NASA recently released a new high-res image of the Earth, nicknamed the "Blue Marble 2012," after the original image taken during the 1972 Apollo 17 mission. The photo was compiled from images photographed by the Suomi NPP.

The satellite was designed to help improve weather forecasts and collect data to increase scientists' understanding of long-term climate change. It will also monitor air pollution, natural disasters and the health of the ozone layer.

This spectacular photo reminds us of the beauty of our home planet and why it is important to take care of the earth and its inhabitants.

If your organization is involved in conservation or other environmental issues, you might be interested in the following grant opportunities:

Constellation Energy Seeking Applications for EcoStar Environmental Stewardship Project Grant Program

Constellation Energy’s EcoStar Grant program provides qualifying nonprofit organizations with funds for community-based projects that fit into one or more of five stewardship categories:  pollution prevention, education and outreach, energy efficiency, conservation, and community activism.

TogetherGreen Accepting Applications for Conservation Fellowships and Innovation Grants

TogetherGreen, a conservation alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota, is accepting applications for its Conservation Fellowships and Innovation

Grants. These programs “are designed to foster conservation leadership, achieve conservation results, forge partnerships in communities across the United States, and help engage millions of Americans in conservation action.”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Opportunities

The EPA offers various funding opportunities through its grants and fellowship programs.

Sustain Our Great Lakes Program Invites Applications for Community and Stewardship Grant Programs

Sustain Our Great Lakes Program awards grants for in-the-water/on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement in the Great Lakes basin. Funding is awarded annually through the Community Grants Program and the Stewardship Grants Program.

Patagonia Environmental Grants Program

The Patagonia Environmental Grants Program funds grassroots-level activists who “take radical and strategic steps to protect habitat, wilderness and biodiversity. “

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Keystone Initiatives Grants (various)

Keystone Initiatives are “a core portfolio of multi-year initiatives through which the Foundation and its partners seek to achieve measurable outcomes. Specific goals and strategies are identified for each Initiative.”

Acres for America

Acres for America is a partnership between Walmart Stores, Inc. and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The program was established to provide funding for projects that conserve important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants through acquisition of interest in real property.

If you are interested in applying for these or other grants, please visit our services page or contact us on how we can help.