As climate and environmental challenges grow, so does the urgency to fund impactful solutions.

For nonprofits, tribal nations, researchers, and local governments, securing capital is the critical first step toward building a more sustainable future.

Yet, navigating the complex world of federal funding can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting.

This guide cuts through the noise to bring you a verified list of significant environmental, conservation, and climate resilience grants with deadlines in 2026. Each opportunity is linked directly to the official source, giving you the authoritative information you need to plan your next winning proposal.

Why Federal Environmental Grants Are a Game-Changer in 2026

Federal grants are more than just money; they are a statement of national priority.

Backed by agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these multi-million dollar programs are designed to fund large-scale projects that protect ecosystems, support vulnerable communities, and foster innovation.

Winning one not only fuels your work but also validates its importance on a national stage.

Below are four high-impact grant programs to put on your calendar immediately.

1. NOAA Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants

This highly competitive grant from NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation is focused on large-scale projects that restore coastal habitats and enhance the resilience of coastal communities against climate change.

It’s ideal for ambitious projects with significant, measurable ecological and community benefits.

  • Focus: Coastal habitat restoration, climate resilience, community-led conservation efforts.
  • Funding Amount: Typically $1 million to $5 million per project.
  • Verified Deadline: January 30, 2026.
  • Who Should Apply: Open to a wide range of applicants, including institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, tribal governments, and state, local, and territorial governments.
  • Key Eligibility: Projects must be located within a coastal hydrologic unit in a U.S. state or territory. A strong emphasis is placed on projects that benefit underserved communities and incorporate local partnerships.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) contains detailed instructions on the proposal narrative, budget requirements, and evaluation criteria.

Pay close attention to the community engagement and climate resilience components of your proposal.

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

The EPA's EJCPS program provides funding for community-based organizations to develop and implement solutions that address environmental or public health issues in their communities.

The program prioritizes projects in underserved communities disproportionately burdened by pollution and environmental hazards.

  • Focus: Environmental justice, community-led projects, pollution, public health.
  • Funding Amount: Up to $500,000 per project over three years.
  • Anticipated Deadline: February 15, 2026. (Note: This is an anticipated deadline based on previous cycles.

Check the official EPA page in late 2025 for the official NOFO).

  • Who Should Apply: This program is specifically for community-based nonprofit organizations and tribal organizations.
  • Key Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the environmental justice issues affecting their community and propose a collaborative, problem-solving approach.

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

How to Apply

Proposals are submitted via Grants.gov once the funding opportunity is announced. A successful application will clearly define the problem, demonstrate strong community support, and outline a feasible plan with measurable outcomes.

3. America the Beautiful Challenge (NFWF)

Managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the America the Beautiful Challenge is a public-private partnership that consolidates funding from multiple federal agencies and corporations.

It supports large-scale, locally-led projects for conservation and restoration on public, private, and tribal lands.

  • Focus: Landscape-scale conservation, ecosystem restoration, species protection, community resilience.
  • Funding Amount: Grant awards typically range from $1 million to $5 million.
  • Verified Pre-Proposal Deadline: March 5, 2026.
  • Who Should Apply: Non-federal government entities (states, tribes, territories, local governments), and non-profit 501(c) organizations.
  • Key Eligibility: The program seeks ambitious projects that implement existing conservation plans and deliver benefits across large geographic areas.

Proposals should align with one or more of the program's core themes: conserving and restoring rivers and coasts, improving ecosystem resilience, or expanding access to nature.

How to Apply

The application is a two-step process, starting with a pre-proposal.

Successful pre-proposal applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

The process is managed through NFWF's online system, Easygrants.

4. USDA Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

The CIG program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is a competitive program that supports the development of innovative technologies and approaches to agricultural conservation.

It’s designed to accelerate the transfer and adoption of promising conservation methods.

  • Focus: Innovative conservation strategies, sustainable agriculture, soil health, water quality, air quality.
  • Funding Amount: Up to $2 million.
  • Anticipated Deadline: April 10, 2026. (Note: This is an anticipated deadline based on the typical annual cycle.

Monitor the official NRCS CIG page for the formal announcement).

  • Who Should Apply: State, local, and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals are all eligible to apply.

The key is to propose a project that will benefit agricultural producers.

  • Key Eligibility: Projects must be innovative and demonstrate a high potential for transferability to farmers and ranchers. CIG projects are expected to lead to the adoption of conservation practices on a wider scale.

How to Apply

The annual notice of funding is posted on Grants.gov.

Proposals must detail the innovative technology or approach, the plan for implementation and evaluation, and how the results will be shared with the agricultural community.

3 Pro Tips for a Winning Environmental Grant Proposal

  1. Quantify Your Impact: Don't just say your project will help the environment.

Use data.

Specify the number of acres you will restore, the metric tons of carbon you will sequester, or the number of community members you will protect from flooding.

  1. Demonstrate Strong Collaboration: Federal agencies want to see partnerships.

Show how you are working with other nonprofits, community groups, tribal nations, or local governments to maximize your project's impact and reach.

  1. Align Directly with Agency Priorities: Read the NOFO document multiple times.

Use the same language and terminology as the funding agency.

Clearly connect every part of your proposal back to the specific goals and evaluation criteria outlined in the grant announcement.

Securing these major grants requires careful planning and a compelling vision.

Start preparing your applications now to position your organization for success in 2026. Managing complex deadlines and proposal requirements is easier with the right tools—our grant management platform can help you stay organized and on track, so you never miss an opportunity to fund your mission.