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 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 Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program Until November 3

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant (UGCG) Program. Applications will be accepted through November 3, 2025.  

Funding provides assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and environmental education. Program activities may include the development of a community garden or reclaiming or enhancing existing open space for public use.  

Program eligibility requirements include but are not limited to:  

• Applicants must have match funds available to match 50% of total anticipated cost 
• Projects must create, enhance, or restore public urban community garden or green space 
• Applicants must demonstrate public access of the project 

Eligible applicants include distressed municipalities, targeted investment communities, registered non-profits, and environmental justice communities. Additional program information can be found on the UGCG program website. 

Federal Opportunities

DOT Accepting Applications for Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program Until October 1st.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications for the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) grant program. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2025.  

Funding supports public entities in facilitating and evaluation public-private partnerships and exploring opportunities for innovative financing and delivery of eligible transportation infrastructure projects including, highway, transit, passenger rail, certain freight facilities, certain port projects, rural infrastructure projects, airports, and transit-oriented development projects.  

This program covers two types of funding:  

• Technical Assistance Grants: May be used for asset scans and advancing a program of existing assets 
• Expert Services Grants: May be used for exploring opportunities to leverage public and private funding or alternative approaches to project delivery or procurement of an identified asset or group of assets 

Eligible applicants include county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, city or township governments, and special district governments.  

The award ceiling is $ 2 million, with an award floor of $100,000. An information webinar will be held on August 27, 2025.  

Read about the NOFO and other requirements on DOT’s website and view the opportunity on Grants.gov.  

Florida Opportunities

Florida DEP Accepting Applications for Water Restoration and Resilience Grant Programs 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has opened the FY 2025-2025 Grants Portal and is currently accepting applications for water restoration and resilience grant programs. All grant programs will close September 1, 2025. 

Multiple grant opportunities in water restoration and resilience are available; eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early and for all programs for which they are eligible.  

Water Restoration Grant Opportunities Include:  

• Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Programs 
• Alternative Water Supply Grant Program 
• Springs Restoration Grant Program 
• Innovative Technology for Harmful Algal Bloom Grant Program 
• Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program 
• Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative Grant Program 
• Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern Grant Program  

Resilient Florida Grant Opportunities Include:  

• Planning Grants  
• Implementation Grants 

Application documents, examples of past projects, and program FAQ’s can be found on the Florida DEP grant portal. 

Maine Opportunities

2025 Waste Diversion Grant Program Fall Special Organics Round Accepting Applications Until September 17 

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently accepting proposals for the 2025 Waste Diversion Grant Program Fall Special Organics Round. Application deadline is September 17, 2025.  

Funding supports the development, implementation, or improvement of organics management programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase diversion of organic wase from disposal. Eligible projects may include but are not limited to organic waste diversion education, source reduction, upcycling, donation, composting, and digestion.  

Eligible applicants include Maine based public and private entities. Priority will be given to projects proposed by municipal or regional association applicants, and projects likely to increase the removal and recycling of organic materials from municipal waste streams. Special consideration will be given to projects who have not received previous program funding or are in an underserved part of the state.  

Approximately six awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are expected, however the number of awards is based on ranking of proposals and availability of funds.  

 To learn more about this program visit the DEP’s website, and read the RFP for additional requirements.   

Massachusetts Opportunities

DEP Accepting Applications for Mass Electric Vehicle Incentive Program on Rolling Basis 

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently accepting applications for the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP). Funding is available on a first come first served basis.  

Funding provides incentives for public entities to buy or lease battery electric vehicles, plug in hybrid electric vehicles, or zero emission electric motorcycles. Funding availability varies depending on the vehicle type and the means of acquisition.  

Funding limits include:  

• Up to $7,5000 per Battery Electric Vehicle purchase 
• Up to $5,000 per Batter Electric Vehicle lease 
• Up to $5,000 per Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle purchase 
• Up to $3,000 per Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle lease 
• Up to $750 per Zero Emission Motorcycle purchase 

Applications must be submitted online. Additional information, requirements, and guidelines can be found on DEP’s website.  

Vermont Opportunities

Vermont Village Trust Initiative Accepting Applications Until September 5th  

The Preservation Trust of Vermont in partnership with Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) and the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) is currently accepting applications to the Village Trust Initiative. Applications are due September 5, 2025.  

Funding supports projects that bolster local community trust organizations, and projects that transform or revitalize a village project. Funding is provided in two phases, technical assistance to assist in pre-development work, and implementation funding.  

Eligible technical assistance expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Legal support establishing a 501(c)3 
• Landscape architectural services 
• Budget and fundraising consultant support 
• Project management support 
• Environmental review, testing, and engineering 
• Hazardous materials testing 
• And appraisal services 

Awards range between $200,000-$450,000 depending on project scale, community need, and funding landscape. 

The Initiative application, information webinar, and other program guidelines can be found from the Vermont Preservation Trust website. 

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