Category Archives: Environmental

Rockstart

Rockstart funds startups who are creating a sustainable future through Agrifood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Applications are accepted from around the world on a continual basis.

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to early stage startups from anywhere in the world who are focused on one of the program areas.

Program Areas

Agrifood

The Agrifood Fund supports new technologies and business models to improve the food supply system. This includes:

  • Restoring soil and oceans for carbon capture
  • Reducing food waste
  • Increasing access to high quality, nutritious food

They are particularly interested in companies working on:

Image by Arturs Budkevics
  • Alternative packaging and proteins
  • Smart fulfillment and logistics
  • Bio-alternatives to chemicals and plastic
  • Precision food production
  • Data and vertical data libraries
  • Production capacity growth tools 
  • Upcycled products
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Supply chain traceability
  • Molecular farming and genomics
  • Impact certification in carbon markets
  • Human health

Energy

The Energy Fund supports new technologies and business models to slow climate change. This includes:

  • Optimizing renewable energy supplies
  • Helping energy-intensive industries reach net zero emissions
  • Making cities smarter

They are particularly interested in companies working on:

  • Renewable energy
  • Energy storage
  • Smart grid
  • Energy efficiency
  • Smart mobility
  • Decentralized energy systems

Emerging Technology

The Emerging Technology Fund supports new technologies and business models to solve universal problems. This includes:

  • Improving production facilities
  • Innovations in healthcare delivery
  • Data privacy and security

They are particularly interested in companies working on:

Photo by Jo McNamara: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mask-made-in-3d-printer-11288657/
  • ML / AI
  • Computer vision
  • web3 and Blockchain
  • Biometrics
  • Geospatial tech
  • IoT and Edge computing
  • Additive manufacturing

NDN Collective Community Action Fund

NDN Collective supports Indigenous communities, organizers, and movements to defend Native rights and protect their natural resources. Their Community Action Fund provides one-time, short-term urgent response funding for direct action.

Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until October 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM CT. The average grant is $15,000 for up to 6 months, but can be as much as $40,000.

Eligibility

Location

This grant is open to applicants from:

  • The United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Puerto Rico
  • American Samoa
  • Guam
  • The Northern Mariana Islands
  • The U.S. Virgin Islands

Applicant

Applicants must be:

  • Indigenous-led non-profit organizations  
  • U.S. based Tribes, tribal non-profit entities, or tribal programs
  • Alaska Native Villages or their non-profit entities 
  • First Nations or Inuit/Metis communities, groups, and organizations based in Canada 
  • Indigenous communities, groups, and organizations based in Mexico
  • Individual Indigenous people leading direct action or movement building work

Applicants may work with a fiscal sponsor.

Allowable Activities

Grant funds may be used to engage in non-violent direct action, such as marches, camps, or boycotts. They may also be used for community-based response to climate connected natural disasters such as flooding, fires, and earthquakes.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may be used for:

  • Travel
  • Climate response items
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
  • Consultants
  • Contractual services
  • Staff

A Well-Fed World Sustainable Keys Global Grants

A Well-Fed World advocates for plant-based solutions to international food security to create a more sustainable, climate-friendly future. They work with nonprofits and non-governmental agencies in the U.S. and around the world to create top-down change.

Their Sustainable Keys Global Grants focus on bottom-up, grassroots movements for plant-based food and farming. Applications are accepted on a continual basis and awarded quarterly. Typical awards are $500 for individuals and $1,000 for organizations.

Eligibility

This grant is open to both individuals and organizations. A 501(c)3 status is not required.

Grant Priorities

  • Plant-based feeding programs in low-income communities in the U.S. and other countries
  • Plant-based food as outreach in communities of all income levels to increase plant-based purchasing habits
  • Plant-based farming including home and community gardens, education, and training
  • Social justice outreach projects that connect food justice, the environment, health, safety, and youth
  • Online and print advocacy that distributes information through videos, news, and social networking
  • Event advocacy such as organizing, sponsoring, attending, or presenting at events

Explorers Club Impact Grant

The Explorers Club has been supporting scientific expeditions since 1904. With more than 30 chapters on multiple continents, they strive for advancements in field research and environmental conservation. The Club is offering funds to explorers/researchers who also function as storytellers through their Impact Grant.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed multiple times a year. Awards are typically $10,000 – $25,000 and should be completed within one year. Membership in The Explorers Club is not required.

Eligibility

Applicant

Impact Grants are open to any individual, 18 years or older from anywhere around the world. Applicants may be associated with a research or educational institution, but grants will not be awarded to institutions.

Research

Research in the following scientific disciplines will be considered:

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Astronomy
  • Biological Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Paleontology

Projects may include a laboratory component, but a fieldwork expedition must be the primary focus. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least six months before the start of their field research.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria.

  • Alignment with The Explorers Club’s mission to increase scientific understanding
  • Credentials of the team leader and members
  • Scientific merit of the proposed project
  • Use of innovative methods
  • Possible impact
  • Potential for use to educate the public through storytelling

Publication and Media

Grant recipients are encouraged to publish the results of their expedition in relevant academic journals. The Explorers Club would like to be informed as soon as possible about upcoming publications.

Prior to their expedition, grantees will attend a planning session with the Explorers Club to discuss potential media and other logistics. Grantees must also provide a stipulated number of photos and videos along with their regular reports for use on social media and other promotion efforts.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants Program

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants Program supports on-the-ground projects that further the the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Applications for $1,000 to $250,000 with a required 1:1 match in nonfederal funds are due by October 10, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

  • State, county, and municipal governments
  • Special district governments
  • Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
  • Public and private institutions of higher education
  • Independent school districts
  • 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
  • Native American tribal organizations
  • Small businesses

Program Goals

The goal of the Small Grant Program is to promote partnerships between public agencies and organizations to work towards:

  • The long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated habitats to benefit wetlands-associated migratory birds
  • Maintaining and improving the current distributions of wetlands-associated migratory birds
  • Maintaining an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other wetlands-associated migratory birds consistent with North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Allowable Expenses

Allowable expenses for this program fall under multiple headings.

Acquisition

Image by didier aires
  • Fee-title acquisition and donation (transfer of title)
  • Conservation easement and lease acquisition and donation
  • Appraisal fees
  • Boundary surveys
  • Acquisition legal costs
  • Travel and transportation
  • Annual payments for 10-year conservation agreements

Wetland Restoration or Establishment

  • Engineering and design costs
  • Material and supplies
  • Equipment
  • Travel and transportation

Wetland Enhancement

Photo by Em Hopper: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cattail-plant-2984969/
  • Engineering and design costs
  • Material and supplies
  • Equipment
  • Travel and transportation
  • Initial land management costs
  • Nest boxes
  • Habitat islands
  • Plantings

Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge

The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is an early stage deep tech startup competition. Applicants may submit in one of 11 track for the chance to win the €100,000 Grand Prize or €25,000 Second Prize. An additional €25,000 will be awarded to one Emerging Pioneer and customized prizes will be given in the different tracks in cooperation with corporate partners.

Applications are due by September 22, 2024. Eight hundred Deep Tech Pioneers will be announced on October 30 and have until November 15 to update their applications before finalist selection.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to startups that:

  • Are in early stage development, including before incorporation
  • Have developed/are developing new technology, a scientific discovery, or a complex engineering process
  • Have a proof of concept, prototype, solid scientific validation for their product, or are developing one
  • Have a team of at least 2 people
  • Are not a subsidiary or offshoot of another, existing company
  • Expect their product to be economically viable within 15 years
  • Have the potential to significantly impact their industry, society, or the environment in general

Tracks

https://builtin.com/robotics/microrobotics

Applicants may submit in any of the 11 tracks.

  • Aerospace
  • Advanced Computing & Electronics
  • Industry & Machines
  • Sustainable Construction & Infrastructure
  • Energy
  • Environment & Biodiversity
  • Food & Agriculture
  • Industrial Biotech & New Materials
  • Digital Health & Medical Devices 
  • Medical Biotech & Pharmaceuticals

Award

All 800 Deep Tech Pioneers will be invited to attend Investor Day in Paris on March 12, 2025 where they’ll be able to meet with over 300 venture capitalists and corporate venture capitalists.

Seven finalists per track plus an additional seven finalists for the Emerging Pioneers Prize will pitch their idea during the Global Summit in Paris on March 13 and 14, 2025. The Grand Prize, Second Place, and Emerging Pioneer Prize as well as the corporate prizes will be chosen from these presentations.

The Oak Foundation

The Oak Foundation is committed to the fight for social justice, environmental protection, and a safer more sustainable world. They fund programs in eleven different focus areas, all addressing difficult global, social, or environmental issues.

Although they are headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Oak Foundation has a presence in Denmark, India, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zimbabwe. Each year they make over 300 grants in 40 countries, averaging $600,000 each.

Grantees are typically invited to apply, but any nonprofit organization that believes their work aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities can submit a Letter of Inquiry. After review, an invitation to submit a concept note and/or full application may be extended.

Programs

Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreements

Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are available for an estimated $75,000 – $400,000. Projects must be 2 years long and based on a start date of January 31, 2025.

Applications are due by September 4, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. A 25% match of nonfederal money is required; this may be provided in cash, services, materials, equipment, or in kind donations.

Eligibility

Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn: https://www.pexels.com/photo/earthworms-on-a-persons-hand-3696170/

This funding opportunity is open to:

  • Local governments
  • Special district governments (soil and water conservation districts, regional planning districts, landfill districts, etc.)
  • Native American tribal governments
  • School districts
  • Tribal organizations

Program Goals

Food Waste Reduction Goals

  • Reduce municipal food waste
  • Divert residential and commercial food waste from landfills

Composting and Conservation Goals

  • Create compost
  • Increase agricultural producers’ access to compost
  • Limit the use of chemical fertilizer by reducing reliance on it
  • Improve soil quality
  • Encourage waste management and permaculture business development.
  • Increase rainwater capture, infiltration, or absorption

Program Priorities

Photo by Eva Bronzini: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vegetables-on-the-soil-5503338/

Priority consideration will be given to projects that include:

  • Ways to address environmental justice, racial equity, climate change, investment in underserved communities, and sustainable agricultural practices
  • Integration of food waste reduction strategies that take the EPA’s Wasted Food Scale into consideration
  • Expected economic benefits for the community
  • Plans to make compost easily available to community gardeners, school gardens, and other producers
  • Collaboration with multiple partners
  • Plans for monitoring and evaluating lessons learned throughout the project

Allowable Expenses

Funds may be use for:

  • Salaries and wages for employees of the applicant organization
  • Fringe benefits for the above employees
  • Travel 
  • Equipment 
  • Supplies
  • Consultants and contractors
  • Construction 

Applicants should use their negotiated indirect cost rate or the 10 percent de minimis cost rate.

Clif Family Foundation Small Grant

Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford founded the Clif Family Foundation in 2006 to leave a better world for their children and, now, grandchildren. They offer grants to small-to-midsize grassroots nonprofits who share that vision.

Applications for operational support are reviewed three times annually; deadlines are March 1 and August 1. Awards are typically $5,000 – $25,000.

Eligibility

This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the United States.

Funding Priorities

Strengthen Our Food System

  • Increase organic and other climate-friendly agricultural methods
  • Connect families with local farmers and sellers
  • Establish opportunities for the next generation of farmers
  • Make access to fresh, healthy food more equitable
  • Remove obstacles for BIPOC farmers

Enhance Equitable Community Health Outcomes

  • Eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Advance access to clean water
  • Increase access to nature and outdoor recreation
  • Expand walking and biking access
  • Improve workers’ standard of living, wages, and working conditions

Safeguard Our Environment and Natural Resources

Image by Roy Buri 
  • Further work on climate change
  • Promote renewable energy and green jobs
  • Break the resource waste cycle
  • Conserve water for long term, equitable access
  • Expand environmental justice
  • Preserve watersheds, open spaces, and wild places

Priority Consideration

Priority consideration will be given to applicants that:

  • Address two or more of the above funding priorities
  • Demonstrate strong community ties
  • Have a clearly defined and viable plan to make positive change

Restrictions

The Clif Family Foundation does not fund:

  • Individuals
  • Government agencies
  • Religious organizations
  • Capital construction
  • Endowments
  • Fundraisers
  • Media projects
  • Deficit funding

Wildlife Acoustics Scientific Product Grant

Wildlife Acoustics offers eligible products from their bioacoustic research tools through the Scientific Product Grant. Applicants may request up to $4,000 in products and software.

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis and up to $12,000 in products dispersed per quarter. Applicants may also submit a request for only a Kaleidoscope Pro software license of which an unlimited number are available each quarter. Submissions are due by August 15, 2024 or November 15, 2024.

Eligibility

This grant is open to applicants associated with nonprofit, nongovernmental, charitable, and educational organizations.

Products cannot be shipped to Belarus, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, and Syria or anyone who will take products to those countries.

Application Requirements

All applications must include:

  • A description of how the project will advance scientific knowledge and contribute to long-term conservation
  • An explanation of how the grant will significantly contribute to the success of the project
  • A detailed description of expected outcomes and how they will be evaluated
  • A plan to begin the project within one year of the award
  • A letter of recommendation
  • A copy of the organization’s certificate/tax exemption letter showing tax-exempt and charitable or educational status

Eligible Equipment

Not all Wildlife Acoustics products are eligible for this grant. Applicants may request:

Shipping costs will be covered by Wildlife Acoustics, but grantees are responsible for any applicable broker fees, duties, or taxes.