Grants Office June Insights: Sustainability
Monthly insights via partnership with Cisco Grants Office
Whether your project is focused on social equity, environmental concern, sustainability, human connectedness, or resilient communities, there is potential that grant funding can accelerate project expansion or help launch ideas off the ground and into reality.
Nationally
Bloomberg Philanthropies – Cities Idea Exchange is an incredible resource for community leaders to exchange civic solutions to challenges facing communities across the United States and the world. Featured projects include “powering cold storage with solar energy and community management, and “using municipal data to connect neighbors in need with fellow residents.” Funding may be available to cover start-up costs associated with replicating shared ideas. Visit the project website for full details and examples of scalable projects happening in cities across the country. https://citiesideaexchange.bloomberg.org/
State of Texas
The state of Texas has evolving grant programs that focus on environmental impact. Eligibility is often limited to public entities, but cooperation and potential partnerships with public and private nonprofit entities are encouraged, depending on the specific grant program. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is a source to reference when pursuing funding for innovative projects in your city.
Finding grant funding for your innovative projects is possible. But remember, securing grant funding cannot be done in a day! You can and should build grant seeking strategically into your weekly, monthly, and yearly calendar. Once you have identified appropriate funding opportunities, pay close attention to the application guidelines and funder focus; attention to detail will serve your organization well as you develop your proposals.
And lastly, if you have a question, ask! There are a lot of resources for new and advanced grant seekers online. Grants Office team of seasoned grant experts have compiled a selection of grant strategy content to help you as you begin your grant seeking journey including informational videos and in-depth articles. [KA1] Grant program managers are also a wonderful resource to help organizations navigate the application process.
A Call to Action
Have a project in mind? Consider applying to The Lawrence Foundation
Applications Are Open Now: Applications due October 31, 2025.
https://thelawrencefoundation.org/application-process
Areas of Interest: Environment, Human Services, Disaster Relief
Award Amounts: range between $5,000 - $10,000 (in general, grants will be issued as unrestricted)
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or public schools and libraries are eligible for contributions or grants.