In the race to protect our planet, dedicated funding is the fuel for impactful work.

For nonprofits, community organizations, and researchers focused on environmental conservation and climate resilience, securing grants can be the difference between an idea and a thriving initiative.

But navigating the complex landscape of federal and foundation funding is a challenge.

This guide cuts through the noise.

We've verified the most significant environmental grant opportunities with active deadlines in 2026. Below, you’ll find official program names, funding amounts, confirmed deadlines, and direct links to the applications—everything you need to start planning your next proposal.

Key Environmental & Conservation Grants with 2026 Deadlines

These opportunities represent millions of dollars available for projects focused on habitat restoration, environmental justice, community forests, and coastal resilience.

Mark your calendar, as these deadlines will arrive quickly.

1. EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program

Focus: This program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to collaborate with partners to address local environmental and public health issues.

It is designed to empower underserved communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.

  • Funding Amount: Up to $500,000 per award
  • Confirmed Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Who Should Apply: Community-based nonprofit organizations, and tribal governments.

Partnerships with other stakeholders like academic institutions or local governments are encouraged.

Key Eligibility & Project Types:

  • Projects must use the EPA’s Collaborative Problem-Solving Model to address environmental or public health concerns.

  • Focus areas include clean air and water, waste reduction, and reducing exposure to toxic substances.

  • Applicants must be based in the community they intend to serve.

How to Apply: Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.

You will need a registered System for Award Management (SAM.gov) account and a Grants.gov account well in advance of the deadline.

2. America the Beautiful Challenge (NFWF)

Focus: As a public-private partnership, this grant consolidates funding from multiple federal agencies and private corporations to support large-scale, locally-led ecosystem restoration projects.

It prioritizes projects that benefit wildlife, connect habitats, and improve community resilience.

  • Funding Amount: $200,000 to $5,000,000 per award
  • Confirmed Deadline: July 21, 2026
  • Who Should Apply: Nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal nations, and educational institutions.

Key Eligibility & Project Types:

  • Projects should focus on conserving, restoring, and connecting habitats for wildlife while improving ecosystem and community resilience to climate change.

  • Four main categories: River, coastal, forest, and grassland projects.

  • Proposals that deliver conservation benefits and invest in disadvantaged communities are prioritized.

How to Apply: Proposals are submitted through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) online system, Easygrants.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is typically released in the spring.

3. USDA Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

Focus: This highly competitive grant provides financial assistance to local governments, tribal governments, and qualified nonprofits to establish community forests.

The goal is to protect forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and to provide community benefits like public access, education, and sustainable forest management.

  • Funding Amount: Up to $600,000 per project (with a 50% non-federal cost share required)
  • Confirmed Deadline: March 10, 2026
  • Who Should Apply: Local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and tribal nations.

Key Eligibility & Project Types:

  • Funding is for the fee simple acquisition of private forest land.

  • The acquired land must be managed as a community forest, providing defined public benefits.

  • A community forest plan must be developed detailing public access, stewardship, and use.

How to Apply: Applicants must first apply through their State Forester or equivalent tribal official.

The State Forester then submits selected proposals to the U.S.

Forest Service for the national competition.

4. NOAA Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Awards

Focus: Administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this funding is directed toward State and Territorial coastal management programs.

The funds are used to protect and restore coastal habitats, such as wetlands, estuaries, and coral reefs, to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities and economies.

  • Funding Amount: Varies by state; typically $50,000 to $200,000 for sub-awards
  • Confirmed Deadline: May 15, 2026
  • Who Should Apply: State coastal management programs are the primary applicants.

Local governments and nonprofits should connect with their state’s program to explore partnership and sub-award opportunities.

Key Eligibility & Project Types:

  • Projects must align with the goals of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

  • Focus areas include habitat restoration, coastal hazard mitigation, and land conservation.

  • Projects should demonstrate clear ecological and community benefits.

How to Apply: Interested organizations should contact their state’s coastal management agency to learn about their specific priorities and sub-award application process.

The primary application is submitted by the state agency via Grants.gov.

3 Tips for a Winning Environmental Grant Proposal

Securing funding in this competitive space requires more than just a good idea.

Here’s how to make your proposal stand out.

  1. Lead with Data, Tell with a Story: Quantify the problem and your proposed solution.

Use clear metrics (e.g., acres restored, tons of CO2 sequestered, number of community members served).

Weave this data into a compelling narrative that explains why your work matters to the community and the broader ecosystem.

  1. Emphasize Collaboration: Funders want to see a multiplier effect.

Highlight your partnerships with other nonprofits, community groups, government agencies, and academic institutions. A collaborative approach shows you have broad support and can leverage diverse expertise for greater impact.

  1. Align with Funder Priorities: Carefully read the grant guidelines and notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).

Use the same language and keywords the funder uses.

Explicitly state how each of your project goals directly aligns with the specific priorities listed in their program description, whether it’s environmental justice, climate resilience, or habitat connectivity.

Staying on top of these deadlines and requirements is critical.

Using a grant management platform can help you track opportunities, manage proposal components, and never miss a deadline, freeing you up to focus on what you do best: protecting our environment.