Your 2026 Guide to Winning Environmental and Conservation Grants

For nonprofit leaders, researchers, and community organizers in the environmental sector, securing funding is the critical step that transforms passion into impact.

The grant landscape can be competitive and complex, but with the right information, you can position your organization for success.

Finding the right opportunity is half the battle.

This guide cuts through the noise.

We've verified four high-impact environmental and conservation grants with confirmed deadlines in 2026. We'll break down the funding amounts, eligibility requirements, and provide direct links to the official applications.

Whether you're focused on watershed restoration, environmental justice, agricultural innovation, or foundational research, there's an opportunity here for you.

Top Environmental Grants with 2026 Deadlines

Here are four major funding opportunities from federal agencies and leading foundations.

Pay close attention to the deadlines—they are approaching quickly.

1. USDA Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

Funder: U.S.

Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Funding Amount: Typically $75,000 to $2 million

Deadline: February 28, 2026

The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program is a cornerstone of environmental funding for the agricultural sector.

It focuses on stimulating the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

If your project involves sustainable agriculture, soil health, water quality, or grazing land management, this grant is a perfect fit.

The NRCS seeks projects that pilot new tools, technologies, and strategies to improve natural resource conservation on private lands.

Key Eligibility

  • Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals.

  • Projects must be within one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories.

  • A 1:1 non-federal match is typically required, which can include in-kind contributions.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.

You will need a registered System for Award Management (SAM.gov) number and a Grants.gov account to apply.

The application package requires a detailed project narrative, budget, and letters of support.

2. EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS)

Funder: U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funding Amount: Up to $500,000 per award

Deadline: March 15, 2026

This EPA program is designed to support community-based organizations in their efforts to address local environmental and public health issues.

The EJCPS program provides funding for projects that use collaboration and partnership to find solutions for affected communities.

It's ideal for organizations working on issues like air and water pollution, waste disposal, and climate resilience in underserved or overburdened communities.

Key Eligibility

  • Applicants must be a nonprofit organization, including community-based grassroots organizations, or a tribal government.

  • Partnerships with other stakeholders (like local government, academic institutions, or industry) are strongly encouraged.

  • The focus is on projects that build broad, collaborative support to address specific environmental justice challenges.

How to Apply

Proposals are submitted via Grants.gov.

The application requires a comprehensive plan detailing the environmental justice issue, the proposed community-led solutions, and the structure of the collaborative partnership.

3. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program

Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Funding Amount: $20,000 to $50,000

Deadline: January 31, 2026

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program provides modest grants that make a big impact.

It supports projects that develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations.

Funding is directed toward projects involving wetland, coastal, forest, and riparian restoration, as well as stormwater management and community green space improvements.

This is an excellent grant for smaller organizations or those new to federal funding, as NFWF provides significant technical support.

Key Eligibility

  • Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments, and educational institutions.

  • Projects must involve a diverse partnership of at least five organizations.

  • Emphasis is placed on community engagement and environmental education components.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through NFWF’s online application system, Easygrants.

You will need to create an account and follow the detailed instructions in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

4. NSF Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems (DISES)

Funder: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Funding Amount: Varies significantly based on project scope, typically $300,000 to $1.5 million

Deadline: February 18, 2026 (Target Date)

For researchers and academic institutions, the DISES program is a premier opportunity.

It funds research that advances the fundamental understanding of how social and environmental systems are intertwined.

The NSF is interested in complex, interdisciplinary projects that explore the dynamics of issues like climate change adaptation, sustainable resource management, and urbanization.

This is not a direct conservation implementation grant, but rather funding for the critical research that informs effective environmental policy and action.

Key Eligibility

  • Proposals are accepted from universities and colleges, as well as non-profit, non-academic research organizations.

  • Projects must be interdisciplinary, typically involving both social and natural scientists.

  • The research questions must be significant and have the potential to produce generalizable knowledge.

How to Apply

Submissions are managed through Research.gov or Grants.gov.

The NSF has a rigorous proposal process requiring a detailed project description, data management plan, and biographical sketches for all senior personnel.

Tips for a Stronger Environmental Grant Application

  1. Quantify Your Impact: Don't just say your project will improve water quality.

Specify your goals: "We will restore 2 miles of riparian habitat, which is projected to reduce nitrogen runoff by 15%."

  1. Align with Funder Priorities: Read the grant solicitation carefully and mirror its language.

If the EPA emphasizes "community-based participatory research," make sure your proposal explicitly details how your project embodies that principle.

  1. Build Authentic Partnerships: Funders want to see collaboration.

Letters of commitment from community partners, local governments, and other stakeholders demonstrate that your project has broad support and is more likely to succeed.

Finding the right grant is the first step.

The next is managing the complex application and reporting process.

Tools that centralize your grant management can be a game-changer, helping you track deadlines, collaborate with your team, and build a library of successful proposals for future use.