October 30, 2026 - Weekly Grants Update
Department of Agriculture
FY 2027 Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Non-Federal Lands
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes through high impact projects on rural non-industrial private forest land and rural state or local government forest land that further priorities identified in a State Forest Action Plan or equivalent science-based restoration strategy. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are state forestry agencies or appropriate state agencies, units of local government, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, universities, and Alaska Native Corporations. All applications except those from federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations require the relevant State Forester(s) to sponsor the project.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $11.34 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? January 26, 2027
Department of Agriculture
FY 2027 Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) Grant
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to fund predevelopment planning costs related to proposed projects that build, enlarge, extend, or improve water, wastewater, solid waste, or storm water disposal facilities serving rural, financially distressed communities. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are most state and local governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Areas to be served must be rural and financially distressed, with a population of 2,500 or less and a median household income below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? Unspecified
WHEN IS IT DUE? Rolling
Department of Housing and Urban Development
FY 2027 Thriving Communities Technical Assistance (TCTA) Program
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to provide technical assistance that helps local governments receiving federal transportation funding coordinate and integrate housing into their infrastructure planning and implementation. Assistance covers four areas: Preservation of affordable housing, Regulatory Reform, Land Utilization near transportation projects, and Coordination among public and private entities. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are units of general local government. Assistance may be available to those that are receiving, or will receive, transportation funding, either directly or through a state pass-through.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? Rather than providing monetary awards, this program provides technical assistance from private-sector experts to local governments.
WHEN IS IT DUE? Rolling
Department of the Interior
FY 2027 Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to support community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation. Projects typically fall within one of the following five focus areas; however, the funding agency will consider other projects that fall outside of these categories: Build healthy communities through parks, trails, and outdoor opportunities; Conserve natural lands, rivers, and watersheds; Engage youth in outdoor recreation and stewardship; Strengthen the organizational capacity of project partners; Support the funding agency and community networks. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit organizations, national parks, state and federal agencies, community groups, and nonprofit organizations.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? Rather than providing monetary awards, this program will partner the funding agency's conservation and recreation planning professionals with applicants to help local communities realize their conservation and outdoor recreation visions and goals by providing a broad range of services and skills.
WHEN IS IT DUE? Rolling
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The grant experts of the NSDA Grants Program are committed to helping special districts understand the federal funding landscape and adjust to the changing priorities. As always, our team is here to help you! If you have any questions about specific grants – whether on the pre-award or post-award side – we encourage you to connect with us during NSDA Office Hours or submit a project through the NSDA Project Idea Portal for advice on potential funding opportunities. Special districts may also access additional grant resources on the NSDA Website. If you have any questions, please contact nsdagrants@tfgnet.com.