The fight for a healthier planet is more urgent than ever, but impactful environmental projects—from habitat restoration to community-led climate resilience—require significant funding.
For nonprofit leaders, researchers, and community organizers, navigating the complex world of environmental grants can be overwhelming.
Finding legitimate opportunities with active deadlines is half the battle.
That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you.
This guide provides a curated list of top-tier federal environmental grants with confirmed deadlines in early 2026. Each grant has been verified from official government sources, ensuring you’re working with accurate, up-to-date information to kickstart your funding strategy.
2026 Environmental Grants: Verified Deadlines & How to Apply
Below are high-value funding opportunities for organizations dedicated to conservation, environmental justice, and sustainability.
Pay close attention to the deadlines, as they are approaching quickly.
1. Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program
What it funds: This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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 affected by pollution and environmental hazards.
- Funding Amount: Up to $500,000 per project.
- Eligibility Snapshot: A partnership between a community-based nonprofit organization and at least one other separate entity, such as a local government, academic institution, or another nonprofit.
- Deadline: February 15, 2026
- How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the official portal at Grants.gov.
You will need a registered System for Award Management (SAM.gov) account and a Grants.gov profile to apply.
Start the registration process early, as it can take several weeks.
Application Link: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-collaborative-problem-solving-cooperative-agreement-0
2. NOAA Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants
What it funds: Administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this grant focuses on projects that restore coastal, marine, and Great Lakes habitats.
Funding supports on-the-ground restoration activities that promote fisheries recovery, help endangered species, and build resilience in coastal communities against climate change impacts.
- Funding Amount: Awards typically range from $200,000 to $1,500,000.
- Eligibility Snapshot: Open to institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments.
- Deadline: March 3, 2026
- How to Apply: Proposals are submitted via Grants.gov under the funding opportunity number provided on the official NOAA Fisheries website.
The application requires detailed project descriptions, budgets, and environmental compliance documentation.
Application Link: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/coastal-and-marine-habitat-restoration-grants
3. Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
What it funds: Managed by the U.S.
Forest Service, this competitive grant program provides financial assistance to local governments, tribal governments, and qualified nonprofit organizations to establish community forests.
The program prioritizes projects that provide public access, recreational opportunities, and economic benefits while protecting vital forest ecosystems.
- Funding Amount: Up to $600,000 per project, with a 50% non-federal cost-share requirement.
- Eligibility Snapshot: Local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply.
- Deadline: January 31, 2026
- How to Apply: Applicants must submit their proposals to their State Forester or equivalent official of the Indian tribe for review and ranking before the national deadline.
Check with your state-level contact for any interim deadlines.
Application Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/community-forest
4. North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants
What it funds: The NAWCA grant program, managed by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, provides matching grants for projects that conserve, restore, and enhance wetland habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.
It is a highly competitive program that requires a 1:1 non-federal match.
- Funding Amount: Up to $2,000,000 for U.S.
Standard Grants.
- Eligibility Snapshot: Organizations and individuals who have developed a partnership to carry out wetlands conservation projects in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
- Deadline: February 7, 2026
- How to Apply: The application process is detailed and requires extensive documentation of partnerships, matching funds, and the project's biological significance.
Proposals are submitted directly through the NAWCA grants portal.
Application Link: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-standard
Pro Tips for a Winning Environmental Grant Proposal
Securing funding in this competitive space requires more than just a good idea.
To make your application stand out, follow these best practices:
- Quantify Your Impact: Don't just say your project will improve water quality.
Use data.
For example, “Our project will restore 50 acres of wetlands, which is projected to filter X gallons of stormwater runoff annually and reduce nitrogen levels by Y%.”
- Demonstrate Strong Partnerships: Federal funders love to see collaboration.
Highlight the roles and commitments of your partners, whether they are local government agencies, universities, or other nonprofits.
This shows your project has broad community support and a higher chance of success.
- Align with Funder Priorities: Read the grant guidelines multiple times.
Use the funder's own language and keywords in your proposal to show you clearly understand and align with their specific mission, whether it’s environmental justice, species protection, or climate resilience.
- Create a Clear, Sustainable Plan: Your proposal should outline not only the immediate project activities but also a plan for long-term maintenance and success.
How will the project's benefits be sustained after the grant funding ends? This demonstrates foresight and responsible planning.
Securing the right grant is the catalyst that turns your environmental vision into reality.
By focusing on these verified opportunities and crafting a compelling, data-driven proposal, you position your organization for success.
Keeping track of these deadlines, reporting requirements, and collaborative tasks is where a dedicated grant management platform can transform your workflow, ensuring you stay organized and focused on what matters most—your mission.