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Funding Opportunities

The following list of funding opportunities is provided for informational purposes only. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or for-profit organizations does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for use by either the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center or the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

If you are aware of additional funding opportunities that may be of interest to K-12 schools implementing pollution prevention practices in their facilities or teaching pollution prevention concepts in their classrooms, please send the information to One Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL, 61820.

  • Jump to Funding Opportunities with no specific due date.

  • Academic Enrichment Grants

    Due Date: May 1, 2008

    Summary:

    Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation was created in recognition of the struggle educators often face in bringing truly exceptional teaching to their students. The foundation awards grants to those projects and/or initiatives with significant potential to augment the educational experiences for youth of all backgrounds.

    The foundation is now accepting applications for its Academic Enrichment Grants and Teacher Development Grants.

    Academic Enrichment Grants are designed to develop in-class and extracurricular programs that improve student learning. These grants seek to maximize innovation and results in classrooms and education departments by funding programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic, and creative abilities of children from low-income households. Successful applicants may receive grants of up to $10,000 each per year for a maximum of three years.

    Teacher Development Grants seek to increase the effectiveness of individual educators and small teams of teachers by funding the formation and implementation of groundbreaking K-12 classroom instruction. Grantees may be awarded amounts of up to $10,000 each per year for a maximum of three years. The program provides opportunities for teachers to integrate fresh strategies that encourage critical inquiry and to observe the effect of those strategies on students. Teachers have the opportunity to reflect and write about their projects and to share their observations with other teachers.

    Eligibility requirements, program overviews, and applications are available at the foundation's web site.

    Contact:

    McCARTHEY DRESSMAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION
    Suite 110
    610 East South Temple Street
    Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
    801-328-8899
    801-578-1261 (Fax)
    mccartheydressman@mklpr.com
    http://www.mccartheydressman.org/


    LIVE GREEN Grants to Middle and Junior High School Teachers

    Due Date: May 15, 2008

    Summary:

    Encouraging 21st century educators to LIVE GREEN-Discovery Education and General Motors will award forty educators in public Middle and Junior High Schools across America $1,000 each to implement inventive classroom lessons on the environment or renewable energy initiatives. Applications for the LIVE GREEN Teacher Grants are being accepted now through May 15, 2008.

    Contact:

    Geri Lama
    General Motors
    313-665-9973
    geri.lama@gm.com
    http://www.csrwire.com/News/11519.html


    2nd Annual LEGO Creativity Awards

    Due Date: May 23, 2008

    Summary:

    LEGO Systems, Inc. invites children between the ages of 6 and 13 who consider themselves curious, imaginative, and creative to apply for the second annual LEGO Creativity Awards. Designed to encourage lifelong curiosity and creativity, the LEGO Creativity Awards are an opportunity for young people to gain recognition for the imagination that will make them the "builders of tomorrow."

    Children from across the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) are invited to submit essays showcasing their creativity at home, at school, and in their communities.

    The essay contest is intended to encourage children to think of creativity as more than practicing art or music; it is alsoabout taking a new approach to everyday challenges. Winners of the First Annual LEGO Creativity Awards in 2007 demonstrated creativity in action such as community engagement, product invention, movie-making, and furniture construction. Some teachers took the program into their classrooms to engage students in an exercise not only in essay writing, but also in the idea of how their individual creativity could make a difference.

    The five winners will each receive $5,000 to further their creative projects.

    Official rules regarding entry and prizing can be found at the LEGO Creation Nation web site.

    Contact:

    LEGO Group
    555 Taylor Road
    Enfield, CT 06082
    http://www.legocreationnation.com/


    Kodak American Greenways Awards Program

    Due Date: June 15, 2008

    Summary:

    Deadline: June 15, 2008. The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program, a partnership project of the Eastman Kodak Company, the Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America. Grants may be used for activities such as mapping, ecological assessments, surveying, conferences, and design activities; developing brochures, interpretative displays, audio-visual productions, or public opinion surveys; and hiring consultants, incorporating land trusts, building infrastructure (e.g., a foot bridge or bike path), or other creative projects. In general, grants can be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway project, including planning, technical assistance, legal, and other costs. Grant recipients are selected according to criteria that include the importance of the project to local greenway development efforts; demonstrated community support for the project; extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or private sources; the likelihood of tangible results; and capacity of the organization to complete the project. Awards will primarily go to local, regional, or statewide non-profit organizations. Although public agencies may also apply, community organizations will receive preference. Most grants will range from $500 to $1,000 each; the maximum individual grant award is $2,500.

    Contact:


    Informal Science Education

    Due Date: June 19, 2008

    Summary:

    The ISE program invests in projects that develop and implement informal learning experiences designed to increase interest, engagement, and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as well as projects that advance knowledge and practice of informal science education. Projects may target either public audiences or professionals whose work directly affects informal STEM learning. ISE projects are expected to demonstrate strategic impact, innovation, and collaboration.

    Contact:


    Brownfields Environmental Job Training

    Due Date: October 19, 2008

    Summary:

    Thirteen communities in 10 states will share more than $2.5 million in job training grants geared toward cleaning up contaminated properties and turning them into productive community assets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under its Brownfields Initiative, is awarding grants of up to $200,000 each to non-profit organizations, local governments, a university, and a tribe. The grants will teach environmental assessment and cleanup job skills to individuals living in low-income areas near brownfields sites in Alabama, California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

    Contact:

    Joseph Bruss
    U.S. EPA
    Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Land Revitalization
    EPA West (MC-5105T), Room 2402
    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20460
    bruss.joseph@epa.gov
    http://www.epa.gov/brownfields


    Funding Opportunities with no specific due date:


    Toyota USA Foundation

    Due Date: Applications are accepted throughout the year.

    Summary:

    The Toyota USA Foundation is committed to improving the quality of K-12 education by supporting innovative programs that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Priority is given to systemic math and science programs that are broad in scope and incorporate interdisciplinary curricula, "real-world" classroom applications and high student expectations. Grants are made to accredited higher education institutions, community colleges and vocational or trade schools, and to nonprofit organizations engaged in pre-collegiate math and/or science education. K-12 public and private schools may not directly apply to the Foundation. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

    Contact:


    The Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation

    Due Date: Visit the Web site for application due date.

    Summary:

    The Award is given each November to three non-profit organizations in recognition of an innovative, existing program that has made a difference in the lives of the people it serves. Peter Drucker's definition of innovation -- change that creates a new dimension of performance -- is key to consideration for the Award.

    The Award has been given annually since 1991 and is accompanied by a first place prize of $35,000 and two runners up prizes of $7,500 and $5,000. The cash prizes are unrestricted and designed to celebrate and further the work of innovative non-profit organizations in the United States. The Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, administer the Award.

    Contact:


    Tellabs Foundation: Environment

    Due Date: Contact Meredith Hilt for specific deadline dates.

    Summary:

    The primary focus of the Foundation is to support programs in communities where Tellabs employees live and work. The Foundation focuses its grant-making on direct grants to eligible organizations, generally in the amount of $10,000 and above. Generally, grants will be considered for specific programs, rather than for general operating funds. The three priority funding areas include: education, health and wellness, and environment. For the environment focus area, the Tellabs Foundation supports programs to encourage understanding and the protection of the environment. Grants will be considered primarily to institutions which effectively allocate funds to local and national protection/improvement programs. Grants will also be considered for organizations which protect the environment, particularly in the areas of public health, clean air, clean water, recycling and waste reduction.

    Contact:

    Meredith Hilt
    Tellabs Foundation
    630-798-2506
    meredith.hilt@tellabs.com
    http://www.tellabs.com/about/foundation.shtml


    Paul Simon Fellowship

    Due Date: A yearly fellowship; check the Web site for application deadlines.

    Summary:

    As a continuing tribute to the late Paul Simon, one of the most distinguished statesmen in Illinois history, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn invites Illinois residents to apply for the Paul Simon Lt. Governor Fellowship, an opportunity for recent graduates to work in state government and honor Simon's legacy of public service.

    The Paul Simon Lieutenant Governor Fellowship is a one-year position offering a $30,000 stipend. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree and demonstrate leadership abilities and strong writing skills.

    Contact:

    Simone McNeil
    Office of Lt. Governor Pat Quinn
    Suite 15-200
    100 W. Randolph
    Chicago, Illinois 60601
    312-814-5220
    http://www.standingupforillinois.org/about/employment.php


    Kids in Need Teacher Grants

    Due Date: The deadline is the last working day in September, annually.

    Summary:

    The mission of the SHOPA Kids in Need Foundation is to recognize, promote, and support initiatives that foster educational excellence. Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to help them realize their dreams of providing innovative learning opportunities for their students. The purpose of the grants is to provide funds for classroom teachers who have innovative, meritorious ideas but lack the budget to bring them to life.

    Contact:

    SHOPA
    3131 Elbee Rd
    Dayton OH 45439
    800-854-7467
    info@shopa.org
    http://www.shopa.org/shopa_foundation/teacher_programs.php


    Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant

    Due Date: Applications for the fall grant period must be postmarked by October 15. Applications for the spring grant period must be postmarked by February 15.

    Summary:

    Illinois teachers, including home-school teachers, may apply to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education)program to receive funding for natural resources-related field trips.

    Contact:


    Bikes Belong Grants Program

    Due Date: Requests are reviewed quarterly.

    Summary:

    The mission of the Bikes Belong Coalition, sponsored by the American bicycle industry, is to put more people on bicycles more often.

    The Coalition welcomes grant applications from nonprofit organizations and public agencies within the United States that align with its mission. Grants are provided in the following categories: facility, advocacy, and education. All proposals must address the goals of the grants program strategic plan: encourage ridership growth, leverage funding, build political support, support bicycle advocacy, and promote bicycling.

    Contact:

    Elizabeth Train
    Bikes Belong Coalition
    1920 13th Street, Suite A
    Boulder, Colorado 80302
    303/449-4893
    elizabeth@bikesbelong.org
    http://bikesbelong.org/page.cfm?PageID=21


    Ben & Jerry's Foundation

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The Ben & Jerry's Foundation offers competitive grants to not-for-profit, grassroots organizations throughout the United States which facilitate progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems. All of the Foundation's funding decisions are made by a team of Ben & Jerry's employees that meets three times a year to review proposals. Although the Ben & Jerry's Foundation doesn't prioritize any particular issue area for funding, the Foundation does focus on the types of activities and strategies an organization uses for creating social change in any number of areas. The Foundation will only consider proposals from grassroots, constituent-led organizations that are organizing for systemic social change. The Foundation supports programs and projects that are examples of creative problem-solving. See the website for further inforamtion on funding priorities and guidelines. Awards are granted ranging from $1,001 - $15,000. Each cycle the Ben & Jerry's Foundation may fund a small number of material grants for $1,000 or less for innovative programs that fit into the general guidelines and that are infused with a spirit of hopefulness. Applications for small grants are reviewed at regular grantmaking meetings three times a year. Letters of Interest may be submitted at any time and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. They may take up to eight (8) weeks to be reviewed.

    Contact:


    Community Toolbox for Children's Environmental Health

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    Community Toolbox for Children's Environmental Health has issued its 2004 Request for Proposals (RFP) and Grant Application Packet for community-based, parent/grandparent, and/or emerging groups working to prevent childhood lead poisoning and other children's environmental health hazards. Information about Community Toolbox, the complete RFP, and the application deadline can be found at http://www.communitytoolbox.org or by contacting Community Toolbox at (800) 220-7630 or grants@communitytoolbox.org.

    Contact:

    Heather Young
    Community Toolbox
    http://www.communitytoolbox.org


    Federal Energy Management Program

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    Energy savings and energy efficiency programs are identified and frequently updated at this site through the use of a database.

    Contact:


    FundingFactory Printer Cartridge and Cell Phone Recycling Fundraising Opportunity

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    FundingFactory is a free fundraising program to help educational and nonprofit organizations get the equipment or cash they need without any hassle. Register now and start collecting empty printer cartridges and used cell phones today!

    FundingFactory accepts more than 85% of the cartridges used in today's market and many of the most popular cell phone brands. Every qualifying cartridge and cell phone has a designated value. The values for all collected items are deposited into an online account. Fundraiser earnings can be spent in FundingFactory's Rewards Catalog or check may be requested. For more information, free registration and qualifying lists of products, visit the FundingFactory web site.

    Contact:


    Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The Alternate Fuels Rebate Program provides rebates for businesses, local governments, organizations, and individuals in the State of Illinois. Rebates may be issued to any applicant for up to 300 vehicles. There are three types of rebates from which applicants may choose one type of rebate per vehicle: (1) A rebate for the incremental cost of an alternate fuel vehicle purchased from a dealership or similar vendor (Vehicle Rebate), (2) a rebate for the cost of the conversion of an existing vehicle to operate with an alternate fuel (Conversion Rebate), and (3) a rebate for the incremental cost of purchasing alternate fuels (Fuel Rebate). For all rebates, the alternate fuel vehicle, conversion system, or alternate fuel must be purchased from an Illinois company or vendor.

    Eligible fuels for the program include E-85, Biodiesel (at least 20 percent blend or B-20), natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen. To be eligible, a vehicle must be a licensed, on-road vehicle and be able to be legally driven on public roads. Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles (i.e., Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner) are not defined as an alternate fuel vehicle and are not eligible for a rebate since these vehicles are refueled with gasoline.

    For more information, visit the Illinois Green Fleets web site.

    Contact:


    Informal Science Education

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The ISE program invests in projects that develop and implement informal learning experiences designed to increase interest, engagement, and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as well as projects that advance knowledge and practice of informal science education. Projects may target either public audiences or professionals whose work directly affects informal STEM learning. ISE projects are expected to demonstrate strategic impact, innovation, and collaboration.(A PureEdge download package is available for this opportunity for submission via Grants.gov.)

    Deadlines: Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required): March 21, 2006 and Second Thursday in March annually thereafter for Project Grants; September 14, 2006 for Project Grants and Second Thursday in September annually thereafter-----Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time): June 22, 2006 for Project Grants and Third Thursday in June annually thereafter; December 14, 2006 for Project Grants and Second Thursday in December annually thereafter-----Planning Grants: Proposals must be submitted on the same deadline dates as those indicated above for Preliminary Proposals, following discussion with a Program Officer.-----Conference, Symposia, and Workshop Grants: Proposals may be submitted at any time, generally at least one year in advance, following discussion with a Program Officer. These types of projects do not require Preliminary Proposals.-----Grant Supplements for existing ISE Awards: Requests must be submitted at least two months prior to the need for additional funds, following discussion with the Cognizant Program Officer.

    Contact:


    Lumpkin Foundation

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The foundation supports education, promotes health or fosters organizational leadership. They also offer Downstate Illinois Conservation Grants. They have multiple deadline dates, depending upon the program. Programs include a General Central Illinois program, Capacity Building Grants and Micro Grants; the Downstate Illinois Conservation grants and Regional grants.

    Contact:

    121 S. 17th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938
    217 235 3361
    216 258 8444 (Fax)
    info@lumpkinfoundation.org
    http://www.lumpkinfoundation.org/


    Outdoor Classroom Grant Program

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper and National Geographic Explorer! Magazine have teamed up to create an outdoor classroom grant program. The program focus is to engage students in hands-on natural science experiences and allow enrichment opportunities across the core curriculum. All K-12 public schools in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico) are welcome to apply. Applications accepted throughout the year and reviewed periodically. See application for times.

    This school year, the program will award grants up to $2,000 to at least 100 schools. In some cases, grants for up to $20,000 can be awarded to schools or school districts with major outdoor classroom projects.

    Contact:


    Power Up Grants

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    Students in classrooms across Illinois will benefit from equipment and supplies provided by Ameren Power Up grants this fall. Schools and teachers can start applying for grants beginning September 1. The grants include three distinct programs. SMART Boards are touch-sensitive displays that operate like giant computer screens (cool, I want one). Teacher Grants of $250 each will be awarded to schools for any classroom-related project that has an academic focus to improve student achievement. Fuel Cell Kits will be available for high school science teachers and can be used as self-contained solar hydrogen fuel cell energy systems. Teachers and schools can apply starting September 1 for the fall series of grants.

    Contact:


    RecycleFund Printer Cartridge Fundraising

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    RecycleFund is a printer ink cartridge recycling and fundraising opportunity for schools. Schools collect empty inkjet, laser, and fax cartridges from businesses, and from the homes, relatives and friends of students and staff. Businesses are serviced directly and the school is paid for the empties. RecycleFund pays for all shipping costs, cartons, return envelopes, and program flyers. All shipping cartons and return envelopes will be bar coded with the school's name. All cartridges received in the recycling center are processed as soon as possible. Payment on accounts are scheduled for payment once a $20 minimum has been reached. For more information, including which cartridges will be accepted, consult the RecycleFund website. You may sign up online or call to begin using this fundraising opportunity at your school.

    Contact:

    RecycleFund
    1-888-554-6124
    http://www.recyclefund.com/


    Rockefeller Family Fund The Environment

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The Family Fund's Environment program emphasizes conservation of natural resources, protection of health as affected by the environment, meaningful implementation and enforcement of the nation's environmental laws, the cessation and cleanup of pollution caused by the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, and public participation in national environmental policy debates.

    Letters of inquiry may be mailed to the Rockefeller Family Fund, 437 Madison Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, NY, 10022. Letters of inquiry may also be sent to the Family Fund at the following e-mail address: mmccarthy@rffund.org

    Contact:

    Rockefeller Family Fund
    437 Madison Avenue 37th Floor
    New York, NY 10022
    mmccarthy@rffund.org
    http://www.rffund.org/environment/


    Save Energy Now Awards for State Industrial Assessment Projects

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) announced the selection of 19 states, which will receive a total of 96 industrial plant assessments at local facilities. Through these awards and other collaborative efforts of its Save Energy Now initiative, ITP seeks to accelerate partnership with states and local energy efficiency groups, utilities, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations in meeting industrial energy efficiency challenges. These initial state assessment projects launch an anticipated long-term, extensive effort to expand ITP's successful Save Energy Now activities to the State level, where the greatest impact can be achieved. The awards are in response to a recent solicitation issued by DOE.

    The awards total $950,000 and represent industrial plant assessments, adding to the national impact of reduced energy use and carbon emissions. These awarded projects represent an additional 5.8 trillion Btu per year in potential natural gas savings, as well as reduced CO2 emissions of 390,000 metric tons per year. In addition to analysis and plant assessments, each state project lead will provide follow-up technical and implementation assistance.

    Each state will receive roughly $50,000 (though some will also receive cost-shared funding). Recipient states include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The terms of these projects are expected to be 18 to 24 months. Funding will go to the State Energy Offices to subcontract these assessments.

    Since its inception in 2005, Save Energy Now has completed 388 large plant assessments, implemented energy-saving improvements of nearly $83 million, identified natural gas savings of nearly 57 trillion Btu per year, and reduced total potential CO2 emissions by approximately 5.0 million tons per year. Save Energy Now is helping U.S. industry, the most energy-intensive section of the economy, supporting the future energy security and stability of our nation.

    A third round of 250 Industrial Save Energy Now Energy Assessments is now open for applications by eligible industrial facilities. Energy experts will help industries identify energy- and money-saving opportunities, focusing on steam, process heating, pump, fan, and compressed air systems.

    Contact:


    The Cleveland Foundation -- Environmental Grants

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    The Cleveland Foundation’s environmental efforts support parks and open spaces, strengthen environmental organizations, champion environmental education (especially for urban youth) and build citizen awareness and participation.

    The Cleveland Foundation makes most of its grants to nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3). It also makes some grants to government agencies. It does not make grants to individuals or for small business. Overall, the Foundation funds projects and programs that:

    • Support Greater Cleveland
    • Benefit the citizens of Greater Cleveland directly
    • Meet community needs
    • Test new ideas

    The Foundation requires all potential grant applicants to submit a brief Grant Inquiry Form, outlining basic information about the potential applicant’s organization and the program for which funding is being sought. This allows the Foundation to give you initial feedback and to indicate whether your proposal is appropriate. Grant Inquiry Forms may be submitted at any time. A decision is generally made within a few weeks, at which time you will be notified whether to submit a full proposal.

    Contact:


    The Kresge Foundation: Green Building Planning Grants

    There is no due date for this funding opportunity.

    Summary:

    As part of its Green Building Initiative, the Kresge Foundation is encouraging nonprofit leaders to examine their planning and design processes so that they can assess the environmental impact of their facilities. The Foundation is offering planning and bonus grants available on a limited basis. Not-for-profit organizations that have 501(c)3 status are eligible to apply. Hospitals, other government and religious organizations may also be eligible. Elementary and secondary schools are eligible if their mission and programs predominately serve individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities. See the Planning Grant Program Guidelines for complete eligibility information, eligible costs and application requirements: http://www.kresge.org/cms/uploads/PlanningGrantGuidelines.pdf.

    The Foundation, which also has a separate capital grant program for nonprofits, is also offering bonus grants for grant recipients in that capital program whose green building projects are certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. Grants will be awarded until program funds are expended. For further information, visit the Kresge Foundation web site.

    Contact: