September Climate Funding: Seven Opportunities Across Systems Change, Nature-Based Solutions, and Community Leadership

September brings a tight cluster of deadlines for climate nonprofits, with several funders opening doors to systems-change work, youth-led action, and nature-based climate solutions. If you've been waiting for the right moment to deepen a funder relationship or test a new program direction, this month's opportunities span rural Montana, East Central Illinois, New Orleans, Texas, Raleigh, Alaska, and London. Here's what's coming.

High Stakes Foundation: Grant for Montana Systems-Change Nonprofits

High Stakes Foundation is looking for Montana nonprofits working on systems change across climate change, conservation, civic engagement, rural economic development, and local food systems. They fund general operating expenses for organizations building equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. The grant tops out at $30,000 and closes September 1. If you're in Montana and your work touches climate alongside other community priorities, this is worth a conversation with your board about your operating budget case. Apply here

The Lumpkin Family Foundation: Grant for Nature-Based Climate Action Nonprofits

The Lumpkin Family Foundation supports projects in East Central Illinois that use natural systems to address climate change, extreme weather, and habitat loss. They fund tree planting, prairie restorations, waterway rehabilitation, and other nature-based climate mitigation. They're especially interested in work that increases community engagement, shifts policy, contributes to climate science, or models action for other organizations. Grants reach $40,000, with a September 8 deadline. Apply here

City Bridge Foundation: Grant for Community-Led Climate Justice Nonprofits

City Bridge Foundation is funding community-led organizations in London working with people most affected by climate-related harm: extreme heat, flooding, air pollution, poor housing, and food insecurity. This is flexible, core funding covering staff, programs, organizing, advocacy, and storytelling work that connects immediate needs to longer-term systems change. They prioritize place-based resilience, community organizing and influence, or storytelling and narrative change. Awards reach $450,000, with a September 8 deadline. Apply here

City of Raleigh: Grant for Environmental and Economic Innovation Nonprofits

The City of Raleigh funds innovative pilot projects that promote environmental resilience and community-based economic development. They're looking for new strategies or new locations, supporting heat island reduction, clean transportation, energy savings, circular economy, and sustainable business development. Awardees get $20,000 plus technical support and citywide visibility. Deadline is September 10. Apply here

Greater New Orleans Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies: Microgrant for Youth-Led Climate Projects

If you work with young adults in New Orleans, this microgrant is worth knowing about. Greater New Orleans Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies are funding youth-led climate projects aligned with the city's Climate Action Plan. Projects must be led by at least two young adults aged 15 to 24 and completed between November 2026 and March 2027. Microgrants are $5,000, and tax-exempt nonprofits in Orleans Parish can apply on behalf of youth leads. Deadline is September 10. Apply here

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Grant for Businesses and Organizations Replacing Locomotives, Marine Vessels, and Non-Road Equipment

TECQ is offering competitive funding to repower or replace older locomotives, marine vessels, stationary equipment, and non-road equipment to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions in Texas. Applicants can request up to 80 percent of the incremental cost of replacement equipment, with grant amounts capped by cost-per-ton of NOx emissions reduced. Additional funding is available for onsite refueling infrastructure for alternative fuel equipment. Deadline is September 4. Apply here

Alaska Energy Authority: Grant for Renewable Energy Projects in Alaska

Alaska Energy Authority funds the development of renewable energy projects across Alaska, including feasibility studies, reconnaissance studies, and construction of renewable energy systems. They're open to utilities, local governments, independent power producers, and other eligible entities. Deadline is September 11. Apply here

If there's a funder relationship you're trying to strengthen this quarter, or a specific climate priority you'd like Funding Findr to keep an eye on, reply and let us know. We're here to surface the right opportunities so you can spend your time on the relationships that move money.

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