Grant Funding Sources
Massachusetts and Rhode Island Grant Funding Workshops

Funding Nature Based Community Resilience in Southeastern Massachusetts
The SNEP Network held a 2-part workshop series that featured a keynote presentation, a panel discussion on how to navigate nature based resilience funding opportunities, and a networking event with representatives from participating funding programs. Participating funders included SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants, Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, MA Division of Ecological Restoration, Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, MassDEP, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, MA Office of Coastal Zone Management, and more!

Funding Water Quality Restoration and Climate Resilience Projects in Rhode Island
This workshop, held virtually via zoom, introduced Rhode Island communities to key funding opportunities. After hearing presentations from the funders, participants were able to talk directly to funding agency representatives about their projects. The workshop featured a welcome address by US Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island. Participating programs included SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation National Coastal Resilience Fund, the RI Nonpoint Source Program, State Climate Resilience Bond Funds, Emergency Management Program, Municipal Resilience Program, and others!
Grant Funding Inventory
In 2020, The SNEP Network created a clearinghouse of federal, state, and philanthropic grant opportunities relative to stormwater/watershed management, ecological restoration and climate resilience. The grant funding list includes detailed information about the funding source, match requirements, type of funding, eligibility, time frame, funds available and how to apply.
Please view the clearinghouse below or download the full grant list PDF.
Federal Grants
Funding Name: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA) and state revolving funds
MATCH REQUIREMENT: 20% state match
DESCRIPTION:
• Through intergovernmental partnerships, the CWSRF combines federal and state-matched
revolving funds to provide all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US Territories with lowinterest loans to fund the development and implementation of water quality projects focused on
NPS pollution, stormwater management, estuary and watershed improvements, and green
infrastructure. Since 1987, the CWSRF has funded nearly 40,000 loan agreements totaling
$133B in funding. The average return on investment has been $3 for every $1 invested by the
federal government.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Low-interest loans (max. 30 years or useful life)
• Refinancing/debt purchasing
• Guarantees and insurance
• Additional subsidies
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Development/implementation of NPS pollution management programs
• Management, reduction, treatment, or recapture of stormwater/subsurface drainage water
• Development/implementation of an estuary conservation/management plans
• Development/implementation of watershed pilot projects
• Projects for reusing/recycling wastewater, stormwater, or subsurface drainage water
Funds Available: $1.6B (through FY19); $65,268,000 for RI and MA
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Public, private, non-profit, and citizen-group entities in all 50
states and PR
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually (MA apply by August)
How to apply: Apply through state CWSRFs: MA CWSRF, RI CWSRF
Funding Name: Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Nonfederal match of ≥ 40% (as low as 10% for tribes)
DESCRIPTION:
• The 319 NPS Grant Program introduced greater federal leadership in combatting NPS
pollution in states and localities. The 319 Grants support a variety of different activities
(“including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer,
demonstration projects and monitoring”) in support of broader projects aimed at combatting
NPS pollution and developing/implementing green infrastructure to manage stormwater.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Grants (max. Project length 5 years)
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Implementation of approved NPS BMPs
• Green infrastructure projects to manage stormwater
Funds Available: $165M (in FY19)
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States, territories, native tribes
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually
How to apply: Contact state-specific NPS Coordinator (MA DEP)
Funding Name: Urban Waters Small Grants Program (UWSG)
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Nonfederal match of min. $4,000
DESCRIPTION: The EPA provides biennial project grants for urban waters with the intent of
revitalizing surrounding neighborhoods. Primarily targeting underserved communities, the
UWSG Program aims to improve environmental justice concerns through green infrastructure
projects that engage communities and stakeholders in improving water quality.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive project grants awards
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Green infrastructure projects to improve water quality
Funds Available: Individual grant awards typically $40,000-$60,000
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• State, local, and tribal governments; public and private universities; non-profit organizations
and institutions; and interstate agencies across the 50 states and PR
WHEN AVAILABLE: Every 2 years
How to apply: Application period currently closed
Funding Name: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: WIFIA can fund up to 49% (total federal assistance cannot exceed
80% of total project costs)
DESCRIPTION: WIFIA is a program that works in coordination with the CWSRF programs to
help subsidize large dollar-value projects focusing on issues such as NPS pollution, stormwater
management, estuary and watershed improvements, drought mitigation, and green infrastructure.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive (not allotted like CWSRF), long-term (5-35 years), low-interest credit assistance
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects eligible for the CWSRF
• Drought prevention, reduction, or mitigation projects
Funds Available: $5M min. for projects in small communities (pop. ≤ 25,000), $20M min. for
projects in large communities
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Local, state, tribal, and federal government entities
• Partnerships and joint ventures
• Non-profit or private corporations, trusts
• CWSRF Programs
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, as determined by Congressional appropriations
How to apply: WIFIA application page
Funding Name: Healthy Communities Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT:
DESCRIPTION: The Healthy Communities Grant Program is EPA New England’s main competitive grant program to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life.
Type(S) of Funding:
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
(1) Be located in and/or directly benefit one or more of the Target Investment Areas; and (2) identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental and/or public health results in one or more of the Target Program Areas.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: State and Local governments, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit
Institutions/organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions/organizations, federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, K-12 schools or school districts; and non-profit organizations
WHEN AVAILABLE: HC RFA is scheduled to be released by the end of March 2020 with a due date for full grant applications by mid-May 2020.
How to apply: https://www.grants.gov
Funding Name: Brownfields Program
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT:
DESCRIPTION: EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainable reuse contaminated properties.
Type(S) of Funding:
assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, environmental job training, technical assistance, training, and research.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS: varies based on the type of grant within the program
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: communities, states, tribes and others
WHEN AVAILABLE: Brownfields RFP is typically released in the Fall (Sept./Oct) with a due date for proposals in December. This can vary slightly from year to year.
How to apply: Solicitations for Brownfield Grants
Funding Name: Wetlands Program Development Grants
Source of Funding: Federal (EPA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT:
DESCRIPTION: WPDGs provide eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction and elimination of water pollution
Type(S) of Funding:
Monitoring and assessment
Voluntary restoration and protection.
Regulatory approaches including CWA 401 certification.
Wetland-specific water quality standards.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS: Eligible Activities document
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: state, tribal, local government (S/T/LG) agencies and interstate/intertribal entities
WHEN AVAILABLE: There is no WPDG RFA coming out in 2020. This program puts out an RFP every other year with two years of funds. The next WPDG RFA is expected in early 2021.
How to apply: Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are typically put out in the spring
Funding Name: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Source of Funding: Federal (HUD)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Initial $100,000 has no match requirement, additional allowances
require dollar-for-dollar match
DESCRIPTION: HUD offers CDBGs that aim to increase the economic prosperity in
underserved communities through citizen participation. With such a goal in mind, green
infrastructure and stormwater management projects qualify for CDBGs because of their potential
impacts on community development through improved aesthetics and increased property values.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants, 1-3 year funding period (Formula-based by community need, poverty levels,
SES, etc.)
• 70% of funds “must be used for activities benefiting low- and moderate-income persons” and
must meet one of four overarching objectives for program
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Stormwater management projects
• Green infrastructure projects
Funds Available: $33.3M in FY19 for MA; $5.4M in FY19 for RI; over $900M in total
disbursements in FY19
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• State and local governments in all 50 states and PR
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, (RI- PY19 applications accepted March 2020- May 15, 2020;
MA FY20 applications accepted Dec. 2019-March 6, 2020)
How to apply: Apply by state: MA CDBG, RI CDBG
Funding Name: The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
Source of Funding: Federal (HUD)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: Section 108 is a flexible and effective public investment tool from HUD that
allows recipient communities of CDBGs to access further federal loans to develop neighborhood
revitalization projects, some of which aim to also improve upon green infrastructure and climate
resiliency. Section 108 can be used for an individual project, or can be used to start a loan pool
to fund multiple projects.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Federal loans with flexible repayment terms and low interest rates
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Green infrastructure neighborhood revitalization projects
• Neighborhood revitalization projects increasing resilience to natural disasters
Funds Available: Loans typically a few hundred thousand to several million dollars; $162M
available for MA in FY19; $23.4M available for RI in FY19
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States, metropolitan cities and urban counties, non-entitlement communities,
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually
How to apply: Applicants are advised to contact HUD in advance of application submission
Funding Name: Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)
Source of Funding: Federal (HUD), as appropriated by Congress in wake of disaster
MATCH REQUIREMENT: No match requirement, can be used to match other federal funding
resources
DESCRIPTION: CDBG-DR assistance provides flexible grants that support communities,
frequently of low-income, in the wake of a Presidentially declared national disaster. CDBG-DR
assistance helps to initiate the recovery and rebuilding phases in the immediate aftermath of a
natural disaster, as HUD allocates funds based on unmet needs.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Flexible grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Post-disaster aid/recovery, restoration and improvement of infrastructure (green infrastructure
improvements incorporated into design)
Funds Available: Determined by Congressional appropriation
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Cities, counties, states that have faced Presidentially declared disasters; communities become
grantees and can then grant funds to state agencies, non-profits, individuals, businesses, etc.
WHEN AVAILABLE: As needed after a Presidentially declared disaster and after procedural steps open funds for utilization
How to apply: Communities do not apply; HUD notifies eligible communities following a disaster
Funding Name: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Source of Funding: Federal (FEMA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: FEMA can provide up to 75% of costs, state must provide rest
DESCRIPTION: THE HMGP helps to fund effective and efficient post-disaster projects aimed
at lessening the damage from future occurrences of similar and more intense natural disasters.
Studies have shown that $1 of FEMA aid from the HMGP has led to a return of $4 of future
damages mitigated.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive federal grant
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects to mitigate future natural disaster hazards
Funds Available: Funding limited, determined by a sliding scale formula where FEMA grants a
certain percentage based on total amount of funds requested
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States, tribes, or territories that have been the subject of a Presidential Major Disaster
Declaration. Non-profits and local communities can also apply through the state.
WHEN AVAILABLE: Following a presidentially declared disaster How to apply: MA HMGP,
RI HMGP
Funding Name: Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program (PDM)
Source of Funding: Federal (FEMA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: PDM can pay up to 75%, applicant responsible for remaining 25%
DESCRIPTION: The PDM Program awards nationally competitive grants to projects that aim to mitigate the effects of natural disasters before they occur, seeking to end the cycle of damage, restoration, reconstruction, and repeated damage; the program also aims to lessen the reliance on federal funds for disasters. FEMA makes determinations regarding funding based on the agency’s priorities for effectiveness.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Planning and project grants awarded on a nationally highly competitive basis, appropriated by Congress
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Plans for pre-natural disaster hazard mitigation projects
Funds Available: Appropriated annually by Congress, $250M available in FY19 (applicant
limits of 15% or $37.5M max.)
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local governments
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually (application cycle typically late Sept./early Oct through following January)
How to apply: Applications submitted electronically, RIEMA
Funding Name: Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal (FEMA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: FEMA may contribute up to 75% for NFIP-insured properties, 90% for repetitive lost properties, 100% for severe repetitive loss properties
DESCRIPTION: The FMA aims to improve a community’s resiliency to flooding so as to reduce the need for NFIP funds. Eligibility for FMA funding opens after a Presidentially declared disaster occurs.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive project grant program
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects to increase resiliency to flooding or eliminate flood risk
Funds Available: Funds appropriated annually by Congress, available after presidential disaster declaration
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• State, territory, tribal, local governments
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, FY19 application period Sept. ’19- Jan. ‘20
How to apply: Apply via grants.gov
Funding Name: Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal (FEMA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Federal share is not less than 75%
DESCRIPTION: The PA program authorizes the President to provide additional assistance to applicants when an incident occurs that exceeds the capabilities of the applying party to adequately respond and recover from major disasters.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Supplemental grant assistance
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects following a major disaster aimed at response and recovery
• Reconstruction of public infrastructure following a major disaster
Funds Available: Determined by FEMA
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Local, state, and tribal governments; private non-profits
WHEN AVAILABLE: Following national disaster declaration
How to apply: Process begins following declaration of major disaster by President
Funding Name: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside)
Source of Funding: Federal (DOT, FHWA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: typically 80% federal, 20% state match
b The TA Set-Aside Program receives funds from the Transportation Alternatives Program under the Surface Transportation Block Program. With these resources, the TA Set-Aside funds projects that develop transportation alternatives (bicycles, pedestrians, etc.) and provide environmental mitigation.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Environmental mitigation activities (pollution mitigation/abatement, stormwater management)
• Construction of green infrastructure boulevards in right-of-way of former divided highways
• Vegetation management practices to provide erosion control
• Climate and extreme weather resiliency projects for transportation systems
Funds Available: Total authorization of $850M for FY20, state’s funding determined by proportionate formula
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource/public
lands agency, school districts, tribal governments, non-profits
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually
How to apply: Contact State TAP Coordinator
Funding Name: The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)
Source of Funding: Federal (DOT, FHWA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Minimum local match percentage is 11.47%, communities that can demonstrate higher match capabilities score higher on funding application
DESCRIPTION: Generally, the CMAQ program aims to improve air quality and provide congestion relief on America’s highways through emissions-reducing transportation projects.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive funding calculated for each state and granted as lump sum to be divided for apportioned projects
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Transportation and emissions-reducing projects that incorporate green infrastructure features
Funds Available: Between $2.5B apportioned for FY20
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States with non-attainment/maintenance areas that would benefit from reduced emissions; states without non-attainment/maintenance areas, but where emissions-reducing projects would benefit other non-attainment/maintenance areas
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually
How to apply: Through DOT Air Quality Contacts
Funding Name: Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs (WEP)- Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal (USDA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: The WEP Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems to households and businesses in rural areas, which are often financially distressed.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Long-term (up to 40 year repayment period), low-interest loans (grants may be combined with loans if available)
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Development of stormwater systems (collection, transmission, disposal) in rural areas (pop. ≤ 10,000)
Funds Available: Average loan $1.5M, up to $15M
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States and local entities, private nonprofits with populations ≤ 10,000; tribal governments in rural areas
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, applications accepted year round
How to apply: MA Water and Waste Disposal site, RI Water and Waste Disposal site
Funding Name: Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal (USDA, USFS)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Must be matched at least equally by non-federal funds
DESCRIPTION: The UCF Program exists to introduce forestry into urban communities for a variety of benefits, including for the development of green infrastructure and the strengthening communities’ climate change resilience. $1 of UCF aid has lead to up to $3 in annual benefits.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects that foster climate change resilience in urban and community forests
• Projects that increase capacity to use urban forestry in public spaces for green infrastructure
Funds Available: approx. $900K in grant funds available in FY19
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States, state agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually
How to apply: Contact coordinator
Funding Name: Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants
Source of Funding: Federal (NOAA)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: None required, equal non-federal match strongly encouraged
DESCRIPTION: NOAA’s Restoration Center grants supports projects that aim to rebuild fishery ecosystems in order to promote healthy ecosystems and foster ecological restoration.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive Project Grants, 1-3 years
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects that rebuild and restore ecosystems to foster ecological prosperity
Funds Available: $4M total available in FY20, grants from $75,000-$3M
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Higher education institutions, non-profits, commercial organizations, US states, territories, local governments, tribal governments
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually (typically Nov. to following Jan.)
How to apply: Apply via federal grants.gov website
Funding Name: National Coastal Resilience Fund
Source of Funding: NOAA and other public and private funding sources
MATCH REQUIREMENT: A minimum 1:1 non-federal match in cash or in-kind services is expected and strongly encouraged.
DESCRIPTION: In partnership with NOAA, Shell Oil Company and TransRe, and other partnerships as available, NFWF will invest $31M in 2020 in the National Coastal Resilience Fund, which increases and strengthens natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities while also enhancing habitats for fish and wildlife. Established in 2018, the National Coastal Resilience Fund supports conservation projects that restore or expand natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, forests, coastal rivers and floodplains, and barrier islands that minimize the impacts of storms and other naturally occurring events on nearby communities.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants (mix of public and private funding sources)
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
Community capacity building and planning, site assessment and preliminary design, final design and permitting, and restoration and monitoring projects that:
– benefit coastal communities by reducing the impact of coastal flooding and associated threats to property and key assets, such as hospitals and emergency routes
-benefit coastal communities by improving water quality and recreational opportunities
-benefit fish and wildlife by enhancing the ecological integrity and functionality of coastal and inland ecosystems
Funds Available: $31M nationwide in FY20; awards range from $125,000-$5 million
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• All 50 states, US territories, non-profits, state government agencies, local/municipal governments, tribal nations, educational institutions
WHEN AVAILABLE: Proposals for 2020, RFP released in March 2020
How to apply: Applications submitted online through Easygrants system
Before You Apply:
Review the NCRF-2020-Tip-Sheet before starting an application. The tip sheet provides a walk through of the information needed in the online application system, and provides instruction on how to submit.
For additional insight and instruction review the NFWF 2020 Request for Proposal Overview and RFP one-pager . To get a sense of the types of projects getting funded, be sure to review the NCRF-2019-Grant-Slate.
Funding Name: Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program
Source of Funding: Federal funding and partnerships (primarily NFWF)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Projects must meet or exceed 1:1 match ratio
DESCRIPTION: The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program offers financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on the improvement of local ecosystems, habitats, and water quality through the addressing of issues such as stormwater runoff and insufficient green infrastructure.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants and community partnerships (mix of public and private funding sources)
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Prevention of pollution from stormwater runoff, stormwater management plans
• Green infrastructure best management practices for managing runoff
Funds Available: $1.5M nationwide in FY20; awards range from $20,000-$50,000 (avg. $30,000); 40-50 grants available/year
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• All 50 states, US territories, non-profits, state government agencies, local/municipal governments, tribal nations, educational institutions
WHEN AVAILABLE: Proposals for 2020 due Jan. 30, 2020
How to apply: Applications submitted online through Easygrants system
Funding Name: Emergency Streambank and Shoreline Proection (CAP Section 14)
Source of Funding: Federal (USACE)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Local sponsor required to cost-share study costs equally for amounts exceeding $100,000; design/construction costs are 65% federal, 35% non-federal
DESCRIPTION: The 1946 Flood Control Act gives the US Army Corps of Engineers authority to fund construction projects to protect public facilities and non-profit facilities from risks associated with flooding.
Type(S) of Funding:
• PPP project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Construction of emergency shoreline and stream bank protection
Funds Available: max. expenditure is $5M per site
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Cities, counties, special authorities, units of state government
WHEN AVAILABLE:
How to apply: Written request to Planning Division of USACE
Funding Name: Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Projects (CAP Section 103)
Source of Funding: Federal (USACE)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Local sponsor required to cost-share study costs equally for amounts exceeding $100,000; design/construction costs are 65% federal, 35% non-federal
DESCRIPTION: The 1962 River and Harbors Act gives the USACE authority to study, design, and construct projects to mitigate potential damage and improve resiliency from small coastal storms and hurricanes.
Type(S) of Funding:
• PPP Project Grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Study, design, construction of small hurricane/storm damage reduction projects
Funds Available: Max. individual cost is $10M per project
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Cities, counties, special authorities, units of state government
WHEN AVAILABLE:
How to apply: Written request to Planning Division of USACE
Funding Name: Flood Damage Reduction Projects (CAP Section 205)
Source of Funding: Federal (USACE)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Local sponsor required to cost-share study costs equally for amounts exceeding $100,000; design/construction costs are 65% federal, 35% non-federal
DESCRIPTION: The 1948 Flood Control Act gives the USACE authority to study, design, and construct projects to control against floods and flood damage.
Type(S) of Funding:
• PPP Project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Study, design, and construction of flood damage reduction projects
Funds Available: Max. individual cost is $10M per project
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Cities, counties, special authorities, units of state government
WHEN AVAILABLE:
How to apply: Written request to Planning Division of USACE
State Grants
Funding Name: Bay Watershed Restoration Fund (BWRF)
Source of Funding: State (RI DEM Office of Water Resources)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: 50% of total project costs (DEM Director may lower to 25% upon
request)
DESCRIPTION: The BWRF funds one- to two-year projects to restore the water quality of
Narragansett Bay and to increase the Bay’s economic viability and environmental sustainability.
The BWRF operates through four sub-funds (1.Governmental and 2.non-governmental entities
NPS and stormwater pollution control, 3.flood prevention/mitigation, 4.Riparian buffer and
aquatic habitat restoration). The BWRF provides financial assistance for analysis, design, and
construction /rehabilitation of facilities that help reach the goals of the fund.
Type(s) of Funding:
• Reimbursement grant program
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Stormwater pollution control, mitigation, and abatement projects
• Projects to improve resiliency to flooding and increasing flood management capacity
Funds Available: No single project maximum limit, approx. $6M in BWRF fund as of FY17
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Regional, state, municipal governments; quasi-state agencies; public schools and universities;
non profits and land trusts; private businesses; private schools
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, dates vary year-to-year
How to apply: Contact RI DEM for more information
Funding Name: Rhode Island Climate Resilience Fund
Source of Funding: State (RI DEM)
MATCH REQUIREMENT:
DESCRIPTION: The program seeks to fund projects to improve climate resilience, community
resilience, and public safety in vulnerable coastal and riparian areas. The grants stemming from
the project are divided into two categories: Nature-Based Solutions and Removal, Relocation, or
Redesign of Infrastructure.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Engineering/construction projects to remove, rebuild, redesign vulnerable infrastructure
• Projects to protect and preserve functions against, and to eliminate risks from, projected
climate change impacts
• Projects with nature-based/green infrastructure solutions to climate change projections
Funds Available: State bond fund, varies year-to-year ($5M expected in 2020)
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Local, state, regional governmental agencies and non-profit entities
WHEN AVAILABLE: Applications due Jan. 30, 2020
How to apply:
Funding Name: Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program
Source of Funding: State (MA Office of Coastal Zone Managment [CZM])
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Applicants match 25% of total project cost
DESCRIPTION: The CPR Program aims to improve coastal habitats and water quality by
addressing the issue of coastal pollution from stormwater runoff and commercial boat waste. In
terms of stormwater pollution, the program aims to prioritize locations for remediation and
implement best management practices.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects to assess, characterize, and treat stormwater runoff/pollution from municipal roadways
Funds Available: $500K awarded for FY20 (avg. of $500K in last several years, with avg. max.
of $175K for each project)
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Municipalities within Massachusetts’ coastal watershed (220 total cities/towns in eastern MA)
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, spring/early summer
How to apply: Apply through MA CZM
Funding Name: MS4 Municipal Assistance Grant Program
Source of Funding: State (MA DEP)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Match not required, but preferred
DESCRIPTION: The MA DEP, by encouraging coalition building and shared practices, offers
MS4 Municipal Assistance Grants to help MA communities reach the goals and requirements set
out in the 2016 Small MS4 General Permit to fight stormwater pollution.
Type(S) of Funding:
• MS4 project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Projects to reduce stormwater pollution through MS4 systems
Funds Available: $200K-$300K total, between $50K-$300K per project for 2019-2020
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Groups of two or more of the following: MA cities/towns, regional planning agencies acting
on their behalf, MA stormwater coalitions, MA non-profits
WHEN AVAILABLE:
How to apply: Application instructions
Funding Name: Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Planning and Action Grants
Source of Funding: State (MA DEP)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Action grants require 25% match from non-state funding
DESCRIPTION: The MVP Program provides municipalities with funds to assess (Planning Grants) and address (Action Grants) issues related to climate change impacts and community resilience. Planning Grants are community-driven, utilize workshops and knowledge sharing, and aim to prioritize action. Action grants implement prioritized action and aim to utilize naturebased solutions.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Planning Grants to assess community needs
• Action Grants to address community resilience challenges
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Assessment of vulnerabilities from and preparations for climate change impacts
• Projects that build overall community resilience
Funds Available: $15K-$100K per plan (FY19 avg. grant was $27.5K), $1M total for Planning
Grants; $25K-$2M per project (FY19 avg. grant was $390K), $10M total for Action Grants
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• MA municipalities
WHEN AVAILABLE: FY20 Planning applications open from Sept. ‘19 to Jan. ’20; FY20
Action applications were due in Nov.
How to apply: MVP Program contact info
Funding Name: CZM Coastal Resilience Grant Program
Source of Funding: State (MA CZM)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: 25% match of non-state funds
DESCRIPTION: The MA CZM offers financial and technical support through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program to help identify, understand, and address vulnerabilities related to the impacts of climate change. Solutions funded through the program can follow a wide range of approaches (i.e. planning, outreach, assessment, construction, monitoring).
Type(S) of Funding:
• State project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Identifying and mapping vulnerabilities, risk assessment
• Redesigning structures and infrastructure, retrofitting
• Green infrastructure solutions
• Management measures (local bylaws, adaptation plans, etc.)
• Feasibility assessment
• Situation monitoring
• Public education, outreach, communication
Funds Available: $2.4 total for FY20, max. award per project was $750K
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• The 78 municipalities located within MA coastal zone
• Non-profits with vulnerable coastal property open/accessible to public
WHEN AVAILABLE: FY20 applications were due June 3, 2019
How to apply: CZM contact info
Funding Name: Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program
Source of Funding: State (MA DER)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: No requirement
DESCRIPTION: The MA DER offers this funding to assist municipalities in culvert
replacement in order to improve function and reduce hazards. The funding can support any
phase of the project.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Supplemental project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Replacement of undersized, perched, or degraded culverts in areas of high ecological value
Funds Available: $750K total in FY20, awards range from $25K-$200K
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• MA municipalities (DPW/Highway staff ideally serve as applicant)
WHEN AVAILABLE: FY20 applications were due March ‘19
How to apply: Program contact info
Funding Name: Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program
Source of Funding: State (MA DER)
MATCH REQUIREMENT:
DESCRIPTION: The program is run by the MA DER and helps fund the repair or removal of
coastal infrastructure (dams, levees, sea walls, etc.) to improve public health, public safety, and
ecological conditions.
Type(S) of Funding:
• State grants and/or loans
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Designing/planning phase to remove or repair dams, seawalls, coastal infrastructure, levees
• Construction phase of repair/removal
Funds Available:
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Municipalities, non-profits, certain private owners of dams
WHEN AVAILABLE: Application period current closed
How to apply: Program contact info
Funding Name: Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) Grants
Source of Funding: State (MA CZM) through cooperative agreement with EPA
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Non-federal match must equal/exceed 33%
DESCRIPTION: The Buzzards Bay NEP Program offers funding opportunities for projects that
aim to improve conditions within the Buzzards Bay Watershed. The grants are made available
through the MA CZM, EEA, and through cooperative agreements with the EPA.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants/mini-grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Stormwater remediation designs for discharges affecting marine waters
• Implementation/construction of stormwater designs for discharges affecting marine waters
Funds Available: $95K in FY19, max. grant in FY19 was $50K
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Municipalities within the Buzzards Bay watershed
WHEN AVAILABLE: FY19 proposals were due in May ‘19
How to apply: Program website
Funding Name: Resilient Communities Program
Source of Funding: Mixed federal and private (NFWF and Wells Fargo)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: Projects required to meet or exceed 1:1 non-federal match
DESCRIPTION: This program stems from a partnership between Wells Fargo and the US NFWF and provides funding opportunities to for projects that aim to enhance community capacity to plan and implement resiliency projects from threats such as sea level rise.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Green infrastructure solutions
• Climate resiliency preparations
Funds Available: $3M total per year available, grants range from $100K-$500K
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• States, municipalities, non-profits, tribes
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, 2020 pre-proposals due 2/18/2020
How to apply: Apply at https://easygrants.nfwf.org/
Funding Name: Statewide Water Management Act Grant
Source of Funding: State (MassDEP)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: 20% funding match required
DESCRIPTION: The Statewide Water Management Act Grant helps water suppliers and municipalities comply with the Water Management Act with funding opportunities and planning assistance.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Planning assistance and competitive project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Stormwater management projects
Funds Available: $300K-$400K total for 5 projects ($78K avg. each) in 2018-2019
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Municipalities, MA public water suppliers
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually
How to apply: Program website
Funding Name: 604b Water Quality Management Planning Grants
Source of Funding: State (MassDEP)
MATCH REQUIREMENT: No local match required, but increases competitiveness
DESCRIPTION: The 604b Grant Program is authorized under the Clean Water Act and aims to fund projects to assess water quality and improve management practices.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Competitive project grants
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Development of stormwater utilities
• Green infrastructure solutions to stormwater issues
Funds Available: $220K in FFY19
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• Regional planning agencies, council of governments, counties, conservation districts, municipalities
WHEN AVAILABLE: Annually, 2019 application deadline was March 29, 2019
How to apply: Grant contact info
Private Grants
Funding Name: Rockefeller Foundation Environmental Impact Bond (EIB)
Source of Funding: Private (Rockefeller Foundation and Quantified Ventures)
MATCH REQUIREMENT:
DESCRIPTION: Structured in a way that shares risk and reward among the city, its residents,
and investors, the EIB offered by the Rockefeller Foundation is an example of a pay-for-success
source of funding that focuses primarily on performance.The projects previously funded by this
EIB have focused on innovative green infrastructure solutions.
Type(S) of Funding:
• Environmental Impact Bonds (pay-for-success model)
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
• Green infrastructure water management solutions
Funds Available: Determined on case-by-case basis
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
• State, municipal governments
WHEN AVAILABLE:
How to apply: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org