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1 | Please note this is not a comprehensive list - IF YOU SEE AN ERROR IN PREVIOUS ENTRIES OR WANT TO ADD A MISSING GRANT, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT OR EMAIL kara@upstreamsolutions.org | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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3 | To filter this list, please create a filter view for ONLY YOU (see instructions to right of table) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | Location | Funder (Agency or Department) | Funding Program Title | Who is eligible? | Funding Range / Grant Amount | Cycle? | Application Resources | Background/Context if Available (e.g., issue focus, source of funding, related sustainability initiatives/goals, etc.) | Date Last Updated | Person / Entity adding this entry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas | Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice | The Hive Fund | Groups in the US South that are building power to meet our shared goals of rapidly transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy in ways that equitably redistribute leadership, ownership, and benefits to disinvested communities | Varies | Typically makes two rounds of grants per year | Frequently Asked Questions | In partnership with nearly thirty donors, a broad array of advisors, the Hive Fund provides multiyear, general support to 140 grantee partners primarily in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas — states that contribute more than 20 percent of the nation’s climate pollution. The flexible and stable funding we offer helps groups build people, economic, and cultural power to achieve and sustain wins and build momentum for increasingly ambitious and just climate action. Over 75 percent of this funding flows to organizations led by Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian American and Pacific Islander women — impactful leaders that have historically been overlooked and undervalued by philanthropy. | Upstream | HOW TO FILTER THE TABLE: Select the data and headers (row 4 & below), navigate to the "data" tab in the menu above, select "filter views" and click "create new filter view" [this prevents your filter from confusing others] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | National (US) | Ben & Jerry’s Foundation | National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) | To be considered for funding, each applicant organization must: Have an annual operating budget under $350,000, use grassroots, collective-action organizing campaigns as the primary strategy for creating social change, be a non-profit with 501(c)3 status, or have a fiscal agent with this status, be U.S.-based and U.S.-focused | Up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000) | Two year grants | View Application Question Form (Word) View Application Question Form (PDF). A link to the grant portal login page at the bottom-left of every page on this website, look for the word “Login.” If you would like more information about navigating around the portal, view the system-created user tutorials here. If you encounter problems with the application, contact Dana Jeffery at 802-495-1378 or info@benandjerrysfoundation.org | The National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) offers two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000), constituent-led grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | Massachusetts- Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket | CARE for the Cape & Islands | CARE for the Cape & Islands Grant | Must be a 501(3)c and it must directly affect vistors, 2nd homeowners', and year-round residents' experiences, and include at least of the 5 following characteristcis: https://careforthecapeandislands.org/project-criteria/ | Most grants are $1,000 - 2,000 | Annual | Previously funded projects may be found here. Should you have questions, please send them to info@careforthecapeandislands.org. | CARE for the Cape and Islands projects help to preserve and protect Cape & Islands’ natural environment, culture and historic places. Each year we seek proposals from local nonprofits that fit within five themes including Carbon Footprint Reduction, Environmental Stewardship, Food and Culture, and Infrastructure and Sense of Place. These projects lead the Cape and Islands community one step closer to long-term sustainability and the protection of our fragile environment. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 | National (US) | Story of Stuff | Grassroots Grants Program | Grants are only made to organizations in the United States led by and serving black, indigenous, and communities of color and meet one or more of the requirements listed in the background column. | Up to $5,000 | Annual | Application | Prioritize BIPOC led and serving groups with a budget of $300,000 or less, and focus on water privatization, plastic pollution, and other environmental justice focus areas. To apply, groups must be led by and serving black, indigenous, and communities of color AND meet one or more of the following requirements: - Project is campaign-focused, centering grassroots organizing, public education, training and/or capacity building that develops skills, increases awareness, and/or builds alliances. - Project centers community-driven, strategic use of non-violent direct action that demonstrate local resistance to destructive environmental activities i.e. privatization of public water sources. - Project amplifies community voices in regional, national and international forums and provide access to decision makers, funds to go toward travel and/or other related costs. - Project leverages field studies and original research to hold companies accountable for their on-the-ground activities. - Project supports growth for emerging grassroots organization i.e. seed money. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | National (US) | Break Free From Plastic, through a grant from the Plastic Solutions Fund | Movement Power Building Microfund Grants | Grassroots and EJ BFFP US Core members. Funding will be prioritized for organizations with an annual budget of less than 500K with solutions-oriented projects that center environmental justice and fenceline communities, emphasize domestic work on the Global Plastics Treaty, engage youth, promote cross-movement collaboration, or contribute to the BFFP-US Strategy. | BFFP US Member grassroots/EJ organizations can apply for up to $1,500 Micro-Funds. Two organizations can jointly apply for up to $3,000 | Microfunds are an annual occurrence (and sometimes occur twice a year) | In order to be eligible, organizations must: - Be exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a fiscal sponsor. If your group is not a 501(c)(3) organization and does not have a fiscal sponsor, please reach out to USTeam@Breakfreefromplastic.org. - NOT be used for activities involved with political campaigning or lobbying. - Have signed the BFFP Community Charter (i.e., be a core member). For more information on how to become a core member, please contact USTeam@Breakfreefromplastic.org. To apply for Microfunds, please take one of the following actions: use this APPLICATION FORM and send an email to USTeam@breakfreefromplastic to let us know you’ve applied. Note: You can download Mote to complete the form using voice. You can also apply by phone call. Email USTeam@breakfreefromplastic to schedule a 30 minute call to go over your application via phone, during which we can also make ourselves available for ideas and recommendations. | These funds are meant to help you with whatYOU need and we encourage you to be creative in your approach to building power for your organization or within the movement. Projects could include but are not limited to team building or skills training sessions, campaign support, emergency preparedness or response, mutual aid, or costs associated with communication needs (i.e. hosting a domain or taking out a billboard or social media ad). | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 | US & Canada | GAIA | GAIA U.S. & Canada Microfunds | Microfunds are available for GAIA U.S. members and the Break Free From Plastic U.S. (BFFP-US) movement. | Up to $2,500 | Annual | The project proposal must meet at least one of the objectives listed in application. Projects or activities that support network development or those aligned with other members will be given special consideration. Priority consideration will be given to organizations that have not received funds from GAIA in the previous year and to grassroots organizations that have smaller operating budgets and would benefit from an immediate short-term increase in available funds. Contact aditi@no-burn.org with questions. Please review the GUIDELINES here before applying using this form. | The purpose of the Microfunds is to support activities that require funding and may support a longer-term strategy. This might include a direct action, a series of workshops, publications, tours, tool development, meetings, trainings, travel costs to bring speakers to local events, or other activities that will move campaigns forward. We’re especially excited about new and creative tools that may be models for other communities! | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | National (US) | 5 Gyres | TrashBlitz Community Fund | Must be a 501c3 organization, coalition, or individual with a focus on plastics work (i.e. pollution reduction, circular economy, reuse/refill implementation, toxics reduction/monitoring, etc.) | $10,000 | Annual | Submit for the TrashBlitz Community Fund RFP. All applications will be carefully reviewed by 5 Gyres. For all questions, please contact Alison Waliszewski. | Preference will be given to Environmental Justice or BIPOC-led groups, those operating in states with preemption laws, and/or work being conducted within frontline/fenceline communities or national parks/federal lands. 5 Gyres will award one group with $10,000 to execute a TrashBlitz in their region and commit to collecting, tracking, and analyzing a minimum of 15,000 data points. In addition to funding, awardees will receive a toolkit of templatized outreach materials, volunteer training, logistical support, data analysis, and report production support. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | National (US) | Earthday.org and Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN) | Earth Day Action Micro-Grants | Current college students in the United States (undergraduate or graduate) who commit to organizing Earth Day actions focused on plastic reduction. | $250 - $1,000 | Unclear if annual or a one-time opportunity | Earth Day 2024 Micro-Grant Application. Any questions regarding Earth Day Microgrants should be directed to PLAN’s BFFP Pledge Campaign Manager, Savannah, at savannah@postlandfill.org. | Funding requests may be granted in full or partial amounts. Funding will be prioritized for actions occurring in the following states: Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 | International | Paul M. Angell Family Foundation | Paul M. Angell Family Foundation Conservation Grant | Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and be designated as a public charity. | Varies | Bi-annual | Upcoming deadlines, templates for LOIs and Applications, and further information are available on the How to Apply page. For questions about the Conservation grantmaking priorities or to understand if your work would be a fit for the grants, please send an email with details about your proposed program, project, or work to conservation@pmangellfamfound.org.. | The Paul M. Angell Family Founda4on (PMAFF) Conservation Program works to protect the world’s oceans and marine species by funding programs, projects, and organizations that enhance marine biodiversity and confront the threats that imperil ocean health. In support of this effort, the Conservation Program awards grants to support impactful ocean conservation work via PMAFF’s open, bi-annual grant-making process. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | National (US) | New Earth Foundation | New Earth Foundation Grant | 501(c)(3) organizations | Varies | Reviews Letters of Inquiry twice a year and evaluates invited Grant Applications twice a year. NEF will respond in June to Applications received by May 1st. NEF will respond in November to Applications received by October 1st. | If your organization applies under a 501 (c)(3) umbrella organization, your application must be accompanied by a letter of agreement detailing your project and the nature of that organization’s support or involvement. | New Earth Foundation seeks to fund innovative projects that enhance life on our planet and brighten the future. Smaller, newer 501(c)(3) organizations are the focus of grants given, so that the foundation’s gift can make a more significant contribution to the work of the recipient organization. The grants given by NEF support a wide variety of projects in many fields of endeavor, including but not limited to environmental initiatives that are working to help eliminate pollution and to save the planet’s ecosystems, community efforts that create models of social sustainability, educational innovations that prepare youth to become the socially responsible leaders of the future, and strategies that offer economic improvement and opportunities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | National (US) | Quadratec | Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program | Any individual, group, or organization in the United States. Only one grant will be awarded per individual or organization per year. | $3,500 | Bi-annual | Interested individuals or groups should submit a 1000-1600 word essay to grants@quadratec.com that paints a picture of who you or your organization are, what drives and inspires you or your organization, what you or the organization are looking to accomplish, and how you plan to apply our grant to your project. Please submit your essay as a PDF (preferred) or Microsoft Word document to be eligible for consideration. | Offering two $3,500 environmental grants per year – one each in the spring and fall – to an individual or group currently pursuing a program or initiative designed to benefit our environment. Some examples of this would be: - Trail building or restoration projects - Park beautification events - Litter prevention initiatives - Earth Study missions - Sustainable Land Management activities - Community environmental educational projects - Youth educational engagement events | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | National (US) | Service Objects | Service Objects In-Kind Grants | Organizations that have 501(c)(3) status within the United States | Varies | Unclear of grant cycles, but appears to be ongoing | - All funding requests should be quantifiable with specific product requests and plan objectives, with a clear measure for evaluating success. - Projects should have a good chance of significant measurable results with momentum over a fairly short term (one to three years). - Applications that come with detailed projects descriptions will be viewed favorably, and will be taken into consideration during the granting process. Apply now | Service Objects In-Kind Grants will support organizations that encourage environmental leadership through the reduction of waste, and caring for our resources. We will provide in-kind donations to organizations that are working to encourage environmental conservation, as well as providing education for both personal and environmental health. Data quality and validation services may include: address validation, email appending, phone number appending, email validation, demographics data, geocoding with latitude-longitude coordinates, and other data validation services. In-kind contributions support the programs and/or daily operations of an environmental organization. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 | National (US) | Plastic Free Restaurants | Subsidy Program | Schools, non-profits, and restaurants & for profit entities | Varies | Ongoing | Application | The subsidy program is available to any food service establishment that currently gives single-use items containing either petroleum-based plastic or PFAS to its customers (or students), is willing and ready to switch to reusables, and is not required by (local, county, state) law to discontinue using the single-use plastic. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | International | Wabtec Foundation | Wabtec Direct Grant Program | Registered, nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)(3), charitable organizations (or the equivalent outside of the United States). Funding should focus on a local community where Wabtec has operations and, where possible, incorporate opportunities to engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. | $1,000 - $10,000 | Annual | STEP 1: Carefully review our eligibility criteria and selection guidelines. This is an essential step in determining whether you should take the time to prepare a grant proposal. STEP 2: Prepare and submit your proposal using our application. Complete applications and support documentation must be sent to: WabtecFoundation@Wabtec.com STEP 3: Applications that meet all Foundation criteria will be reviewed by the Foundation Board. Depending on when an application is submitted, and in accordance with our review cycle, it cantake up to 6 months to review and evaluate a proposal. Responses will be sent to all grant applicants once a decision is reached. | The Foundation views environmental stewardship as a responsibility to manage our footprint and an opportunity to contribute solutions beyond our business to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Committed to exploring new, environmentally conscious solutions that help consumers, businesses and cities lessen their impact on the planet. Areas of focus include: • Natural resource management – in economic growth and development. • Reducing pollution • Advocacy – Provide education about restoring natural infrastructure, as well as the enforcement of existing laws. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | International | Public Interest Registry | .ORG Impact Awards | All organizations must have a .ORG domain name | Up to $40,000 | Appears to be annual | Organizations and individuals may submit to more than one Award Category, but each submission must be original (i.e., an entry for one award may not be resubmitted verbatim to another award) | From groundbreaking initiatives to steadfast changemakers, the .ORG Impact Awards recognize the profound impact happening in communities across the globe. PIR is proud to shine a light on the tireless efforts and relentless commitment of the .ORG Community and champion those working every day to create positive change and a better tomorrow. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 | National (US) | Norman Foundation | Norman Foundation Grants | U.S.-based organizations | $20,000 - $30,000 | Unclear if annual | Accepts letters of inquiry by email (PDF or Word files only) to loi@normanfdn.org, by fax to 212-230-9849 or by regular mail to the address below. In an effort to limit use of paper, email is the preferred method. Please use only ONE method; do not send duplicates. Mailing address: 147 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017. Read grant guidlines here and restrictions here | The Norman Foundation seeks to help win some of those precious inches. Supports efforts that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own economic, environmental and social well-being, and that help people control those forces that affect their lives. Priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of under $1 million. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | National (US) | A Little Better Company, LLC | Unless Project | - American-based non-profit organization, unless the project is specifically designed to help tackle some of the biggest issues facing Americans. - Your work is mission-driven and impactful in one (or more) of our four focus areas: Health & Human Wellness, Environmental Sustainability, Social Progress & Advocacy, and/or, Artistic Activism | $150,000 for in-kind support | Annual | Fil out the general contact form for support or fill out this form to be notified when applications re-open. Answer five simple questions to help us pre-qualify your organization for the Unless Project. If you qualify, you'll be notified when applications re-open. | Each grantee is guided through a six-month intensive process with six major stages worth up to $150,000 in services & resources to refine your positioning, build your capacity, and better engage with your audiences. Throughout this process, we help our grantees transform from current-state to ideal-state, tapping into our entire array of capabilities and expertise, and funding all marketing-related expenditures required to realize their vision along the way. At the end of the process, the Grantee should see a measurable increase in their impact and their ability to engage new audiences sustainably. Hopefully, their success will inspire others to pursue their own big ideas. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 | US, Canada, India | Repurpose Global | Reuse Outcomes Fund | Focuses on consumer goods sectors with high single-use plastic intensity, including consumer packaged goods, foodservice and delivery, grocery, e-commerce, and retail. | $1,000,000 available in the program | Will operate over three years | Press release | Reuse Outcomes Fund is a first-of-its-kind, $1M prototype fund aimed at scaling reuse and refill solutions especially serving low and middle-income communities, in order to accelerate both measurable environmental outcomes and equitable access to waste reduction solutions worldwide. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | National (US) | NBCUniversal Foundation and NBC-Owned Stations | Local Impact Grants | Organization must be a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The applying organization must be located within one of the 11 NBC and Telemundo owned television markets (DMAs) as identified HERE. | Varies | Annual | Find out more from your local NBC Station by click on the individual NBC channels in the middle of the page | The applying organization must self-identify in one of the three categories that best characterizes their work and impact as an organization: - Youth Education and Empowerment - In-school and out-of-school programs that equip youth with the tools they need to succeed, including STEM/ STEAM education and youth entrepreneurship. These are programs that serve mostly people under 24 years of age. Examples include: academic enrichment programs, youth development programs, Science, Tech, Engineering, Art or Math programs/camps. - Next Generation Storytellers - Programs that promote access and develop pathways for emerging talent and youth voices from underrepresented communities, to explore careers in arts, news, sports and entertainment. Examples include: arts education, filmmaking training, or storytelling programs. - Community Engagement - Programs that enable individuals to engage and volunteer in their communities. Examples include: citizen engagement programs, volunteering events, campaigns responding to community member’s needs (e.g. food insecurity, health services). | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | National (US) | Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) | Research Grants | Any U.S. institution whose research topic aligns with the program | Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15,000 to over $500,000 with the average grant amount in recent years being $160,000 | Annual | Apply here. Explore current grantees. View and search Reports from our previous Grantees since 2009. To inquire about reports prior to that, email foundation@erefdn.org. Pre-proposal template | Upstream | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
25 | National (US) | Waste Management | Waste Management (WM) Charitable Giving | Support 501(c)(3) or public organizations who exclusively use donations for public purposes. Typically does not financially support operating costs, capital campaigns, individuals or foundations. | Varies | Applications are accepted year round and are reviewed on a continuous basis. Given the large amount of requests received, please anticipate an estimated two-month review period for each request. | Apply now | Causes Waste Management supports: - Environmental Stewardship - Sustainability Education - Community Vitality - Environmental Justice - Workforce + Skills Development - Supplier Diversity | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
26 | National (US) | The Walmart Foundation, Inc. | Spark Good Local Grants | Must possess a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed, Walmart's third-party verification service. Eligible applicants include organizations with current tax-exempt status as public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified as a public charity, verified by Deed; recognized government entities such as state, county, or city agencies focusing on public purposes and also verified; and educational institutions or faith-based organizations proposing community-benefitting projects, provided they meet Deed verification requirements. | $250 - $5,000 | Annual; Grant applications are accepted and reviewed during three submission periods this year. Adjusted deadlines Grant application timelines are as follows: March 1 – July 15 Aug. 6 – Oct. 15 Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 | Before applying, organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed. To check if your organization has completed verification, log into your Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits, where you will see your organization status. Only organizations with Active status can apply for Spark Good Local Grants.Organizations with an Incomplete status will not be able to apply for Spark Good Local Grants until onboarding is complete. | Local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S. There are eight (8) areas of funding for which an organization can apply: - Community and Economic Development - Diversity and Inclusion - Education - Environmental Sustainability - Health and Human Service - Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating - Public Safety - Quality of Life | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
27 | International | International Finance Forum | IFF Global Green Finance Award 2024 | Public and private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations. | Varies | Annual | Two different type of award programs: Annual Award and Innovation Award | This award, which leverages IFF’s global resources, aims to encourage international cooperation and the exchange of successful practices in this area, as well as to support sustainable development and achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The IFF Global Green Finance Award is targeting applicants who offer green financial solutions that promote the transformation of economic growth modes, contribute to pollution prevention, and control and address climate change, as well as improve energy efficiency, energy conservation, and emission reductions. It is a global call for innovation and application practices in policies, systems, industries, services, technologies, and talent building. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
28 | National (US) | Freeport-McMoRan | Mini-Grants for Education | Applicants may be teachers, school administrators or parent volunteers/PTA officials at public and private schools located in one of the eligible communities listed below. Applications must be submitted through the K-12 school. A school is eligible to submit an application if it is located in one of the communities below. If a school is nearby one of these communities and not in the community, then the school is not eligible to submit a Mini-Grants for Education application. Arizona Ajo Bagdad Bisbee Douglas Graham County Green Valley/Sahuarita Greenlee County Hualapai Indian Reservation Jerome/Clarkdale Maricopa County Miami/Globe San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation Colorado Lake, Summit, Chaffee and Eagle Counties Clear Creek and Grand Counties New Mexico Grant County Iowa Lee County Louisiana New Orleans (Greater New Orleans area) Texas El Paso | $100 - $500 | Appears to be annual | If you need to register a school for the first time or do not remember the log-in for your school account, click the Apply Now and the webpage will provide direction on how to create a new account and how to reset a password. If you need to be added to an existing school account, email cgsupport@cybergrants.com with the details below. Subject: Request to Access Freeport-McMoRan Mini-Grants for Education Application Body: In the body of your email include: Your Name, Name of School, City/State, NCES ID and explain your issue | "Mini-Grants for Education are designed to support K-12 teachers and schools in communities where Freeport-McMoRan has an operational presence. Since 2006, over $700,000 has been granted through the Mini-Grants program for classroom projects ranging from field trips to literacy efforts to incentives for student performance. Grants of $100 to $500 will be awarded to support projects in the project categories below. - Environment - Mining, mineral and natural resources - Reading and literacy - STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math" | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29 | National (US) | Scherman Foundation Core Fund | Environmental and Climate Justice Program | The Foundation funds state and local groups across the country as well as national networks and a small number of policy groups with close collaborative ties with grass roots BIPOC groups. It pays particular attention to New York City and State including an emphasis on public transit equity, the transition from fossil fuel dependency to a just sustainable energy economy, and the air and other pollution that continues to plague low-income communities of color. | Grants average $50,000 | Over two-years | Temporarily suspended rolling acceptance of Letters of Inquiry until their revised program guidelines are available to ensure transparency during this period of change. Learn more about the process here. | Climate and environmental issues have proven to be effective in galvanizing impacted communities of color to build broad political power. Because people experience and understand national and global environmental issues, including climate change, most palpably and deeply through local manifestations, the Foundation has emphasized efforts that mobilize residents to identify and advocate for community-initiated sustainable advances. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30 | Minnesota | BizRecycling | Waste Reduction & Innovation Grants | For profit, nonprofit, private college or university, place of worship, schools with a permanent physical location in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota | Up to $50,000 | Applications are accepted bi-annually until funds are fully disbursed | Completed applications must include the following: - Grant Application - Price quotes for all requested items - W-9 - Container Order Form (if applicable) | The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) is available to eligible schools, businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred strategy for managing solid waste. Waste reduction projects eliminate the use of materials that end up being discarded from production and sales processes. Waste reduction projects can take many different forms, including reusing source materials, bulk purchasing, packaging changes, technology enhancements or production redesign. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
31 | International | Stanley | Stanley Creators Fund | Must operate or be affiliated with a qualified U.S. 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (or global equivalent, if outside the U.S.) which is able to receive corporate funding. Fiscal sponsors or partner organizations that are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations may also apply. | Up to $50,000 | Annual | Apply here. Download program guidelines. Review application questions | Stanley Creators Fund is designed to support a new generation of social entrepreneurs who are developing bold ideas for some of our communities’ deepest challenges. With grants up to $50,000 each to eligible nonprofits, we are proud to amplify the voices of creative leaders who are shaping our global communities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | Texas | H-E-B | H-E-B Community Investment Program | Organizations must maintain a valid 501c3 nonprofit status as designated by the IRS in order to receive donations from H-E-B. Your branch or office must be located in one of the H-E-B regions below: - Austin/Central Texas - Border Region - Gulf Coast - Houston - San Antonio/West | Varies | Appears to be annual | Application form. Application FAQ | Community Investment Program contributes to nonprofit organizations that operate within the immediate H-E-B service area. Depending on the need we may contribute in-kind product, volunteers, or monetary funding towards activities, projects, and causes that make a visible and possible difference. Our Community Investment Program primarily supports organizations focused on arts and humanities, disaster relief, diversity and inclusion, education and literacy, environmental and sustainability, health and wellness, hunger relief, military and veteran support, and general social services. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | United States and Canada | SC Johnson | SC Johnson Grants | Your organization must be a registered, qualified tax-exempt, section 501(c)(3) charity based in the United States or Canada, or a government entity such as a school, library, or public agency. | Varies | Ongoing, rolling basis | Apply for a U.S. Grant. Apply for a Canadian Grant. | Our primary corporate giving focus is on institutions or organizations that serve or directly affect communities where we have operations. Our giving pillars include: - Help society thrive by addressing vector-borne disease, strengthening healthcare systems with increased access, addressing food insecurity and enabling healthier outcomes. - Promote sustainability, with a focus on reducing, reusing and recycling plastic waste and supporting environmental conservation with a focus on healthy oceans and forests and carbon reduction initiatives - Open doors for those in need by strengthening communities while advancing economic and social mobility through equal access to education and housing. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | Alabama | Alabama Power Foundation | Alabama Power of Good Grants- Elevate Grants Foundation Grants Good Roots Grants Students to Stewards Grants | Eligible groups include: local governments (cities, towns, communities of any size, educational institutions) or city and county school systems, universities and any 501 (c)(3) organization. | Varies | Typically annual with Foundation Grants having two cycles per year | Elevate Conference 2021 for a resource. For foundation grants and application content, contact Maggie Beans at smbeans@southernco.com. About the Good Roots Grant. For Studets to Stewards Grant, download application sample. | We offer grants in support of programs that conserve our resources, inform our citizens, deliver unique solutions to difficult challenges and share the beauty of Alabama’s natural resources. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
35 | US, Canada, Mexico | Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) | EJ4Climate Grant Program | Community-based organizations | Varies | Unclear if annual, determined if they have a current call for proposals | Sign up for their newsletter or follow them on social media to stay informed on future campaigns. | The CEC established this grant program in 2021 to fund projects that target underserved and vulnerable communities, and Indigenous communities, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to prepare them for climate-related impacts. The EJ4Climate Grant Program provides funding directly to community-based organizations and seeks to support environmental justice by facilitating the involvement and empowerment of communities searching for solutions and the development of partnerships to address their environmental and human health vulnerabilities, including those due to climate change impacts. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
36 | International | World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center for Sustainable Cities | WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities | Businesses, NGOs, community groups, local governments and collaborations of all types of organizations and individuals from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors may apply. | Cash prize of $250,000; $25,000 each for four runners-up | Annual | Frequently Asked Questions | The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities recognizes trailblazing projects and initiatives for their contribution to inclusive and sustainable urban transformation. It seeks to inspire urban change-makers across the globe by amplifying lessons and telling impactful stories of transformative change. Learn more about WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities at wri.org/cities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
37 | International | Lush | Charity Pot | Small, grassroots groups delivering projects in the areas of animal protection, human rights, and the environment. | Organizations can apply for any grant amount up to a maximum of £10,000, but are often in the range of £3,000-£6,000 | Annual | Click here to access online application form or a sneak peek of what the form looks like | Looks for projects that create long-term systemic change, addressing the root cause of the problem, and aim to challenge mainstream opinion and behaviour through raising awareness of issues. This can include activism, campaigning and holding governments accountable, or the implementation of regeneration or rewilding projects. Grants can be awarded to registered or unregistered organisations/charities, non-profits, or Indigenous and community groups with an annual revenue of £350,000 or less. Charity Pot grants do not fund individuals. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
38 | International | Patagonia | Patagonia Grants | Organizations that work within the communities of our Patagonia retail stores and wholesale dealers throughout the US and Canada. Patagonia’s grants program is currently operating on an invitation-only basis. Invitations are determined by Patagonia’s grants team and will not be administered upon request. | Typical grant size also varies from program to program, but generally ranges between $5,000 and $20,000. | Appears to be annual | For all technical assistance with the application process, contact CyberGrants support team at cgsupport@cybergrants.com. For any questions not answered not addressed in the Patagonia Grants Program general guidelines, please reach out to your Patagonia grants team representative | Patagonia supports environmental organizations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change. Supports innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. They focus on places with built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally. Encourages work that brings historically marginalized communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
39 | International | Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education | Student Mini Grants | Be between the ages of 11-25 on the application deadline and have an individual account (or student account through your teacher) on Wayfinder Society | $300 – $2000 | Annual | View the recorded virtual information session using the link below to learn everything you need to know about eligibility, requirements, and the application process. | These mini-grants are available to students looking for financial support for their personal education, school and community projects, internships, networking events, etc. connected to addressing the plastic crisis. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 | Boston University (US) | BU Sustainability and Innovate@BU | Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant program | BU students | $500 | Appears to be annual | To learn more about this year's winners, check out our recent news post. | Sustainability innovations should provide solutions for Boston University, but preference is given to those that also have an impact beyond campus. They must meet one or more of the recommendations outlined in our Climate Action Plan, and should relate to one (or more) of these five topics: 1) Climate change resilience 2) Emissions and energy 3) Education and engagement 4) Environmental Justice 5) Zero Waste | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
41 | University of Maryland | UMD Office of Sustaintability ,supported by the Student Sustainability Fee | UMD Sustainability Fund Grant | Students, faculty, and staff of the University of Maryland community can apply for funds | $2,000 - $800,000 | Proposals are due by October 15th or January 15th, each year. | View previous recipients. Apply for a grant. If you would like to request less than that amount, apply for a Sustainability Mini-Grant. | Any student, faculty, or staff at UMD can receive funding for initiatives and projects that benefit sustainability! Approximately $800,000 is available each fiscal year in the Sustainability Fund, so consider any ideas or initiatives you'd like to propose. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
42 | International but must be tailored to implement in Detroit, Michigan | City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI), in partnership with Toyota Mobility Foundation and the City of Detroit | Sustainable Cities Challenge Detroit | The solution must be tailored specifically for Detroit and implemented within the city. Entrants can be single organizations or consortia. Teams that enter as a consortium must nominate one organization as the lead entrant. The lead entrant will enter into contracts and receive funding from the Toyota Mobility Foundation. Entrants must be established as a legally incorporated organization to enter. The challenge is open to innovators worldwide but entries must be in English. Successful entrants must be willing and able to travel to Detroit as there will be expectations for on-the-ground presence during the next stage of the Challenge. | - Up to ten $50,000 implementation grants in the semi-finalist stage - Up to five $130,000 implementation grants in the finalist stage - $1.5 million final implementation funding, to be shared among up to 3 winners | Unclear if annual | Download entrant handbook. Learn more about Detroit’s Eastern Market | Innovators are being called on to demonstrate solutions that reduce fossil fuel use and cut costs of freight operations in Eastern Market. Solutions should address one or more of the following: - Reduce idling time - Reduce partial loads and empty miles - Reduce reliance on fossil fuel for cold chain logistics and freight management - Reduce implementation costs and barriers to adopting clean freight technologies | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
43 | Detroit, Michigan | Wayne State University | Community Micro-Grants | Local groups and projects aimed at addressing environmental issues in the city | Is not listed, but could assume that it varies | Unclear if annual (listed on website as "periodically") | For questions regarding this initiative you can contact our Program Manager, Carrie Leach, at carrieleach@wayne.edu. | Periodically Wayne State University provides funding to support local projects aimed at addressing an environmental issues in Detroit. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 | Wisconsin | Wisconsin Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative | Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative (EJII) | Wisconsin grass-roots organizations | $1,000 – $10,000 | Unclear if annual | Application. Read the Frequently Asked Questions Document here. | The Environmental Justice and Infrastructure Initiative (EJII) invests in actionable capacity building activities that educate communities about environmental justice locally and beyond. The EJII Capacity Building Grant helps Wisconsin grass-roots organizations in need of support to elevate community awareness and knowledge of environmental justice issues. EJII is offering technical assistance grants between $1,000 – $10,000 to organizations to increase community-wide awareness of climate change. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | Hawai'i | Hawai'i Community Foundation | Community Grants | Each grant opportunity might have more specifics as to who is eligible, but in general, appears that all projects must benefit the community and the local environment of Hawai'i | Varies | Unclear if annual (listed on website as "periodically") | When you have completed your project, please complete a final report. Here are the final report guidelines | The Community Grants program provides project or program-based funding to nonprofit organizations benefitting the communities and people of Hawai‘i. We believe that those working closest to the people they serve are best informed of the needs and opportunities that exist through the connections and relationships that they build every day. Specific geographic funds established at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation support this program and are conducted in three different grant rounds throughout the year. Each grant round will have different fund priorities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
46 | University of Nevada | Associated Students of the University of Nevada | The Sustainable Nevada Initiative Fund | Undergraduates at the University of Nevada | The grant program typically has a fund of $10,000; this may fund multiple low cost projects or one project that totals to this amount. | Unclear if annual | Apply for the Sustainable Nevada Initiative Fund. Contact the Director of Sustainability directorsustainability@asun.unr.edu | The Sustainable Nevada Initiative Fund (SNIF) is a grant program funded by ASUN for undergraduates. This program exists to elevate the ideas of students–– undergraduates from all academic disciplines and departments are invited to propose projects that enhance the sustainability of our campus community. The grant program also exists to serve as a learning opportunity for undergraduates: students who have never applied for a grant before are invited to engage with the application process and will come away with a new skill that they can take with them past their undergraduate career. Proposals can be developed for any project which can improve campus sustainability. This includes, but is not limited to, sustainable solutions inspired by engineering, policy, science, education, or social/behavioral interventions. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
47 | Maine | Libra Foundation | Libra Foundation Grant program | Tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) of the code. Applicants should attach evidence of their 501(c)(3) status. | In most cases, grants will not exceed $25,000 | Appears to be annual | Foundation's guidelines. Grant application | The Libra Foundation, based in Portland, Maine, was created by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989 and has made significant contributions to worthy causes throughout the State of Maine. Embracing the sense of proportion and fairness defined by its name, Libra, the Foundation maintains a balance and diversity of giving throughout Maine and across all populations. Areas of giving include Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit and Religion. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | Maine | Maine Community Foundation | Community Building grant | Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), municipalities, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. | Up to $10,000 | Appears to be annual | Read the guidelines to make sure you have completed the application correctly. Download and use the Microsoft Word version of the application as it includes information to help you draft your application. English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish | The Community Building Grant Program is one of the only grant programs in Maine that supports a broad range of projects and organizations across the entire state, including arts, education, environment, economic development, and human services. It is also MaineCF’s largest grant program and receives more than 500 applications annually. It provides project grants and general support grants. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
49 | Baldwin, Maine | Maine Community Foundation | PF Fund for the Baldwin Area | Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), municipalities, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. | Varies | Appears to be annual | Contact Katie Howard, khoward@mainecf.org, 207-412-0832 with questions | The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area supports nonprofit organizations and projects that benefit the people and area of Baldwin, Maine. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
50 | Maine | Maine Community Foundation | Rines Thompson Fund | Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), municipalities, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. Be located in one of the following geographic areas: Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Yarmouth, and/or Westbrook | Up to $10,000 | Appears to be annual | Contact Katie Howard, khoward@mainecf.org, 207-412-0832 with questions | The Rines Thompson Fund focuses its funding on community-based organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of Greater Portland. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
51 | Maine | Maine Community Foundation | Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Fund | Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), municipalities, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior | Up to $10,000 | Appears to be annual | All applicants must meet the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility requirements. Please read our eligibility and grant guidelines before submitting an application. Contact Gloria Aponte C., gaponteclarke@mainecf.org, 207-412-0847 if you have questions | The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Fund supports organizations that serve people of Native American, Latino, African, Arab, and/or Asian descent. The goal of the grant program is to help Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color in Maine achieve greater equity by: Investing in existing, new, and emerging leadership and nonprofit organizations; changing policies and practices that negatively impact Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color, because of their race; supporting efforts to alleviate the impact of race-based discrimination and disparities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | Canada, United States | Chick Fil A Foundation Inc | True Inspiration Awards | - Be either (i) a 501(c)(3) based in the U.S. or (ii) a Canadian charitable organization that can provide an opinion of counsel that confirms it is the equivalent of a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity in its home jurisdiction. - Organizations must be based in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada to be eligible. - Organizations must also have needs that align with our Corporate Social Responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Communities and Caring for our Planet. | $30,000 - $350,000 | Annual | Past True Inspiration Awards Nonprofit Winners | The True Inspiration Awards® program was created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A® founder S. Truett Cathy. Through these annual grants, it is our pleasure to celebrate and support nonprofit organizations making an impact in their local communities. In 2024, we will continue to support nonprofits with a total commitment of $5 million in grants ranging from $30,000-$350,000. Sixteen organizations will be awarded for their work in these areas. Caring for our Planet (four winners): Programs or projects that show care for our environment and our planet, or that demonstrate environmental stewardship through initiatives directly related to our other True Inspiration Awards categories of food, community and people (i.e., community beautification, education opportunities, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, etc.) | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
53 | National (US) | Clif Family Foundation | Open Call Grant Program | Applicants must be registered as (or fiscally sponsored by) a 501(c)3 organization | $5,000 - $50,000 | Bi-annual | Application and guidelines | The foundation has been proud to support hundreds of nonprofits that are working tirelessly to transform our food system, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health..We look forward to expanding the reach and impact of the foundation in the years to come. This means working with nonprofits that prioritize people-centered solutions and address urgent gaps and historically underfunded priorities. This includes regernative and organic farming, food production workers' health and safety, climate justice, healthy food access, inclusive outoodr access, indoors and outdoors safe from pollution | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
54 | International | Oceanic Global | Community Grants | Open to the public, with smaller organizations in need of support prioritized. | Varies | Unclear if annual | Look at previous community grant projects | The Oceanic Global Grants Program enables partners to collaborate on philanthropic initiatives by allocating funding toward specific regions & focus areas vital to conservation. Our grants place power back into the hands of those most impacted to help them protect the ecosystems and communities they depend on, as well as to honor and learn from their knowledge. Oceanic Global prioritizes projects from vulnerable coastal regions, which are also amongst the most vital to mitigating growing threats of climate change. Focus areas include: plastics, climate resilience, ecosystem health, ocean literacy | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
55 | International | Oceanic Global x Corona | River Cleanup Grant | Open to the public, with smaller organizations in need of support prioritized. | Varies | Appears to be annual | Check out previous grant projects at the end of the website | Oceanic Global has joined forces with Corona to launch a global interception program featuring locally-led grants that intercept plastic before it has the chance to enter the ocean or wind up on its shores. The river interception grants fund not only the elimination of plastic pollution from riverine environments, but will also help to restore vital ecosystems, support coastal communities, and protect paradise — for years to come. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
56 | International | HydroFlask | Parks for All | Nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and providing more equitable access to parks. | Varies | Appears to be annual | Apply here. If you have any questions, please reach out to PFA@hydroflask.com. | Parks For All program supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and providing more equitable access to parks. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | National (US) | Applied Materials | Applied Materials Funding | . Prioritizes the needs of neighborhoods near facilities where investments can enhance educational outcomes for underserved students, contribute to a vibrant, innovative arts sector, provide basic services to those less fortunate, and promote environmental stewardship. Appears to be anyone, but preference for Austin, TX and Santa Clara, California. | Varies | Bi-annual | Download grant guidelines. Apply for a grant. For more Information, email us at Community_Affairs@amat.com or Applied_Materials_Foundation@amat.com | Review grant requests for organizations supporting Education, Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, and the Environment twice a year, following submission deadlines of January 15 and June 15. To engage employees and community members in working toward a more sustainable future, we invest in environmental education and community-based projects that demonstrate the importance and value of protecting the environment. We have a special interest in funding Environment grant proposals that: 1) Focus on environmental education for young people, especially in underserved communities . 2) Encourage hands on opportunities for employee volunteers and their families | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
58 | St. Louis | Trio Foundation of St. Louis | Trio Foundation of St. Louis Grant Program | Municipalities in the St. Louis community | Varies | Appears to be annual | Grant portal. If you have questions, contact. Sara Breed, Grants Manager, sara@triostl.org and Marissa Rosen, Executive Director, marissa@triostl.org. | Provide for the betterment of the environment and ecology primarily in the St. Louis Area in the following areas: biodiversity and climate change, environmental education, environmental justice, and preservation of natural resources (air, land, water) | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
59 | National (US) | Cliff Family Foundation | Open Call Grant Program | Applicants must be registered as (or fiscally sponsored by) a 501(c)3 organization | $5,000 - $50,000 | Bi-annual | Application and guidelines | The foundation has been proud to support hundreds of nonprofits that are working tirelessly to transform our food system, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. We look forward to expanding the reach and impact of the foundation in the years to come. This means working with nonprofits that prioritize people-centered solutions and address urgent gaps and historically underfunded priorities. This includes regernative and organic farming, food production workers' health and safety, climate justice, healthy food access, inclusive outoodr access, indoors and outdoors safe from pollution | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
60 | National (US) | Roy A Hunt Foundation | Environment Initiative Grants | United States-based organizations with a current 501(c)(3) status | $25,000 - $75,000 | Unclear, but appears to be annual | To submit a letter of inquiry, use the online application system. This system allows you to easily add and update your organization’s profile and gives the Trustees and staff quick electronic access to your information. It also reduces paper use and postage costs for you and the Foundation. Our New Applicant Help Guide should answer any questions you may have. If you are using assistive technologies to access our web site, or encounter other difficulties with the system, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 412-281-8734 or info@rahuntfdn.org from 8:00am-4:30pm eastern time during the work week. | The Environment Committee will consider grant requests of between $25,000 and $75,000 for specific projects or programs that improve the environment at a multi-state, national, and/or systems level. Typical costs funded include project management, contracted services, education and outreach programs, applied research, and innovations that could lead to public policy solutions. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
61 | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont | Grassroots Fund | Grassroots Grow Grant | Groups doing local, grassroots work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont with a broad emphasis on environmental impact. Groups that are volunteer-driven or have no more than 2 full-time paid staff (80 hrs/week) and groups that have an approximate annual operating budget under $100,000 are prioritized. | $1,000 - $4,000 | Appears to biannual | Additional questions can be directed to Mary Jones at mary@grassrootsfund.org Applicants able to receive up to two grants from the same grant program per calendar year, as long as each individual grant is for a different project and received in a different grant round. groups do NOT need to have formal tax status or a fiscal sponsor. | The Grassroots Fund's Grow Grant supports groups who already have some experience in implementing their projects in their community. The program defines environmental projects broadly, yet has a strong emphasis on environmental justice with guiding practices, and allows for zero-waste and waste reduction initiatives. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
62 | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont | Grassroots Fund | Seed Grants | Groups starting new projects or significantly shifting project focus in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont with a broad emphasis on the environment. Groups that are volunteer-driven or have no more than 2 full-time paid staff (80 hrs/week) and groups that have an approximate annual operating budget under $100,000 are prioritized. | $500-$1,000 | Applications on a rolling basis year round | Direct questions to: Tess Beem at tess@grassrootsfund.org A final decision generally takes 4 to 6 weeks and you can expect to hear from staff to schedule a follow-up call in about 2 weeks from the date you submit an application | The Grassroots Fund's Seed Grant helps groups who are starting a project in the environmental justice space in New England. While the non-profit focuses on environmental inititiatives in general, the Grassroots Fund supports zero-waste and circular economy practices to reduce waste. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
63 | Global | University of Utah | Wilkes Climate Launch Prize | Organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits, anywhere in the world. Includes seed, pre-seed, venture-funded, publicly traded stage companies, or nonprofits | $250,000 | Annual Since 2023 | Two Phases of Application: Initial submission, and then secondary submission and in-person pitch at the Wilkes Climate Summit at the University of Utah Questions: Kyla Welch via email at Kyla.Welch@utah.edu Apply Here | The Wilkes Climate Prize highlights top global ideas for combatting climate change since its inception in 2023. The prize allows submissions for an array of environmental and sustainability initiatives that have impacts that are scalable, feasible, and produce co-benefits. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
64 | Nova Scotia | CUA | Community Investment Grant Program | Individuals and organizations that must operate in Nova Scotia, employing or enlisting (e.g., employees, volunteers, board members) one or more Nova Scotian residents and either serving Nova Scotians or selling products and services anywhere in the world from their Nova Scotia headquarters. Applicants must not have previously received funds through the grant program | Up to $7,500 | Annual | Questions: grants@cua.com Recipient Stories | CUA is a banking institution based in Halifax, Nova Scotia serving 20,000 customers. One of CUA's top values is environmental sustainability, which the bank enables through the Community Investment Grant program. The grant program offers a total of $100,000 that is dispersed between five categories: small business, community, health and recreation, arts and culture, and sustainability in the areas of energy efficiency, the reduction of greenhouse gases and/or improved waste management. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
65 | Connecticut | Sustainable CT | Community Match Fund | Individual residents, nonprofits, community groups, municipalities, schools, libraries - anyone in a Sustainable CT-registered town | Matches funds from crowdfunding | Rolling Basis | Recent Projects Questions and Application: funding@sustainablect.org To register your town: info@sustainablect.org Crowdfunding Requirements Projects must align with the Sustainable CT Actions | Sustainable CT is an independently funded, grassroots, municipal effort with a voluntary certification program. The organization focuses on an array of sustainability topics that support local Connecticut communities. The funding program is broadly organized into four categories: general fund for sustainability projects, climate change and clean energy amplifier fund, social change amplifier fund, food waste diversion and composting amplifier fund. The Community Match Fund is funded by the Hampshire Foundation, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Connecticut Green Bank, and Supporting Organizing Work CT. The projects must be rolled out within a 12 month period. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
66 | Edmonton and Calgary (Alberta) | Alberta Ecotrust | Climate Innovation Grant | Qualified Canadian Donees (Registered Charities), nonprofit organizations, The Cities of Edmonton and Calgary All projects must benefit Calgary and/or Edmonton, and leverage or match funding from other sources | Up to $100,000 in funding ($500,000 in Edmonton and $500,000 in Calgary) | Annual | 2025 Program Guidelines For questions: grants@albertaecotrust.com or 1-800-465-2147 Expression of Interest Questions | The Climate Innovation grant funds local climate mitigation projects in Calgary and Edmonton. All projects must have the potential to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reductions at scale over twenty years To create the program. The grant program focuses on several challenge areas with the most pertitent to reuse being Overarching or Foundational to address systemic, regulatory and/or policy barriers to the deployment of low-carbon products, technologies or processes. However, other project categories include: Building Better and Retrofitting Wiser, Moving on Mobility, and Decarbonization and Renewable Energy. Alberta Ecotrust engaged with 140 individuals across Calgary and Edmonton in discussions and mapping to evaluate the needs of the residents of Alberta, and launched the grant in 2021. The grant is funded by The City of Calgary and The Edmonton Community Foundation. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
67 | Alberta | Alberta Ecotrust | Environmental Impact Grant | Qualified Canadian Donees (Registered Charities), Nonprofit organizations, Band Councils; Tribal Councils, Tribal Associations or Tribal Governments; and Organizations of Indigenous communities across Alberta Address at minimum one focus area and challenge statement, and have a minimum of 20% matching funds | Up to $50,000 Total of $500,000 available for 2025 Alberta EcoTrust would consider disbursing up to $100,000 to multiple groups in equal partnership on a high-impact initiative | Annual | 2025 Guidelines For questions: grants@albertaecotrust.com or 1-800-465-2147 Expression of Interest Questions | The Alberta Ecotrust is a foundation that seeks to support organizations advancing Alberta's environment and climate change efforts. The Environmental Impact Grant aims to respond to the urgency of both the biodiversity and climate crises as well as advancing the circular economy. The program's four focus area are: Nature-based Solutions & Conservation, Climate Resilience & Emissions Reduction, Circular Economy, Overarching / Foundational. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
68 | Alberta | Alberta Ecotrust | Springboard Grant | Qualified Canadian Donees (Registered Donees), nonprofit organizations, Band Councils; Tribal Councils, Tribal Associations or Tribal Governments; and organizations of Indigenous communities across Alberta The grant must benefit the residents of Alberta, and apply to true capacity building rather than project oriented applications (may be eligible instead for the Environmental Impact Grant or Climate Innovation Grant - see above) | $1,000 - $10,000 Total of $100,000 available | Annual | 2024 Guidelines For questions: grants@albertaecotrust.com or 1-800-465-2147 | The Springboard Grant is a capacity-building grant to support organizational development by developing competencies, developing new strategies, or improving processes and systems. The grant focuses on organizations that target one of the following four focus areas: Nature-based Solutions & Conservation, Climate Resilience & Emissions Reduction, Circular Economy, Overarching / Foundational. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
69 | Nova Scotia | Divert NS | Municipal Adoption Funding | Municipalities in Nova Scotia and waste-resource management regions in Nova Scotia with projects that have been previously established and that have not received funding from Divert NS before. | Assistance for a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of eligible costs as determined by the Committee | Rolling Basis | For more information contact: funding@divertns.ca. Guidelines (Updated 2024) - Application Form in Appendix B Appliations accepted via email: sbarnard@divertns.ca Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional Coordinator in advance of submitting their application | DivertNS is a not-for-profit based in Nova Scotia that champions municipalities to live more sustainably by encouraging and providing funding for reducing, reusing, and recycling. DivertNS operates two primary programs: The Used Tire Management Program and the Beverage Container Program. The Municipal Adoption Funding program is particularly interested in waste diversion practices that have been proven to be successful, yet not widely adopted in Nova Scotia. This includes, but is not limited to, the implementation of a reuse center. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
70 | Nova Scotia | Divert NS | Municipal Efficiency Funding | Municipalities in Nova Scotia and waste-resource management regions in Nova Scotia with projects that have been previously established and that have not received funding from Divert NS before. | Assistance for a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of eligible costs as determined by the Committee | Rolling Basis | Research Reports | Divert NS Guidelines (Updated 2024) Appliations accepted via email: sbarnard@divertns.ca Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional Coordinator in advance of submitting their application | The Municipal Efficiency Fund will support municipalities/waste management regions in researching, developing, and implementing efficiency projects within the municipal solid waste-resource management system. While the Municipal Adoption Fund (above) offers funding for new projects, the Efficiency Fund aims to support existing projects and research in Nova Scotia that relate to waste diversion practices in municipalities across the province. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
71 | Canada | The Green Municipal Fund under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) | Pilot: Net-Zero Transformations Other Net-Zero Grants available for Capital Projects, Studies, and Plans | Canadian municipal governments, private sector entities, municipally-owned corporations, regional, provincial or territorial organizations delivering municipal services, non-governmental organizations, not-for-profit organizations, research institutes, and Indigenous community if partnering with a Canadian municipal government on an eligible project | Up to $500,000 50% of eligible project costs 80% of project costs available to municipalities with a population less than 10,000, regional governments with an average population less than 10,000, or Northern Communities | Annual Applications Accepted Year Round | Funding Application Guide Questions & comments: gmfinfo@fcm.ca 1-877-417-0550. | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is an advocacy group for more than 2,100 municipalities of all sizes, and the Green Municipal Fund is the Federation's primary funding program to achieve Canada’s climate change and sustainability targets. The Net-Zero Transformation Pilot program seeks to accelerate municipal transformations to resilient net-zero communities. Eligible projects must lead to quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions in a real-world setting. The GMF manages $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada. There are other available funding opportunities with the GMF at different stages (see funding program title). | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
72 | Oregon, Central/Southeastern Washington, Northern California, Utah, Wyoming and Southeastern Idaho | Pacific Power | Pacific Power Foundation | Communities that are served by Pacific Power (Oregon, Central/Southeastern Washington and Northern California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Southeastern Idaho) Nonprofit groups that have 501(c)(3) designation, educational and research institutions, youth organizations, cultural enrichment organizations, and health and human services organizations | Typically Between $2,000 - $5,000 | Annual Four cycles for different categories | Questions: pacificorpfoundation@pacificorp.com (preferred) or leave a voicemail at (503) 813-7257 Application Portal | Pacific Power is a unit of PacifiCorp a western US energy servicde provider. One of the categories for applicants to apply to is environmental respect, which includes animal and wildlife biodiversity, carbon and methane emissions, conservation of natural resources, environmental management systems, parks, trails and gardens, resource stewardship, waste management reduction, and water usage management. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
73 | Oregon | Energy Trust of Oregon | Oregon Cash Incentives for Equipment | Have a project site in Oregon served by Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas or Avista and contribute to the public purpose charge and/or system benefit charge. Be a new construction, a major renovation or an addition to an existing structure. | Varies based off of equipment type For Commercial Dishwashers with Energy Star requirements: Single Tank Conveyor, Low/Dual or iIgh Temp Dishwasher, Mulitple Tank Conveyor, Dual/High Temp Dishwasher, Single Tank Door High Temp: $900 each Under Counter Low or High Temp: $750 each Pot Pan, and Utensil (PPU): $1,200 each | Rolling Basis | Questions: 1-877-467-0930 or newbuildings@energytrust.org FAQ and Support | The Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization that offers cash incentives to customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, and Avista in Oregon. The Oregon Cash Incentives initiative aims to make renewable energy affordable for communities, while reduce operating costs and increase property value. The funding comes from utility customers and is invested on their behalf in low-cost energy efficiency, renewable energy and grid-connected technologies. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
74 | U.S. and Canada | Closed Loop Partners | Closed Loop Circular Plastics Strategy | Municipalities, private companies and non-profit organizations Projects must be based in the U.S. or Canada, and will be evaluated on greenhouse gas emissions reduced or avoided, ability to repay for debt financing, replicability and scalability of the project, mass of materials impacted | Financing in the form of debt-based loans (bridge, secured, unsecured, revolving credit facilities, asset based loans, venture debt), hybrid mezzanine debt, and equity Minimum Investment Size of $1 million with an Average Investment Period of 3-5 Years | Rolling Basis | Apply for Funding - scroll to the bottom of the page | Closed Loop Partners is an investment firm that prioritizes circular economy iniatives and waste reduction through material innovation and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Closed Loop Partners has three key business segments: Closed Loop Capital Management (investment group), Center for the Circular Economy (innovation and research), and Circular Services (private recycling and circular economy services). While previous projects have been geared to recycling initiatives, reuse infrastructure aligns with the firm's waste reduction goals and should be framed as a worth-while investment in achieving the circular economy. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
75 | Canada | TD Bank | TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant | Registered Canadian charities with a Charitable Registration Number (CRN), educational institutions (primary/secondary/post-secondary), municipalities, Indigenous groups/communities | No set minimum or maximum Most of funding amounts range between $2,000 - $8,000 | Annual | Application Portal For questions/comments, contact the Executive Manager: Carolyn.scotchmer@td.com | The TD Friends of the Environment Fund supports a wide array of environmental activities, including environmental education and green space programs, which are partially funded by public donations. The educational initiative, if in a school, should address curriculum ties, the goals of the program, the relevance to environmental issues in the community, and should include a hands-on approach intertwined with the program. While this grant opportunity does not focus on the implementation of reuse projects, it does allow for educational initiatives that can relate to the economic and environmental benefits of reuse. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
76 | Miami-Dade County | Miami-Dade Innovation Authority | Public Innovation Challenge No. 5: Propelling Waste Diversion Across Miami-Dade County | Companies with an existing product, or minimum viable product, and should be legally registered and compliant with all regulations and laws in respective jurisdictions | $100,000 equity investment | Appears to be one time with different public innovation challenges added annually | Frequently Asked Questions Sample Application Questions Application Guides Application Portal | The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority is a non-profit organization that receives municipal and private funding. The organization created The Propelling Waste Diversion Challenge in partnership with Miami-Dade County’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED), Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM), and the Solid Waste Association-North America, in order to explore innovative solutions for waste reduction efforts and education. The Challenge accepts a wide array of waste reduction pilot programs, including reuse, that should be able to be scaled up in the future to meet Miami-Dade's waste diversion needs. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
77 | Missouri | Missouri American Water | Hydration Station Grant Program | 501(c)(3) public charities and K-12 public schools located within a community served by Missouri American Water and entities must receive their tap water service from Missouri American Water | Depends on quote for desired bottle filler/drinking fountain | Annual | For questions, email Megan Watson: Megan.Watson@amwater.com | Missouri American Water is a branch of American Water, which provides water and wastewater services in the United States. The grant is funded by the American Water Charitable Foundation, which has status as a 501(c)(3) private foundation with the IRS. Grant recipients are responsible for ordering, installing, and maintaining the hydration stations, with an overall aim to reduce plastic waste and promote reusable water bottles. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
78 | New Jersey | New Jersey American Water | Hyrdration Station Grant Program | Applicants must be registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity and provide public access to the bottle filling station, or a K-12 public school, college, or university. | Up to $2,500 | Annual | Scroll Down For Application For questions/more information: njaw.outreach@amwater.com | New Jersey American Water offers the Hydration Station Grant Program to public charities in communities within the New Jersey American Water service area. The goal of the program is to fund the purchase of bottle filling stations with access to safe, reliable tap water in order to hydrate immediately or refill personal, reusable bottles. | July 17, 2025 | Upstream | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
79 | Illinois | Illinois American Water | Hydration Station Grant Program | 501(c)(3) public charities that provide public access to the bottle filling station, or a K-12 public school, college, or university and entities must serve the Illinois American Water’s service territory | Varies | Appears to be Annual | Scroll Down For Application For more information/questions, email Anna Kubas: Anna.Kubas@amwater.com | Illinois American Water provides funding through the American Water Charitable Foundation for public charities and schools to intall water bottle filling stations. The ultimate goal is to encourage reusables and reduce single-use beverage container waste. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
80 | New York State | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York State Pollution Prevention Institute Community Grants Program | Community organizations (non profits that must submit a W-9) and local government agencies based and operating in New York State | Varies depending on requested budget | Annual | Past Recipients Resources for Grantees For more information/questions: sehgis@rit.edu and apwgis@rit.edu | The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) launched in 2008 on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) through funding by Empire State Development (ESD). The NYSP2I is able to support its grant program with the institute's budget of over $4 million. The grant prioritizes projects that focus on reduction of natural resource consumption, reduction of hazardous chemical use, food waste reduction, pollution prevention in NY State priority areas such as greenhouse gas reductions or waste reduction through adoption of circular economy concepts. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
81 | Global | RWN Foundation | Sustainable Communities Grants and Climate Grants | Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations that are classified as a public charity under Section 509(a) 1 or 2 of the United States tax code or have a fiscal sponsor with documented Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Have an office or affiliate office within the United States and a US EIN. (Foreign organizations with active US-equivalency determinations may also be considered | Varies Tends to range between $5,000-$40,000 | Biannual | How to Apply Grant History | The RWN Foundation is a Portland, Oregon based foundation created to continue Dr. Ron Naito's legacy. The Climate Grants aim to support or lead upstream policy, advocacy, or other reform initiatives that deter new fossil fuel investments, accelerate decarbonization, and promote renewable energies, both domestically and internationally. The Sustainable Communities grant program focuses on projects that support triple-bottom-line initiatives that help historically marginalized communities gain access to sustainable economic capacity and lasting health benefits, and that help communities adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
82 | Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana | Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University | TSU Grantmakers Program | Federal or state-registered nonprofit organizations, community-based and grassroots nonprofit organizations, philanthropic and civic organizations with nonprofit status, tribal governments, Native American organizations. Located in or working in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Louisiana 70-80% of the proposed work must be dedicated to underserved and disadvantaged communities | Noncompetitive- for severely capacity constrained organizations, $75,000, 1 year, Assessment, Planning, Project Development or Implementation Tier I (Competitive)- assessment projects $150,000, 1 year Tier II (Competitive)- planning projects($250,000), and 1 year or 2 years Tier III (Competitive) - development and implementation projects $350,000, 2 years | Annual (for 3 years) | Grant Portal For questions: info@bullardcenter.org or 713-313-5098 | The Transformative Environmental Awards for Members of Underserved Populations (TEAMUP) Grants Program of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice in partnership with Achieving Community Tasks Successfully (ACTS) was chosen to be the Region 6 grantmaker by the Biden/Harris administration as part of the Investing in America agenda and the Thriving Communities Grant Program. The grant program focuses on a wide range of environmental topics, including but not limited to, small local clean ups, local emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency programs, environmental workforce development programs for local jobs reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fence-line air quality and asthma related projects, healthy homes programs, and projects addressing illegal dumping and a host of other environmental areas. The Bullard Center for Environmetnal and Climate Justice will allocate $40 million dollars over a three year period to various projects. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
83 | Vermont | Long Creek Resources | School Compost & Recycling Action Plan Institute (SCRAPI) | Schools in Vermont | $3,500 | Appears to be one time (2025) | Questions: kate@longcreekresources.com Application Form | SCRAPI is an initiative of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and Long Creek Resources, LLC. The initiative begins with two immersive, day-long workshops. These workshops provide school teams (3-5 people with various roles at their school) to form a materials management Action Plan, which will be initiated in the following school year. Upon completing the workshop, each school will receive a minimum of $3,500 and receive continuing guidance for implementation. The overall goals are to maximize waste reduction, promote sustainable materials management, reduce toxicity, promote equity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program is funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
84 | International (156 UNDP supported countries) | Youth4Climate | Y4C Call for Solutions | Young Individuals aged 18 to 29 and who meet the remainder of the eligibility criteria (see Call for Solutions guidelines), a legally registered, youth-led civil society organization (CSO), non-governmental organization (NGO), community-based organization (CBO), or company with the majority of the organization’s leadership being young people aged 18-29 years at the time of submitting the application | $30,000 | Annual | FAQ How to Apply (video) | Youth4Climate (Y4C) is a global initiative co-led by the Government of Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The program funds new and existing youth-led solutions that are ready to implement or scale with the following themes: Sustainable Energy; Food and Agriculture; Climate and Health; Digital for Planet; Climate, Peace and Security; Nature for Climate Action | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
85 | United States | Sony | Sony's Giving Grant | Organizations with registered 501(c)(3) non-profit status. | Varies | Rolling Basis | Online Application Questions and Additional Information: SCA.CSR@sony.com | The Sony Giving Grant focuses its funds on art, culture, technology and the environment, with a particular emphasis on education in each of those areas. While this is a braod range on projects, reuse projects certainly fall within the scope of sustainability. Sony lends its support for the development of the "creative, artistic, technical and scientific skills required of tomorrow's workforce". | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
86 | United States | Wells Fargo | Community Giving Grant | Organizations with registered 501(c)(3) non-profit status that demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability and deliver services addressing critical community needs | Varies | Rolling Basis | Grant Interest Form FAQs Contact: sustainability@wellsfargo.com smallbusinessphilanthropy@wellsfargo.com | Wells Fargo funds projects that are aimed at improving financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability in the United States. Nonprofits must submit a grant interest form before getting invited to apply to the grant program. Grant proposals are evaluated on measurable outcomes, and how a project promotes innovative and scalable solutions and incorporates human capital and volunteerism opportunities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
87 | U.S, U.K, and Canada | Whole Foods | Store Giving Grants | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, registered Canadian charitable organizations, and UK charitable incorporated organizations | Varies | Biannual | Community Engagement Portal to Apply | The Whole Foods Market Store Giving grant program aims to promote food access, environmental stewardship, or other closely related needs in local communities. Grant projects should also align with Whole Foods Market core values. The grants are decided on a biannual basis (usually Q2 and Q4) by a network of Whole Foods' team members across the company. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
88 | Austin, TX | Whole Foods | Austin Community Giving Grants | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, registered Canadian charitable organizations, and UK charitable incorporated organizations | Varies | Appears to be on a rolling basis or biannual | Community Engagement Portal to Apply | As part of the Austin Community Giving Grant, Austin based non-profits can apply for additional financial consideration for a wide array of projects. Most projects fall into food access and environmental stewardship, which could be extended to reuse projects (see above for another Whole Food's opportunity). | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
89 | United States | American Water Charitable Foundation | Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program | Organizations must be classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or be a K-12 public school, college or university. Organizations must also operate within, or directly benefit, an American Water service territory. | Varies | Annual | Questions: awcfgrants@amwater.com. | The American Water Charitable Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 private foundation supported by the shareholders of American Water. The grant program has three funding priorities: water (clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water recreation), people (STEM education and general career readiness), and communities (enrich relationships and strengthen communities). While waste reduction is not explicitly stated as a funding objective, there is opportunity to relate reuse to all three funding pillars. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
90 | Portland, ME | ecomaine | School Recyling and Waste Diversion Grants | Must be a school serving students aged preschool to 12th grade that live in a municipality served by or affiliated with ecomaine (see application resources). | $5,000 - $30,000 | Annual | For additional information and questions: 207-773-1738 or info@ecomaine.org Grant Rules and Guidelines Application ecomaine Member Communities | ecomaine is a nonprofit waste organization based in Portland, Maine. Their grant program helps schools with waste management according to the waste hierarchy, and can fund projects relating to equipment, education, and much more. | August 21, 2025 | Upstream | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
91 | United States | Boundless Futures Foundation | EmpowHer Grants | Female founders 22 years of age and older with businesses registered and operating in the United States. Businesses must make a clear social impact, be a registered for-profit entity, be earning revenue, and not be more than three years old | Varies | Quarterly | Past Recipients | The Boundless Futures Foundation is a private family foundation, and their grant program is for female entrepreneurs with social impact businesses that address one of the following issues: Poverty & hunger, sustainability & the environment, and strong communities. The Foundation is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to define social issues. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
92 | Canada | Max Bell Foundation | Project and Development Grants | Canadian registered charities or qualified donees may apply. If you are a non-profit partnering with a registered charity, the charity must apply | Project Grants (typically 1-3 year duration): $10,000-$200,000 Development Grants (typically over 4-6 months): $3,000-$6,000 per month | Letters of Intent accepted on a rolling basis | Application Guide Funding Priorities Sample Letter of Intent | The Max Bell Foundation makes charitable donations to projects and development initiatives that inform public policy in Canada. There are three funding and policy priorities: education, health & wellness, civic engagement & democratic institutions, and the environment. Under the environmental priorities, projects should target activities and policy decisions that make communities better adapted to the effects of climate change, ensure Canada has a low carbon economy, and conserve the country's biodiversity while promoting economic growth and development. The aims are not explicitly reuse-related, yet innovative initiatives that inform reuse policy in Canada could address the environmental criteria. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
93 | International (while having affiliation with U.S. based researchers) | Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (in partnership with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce) | Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab | Institutions of higher education, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government-affiliated researchers, and domestic and international organizations | $50,000-$250,000 | Unclear if Annual | Request for Applications Questions related to online submission: grants@foundationfar.org For questions about the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab: Constance Gewa, at cgewa@foundationfar.org. | Under the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce partnered with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research to fund projects with novel sustainable packaging or packaging alternatives that can replace single-use packaging and single-use plastic packaging that offer at least some of the same functions economically. The funding program focuses on projects that relate to specialty crop exports and the fresh produce industry. Three funding tracks are available in the program description at various levels of implementation. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
94 | United States | Shane McConkey Foundation | Shane McConkey EcoChallenge | Students in the United States can submit their completed projects for a prize. | Up to $5,000 | Annual | Past Projects 4 Levels of Submission: Extreme, Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginning EcoChallengers | The Shane McConkey EcoChallenge program was created in 2016 to empower students to protect the planet. The EcoChallenge calls for submissions from students or groups of students who implement environmentally focused projects in their community. There is not one particular sustainable focus, so waste diversion and reuse projects are applicable. Projects must be completed prior to submission, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are then selected by judges for a cash prize. The Foundation is supported by a variety of sponsors, and is also a 1% For The Planet Nonprofit Partner. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
95 | United States (including territories), Canada, & Mexico | Earth Island Institute | Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership | Youth environmental change leaders ages 13 to 22 in North America. | $3,000 cash prize, a short film produced about their work, a trip to participate in leadership development activities, flight, meals, and lodging accommodations | Annual | For more information/questions: bya@earthisland.org Email List | The Brower Youth Awards were established in 2000 by the Earth Island Institute's New Leaders Initiative to recognize oustanding youth leaders that guide sustainable movements. The judges evaluate candidates based on youth leadership, the issue and approach, project impact, scalability, replicability, charisma, personal commitment and trajectory. There are no explicit limitations on the type of environmental project, and therefore reuse and waste/source reduction strategies are applicable. The award is given after project completetion if chosen. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
96 | United States and Canada | WomensNet | Women-Owned Amber Grants, Startup Grants, and Sustainability Grants (April) | A woman who is 18 years or older, whose business is 50% women-owned, and operates in the United States or Canada. Non-profit businesses must have 501(c)(3) status, and at least 50% of their top leadership, including the Board President or CEO, must be women | Up to $10,000 for monthly grants Possible $25,000 Year End Grants for monthly winners | Annual | Sustainability is the theme of April's Business Specific Category Grant Application - $15 application fee For questions/information: info@ambergrantsforwomen.com | WomensNet has multiple grant offers for women-owned businesses: the monthly "Amber Grants", which started in 1998, the monthly "Business Specific Category Grant", the monthly "Startup Grant", and the annual "Year End Grants" (awarded to three monthly grant winners). The month of April is focused on sustainability and funds projects that focus on eco-friendly/waste reducing products, environmental initiatives, earth sciences, resource economics, water management, urban sustainability and planning, sustainable agriculture, and wildlife initiatives. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
97 | International | 11th Hour Racing | Clean Technologies and Best Practices Grant | 501(c)(3) organizations are prioritized, but other types of nonprofit or charitable entities may apply as long as the proposed project addresses one or more of 11th Hour Racing’s strategic goals | $40,000 – $150,000, with an average grant size of $75,000 | Annual | Grant Stories For questions/information: info@11thhourracing.org | 11th Hour Racing grants, funded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, aim to improve ocean health and resilience while creating strong communities. The Clean Technologies and Best Practices Grant emphasizes the power of technological ingenuity and collective behavior change in order to reduce the environmental footprint of coastal communities, which could include reuse projects. Eligible projects are evaluated on environmental impact, capacity and organizational expertise, innovation and creativity, and the feasability of implementation. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
98 | Canada | University of British Columbia under the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) | Circular Economy Seed Funding | Faculty members at UBC and SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) | Up to $15,000 | Annual | For questions/information, contact Mahdi Takaffoli, MMRI Research Engineer: mahdi.takaffoli@ubc.ca or (236) 777-6643 | UBC's Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) implements the annual Circular Economy Seed Funding program to promote the development of the circular economy in Canada. The funding prioritizes research that explores circular economy strategy challenges, including design out waste and pollution, products and materials sustainability, and/or regeneration of natural systems. The program is supported in part by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The funding's scope is technical and research-based, although projects exploring reusable materials may apply. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
99 | United States | The Lunch Box: Chef Ann Foundation | Bulk Milk | K-12 school districts in the U.S. Schools must participate in the National School Lunch Program with an enrollment of at least 100 students per school site and must have a dish machine to wash reusable cups | Approx. $5,000 | Cycles open as program funding is available | Bulk Milk Bib National Availability: state-by-state resource for procuring bulk milk in bibs for use in bulk milk machines Program One-Pager For questions/information: bulkmilk@chefannfoundation.org | The Chef Ann Foundation provides grant packages to help schools transition from serving milk in single-serve containers to serving milk using bulk dispensers and reusable cups. The grant packages include a bulk milk dispenser, stand, reusable cups, dish racks, program and marketing materials, and technical assistance. The funding is in part made possible by the Posner Foundation, Life Time Foundation, and Elevance Health Foundation. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
100 | United States | James A. & Faith Knight Foundation | Knight Foundation Grants | Nonprofits in the U.S. | Varies | Annual | Application Guidelines For questions/information: carol@knightfoundationmi.org and info@knightfoundationmi.org | The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation offers general operating support to nonprofits that help animals and the natural world and women and girls. Projects that help animals and the natural world should aim to respect and enhance the care of animals, protect the diversity and integrity of ecosystems, and educate citizens about the importance of ecological communities. | Upstream | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||