July 20, 2022 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – The Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) grant cycle for funding year 2023 is now open. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 11:59 PM CDT.

There is $20.5 million available for the 2023 grant cycle. The funds, awarded through NET, will support the mission to conserve, enhance, and restore the natural environments of Nebraska.

NET especially seeks projects that bring public and private partners together collaboratively to implement high-quality, cost-effective projects. NET values projects that leverage private investment in conservation and emphasize long-lasting results. Spending on approved projects is not to be a replacement for tax-funded projects or mandates and operations of government; it is used solely to carry out innovative ideas making Nebraska’s good life even better. Applicants for NET grants must meet criteria for eligibility to assure public benefit and substantial environmental gains.

Who Can Apply / What Qualifies

Individuals, public entities, and private organizations are welcome to apply. There are no restrictions on applicants or project sponsors as long as the project falls within the eligibility criteria as provided in the application portal. Successful grant applications will address one or more of the following categories: habitat, surface ground water, waste management, air quality, or soil management (see below).

Projects awarded for the 2023 grant cycle can receive funding for up to three years based on one application.

More information on the NET grant process can be found here: https://environmentaltrust.nebraska.gov/grants/index.html

A list of frequently asked questions can be found  here: https://environmentaltrust.nebraska.gov/grants/FAQ.html#2

Where to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online grants portal, located at the following address: https://environmentaltrustgrants.org

NET staff is readily available to assist applicants in meeting application requirements before submitting a proposal. For more information, visit https://environmentaltrust.nebraska.gov or contact NET at 402-471-5409 or env.trust@nebraska.gov.

Any project or portion of a project funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust must achieve one or more of the following categories:

Habitat: actions to preserve or restore native habitats and areas critical to at-risk, rare or endangered species; other preservation actions for at-risk, rare or endangered species including actions to understand ecosystem relationships which inform sound management; community habitat enhancement emphasizing native and ecologically appropriate plantings which provide food and shelter for wildlife; actions to inform and educate which contribute to the attainment of this category.

Surface and Ground Water: actions to preserve or restore lakes, waterways and ground water from degradation or depletion; actions to research, design or foster best management practices; actions to conserve water and/or efficiently and effectively manage water use; actions to inform and educate which contribute to the attainment of this category.

Waste Management: actions promoting and implementing source reduction, waste management or toxicity reduction; actions promoting and implementing the development of recycling markets; actions promoting and implementing reuse and other disposal diversion actions; actions to inform and educate which contribute to the attainment of this category.

Air Quality: actions promoting and implementing clean air strategies; including greenhouse gas reductions; actions to research, design or foster best management strategies; actions to inform and educate which contribute to the attainment of this category.

Soil Management: actions and strategies to preserve, conserve and restore soil health; actions to research, design or foster the implementation and management of these strategies; actions to inform and educate which contribute to the attainment of this category.

The Nebraska Environmental Trust is established to conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska. A prosperous future requires a sound natural environment. We must act dynamically, progressively and systematically to ensure bountiful and thriving natural resources. The Trust is to complement existing activities, stimulate private investment and emphasize long term gain. The Trust is to lead in the development of a vision of Nebraska’s future environment. The Trust is to collaborate with public and private efforts to achieve that vision.