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 the Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant Program — Deadline Coming Up Soon

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant. Applications are due December 16, 2025.  

Funding supports the planning and implementation of projects that focus on coastal habitat restoration and green stormwater infrastructure. The program has two primary goals:  

1. To promote large-scale habitat restoration and enhance restoration planning, while also helping coastal communities and ecosystems adapt to changing environmental conditions. 
2. To further promote the application of green stormwater infrastructure techniques to reduce nonpoint source pollution, improving water resource quality. 

This program has approximately $7 million in available funds, no match is required.  

Applications must be emailed to DEEP.EcosystemsGrant@ct.gov 

Learn more about this program on DEEP’s website.  

DEEP Accepting Applications for Recreational Trails Grant – Deadline Coming Up Soon

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.   

Visit DEEP’s website to learn more.   

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.” 

EPA Accepting Applications for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia – Deadline Coming Up Soon

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.

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.

Florida Opportunities

Deadline Coming Up Soon – 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 approaching 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

MCC Accepting Applications for Cultural Facilities Fund Until December 11 – Deadline Coming Up Soon

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is currently accepting applications for the Cultural Facilities Fund. The deadline to apply 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.  

EEA Accepting Applications for FY26 MVP Planning 2.0 Grants Until December 15 – Deadline Coming Up Soon

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is currently accepting applications for the FY26 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning 2.0 Grant Program. Applications are due Monday, December 15, 2025, via the EEA Grants Management System.

MVP Planning 2.0 supports Massachusetts municipalities and Tribal Governments in updating and deepening their local climate resilience planning with an explicit focus on equity and climate justice. Over a two-year process, communities convene a Core Team, engage Environmental Justice and other priority populations, revisit and refine resilience priorities, and collaboratively develop and implement a “Seed Project” that advances community resilience on the ground.

Eligible applicants include:

• Massachusetts municipalities (including Devens)
• Tribal Governments located in Massachusetts
• Political subdivisions such as Regional Planning Agencies applying on behalf of one or more municipalities

Priority will be given to communities that completed the original MVP Planning Grant (MVP 1.0) with plans dated June–December 2018, as well as Tribal Governments or municipalities that do not yet have an MVP-approved climate resilience plan. Regional applications (two or more communities applying together) are encouraged and may receive higher award amounts.

Funding is anticipated at $50,000 per community for MVP 2.0 planning Steps 1–8 and 10, plus an additional $50,000 per community to implement a Seed Project (Step 9) that can be completed within 9–10 months and does not require extensive permitting. Regional projects are eligible for additional funding given their broader scope and partners. There is no local match requirement, although communities must commit staff time to complete the process. The grant period is expected to run for approximately two years, with all costs incurred by June 30, 2028 (extensions may be considered).

Through MVP Planning 2.0, communities gain structured support, training, and technical assistance to embed equity in climate resilience work, build durable relationships with community partners, and position themselves for future MVP Action Grants and other implementation funding.

Learn more and access the full RFR and application materials through the EEA Grants Management System (greenhub.mass.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

Rhode Island DEM Accepting Applications for Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program Until January 15

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Forest Environment is accepting applications for the Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program until January 15, 2025.

This competitive, cost-share grant program provides funding to Rhode Island municipalities, public educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to support projects that enhance and expand urban and community forestry. Funding is provided through the USDA Forest Service under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act.

Eligible projects must align with at least one of the following goals:

• Promote active and sustainable management of trees and forests in populated areas.
• Protect trees and forests from threats such as invasive species, climate impacts, and catastrophic events.
• Enhance public benefits from trees and forests through improved management practices.

Grants are available in three categories:

1. Municipal Urban Forestry Planning – such as tree inventories, canopy assessments, or management plans.
2. Education and Outreach – including workshops, youth engagement, or community training.
3. Municipal Urban Tree Planting – supporting new tree planting projects that involve public participation and education.

Funding requests may range from $2,000 to $10,000, with a 50% non-federal match requirement (cash or in-kind). Projects must be completed by February 28, 2026.

Learn more and apply through the Rhode Island Grants Management Portal or visit the DEM Urban & Community Forestry webpage.

Rhode Island DEM Accepting Applications for Tree Equity RI Grant Program Until January 15

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment is accepting applications for the Tree Equity RI Grant Program until January 15, 2026.

This competitive, cost-share program provides tree planting grants to Rhode Island municipalities, public educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Funding is provided through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to support equitable tree canopy growth in communities that need it most.

Projects should focus on areas identified using the Tree Equity Score Analyzer, a tool developed by American Forests to measure where trees can deliver the greatest health, climate, and social benefits.

Eligible projects must:

• Prioritize neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by extreme heat or environmental hazards.
• Include strong community engagement and education components.
• Provide a three-year maintenance plan for newly planted trees.

Funding requests may range from $10,000 to $50,000, with a 25% non-federal match requirement (cash or in-kind). Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026, and reimbursement requests submitted by January 31, 2027.

Learn more and apply through the Rhode Island Grants Management Portal or visit the DEM Tree Equity RI webpage.

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.

Vermont FPR Accepting Applications for Communities Caring for Canopy Grants Until January 30

The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (under the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Communities Caring for Canopy Grants. Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026. vtcommunityforestry.org

This program offers seed-funding to help Vermont municipalities and public educational institutions develop and expand urban/community forestry initiatives in public ways and places. vtcommunityforestry.org

Key details:

• Total funding available: $40,000. vtcommunityforestry.org
• Grant awards range from $5,000 minimum to $10,000 maximum, with a required 1:1 cost-share (cash or in‐kind). vtcommunityforestry.org
• Project must be completed by October 27, 2027. vtcommunityforestry.org
• Eligible applicants: municipal governments and public educational institutions in Vermont. vtcommunityforestry.org
• Eligible project components include (but are not limited to): tree planting; establishment of tree nurseries; tree maintenance; removal of unsafe trees in public ways (with replanting); tree inventories; development of management plans; pest/disease preparedness; public outreach; staff/tree warden training; and program development. vtcommunityforestry.org

Learn more and apply online via the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program’s website under Financial Assistance – 2026 Communities Caring for Canopy Grants. vtcommunityforestry.org

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