10 Foundations Supporting Environmental Justice & Sustainability
- Katalyst Consulting
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
Securing funding for environmental initiatives is more crucial than ever. Organizations working on sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice need reliable support to drive meaningful change. We've researched ten promising private foundations that are actively supporting innovative environmental work across the United States and beyond.
Grant Range: Up to $40,000 (median grant $18,000)
Focus Areas: Climate justice, environmental education
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Why They're Notable: Earth Rising Foundation seeks to "amplify existing and emerging voices demanding a future based on cooperation and care for each other and the planet." With annual giving of about $800,000, this foundation has a strong track record of supporting grassroots environmental justice initiatives. They're particularly open to new grantees, with 65% of their awards going to first-time recipients over the past three years.
Grant Range: Up to $25,000
Focus Areas: Environmental justice, gender justice, economic justice
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Why They're Notable: JustPax Fund stands out for its intersectional approach, recognizing that environmental issues are interconnected with other social justice concerns. They seek transformative rather than reactive proposals, looking for initiatives that provide "real-world examples of non-extractive economic activity, environmental systems that harmonize human and non-human activities, and social systems of respect and just governance."
Grant Range: $5,000-$40,000
Focus Areas: Climate crisis mitigation, sustainable communities
Application Deadline: August 18, 2025 (LOI)
Why They're Notable: The RWN Foundation specifically seeks to fund "initiatives that work aggressively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to prevent new emission sources, both at the frontlines and through policy, markets, litigation, and legislation." Their trust-based approach means all grants are unrestricted, giving organizations flexibility in how funds are used.
Grant Range: Up to $25,000
Focus Areas: Water quality, land-sea connection, protection of special places
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Why They're Notable: With a focus on America's largest estuary systems, The Campbell Foundation funds initiatives in both the Chesapeake Bay region and Northern California. They have a particular interest in fostering partnerships between agricultural interests and environmental concerns to forge new paths of working together.
Grant Range: $5,000-$40,000 (median grant $15,000)
Focus Areas: Environmental activism and education
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 (LOI)
Why They're Notable: The Ittleson Foundation supports "innovative pilot, model and demonstration projects that will help move individuals, communities, and organizations from environmental awareness to environmental activism by changing attitudes and behaviors." They have a particular focus on nurturing the next generation of environmental activists.
Grant Range: Average grant $10,000
Focus Areas: Environmental science, systemic change
Application Deadline: Rolling
Why They're Notable: This foundation is dedicated to "strategically investing in forward-thinking programs that catalyze systemic and sustainable solutions." They focus on addressing critical environmental challenges by driving progress toward a healthier, more resilient, and greener world.
Grant Range: Up to $50,000 (median grant)
Focus Areas: Climate crisis reversal, biodiversity conservation, deforestation prevention
Application Deadline: By invitation only
Why They're Notable: While The Overbrook Foundation doesn't accept unsolicited proposals, they're worth cultivating a relationship with. Their environment program focuses on "reversing the climate crisis and conserving biodiversity by preventing further deforestation, restoring oceans, coastline ecosystems, promoting behavior change, and supporting communities living in and near impacted areas."
Grant Range: Median grant $50,000
Focus Areas: Environmental protection, conservation
Application Deadline: Rolling
Why They're Notable: This foundation has a strong environmental focus. They're particularly interested in energy and climate projects, and over 40% of their grants go to new grantees.
Grant Range: Median grant $56,250
Focus Areas: Natural resource conservation, clean energy
Application Deadline: By invitation only
Why They're Notable: The Stolte Foundation is working to “accelerate the transition to clean energy through advancement of technology innovation and implementation, working at both the national and state level.” The organization is particularly interested in supporting projects in Washington and Michigan.
Grant Range: Average grant $15,000
Focus Areas: Social and environmental challenges
Application Deadline: Rolling
Why They're Notable: This foundation is very open to new grantees and is "interested in supporting social and environmental challenges with creative approaches." They accept brief project descriptions by email, making them more accessible than many foundations with complex application processes.
Final Thoughts
When approaching these funders, remember to emphasize how your work aligns with their specific environmental priorities. Many of these foundations are looking for innovative, systemic approaches rather than standard service delivery. They want to see how your organization is building bridges, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting environmental change.
Carefully review each funder's guidelines and focus areas before applying. While some accept unsolicited proposals on a rolling basis, others have specific deadlines or require an invitation. Building relationships with program officers can be invaluable for foundations that don't accept unsolicited requests.
Note: Grant guidelines and deadlines are subject to change, so always verify current information on the funder's website before applying.
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