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 Trees for Communities Grant until August 31, 2025
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Trees for Communities Grant Program. Eligible applicants can apply from now until August 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
This program provides funding to urban and community forestry projects to address the uneven distribution of tree canopies across the state. Projects must increase tree cover or contribute to other urban forestry projects that improve forest health or utilize urban wood.
Projects may include:
- Tree planting on private lands with landowner’s permission
- Engaging groups in urban forestry planning and planting
- Workforce development
- Invasive species management
- Urban wood utilization
- Removing impervious surfaces for tree planting
The department offers timeline and budget templates to support your application. Additional information can be found on the program’s page.
Federal Opportunities
FEMA Accepting Applications for FY 25 National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement
FEMA is accepting applications for the FY 25 National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement. Applications are due August 11, 2025.
Funding supports adequate management, training, exercise, procurement, and storage maintenance for the 28 national task forces that assist state and local governments to conduct around the clock search and rescue operations. These national task forces work with state and local emergency responders on Presidentially declared disasters or emergencies such as earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, aircraft accidents, hazardous material spills, and catastrophic structure collapses.
Eligible applicants include city or town governments, state governments, county governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and FEMA designated Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Sponsoring Agencies.
Awards range from $1.3 million to $1.6 million. The total estimated program funding is about $40,270,000. Funding is classified as a cooperative agreement.
See this opportunity on Grants.gov or learn more on the FEMA Grants Outcomes page.
Florida Opportunities
Florida DEP Accepting Applications for Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Capital Outlay Grant Program August 1 – 15
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be accepting applications to the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfront Capital Outlay (SMWWCO) grant program from August 1, through August 15, 2025.
Funding is provided by the Florida Communities Trust and supports commercial fishing and marine aquaculture industries by funding infrastructure that supports seafood harvesting, processing, and distribution. Eligible applicants include marine aquaculture facilities, and entities that hold a commercial saltwater product, wholesale dealer, or retailer licenses, as well as seafood houses.
Prospective applicants may watch the program informational webinar from July 28, 2025 to better understand eligibility and application requirements.
Applications must be submitted through DEP’s grant portal. Additional information can be found on DEP’s website.
Massachusetts Opportunities
DOER Accepting Applications to Regional School District Decarbonization Grant Program
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is currently accepting applications for the Regional School District Decarbonization grant program. Block 1 applications are due September 5, 2025.
Funding supports regional school districts’ transition from fossil fuel equipment to efficient electric alternatives at existing facilities.
Eligible applicants must be regional school districts. DOER may prioritize applicants who:
- Are classified as disadvantaged Justice40 communities
- Are not Green-Communities
- Are not Eligible for Mass Save
The award limit is $250,000, and applicants who are not a Justice40 disadvantaged community are required to provide a 25% match. Eligible spending categories include space conditioning projects, water heating projects, battery powered facilities maintenance equipment, and commercial kitchen equipment.
Interested applicants can review the information webinar here, and may view the opportunity on COMMBUYS.
New Mexico Opportunities
DOI Accepting Applications for Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation is currently accepting applications for the Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects program. Applications are due April 17, 2026.
Funding supports the planning, design, and or construction of small surface water and groundwater storage projects. Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Provide a more reliable water supply for states, Indian tribes and local government
- Increase water management flexibility and reduce impacts on environmental resources managed by Federal and State agencies
- Regional projects, and projects with multiple stakeholders
- Projects that improve supply reliability, provide ecosystem benefits, improve groundwater management and water quality
Eligible recipients must be located in the 17 western states. Eligible applicants include state, regional or local water authorities, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, or other entities like water conservation districts, wastewater districts, or rural water districts.
The maximum award ceiling is $30 million, with an estimated total program funding of $43,500,000.
Vermont Opportunities
ACCD Now Accepting Applications for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery
In response to the July 2023 floods, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) received $67,845,000 for the Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).
Pre Applications are due by August 5, and full applications are due September 30, 2025.
Funding is designed to support communities with disaster relief expenses, long term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, and economic revitalization in the Most Impacted and Distressed areas. Designated Most Impacted and Distressed areas include Lamoille, Washington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor counties.
In the interim the ACCD is providing technical assistance for prospective projects within the Most Impacted and Distressed areas.
Read the applicant guidance and timeline here, and for more information about this and the action plan, visit the CDBG-DR Funding page.
Let Capital Strategic Solutions assist with your grant writing, research, and compliance needs.
For assistance with your application, reach out to Capital Strategic Solutions. We are experts in Grant Management, expertly handling every stage of the grant lifecycle—from identifying lucrative funding opportunities and securing awards to ensuring compliance and managing project budgets. Our deep understanding of the public sector enables us to effectively support clients in delivering sustainable and impactful community projects. Partner with us to achieve your goals with certainty and success. Call us at (508) 690-0046 or email info@capital-strategic-solutions.com to get started.