Catalyst Grants 2026: Receive Up to $5,000 to Accelerate Campus Climate Action Projects – Applications Now Open ·Applications Now Open

Higher education institutions play a vital role in addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening resilience, preparing students for emerging green careers, and advancing environmental justice. To support these efforts, Second Nature has officially opened applications for the 2026 Catalyst Grants – Round Seven, offering eligible institutions the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding to launch innovative climate action initiatives.

The Catalyst Grants are designed to serve as the “spark” that helps colleges and universities initiate or expand impactful sustainability projects. Whether an institution is looking to reduce campus emissions, build climate resilience, create pathways for students into clean energy careers, or promote environmental justice, this funding can provide the initial resources needed to turn ideas into action.

One of the unique features of the Catalyst Grants is their emphasis on equity. The program ensures that at least one grant will be awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Tribal Institution, while at least one grant will also be awarded to a Community College, helping broaden access to climate leadership opportunities across diverse educational institutions.

Applications for the 2026 funding round are now open, and eligible institutions are encouraged to submit their proposals before the application deadline.

About the Catalyst Grants Program

The Catalyst Grants are an initiative of Second Nature, an organization dedicated to advancing climate leadership in higher education. Through its Climate Leadership Network, Second Nature supports colleges and universities in implementing climate solutions that benefit campuses, students, and surrounding communities.

The Catalyst Grants are intended to provide seed funding that enables institutions to launch projects with the potential to create lasting environmental, educational, and social impacts. Rather than funding large-scale infrastructure projects, these grants are designed to stimulate innovative climate action by providing the initial financial support necessary to build institutional capacity and momentum.

The program recognizes that many institutions have strong ideas but limited financial resources to begin implementing them. By providing flexible funding, Catalyst Grants help institutions move from planning to action.

Funding Amount

Successful institutions may receive:

• Up to $5,000 per institution

The funding is intended to help institutions launch or strengthen campus climate initiatives that align with the objectives of the Climate Leadership Network.

Objectives of the Catalyst Grants

The Catalyst Grants aim to support projects that contribute to meaningful climate action across higher education campuses.

The program seeks to help institutions:

• Reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strengthen institutional climate resilience.
• Increase campus capacity for sustainability initiatives.
• Prepare students for careers in the clean energy economy.
• Advance environmental justice and social equity.
• Build momentum for long-term climate leadership.
• Support innovative campus-wide sustainability efforts.

The funding serves as a catalyst for institutions seeking to implement practical and impactful climate solutions.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

One of the major advantages of the Catalyst Grants is the flexibility provided to recipients.

Institutions may use the funding to support initiatives that:

• Reduce campus emissions.
• Improve climate resilience.
• Advance sustainability planning.
• Support environmental justice initiatives.
• Develop climate education programs.
• Increase institutional capacity for climate action.
• Strengthen clean energy workforce preparation.
• Launch innovative campus sustainability projects.

Because the funding is unrestricted within the scope of climate action, institutions have the flexibility to design projects that best address their unique campus needs.

Equity-Focused Funding Opportunities

Second Nature places a strong emphasis on equitable access to climate funding.

For the 2026 funding cycle:

• At least one Catalyst Grant will be awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Tribal Institution.
• At least one Catalyst Grant will be awarded to a Community College.

This commitment helps ensure that institutions serving diverse communities have access to resources needed to advance climate leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Catalyst Grants, institutions must meet the following requirements.

Eligible applicants include campuses that are:

• Active members of the Climate Leadership Network.
• Affiliate members of the Climate Leadership Network.
• Campuses participating in the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3).
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• Tribal Institutions.

Institutions interested in becoming members of the Climate Leadership Network are encouraged to contact Second Nature for additional membership information.

Funding Priority

While all eligible institutions are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to:

• Schools that have historically been underfunded.
• Institutions with relatively modest financial endowments.

This approach helps ensure that institutions with fewer financial resources have greater opportunities to implement meaningful climate initiatives.

Benefits of the Catalyst Grants

Recipients of the Catalyst Grants will receive several valuable benefits beyond financial support.

1. Funding Support

• Receive up to $5,000 to initiate or expand campus climate action projects.

2. Flexible Use of Funds

Institutions may use grant funding to:

• Reduce emissions.
• Improve climate resilience.
• Advance environmental justice.
• Strengthen sustainability initiatives.

3. National Recognition

Successful institutions will receive recognition through:

• Second Nature press releases.
• The Second Nature website.
• Organizational email communications.
• Social media platforms.

This visibility helps showcase innovative climate leadership across higher education.

4. Presentation Opportunity

Grant recipients may have the opportunity to present their projects during the 2027 Summit, allowing institutions to share successful initiatives and best practices with peers from across the Climate Leadership Network.

Application Timeline

Applicants should carefully note the important dates for the 2026 funding cycle.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications well before the deadline.

Why Institutions Should Apply

Climate action requires resources, collaboration, and innovative thinking. The Catalyst Grants provide institutions with an opportunity to transform climate ideas into practical initiatives that benefit students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities.

Participating institutions can:

• Build stronger sustainability programs.
• Increase institutional capacity.
• Improve campus resilience.
• Support environmental justice initiatives.
• Enhance student engagement.
• Prepare students for clean energy careers.
• Demonstrate climate leadership.
• Gain national visibility.
• Join a growing network of climate-focused institutions.

For institutions seeking to strengthen their climate commitments, the Catalyst Grants represent an excellent opportunity to secure flexible funding while becoming part of a nationally recognized climate leadership movement.

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Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Institutions interested in applying should consider:

• Clearly defining the climate challenge the project will address.
• Demonstrating measurable outcomes.
• Showing how the project aligns with campus sustainability goals.
• Explaining how funding will create long-term impact.
• Highlighting benefits for students and the broader community.
• Demonstrating institutional commitment to climate action.
• Providing a realistic implementation plan.

Applications that clearly demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and long-term impact are likely to be more competitive.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 Catalyst Grants – Round Seven are currently open.

Application Deadline: September 24, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals early to avoid last-minute technical issues and ensure all required information is completed before the deadline.

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Conclusion

The Catalyst Grants 2026 present an excellent funding opportunity for colleges and universities seeking to strengthen climate action on their campuses. With awards of up to $5,000, flexible funding, national recognition, and the opportunity to showcase successful projects at the 2027 Summit, the program provides valuable support for institutions committed to sustainability and environmental leadership.

Whether an institution aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resilience, prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, or advance environmental justice, the Catalyst Grants offer the resources needed to spark meaningful change. Eligible institutions are encouraged to prepare strong applications and submit them before the September 24, 2026 deadline.

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