Your 2026 Guide to Winning Environmental and Conservation Grants

The fight for a healthier planet is more urgent than ever, and your organization is on the front lines.

But impactful work—from habitat restoration to environmental justice initiatives—requires significant funding.

Navigating the world of environmental grants can be overwhelming, with fierce competition and complex application processes.

That's why we've done the hard work for you.

This guide cuts through the noise.

We’ve verified a list of high-value environmental grants with confirmed deadlines in 2026, giving you a head start on planning your next winning proposal.

Whether you're a grassroots nonprofit, a research institution, or a community action group, these opportunities can provide the fuel for your mission.

Verified Environmental Grants with 2026 Deadlines

Don't wait until the last minute.

These deadlines are approaching quickly.

We've confirmed each opportunity directly from the official source to ensure you have accurate, actionable information.

Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement

  • Funding Amount: Up to $500,000
  • Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
  • Who It's For: This U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant is designed for incorporated non-profits, community-based organizations, and tribal governments working to address environmental or public health issues in their communities.

  • What It Funds: The EJCPS program supports projects that use collaboration and problem-solving to tackle local environmental challenges.

This can include initiatives related to air and water quality, waste reduction, and building community capacity to address environmental justice concerns.

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

You can find the full funding opportunity announcement and application package at the official EPA program page.

[**Apply on the Official EPA Website**](https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-collaborative-problem-solving-cooperative-agreement-program)

Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program

  • Funding Amount: $20,000 to $50,000
  • Application Deadline: January 29, 2026
  • Who It's For: A diverse range of applicants are eligible, including non-profits, local and state government agencies, tribal organizations, and schools.

This grant is ideal for organizations focused on tangible, on-the-ground restoration projects.

  • What It Funds: Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), this program funds projects that restore coastal, wetland, and forest habitats in urban and suburban areas.

It emphasizes community partnerships, educational components, and measurable ecological outcomes.

  • How to Apply: Proposals are submitted through NFWF’s online application portal, Easygrants.

Be sure to review the Request for Proposals (RFP) for detailed thematic priorities.

[**Apply on the NFWF Program Page**](https://www.nfwf.org/programs/five-star-and-urban-waters-restoration-program)

Patagonia Corporate Grants Program (Environmental)

  • Funding Amount: Typically $5,000 to $20,000
  • Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 (for the Spring cycle)
  • Who It's For: Patagonia specifically funds grassroots environmental non-profits with budgets under $1 million.

They look for organizations that are action-oriented, build public involvement, and work on the root causes of environmental problems.

  • What It Funds: This program supports small, nimble organizations focused on direct-action projects.

Funding priorities include protecting land and water, fighting for climate justice, and promoting biodiversity.

They are less likely to fund general research or educational initiatives without a clear action component.

  • How to Apply: Applications are accepted through a portal on the Patagonia website.

Their process is known for being highly competitive, so a strong, mission-aligned proposal is critical.

[**Apply on the Official Patagonia Website**](https://www.patagonia.com/actionworks/grants/environmental-grants/)

USDA Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

  • Funding Amount: $75,000 to over $1,000,000
  • Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 (National Competition)
  • Who It's For: This grant is open to a wide array of entities, including individuals, non-profits, for-profit businesses, state and local governments, and tribal organizations.

It's geared toward those developing or demonstrating new approaches to conservation on agricultural land.

  • What It Funds: The CIG program, run by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), funds the development and adoption of innovative conservation technologies and approaches.

Projects might focus on soil health, water quality, grazing land management, or wildlife habitat.

  • How to Apply: National and state-level competitions are announced on Grants.gov.

Visit the official NRCS CIG page to learn about current priorities and find links to active funding opportunities.

[**Apply via the Official NRCS Website**](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/cig-conservation-innovation-grants)

3 Pro Tips for a Winning Environmental Grant Proposal

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

Here's how to make your proposal stand out.

1. Quantify Your Impact

Funders want to see a clear return on their investment.

Instead of general statements, use concrete metrics.

Don't just say you'll "improve water quality." Specify that you will "reduce nitrogen runoff by 25% across a 500-acre watershed, verified by quarterly water sampling."

2. Connect to the Bigger Picture

Show how your local project contributes to larger regional, national, or global goals.

Reference specific climate action plans, biodiversity targets, or environmental justice frameworks.

This demonstrates that you are strategic and that your work has a ripple effect beyond your immediate community.

3. Weave in a Compelling Narrative

Data is essential, but stories are what move people to act.

Start your proposal with a brief, powerful story about the community, species, or ecosystem you're working to protect.

This humanizes your work and helps the grant reviewer connect emotionally with your mission.

Take the Next Step

The deadlines for these 2026 environmental grants will be here before you know it.

The time to start planning, building partnerships, and outlining your proposal is now.

By using this verified list as your starting point, you can focus your energy on what truly matters: crafting a powerful application that showcases the importance of your work.

Ready to streamline your grant management? Our software helps you track deadlines, manage tasks, and collaborate with your team to submit winning proposals every time.

Take control of your funding strategy and spend more time making a difference.