Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Project Resources:

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Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Project Funding Sources

Funding may be available for your project. Many local, state, and federal agencies offer funding to community organizations, neighborhood groups, homeowners, and others. Navigating the funding process is not easy. Here are some resources to get you started. When speaking with representatives from one funding source or non-profit organization, make sure to ask for other recommendations and potential funding sources. Network!

Funding Databases

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency Clearinghouse for Environmental Finance is a searchable database for communities needing information for air, land and water infrastructure projects including funding sources, reports, websites, and training on financing mechanisms and approaches.

The National Wildlife Foundation Nature-based Solutions Funding Database is an interactive database for communities interested in pursuing federal funding and/or technical assistance for nature-based solutions.

Federal Government Grants

NOAA’s Community-Based Restoration Program supports restoration projects that use a habitat-based approach to rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of protected resources, promote healthy ecosystems, and yield community and economic benefits. Since 1996 the program has funded more than 1,500 projects to restore coastal habitat.

NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management has multiple funding opportunities for coastal restoration and resilience.

US EPA’s Environmental Education Grants Program provides funding to support environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and help provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.

US EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program—The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program supports and empowers communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues. The program is designed to help communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. Environmental Justice Small Grants fund projects up to $30,000, depending on the availability of funds in a given year.

US Fish and Wildlife Service offers resources for invasive species and administers many grant programs.

Grants.gov is a searchable database of federal grant opportunities. It also provides information on how to apply for grants and the grant-making process.

Call your Congressional Representatives and Senators to ask about federal funding.

State Government Grants & Funding

Check with the Sea Grant programs in your coastal area. They are often associated with a university and often offer small grants for research or monitoring projects.

New York/New Jersey: Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) offers grants for small projects. There are 8 PRISMs in New York. Contact the PRISM in your watershed to ask about funding and support.

Massachusetts Environmental Trust supports projects that enable innovative approaches to protect and restore natural resources.

Maine Invasive Aquatic Plants Funding Opportunities

New York Invasive Species Grant Progam

N ew Hampshire Aquatic Invasive Plant Control, Prevention and Research Grants

Local Government Grants & Funding

Contact local banks, businesses, and community foundations. Many have money budgeted for community service.

CountyOffice.org lists contact information for local government offices by category.

How to find your local government:

To find your local, state, or tribal governments type the following into a search engine: your state/county and then the type of agency you are wanting to connect with (e.g., local government, tribal representative, state government). For example, search for “Alabama beach restoration permitting” or “New Jersey environmental protection.” Also try using terms that relate to your concern or solution. For example, ” Florida coastal flooding help.” Try different terms, or combinations of terms, such as “grants, restoration, invasive species, marsh, natural resources, volunteers, funding, etc”.

To find a specific local county office, type the following into the search engine: your local county or city and then the department you are wanting to connect with (e.g., environmental, planning, natural resources). For example, search for “Escambia County coastal management” or “Destin FL natural resources.” Try different terms or combinations of terms, such as “grants, restoration, invasive species, marsh, natural resources, volunteers, funding, etc.” It may take a few tries to find the site and information you are looking for.

Consider crowdfunding through social media, individual donations from members of your organization, or a special event.

Foundations and Other Private Sources

Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists provides support for on-the-ground preservation efforts or invasive control efforts conducted by non-profit, community groups, or individuals directed at preserving plant biodiversity within Connecticut.

Casco Bay Foundation offers a variety of grant opportunities for coastal Maine.

The Association of New Jersey Commissions offers grants to commissions. Check to see if there is a commission to partner with in your area.

National Environmental Education Foundation supports education and outreach with classrooms through grants.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF), Matching Awards Program (MAP) is focused on in-person community engagement and completion of stewardship activities.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Pulling Together Initiative (nationwide)

Foundation Directory Online, from the Foundation Center, lists 140,000 foundations and other donors worldwide. Some basic information is free; more requires a subscription. Get access at your local library.

NOZAsearch has a large searchable database. Searches for foundation are free. Individual and corporate philanthropy requires a subscription. Get access at your local library.

How to write a successful funding proposal

Candid, a service of Foundation Center, offers in-person and online classes on finding and writing grants, a knowledge base, examples of winning proposals and other documents, and more.

The Grantsmanship Center offers training and resources to help find grants and write effective grant proposals.

Classes. Many community colleges and universities offer classes on grant writing. Check the catalogs and academic schedules for your local schools.

Books. There are many books on grant writing. Check out your local library to see what might be available.

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