Advance climate-smart agriculture and climate adaptation practices
• Develop new marketing, sales, distribution, or promotional channels—especially those that increase access for food-insecure communities
• Create new value-added products or processing capacity
• Foster cooperatives, partnerships, and collaborative models
• Protect agricultural land and support farm transition planning
• Improve on-farm food safety (FSMA, HACCP)
• Support second-generation farmers and succession planning

Available funding: Approximately $450,000
Maximum award: $20,000

Learn more on the Rhode Island Grant Portal, and on DEM’s website.  

Vermont Opportunities

VAAFM Now Accepting Applications for Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program Through January 9

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) Water Quality Division is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP). Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Funding supports projects that improve water quality across Vermont through education and outreach, technical assistance, organizational capacity development, and conservation practice surveys. AgCWIP provides grants to local and regional partners working with farms to enhance water quality and conservation statewide.

Past projects have included hosting educational workshops, supporting farms with grant applications, nutrient management planning, conservation project design, precision agriculture training, equipment rental programs, and sampling (water, soil, manure).

Eligible Applicants

Vermont businesses such as farm operations or agricultural associations, local government entities, public or private schools or educational institutions, and non-profit organizations working with Vermont farms are eligible to apply.

State and federal agencies may collaborate with these groups but cannot be the primary applicant.

A note for farmers: Individual farms are eligible only if their proposed projects benefit multiple farms (e.g., mentorship or workshop hosting).

Funding Details

Up to $8 million is available through this opportunity.

Applications must address one or more of the following priority outcomes:

• Agricultural Water Quality Regulatory Compliance
• Agricultural Source Pollution Reduction
• Economic and Environmental Viability of Vermont Farms

Grant Categories:

• Category 1 – Small: Requests up to $100,000
• Category 2 – Medium: Requests between $100,001 and $1,000,000
• Category 3 – Large: Joint applications requesting between $1,000,001 and $4,000,000

The grant performance period is expected to run from June 2026 through June 2028.

Key Dates

• Questions Due: December 15, 2025, by 4:30 p.m.
• Applications Due: January 9, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.

Applications must be submitted electronically to AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov with the subject line “AgCWIP Application 2026.

Learn more and download the full Request for Grant Applications and forms on the VAAFM’s website.

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