Pacific Northwest Project Resources:
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!
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.
The Pacific Northwest Fund Native Fish Habitat Initiative finances projects that benefit native trout and lamprey species and support on-the-ground habitat projects.
The WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program will provide cost shared funding to states, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in the improvement of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat.
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership offers project funding for 1) Design and Implementation and 2) Technical Assistance to support habitat restoration projects in the lower Columbia River and estuary.
Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Provides funding for projects including protection and restoration of riparian areas and beaches, watershed clean-up, education programs, and research of watershed viability.
National Parks Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program assists community-led initiatives to conserve waterways, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.
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.
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 of charitable donations. Searches for foundation are free. Individual and corporate philanthropy searches require a subscription. Get access at your local library.
Contact local banks, businesses, and community foundations. Many have money budgeted for community service.
Consider crowdfunding through social media, individual donations from members of your organization, or a special event.
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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