2025 National & International Environmental Program Grants

Overview

From the creation of the country’s first donor-advised fund to our vital role in the region’s response to the AIDS crisis, September 11th, and COVID-19, The Trust has always been a pioneer, innovator, and leader in offering donors effective ways to empower and champion nonprofits. Through New York’s greatest triumphs and challenges, we’ll continue to be here—a throughline from past to future, and a beating heart for our beloved region forever. Working together across New York & beyond. We believe in the power of local philanthropy, and that those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions. We work with nonprofits across New York and beyond to make a difference where it matters most.

Program goal
Environment  National & International Grants aim to mitigate climate change, make communities more resilient to climate change, protect public health from the hazards of toxic chemicals and pollutants, and preserve biological diversity.

Grants are made to Promote more environmentally sustainable, resilient, and just communities that mitigate climate change by:

• Promoting energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy for buildings.
  Shifting to electric or low-emission vehicles and greater use of mass transit.
  Promoting a smarter, more resilient grid and distributed (on-site) generation.
  Reducing emissions from existing fossil fuel-powered facilities and extraction activities.
  Establishing regional programs, performance standards, and regulations that help reduce emissions.
   
• Make communities, especially the most disadvantaged, more resilient to a changing climate by:
  Creating infrastructure that reduces stormwater runoff and absorbs storm surges.
  Protecting shoreline communities by conserving or enhancing natural barriers.
  Encouraging more sustainable building design and land use through policy reforms.
  Better planning and preparation for weather-related emergencies, especially for low-income and other vulnerable residents.
   
• Protect public health from the hazards of toxic pollutants by:
  Supporting targeted scientific research that can be used to develop policy.
  Promoting safer chemical and heavy metal policies and practices, especially for infants, children, and other vulnerable people.
  Eliminating toxic chemicals from products through market campaigns focused on retailers and manufacturers.
  Enhancing protections for low-income communities near polluting facilities.
  Minimizing the hazards of new and expanded fossil fuel extraction on nearby communities.
   
• Preserve biological diversity through habitat conservation by:
  Establishing, enhancing, and monitoring wildlife migration corridors; and
  Supporting functional connectivity between fragmented habitat that enables species to move and live safely
   

We encourage initiatives that cut across these program areas, especially those focused on smart growth, sustainable agriculture and regional food systems, and sustainable production.

With the exception of those focused on New York State, all projects must benefit more than one U.S. state or territory to be considered.

Applicants should begin by reading our Grantmaking Guidelines that describe the objectives of our 16 program areas. For more information about how to apply, click here. If, after reading the materials, you believe that your proposed project addresses the objectives of any of these programs, you may start the application process.

The National and International Environment Program starts the process with an LOI, which can be submitted through the Grantseeker Portal during three-week windows each fall (late September) and winter (late February).

These LOIs should be no more than four pages and include a description of the project, proposed activities, and a preliminary budget.