Grant Watch Wednesday

Cooler days, brighter ideas! This Grant Watch Wednesday, Capital Strategic Solutions is sharing fresh funding opportunities across the states we serve, helping your community harvest success all season long.

Connecticut Opportunities

DEEP Accepting CERCLA 128(a) Brownfield Grant Applications Until December 5 

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

Funding is provided by the EPA’s supplemental CERCLA grant and is designed to support environmental assessment and cleanup activities on brownfield sites. The intention is to enable the creation, preservation, or addition of park space, greenways, or other publicly accessible recreational space. Applications are also evaluated against DEEP’s mission to conserve, improve, and protect natural resources and environment in Connecticut, and to protect human health through the assessment and cleanup of polluted properties.

Eligible applicants include municipalities and non-profits. A total of $680,000 is available in program funding; awards up to $250,000 are available for assessment and cleanup.

Learn more about this program on DEEP’s website.

DEEP Accepting Applications for Recreational Trails Grant Until December 18   

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 Until December 12

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

Applications Open for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through December 15, 2025.

The LWCF program provides matching grants to local governments for the acquisition and development of land for public outdoor recreation. Eligible projects may include trails, beaches, ballfields, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, and related facilities such as lighting, restrooms, parking, and landscaping. Funds may also be used to acquire land for future outdoor recreational use.

Key details:

• Eligible applicants: Local government entities with legal responsibility for providing public outdoor recreational facilities.
• Funding type: Competitive reimbursement grant.
• Maximum award: $1.5 million for acquisition or development projects.
• Match requirement: 50% (local funds or in-kind).
• Application 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 November 3, 2025 – 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

DOER Accepting Applications for Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap Technical Assistance Until November 28 

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is currently accepting applications for the Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap Technical Assistance for communities seeking Climate Leader Communities Designation within 1 year. The application deadline is November 28, 2025. 

The Climate Leader Communities is a voluntary program that encourages municipalities to implement clean energy and climate-friendly policies and programs to broaden depth and breadth of decarbonizing municipal and school facilities, along with enhanced community engagement.

Recognizing that cities and towns may need assistance to develop municipal decarbonization roadmaps, the Green Communities Division is offering planning assistance to eligible municipalities for roadmap development to help achieve Climate Leader Community certification. This planning assistance will be provided through consultants (Consultants) selected by the Green Communities Division.

View this opportunity on Commbuys.

Applications Open for SFY 2026 Body-Worn Camera Grant Program

The Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR), part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), is now accepting applications for the SFY 2026 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Grant Program. Approximately $3.49 million in funding is available to help municipal police departments across the Commonwealth establish, expand, or upgrade their body-worn camera programs. The application deadline is December 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

Eligible applicants include municipal police departments only. Grant awards may be used to launch a new BWC program, expand existing 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 provide collective bargaining approval (or evidence of 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.

New Hampshire Opportunities

New Hampshire DES Accepting Pre-Proposals for Section 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grants Until December 5

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is now accepting pre-proposals for the Section 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grant Program. The deadline to contact NHDES staff for consultation is November 14, 2025, and pre-proposals are due by 4:00 PM on December 5, 2025.

Approximately $180,000 in funding is available statewide through the U.S. EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 604(b) program. These grants support local and regional water quality planning efforts that address 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
• Nonprofit organizations and public water suppliers

Eligible projects may include:

• Developing watershed-based or river corridor management plans
• Conducting monitoring or modeling to identify water quality issues
• Planning stormwater retrofits or green infrastructure projects
• Supporting municipalities in meeting stormwater (MS4) planning goals
• Creating best management practice (BMP) prioritization and cost analyses

Key details:

• No local match is required (though in-kind or cash contributions are encouraged).
• Preference is given to projects addressing high-priority or impaired waters.
• Projects will begin in Fall 2026 following state and federal approvals.

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.

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

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.