Welcome to the first Grant Watch Wednesday of 2026! Tune in for fresh opportunities to move your community’s projects forward.
Connecticut Opportunities
Last Chance! The Deadline for DEEP Applications for the Climate Resilience Fund is 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
Few Weeks Remaining! Connecticut Agricultural Enhancement Grant Program (FY 2026) Deadline: February 2, 2026
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is now accepting applications for the FY 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Program, which supports projects that strengthen Connecticut’s agricultural industry, expand local food systems, and improve food security statewide.
This program is open to Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments (COGs), and agricultural nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects include agricultural infrastructure improvements, farmland access and preservation, value-added production, and initiatives that enhance the long-term economic viability of Connecticut farms and agricultural communities.
Award Notifications Anticipated: March 9, 2026
Anticipated Project Start Dates:
• April 1, 2026 (awards of $5,000 or less)
• April 15, 2026 (awards of $5,001 and up)
One Month Away! Connecticut State Department of Education Accepting Applications for Interdistrict Cooperative Grant Program – Deadline February 6, 2026
The Interdistrict Cooperative Grant (IDCG) Program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 grant cycle. This competitive grant program supports the establishment of interdistrict cooperative programs that increase student achievement and reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation.
Eligible applicants include local and regional boards of education, Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs), and approved nonsectarian nonprofit organizations. Funded programs must involve collaboration among multiple school districts and provide meaningful opportunities for students to learn and interact across district lines. Programs may operate during the school year, the summer, or a combination of both.
Grant awards of up to $100,000 are available for eligible programs. The grant period will run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Applications must be submitted electronically and received by the Connecticut State Department of Education by the stated deadline.
Application Deadline: February 6, 2026
Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Eligible Applicants: School districts, RESCs, approved nonprofit organizations
Maximum Award: $100,000
Learn more: https://portal.ct.gov/sde/rfp/request-for-proposals/2025-rfps
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.”
Deadline Extended for Applications for the USFWS National Fish Passage Program! Now Due January 30, 2026
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is currently accepting applications for the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) FY25. Applications are due January 30, 2026, 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
One Month Away! DOT Accepting Applications for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant – Deadline Updated to February 6, 2026
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
Last Chance! The Deadline for Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program is Approaching!
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
Green Communities Competitive Grant Program (FY26–FY27)
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is offering up to $30 million through the Green Communities Competitive Grant Program to support municipal energy efficiency, renewable energy, and decarbonization projects.
This competitive program helps designated Green Communities fund a wide range of initiatives, including energy conservation measures, building decarbonization, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, LED lighting and streetlights, battery storage, HVAC upgrades, and other innovative clean energy projects.
Upcoming application blocks include:
- Block 2 Deadline: April 10, 2026
- Block 3 Deadline: October 9, 2026
Eligible municipalities may apply to fund all or a portion of project costs, supporting long-term energy savings, emissions reductions, and sustainability goals.
Eligible Applicants: Designated Massachusetts Green Communities
Funding Focus: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, and decarbonization
Administered By: MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER)
Applications submitted through: COMMBUYS – Bid Solicitation
Future Opportunity to Watch – Massachusetts DOER Regional School District Decarbonization Grant
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
Last Chance! 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 (NOX) emitted by affected Volkswagen light-duty vehicles registered within New Mexico.
A total of $2.6 million is available in project funding.
Rhode Island Opportunities
Last Chance! 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:
- Municipal Urban Forestry Planning – such as tree inventories, canopy assessments, or management plans.
- Education and Outreach – including workshops, youth engagement, or community training.
- 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.
Last Chance! 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.
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.