- Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants Program.
- Financial Assistance For Water-Related Facilities
- Stream Team Mini-Grants
- Urban and Community Forestry Program
- Outdoor Recreation Matching Grants Program
- Private Stewardship Grants Program
- Rural Fire Protection Program
- Targeted Watershed Grant Program
- Assessment and Watershed Protection Program Grants
- Environmental Education Grants Program
- Wetlands Program Development Grants
- Comprehensive Environmental Assessments and Nutrient Management Plans at Livestock Operations
- Farm and Ranchland Protection Program
- Private Stewardship Grants Program
- Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Producer Grant Program
Corporate, Foundation and Public-Private Partnership Funding
- Land Conservation Through Acres for America.
- Native Species and Wild Ecosystems Grants.
- Electronics Recycling Funding.
- American Greenways Awards Program
- Environmental Stewardship Program
- Environmental Excellence Awards.
- National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program.
- Involving Young People.
- Environmental Grants Program.
Other Funding
- Water Quality Technicians.
- Technical Service Provider [TSP]
- Beaver Control Program.
- Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)
- Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program (PL 83-566)
Government Grants
Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants Program.
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC)
ANRC enters into agreements, funded through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, to support statewide programs and implementation projects on an annual cycle. Special emphasis is given to implementation projects in priority watersheds where there is a high probability of achieving measurable results. ANRC provides assistance to eligible entities on preparation of work plans, including conceptual project design, development of the work plan and budget preparation. Projects are funded for one to three years. Project holders must generally provide non-federal match totaling 43% of total project costs.
Financial Assistance For Water-Related Facilities.
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC)
ANRC manages seven financial assistance programs that use the state’s bonding authority to assist local units of government to finance water-related facilities and projects, including:
• Water Development Fund
• Water, Sewer & Solid Waste Fund
• Water Resources Cost Share Revolving Fund
• Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund
• Water, Waste Disposal & Pollution Abatement Facilities General Obligation
• Water Plan Compliance
• Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Program
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC)
Conservation districts may sponsor a volunteer Stream Team. Volunteers work under the technical guidance of AGFC Stream Team staff toward the goal of reducing siltation of Arkansas streams. Activities include clean-up, habitat improvement, water quality monitoring and others. Each Stream Team adopts a stream to work on - from creeks on private land to rivers. Competitive mini-grants are available for aquatic and landscape projects.
Urban and Community Forestry Program
Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC)
Provides technical assistance and grants for urban forestry through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Forest Service. Communities, non-federal government agencies, educational institutions, and 501(c)3 non-profit organizations may apply for these competitive grants.
Outdoor Recreation Matching Grants Program.
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism (ADPT)
Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) are offered on a competitive basis for the development of local parks and trails. ORGP requires applicants to submit an environmental review. Any proposed park or trail development project near a lake, stream, or other water resource must contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Stream Team for environmental examination before consideration for a grant award.
Private Stewardship Grants Program.
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The Private Stewardship Program provides grants and other assistance on a competitive basis to individuals and groups engaged in local, private, and voluntary conservation efforts that benefit federally listed, proposed, or candidate species, or other at-risk species. Diverse panels of representatives from State and Federal government, conservation organizations, agriculture and development interests, and the science community assess applications and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior, who awards the grants. Proposals compete at a regional level for funding. A ten percent (10%) match of cash or through in-kind contributions is required. The program is available to private landowners and their partners.
Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds) & U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
The state has made approximately $6 million available to improve fire protection in rural areas. The project emphasizes water supply and delivery for fire protection. The first step in the program is to develop master fire protection plans for all counties wishing to participate. Funds are then made available to address the needs identified in the plans.
Targeted Watershed Grant Program.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (not currently taking applications).
The Targeted Watersheds Grant program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to community-driven, environmental results oriented watershed projects. To date, more than $37 million has been awarded to 46 watershed organizations, including the Upper White River, Fourche Creek and Bayou Bartholomew in Arkansas. Proposals are typically due in the fall of each year. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/twg/
Assessment and Watershed Protection Program Grants (AWPPGs).
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Eligible applicants, including States and local governments, Tribes, territories and possessions of the U.S. interstate agencies or intertribal consortia, public or private non-profit, non-governmental institutions, and individuals, submit competitive proposals to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects (including health and welfare effects), extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. The goals of this announcement include supporting a watershed approach to better address water quality problems in the U.S. and building the capacity of all levels of government to develop and implement effective, comprehensive programs for watershed protection, restoration, and management. 2006 proposals were due in August.
Environmental Education Grants Program.
US Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html)
This program supports environmental education projects that increase the public awareness about environmental issues and increase people's ability to make informed decisions that impact environmental quality. EPA awards between $2 and $3 million annually. More than 75 percent of these grant recipients receive less than $15,000. For more information, contact Bonita King at USEPA Region VI at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wetlands Program Development Grants.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 (TX, NM, AK, LA, and OK)
The goals of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) wetland program include increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands by conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland health. EPA seeks to build the capacity of all levels of government to develop and implement effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management. Eligible entities include states, tribes, local governments, interstate agencies, and intertribal consortia. Grant emphasis varies from year to year but includes restoration projects, inter-government coordination, development of regulatory structures, monitoring and assessment , development of water quality standards, public-private partnerships, and, development of comprehensive wetland plans. Proposed projects must be linked to environmental results and demonstrate how they will contribute to the ultimate goals of healthy communities and ecosystems. Proposals are usually due in the Spring. For more information, contact Sharon Daugherty at 214/665-2259.
Comprehensive Environmental Assessments and Nutrient Management Plans at Livestock Operations.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Water Division .
Through a competitive process, EPA is distributing funds to eligible entities that will provide livestock operations with two types of technical assistance at no cost to the operator: comprehensive assessments of water and air quality environmental challenges along with recommendations for strategies to mitigate these challenges; and, development or review of the facility's nutrient management plan. The grant recipient may work with all types and sizes of livestock facilities. To learn more about this grant opportunity, please refer to: www.epa.gov/npdes/afo
Farm and Ranchland Protection Program.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
The program provides matching funds to State, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations with existing farm and ranch land protection programs to purchase conservation easements. These funds enable an entity to purchase conservation easements from landowners who agree not to convert their land to non-agricultural uses and to develop and implement a conservation plan for any highly erodible land.
Private Stewardship Grants Program.
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The Private Stewardship Program provides grants and other assistance on a competitive basis to individuals and groups engaged in local, private, and voluntary conservation efforts that benefit federally listed, proposed, or candidate species, or other at-risk species. Diverse panels of representatives from State and Federal government, conservation organizations, agriculture and development interests, and the science community assess applications and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior, who awards the grants. Proposals compete at a regional level for funding. A ten percent (10%) match of cash or through in-kind contributions is required. The program is available to private landowners and their partners.
Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Producer Grant Program. Southern Region
SARE’s Producer Grant Program includes six program goals: (1) Limited resource farmers; (2) Organic farming systems; (3) Environmentally sound practices/agricultural ecosystems; (4) Marketing/economic development; (5) Policy and program evaluation and quality of life; and (6) Research on components of sustainable systems. Projects may be funded for up to two years for a maximum of $10,000 for an individual producer or $15,000 for a producer organization. Application information available on the web.
Examples of Corporate, Foundation and Public-Private Partnership Funding Programs
Land Conservation Through Acres for America.
A partnership between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (http://www.walmart.com ) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (http://www.nfwf.org/ )
Acres for America was established to provide funding for projects that conserve important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants through acquisition of interest in real property. The goal of the program is to offset the footprint of Wal-Mart's domestic facilities on at least an acre-by-acre basis through these acquisitions. Approximately $2.5 million will be available annually through 2014 for conservation investments.
To be considered for funding through the program, acquisitions of interest in real property should meet the program's criteria. Endorsement by appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies that the acquisition is of high conservation value is a primary consideration. Preference will be given to acquisitions that are part of published conservation plans (i.e., North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight, etc.), State Wildlife Action Plans, or Endangered Species Act Recovery Plans. Natural Heritage rankings for key species present on the site are an important consideration when available. Important fish, wildlife, and/or plant resources, such as endangered species or areas of significant biological diversity, as identified by credible conservation agencies or organizations, should be conserved through the acquisition.
All grant awards require a minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services. Federal funds may be considered as a match. Higher ratios of matching funds will at times aid in making applications more competitive.
Applicants are strongly urged to contact the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation regional director in their area to discuss project ideas prior to submitting pre-proposals, due in September annually. Complete program and application information is available at the NFWF Web site.
Native Species and Wild Ecosystems Grants.
Fund for Wild Nature http://www.fundwildnature.org/
This program provides money for campaigns to save and restore native species and wild ecosystems, including actions to defend wilderness and biological diversity. The fund supports advocacy, litigation, public policy work, development of citizen science, and similar endeavors. The fund does not support basic scientific research, private land acquisition, individual action or study, or conferences. The fund will only support media projects that have a clear strategic value and a concrete plan for dissemination of the final product. The fund supports biocentric goals that are premised on effective and intelligible strategies, with special attention to ecological issues not currently receiving sufficient public attention and funding. The fund seeks proposals with visionary yet realistic goals to create tangible change. All proposals must be highly cost effective. The fund rarely supports proposals from organizations with annual budgets greater than $250,000, and only supports projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. No individual or organization may receive more than one grant per calendar year. For complete program information and examples of previously funded projects, visit the Fund for Wild Nature Web site.
Electronics Recycling Funding.
Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/)
Best Buy launched its consumer electronics recycling grant program. The program provides grants for events hosted by 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local units of government and/or public-private partnerships. Grants range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and scope of the planned event and the recycling need in the area and are awarded on an annual cycle.. Grant applications are available online at the Best Buy Web site.
American Greenways Awards Program
A partnership of Eastman Kodak Co. http://www.kodak.com/, the Conservation Fund http://www.conservationfund.org/, and National Geographic Society http://www.nationalgeographic.org/
The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout the U.S. Grant recipients are selected based on the importance of the project to local greenway development efforts; demonstrated community support for the project; the extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or private sources; the likelihood of tangible results; and the capacity of the organization to complete the project. Awards go to local, regional, or statewide nonprofit organizations. Although public agencies may apply, community organizations receive preference. The maximum grant is $2,500, and most grants will range between $500 and $1,500 each. See the Conservation Fund website for more information.
Environmental Stewardship Program
Entergy Corporation.
Entergy actively seeks opportunities to fund innovative approaches to preserving and enhancing the environment. Priority is placed on programs in the 54 Arkansas counties where Entergy has operations. Applicants submit an online Environmental Stewardship Grant Application by the deadline each year. Applications are typically due in early March. Proposals will be evaluated based on consistency with principles of Entergy’s Environmental Policy; (2) An established organization with a mission or charter consistent with improving the environment; (3) Project should improve or address a significant environmental need in the region; (4) Project must show sustainable characteristics with measurable results demonstrating lasting effects in the environment . Preference will be given to projects that have (1) An Entergy employee’s active involvement; (2) Sustainable or continued benefits to the environment, including energy efficiency, preservation of natural resources and wildlife, environmental education or protection of public health; (3) Significant community involvement; and (4) High probability of success and cost efficiency. Typical awards are $5,000-$25,000. However, more may be awarded for worthy projects. Questions should be directed to Entergy Corporate Social Responsibility at 1-877-285-2006.
Environmental Excellence Awards.
International Paper http://www.internationalpaper.com/ in partnership with the Conservation Fund http://www.conservationfund.org/
This award annually honors the conservation accomplishments of two individuals. The Conservation Partnership Award recognizes an individual who has achieved significant results in the protection of habitat through a cooperative relationship with a business or company. The Environmental Education Award honors an educator who has developed an innovative approach to environmental education that significantly improves student comprehension of environmental issues, fosters an understanding of the link between environmental protection and economic growth, demonstrates leadership, and inspires achievement.
Each International Paper Environmental Excellence Award is accompanied by an unrestricted $10,000 grant, made possible by support from the International Paper Company Foundation. Visit the Conservation Fund Web site for program guidelines, application forms, and information on previous recipients.
National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ( http://www.nfwf.org/ ) and its program partners
National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program provides competitive seed grants ($1,500 to $5,000 each) for innovative start-up grants, capacity building grants, project grants number that improve the effectiveness of organizations interested in assisting the refuge system. Eligible applicants are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations that have applied for nonprofit status, including refuge friends organizations, cooperative and interpretive associations, Audubon chapters, and other citizen support organizations interested in assisting a National Wildlife Refuge. Proposals are accepted anytime but decisions are made in April and September.
Involving Young People.
The Captain Planet Foundation ( http://www.captainplanetfdn.org/ )
The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on environmental projects involving children and young adults in communities across the United States. All applicant organizations or sponsoring agencies must be exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code in order to be eligible for funding. Projects must promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on involvement, involve children and young adults between the ages of 6 and 18 (elementary through high school), promote interaction and cooperation within the group, help young people develop planning and problem solving skills, include adult supervision, and commit to follow-up communication with the foundation. Generally, grant amounts will range between $250 and $2,500. Applications are accepted anytime throughout the year but funding decisions are made quarterly. For more information, go to The Captain Planet Foundation website.
Environmental Grants Program.
Patagonia http://www.patagonia.com/
Patagonia, an outdoor clothing and gear company, provides support for environmental work through grants to nonprofit organizations. The company supports small, grassroots organizations with provocative direct-action agendas and multi-pronged campaigns designed to preserve and protect the environment.. Patagonia funds environmental work that is action-oriented, builds public involvement and support, is strategic, focuses on root causes, and accomplishes specific goals and objectives, Applicants must have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status or a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. Most grants range between $3,000 and $8,000 each. The company accepts proposals during the months of April or August. For more information, visit the Patagonia website
Other Types of Funding
Water Quality Technicians.
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC)
The ANRC provides state funding to some local conservation districts for water quality technicians. The job of the technician is to provide assistance to landowners in the implementation of a water quality management plans and provide assistance in the implementation of water quality and conservation plans. The ANRC, in cooperation with the NRCS, also oversees ongoing training of the technicians to assure they are current on management techniques and practices. The NRCS District Conservationist provides daily supervision of the technician.
Technical Service Provider [TSP]
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
The NRCS is expanding the availability of technical assistance to private landowners by encouraging the use of third party “technical service providers” (TSPs) to assist in delivering conservation technical services to farmers, ranchers and others. Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, the TSP program is designed to meet the growing demand for conservation technical assistance, including conservation planning and design, layout, installation, and checkout of approved conservation practices. NRCS and conservation districts have traditionally provided these technical services, and will continue to do so. What’s new is that USDA will now reimburse producers for technical assistance provided by certified technical service providers. Landowners may use NRCS for technical assistance, or may call on a technical service provider certified by NRCS to provide such assistance. The certified specialists will be placed on a national, Web-based registry called TechReg that is available to landowners, farmers, ranchers and others seeking conservation technical assistance. Additional information on technical service provider assistance is available at http://techreg.usda.gov or from local NRCS offices.
Beaver Control Program.
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. (ANRC)
To receive money through the Conservation District Beaver Control Program, conservation districts must have a district beaver control plan approved by the ANRC Commission. The plan designates a beaver control officer, provides that tails be notched when brought in to the beaver control officer, sets up a schedule for the beaver control officer to submit reports of payments to harvesters to the district board and for board application to the Commission for reimbursements, and approximates the number of beavers to be harvested within the fiscal year.
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
The purpose of the program is to undertake emergency measures, including the purchase of flood plain easements, for runoff retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard lives and property from floods, drought and the products of erosion on any watershed whenever fire, flood or any other natural occurrence is causing or has caused a sudden impairment of the watershed. EWP provides funding to project sponsors for work such as clearing debris from clogged waterways, restoring vegetation, and stabilizing river banks. The measures that are taken must be environmentally and economically sound and generally benefit more than one property owner. NRCS provides up to 75% of the funds needed to restore the natural function of a watershed. The community or local sponsor of the work pays the remaining 25%, which can be provided by cash or in-kind services.
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program (PL 83-566)
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
The objective is for NRCS to cooperate with state and local agencies to carry out works of improvement for soil conservation and for other purposes, including flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water; and conservation and proper utilization of the land. NRCS implements the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act through two program areas: Watershed Survey and Planning, and Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations. NRCS in Arkansas has approximately 63 watershed projects either completed or actively being implemented and has completed 14 river basin surveys.