EPA Environmental Education Grants: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Award Range
- $200,000 to $250,000
- Deadline
- Closed 2026-03-03
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2026-03-03. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 66.951
The EPA Environmental Education Grants program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the EPA Environmental Education Grants program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Local education agencies, state education agencies, colleges and universities, nonprofits (501c3), noncommercial educational broadcasting entities, and tribal education agencies. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Running a for-profit business? This program's notice excludes for-profits: “Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible.” Save the application hours: see the grants and funding programs businesses can apply for →
Education programs that do list businesses as eligible: American History and Civics National Activities.
Not a business? Compare other Education programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the next cycle opens; late applications are usually rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | EPA Environmental Education Grants |
| Funding Agency | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| CFDA Number | 66.951 |
| Award Minimum | $200,000 |
| Award Maximum | $250,000 |
| Deadline | Closed 2026-03-03 |
| Category | Education |
| Matching Required | Yes, 25% non-federal match required (cash or in-kind contributions) |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Education grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the EPA Environmental Education Grants program?
Local education agencies, state education agencies, colleges and universities, nonprofits (501c3), noncommercial educational broadcasting entities, and tribal education agencies. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
Can a for-profit business apply for the EPA Environmental Education Grants program?
No. The notice states: Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible.
What is the deadline for EPA Environmental Education Grants?
The current deadline is closed on 2026-03-03; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does EPA Environmental Education Grants require matching funds?
Yes, 25% non-federal match required (cash or in-kind contributions). Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.