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

Last Chance! Deadline Approaching Dec. 18 – DEEP Accepting Applications for Recreational Trails Grant

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.

DEEP Accepting Applications for the Climate Resilience Fund – Deadline Approaching

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the next round of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund. Applications are due January 15, 2026.

This program makes up to $44 million in state and federal funding available to support planning, project development, and construction efforts that help Connecticut communities build resilience to extreme weather events. Funding may support activities such as vulnerability assessments, resilience planning, project advancement, and implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure.

Eligible applicants include municipal governments, local public utilities, non-governmental organizations, Tribal nations, and other qualifying entities. The program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides full details on funding categories, project types, and eligibility requirements.

As part of this round, DEEP has also released a draft request for proposals seeking energy resilience projects designed to reduce the likelihood and duration of disruptive events.

Learn more on DEEP’s website:
https://portal.ct.gov/connecticutclimateaction/executive-order/deep-climate-resilience-fund

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.” 

USFWS Accepting Applications for the National Fish Passage Program – Apply by December 31, 2025

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is currently accepting applications for the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) FY25. Applications are due December 31, 2025, though applicants are encouraged to contact their regional office early, as additional regional timelines may apply.

This program provides funding and technical assistance to remove instream barriers, restore aquatic connectivity, and improve habitat for native fish and wildlife. Projects supported through NFPP not only enhance ecological health but also help reduce flood hazards, improve public safety, and strengthen climate resilience in surrounding communities.

Eligible project activities include:

• Removal of dams, undersized or perched culverts, and other instream barriers
• Installation of fishways or other structures to improve fish passage
• Floodplain and stream habitat restoration
• Engineering and design work that advances barrier removal projects

Eligible applicants include municipal and state governments, special districts, Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, small businesses, and other qualified entities.

Projects may receive up to $1,000,000 through cooperative agreements, depending on scope and available funding.

Learn more and apply on Grants.gov:
https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360456

DOT Accepting Applications for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant – Deadline Updated

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant. Applications are now due February 6, 2026.

This program provides funding for capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service — including privately operated services. Funding may support infrastructure upgrades, major repairs, modernization, and system enhancements that increase speed, reliability, frequency, or support electrification.

Eligible projects include:

• Replacement, rehabilitation, or repair of infrastructure, equipment, or facilities to bring intercity passenger rail assets into a state of good repair
• Projects that improve performance, such as higher speeds, increased frequency, improved reliability, or electrification
• Projects that expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service

Eligible applicants include states, interstate compacts, public agencies or chartered authorities, political subdivisions of a state, Amtrak, federally recognized Tribes, or combinations of these entities.

The current award ceiling is approximately $5,000,000,000.

Learn more about this opportunity on Grants.gov:
https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360636

Florida Opportunities

Applications Remain 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.

Maine Opportunities

Maine Coastal Community Planning Grants – Applications Due January 5, 2026

The Maine Office of Community Affairs’ Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) and the Maine Coastal Program (MCP) are accepting applications for the FY26 Coastal Community Planning Grants, with applications due January 5, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Approximately $550,000 is available through two grant opportunities: the Coastal Community Grant and the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant. Funding, provided through the Maine Coastal Program’s annual NOAA award, supports a range of coastal planning initiatives including hazard assessments, resilient infrastructure design, harbor and mooring planning, public access studies, conservation planning, erosion and flood mitigation strategies, and projects aimed at improving water quality in priority watersheds.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, unorganized townships, Tribal Governments within Maine’s Coastal Zone, and coastal Regional Councils, with collaborative regional projects encouraged. Single applicants may request between $5,000 and $50,000, while multi-community collaborations may request up to $75,000. Questions must be submitted by December 15, 2025, with official responses posted by December 22. Grants are anticipated to be awarded in early 2026, with project start dates on or after February 23, 2026, and completion required by March 31, 2027.

Learn more on the Maine Office of Community Affairs website:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/municipalplanning/financial_assistance.shtml

Massachusetts Opportunities

Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund FY26 Grant Program – Applications Due January 8, 2026

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is accepting applications for the FY26 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program, with applications due January 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

This program provides federal funding, administered by the Commonwealth on behalf of the National Park Service, to support projects that acquire and protect parkland, develop new parks, renovate or improve existing parks, build trails, or acquire conservation land. The goal of the LWCF is to expand public outdoor recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources, and strengthen climate-resilient, accessible open spaces across Massachusetts.

Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved (or draft) Open Space and Recreation Plan, the Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game and federally recognized Tribal nations. Projects may request between $50,000 and $1,000,000, with the possibility of larger awards at the Secretary’s discretion for projects demonstrating exceptional climate resilience. LWCF is a 50% reimbursement program, requiring applicants to appropriate or secure the full project cost upfront.

All projects must provide public access and once funded, become permanently protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution.

Learn more and access application details on COMMBUYS:
https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sda?docId=BD-26-1042-ENV-ENV01-121897&external=true&parentUrl=close

Massachusetts DOER Regional School District Decarbonization Grant – Future Opportunity to Watch

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has released the Regional School District (RSD) Decarbonization Grant Program, an upcoming funding opportunity designed to help school districts replace outdated fossil-fuel systems with efficient, modern electric alternatives. This long-term grant aims to support energy-efficient upgrades, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs across regional schools.

Eligible applicants include Massachusetts Regional School Districts. While the official bid opening date is March 5, 2027, districts are encouraged to monitor this opportunity early to support long-range planning, capital budgeting, and facility assessments.

Learn more on COMMBUYS:
https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sda?docId=BD-25-1041-ENE01-ENE01-117596&external=true&parentUrl=close

New Mexico Opportunities

Deadline Approaching: WNP Accepting Applications for James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant

The Western National Parks (WNP) is currently accepting applications for the James E. Cook Nature’s Classroom Grant, with the deadline quickly approaching on December 31, 2025.

This grant supports projects that deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of national parks’ natural, cultural, and historical landscapes. The program aims to inspire future generations of park stewards by expanding access for underrepresented communities and creating meaningful educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Eligible applicants include K–12 public, private, parochial, and home-school educators. Schools may submit multiple applications, but only one application per class will be considered.

Funding may cover transportation, program fees, park entry fees, educational supplies, arts and crafts materials, scientific equipment, citizen-science tools, and virtual classroom access. Award ceilings include up to $750 for virtual or in-classroom experiences, and up to $2,000 for in-park experiences.

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

Deadline Approaching: Questions Due December 15 for Vermont’s Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP); Applications Due January 9

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP). Questions must be submitted by December 15, 2025, and completed applications are due January 9, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.

AgCWIP provides funding to improve water quality throughout Vermont by supporting education and outreach, technical assistance, organizational capacity development, and conservation practice surveys. Grants are awarded to local and regional partners who work directly with farms to advance water quality and conservation efforts statewide.

Eligible applicants include Vermont farm-related businesses, agricultural associations, local government entities, public or private schools, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations working with Vermont farms. Individual farms may apply only if their project benefits multiple farms—such as by offering trainings, mentorship, or hosting workshops. State and federal agencies may participate as partners but cannot serve as the primary applicant.

Up to $8 million is available, with projects required to support one or more priority outcomes:

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

Funding categories include:

• Small Projects: up to $100,000
• Medium Projects: $100,001–$1,000,000
• Large Joint Projects: $1,000,001–$4,000,000

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.