Grants for Individuals

The Charles County Forestry Grant Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in partnership with Charles County, aims to implement cost-effective reforestation and afforestation projects. The program seeks to increase tree canopy, create forest habitat, improve water quality, and provide ecosystem services such as potable water and air quality. Eligible projects should be in Charles County, Maryland, and must place reforested areas under an easement for protection in perpetuity. Applicants can request up to $20,000, with typical requests being less than $4,500 per acre. Matching funds are encouraged but not required.

The Regional Arts Commission’s Artist Support Grant provides funding for the career advancement of individual artists in St. Louis City and County, Missouri. This grant directly aligns with the foundation's mission to foster the creative life of the artist and contribute to the vibrant artistic culture of St. Louis. It is designed to be flexible, accessible, and to encourage creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustained commitment to artistic work across all artistic disciplines. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists aged 18 or older who are current residents of St. Louis City or County and have maintained primary residence for at least one year. These artists must also have created and presented their original work(s) to the public or performed for the public in the past three years. The grant's impact goals are to enable diverse artists to advance their careers, complete creative projects, and ultimately enrich the St. Louis community through culturally and artistically significant practices. The grant prioritizes proposals that demonstrate cultural and/or artistic essentials (40% weight), community benefit (30% weight), and artistic/practice capacity and sustainability (30% weight). Key focuses include the artist's clear plans, contribution to their practice, innovation in their artform, and thoughtful use of funds. Additionally, the grant emphasizes broad community benefit, considering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the artist's ability to demonstrate community participation and connection. For capacity and sustainability, realistic budgeting, diverse revenue streams, a strong artistic resume/CV, and relevant work samples are crucial. Expected outcomes include the completion of individual artist projects, enhanced artistic skills and craft, and increased innovation in the arts. Measurable results are tied to the funding criteria, such as the provision of essential information, artist statements, proof of residency, clearly articulated plans, and descriptions of intended audiences and DEIA efforts. The budget also serves as a measurable component, requiring a realistic and balanced approach. The maximum funding an individual artist can receive is $7,500, supporting projects and needs occurring from November 2024 through May 2025.

Eielson AFB Central Heat and Power Plant Cooling Pond Vegetation Removal in Support of Bird Air Strike Hazard Reduction The primary objectives of this project are to assist Eielson Air Force Base (EAFB) Natural Resources with optimal management of EAFB-managed lands, to minimize restrictions to the military mission due to natural resource related constraints, and to reduce the attraction of migratory birds to the EAFB Central Heat and Power Plant (CHPP) cooling pond. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I.

Management, Species, Harbor Porpoise, (RAM#FXSBA53247215-A), Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska - The objectives of this requirement are to (1) determine Harbor Porpoise presence in Knik Arm during the winter and (2) determine the presence of Harbor Porpoise in Knik Arm and the timing and extent of upstream movement of Harbor Porpoise in the Eagle River during summer and fall. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I.

Tanana Flats Training Area All Season Road and Gravel Production, Fort Wainwright, Alaska SOW 21-108. The objectives of this scope of work are to implement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan to provide healthy and resilient environments that are sustainable, high-quality settings for military training, to protect and enhance biological diversity and ecological health on all Department of Defense (DoD) lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

The Eagle Arts Advisory Committee (EAAC) grant program aims to enrich the City of Eagle's history and aesthetically enhance its sense of place. This is achieved by responsibly promoting the arts for the benefit of the greater Eagle community and by introducing new opportunities that meet the cultural needs of a larger, more diverse community. The overarching goal is to establish the City of Eagle as a destination city in Southwest Idaho through artistic and cultural offerings. The EAAC's mission aligns with this by actively seeking to grow artistic opportunities, inspire community pride, and provide reasons for surrounding communities to converge in Eagle to enjoy a variety of artistic experiences. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include artistic and cultural events & organizations, individual artists, community programs, and educational opportunities that directly benefit the Eagle community. The impact goals are centered on fostering a vibrant artistic atmosphere and musical environment within Eagle. This includes supporting all areas of the arts, such as visual, performing, musical, and literary disciplines, thereby addressing the cultural needs of a broad and diverse populace. The program prioritizes projects or education that will enhance the artistic atmosphere and musical environment in the Eagle Community. Preference is given to non-profit 501(c)(3) applicants. The EAAC focuses on funding requests that do not exceed 50% of the total project budget, with a maximum of 20% of requested funding allocated for salaries. This ensures that the majority of the grant funds are directly applied to project implementation and community benefit. Expected outcomes include an increase in artistic opportunities within the City of Eagle, a heightened sense of community pride among residents, and an increase in visitors from surrounding communities drawn to Eagle's diverse artistic offerings. Measurable results would involve tracking the number and type of artistic and cultural events supported, the reach of educational programs, and the overall engagement of the community and visitors with these initiatives. The funding information specifies grant awards typically range from $1000 to $5000, providing a financial framework for these projects. The EAAC's strategic priority is to establish Eagle as a premier cultural destination in Southwest Idaho, using the arts as a catalyst for community development and engagement. Their theory of change posits that by investing in and promoting a diverse range of artistic endeavors, they can create a more culturally rich and appealing environment, which in turn will attract residents and visitors, boost local pride, and ultimately contribute to the city's economic and social vitality. Project completion and fund usage are required by September 30, 2025, aligning with the 2024/2025 Fiscal Cycle.

The U.S. Embassy New Zealand, Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Department of State honors the 150th anniversary of United States New Zealand scientific collaboration and announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to advance the future of scientific collaboration between our countries in 2024 2025. Scientific collaboration in the realm of climate change, indigenous science, tech, health, Antarctica, and Space will be given priority. Please follow all instructions below. Priority Region: New Zealand and Antarctica. Program Objectives: PD New Zealand invites Statements of Interest (SOI) for projects in 2024 - 2025 to advance United States and New Zealand scientific collaboration for New Zealand audiences. Priority will be given to science collaboration projects in the realm of climate change, indigenous science, tech, health, Antarctica, Space, and align with the priority areas outlined below. All programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of United States policy and perspectives.

This fellowship provides financial support to Idaho artists and writers to recognize their exceptional work and help advance their careers.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Lyon, Chase, and Coffey counties in east-central Kansas for projects that promote economic development, job creation, and community betterment.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units in Dickinson County, Kansas, for projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, health, and youth services.

The City of College Park is currently accepting applications for its Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Pilot Program. This new pilot program provides a one-time grant of $1,250 for housing assistance to 60 eligible undergraduate and 60 eligible graduate students. The program aims to address housing insecurity among students, aligning with the City's broader mission to support its residents' well-being and foster a thriving community, which implicitly includes the student population within its boundaries. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with individual one-time grants set at $1,250. The primary beneficiaries of this program are undergraduate and graduate students facing housing needs. Specifically, undergraduate students must be eligible for Pell grants, and graduate students must have an income below 60 percent of the HUD 2024 Adjusted Home Income Limits for the D.C. metropolitan area. These criteria target students with demonstrated financial need, ensuring the subsidy reaches those most vulnerable to housing instability. The program's impact goals are to alleviate housing burdens, enhance student retention and success, and contribute to the overall stability of the student population living within the City of College Park. The program prioritizes students who reside within the City of College Park and are enrolled full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution in the D.C. metropolitan area, such as the University of Maryland, Bowie State University, Howard University, or Prince George’s Community College. This focus ensures that the grant directly benefits students who are part of the College Park community and are contributing to the local educational landscape. The grant aims to provide critical financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies without the added stress of housing insecurity. Expected outcomes of the program include a measurable reduction in housing-related financial stress for participating students, improved academic performance due to increased stability, and enhanced student retention within local institutions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's design, providing a fixed grant to a defined number of students based on clear eligibility, allows for tracking the number of students assisted and potentially gathering qualitative feedback on the program's impact on their housing stability and academic progress. The City's strategic priority is likely centered on community support and educational access, with this program acting as a direct intervention to achieve these goals by addressing a fundamental need.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Herington, Kansas, to support community development projects that improve the quality of life for residents.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program offers approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects promoting sustainability. Managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), the program aims to advance critical initiatives in environmental protection, restoration, and sustainable development across Maui County. This aligns with the broader mission of fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. The program particularly encourages projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The overall impact goal is to enhance environmental protection, restore wetlands, promote renewable energy, encourage green building, and facilitate the acquisition of essential equipment for sustainability initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Maui County. The Green Grants program prioritizes several key areas through its distinct funding streams. These include the Environmental Protection Grant, which supports invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability (with a specific allocation for Waikapū community beautification). The Wetlands Restoration Grant focuses on organizations dedicated to wetland restoration. The Renewable Energy Grant supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant encourages sustainable building practices, with a portion designated for Living Building Challenge participants. Finally, the Equipment Purchase Grant assists in acquiring necessary equipment for all sustainability and environmental initiatives. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in environmental health, increased adoption of renewable energy, more sustainable building practices, and enhanced capacity for environmental initiatives through equipment acquisition. For instance, the Wetlands Restoration Grant aims to advance critical restoration efforts, while the Renewable Energy Grant seeks to enhance energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant promotes sustainable design and construction. Measurable results would include the number of restored wetlands, reduction in invasive species, new renewable energy installations, and the implementation of green building projects. The project period for grants is a full year, with options to align with either the Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) in 2025.

The U.S. Embassy Kampala/ Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to implement a media literacy and countering mis- and dis-information targeting senior radio/investigative journalists. The project will have two elements: (1) Training of senior members of broadcast media (presenters, reporters, investigative journalists, and producers) on how to detect and counter misinformation and disinformation. (2) Research and analysis of information manipulation and propaganda across Ugandas media landscape. The U.S. Mission in Uganda is concerned about the proliferation of information manipulation that negatively influences Ugandans perception of public health campaigns, domestic politics, the value of a democratic system, and other significant issues. The project aims to support one of the Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) central goals of improving the professional development of the Ugandan media corps. Please follow all instructions below.

The Four County Community Foundation (4CCF) is launching its Spark Grant Program, designed to offer a more accessible and interactive grant application experience than traditional processes. This program aligns with the 4CCF's mission by focusing on funding innovative projects that address unmet community needs within its service area. The foundation aims to foster community development and empower local initiatives through this streamlined grant format, ensuring that vital projects receive the support they require to make a tangible difference. The Spark Grant Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including both individuals and nonprofit groups, who are actively working to meet community needs. The program's impact goal is to support truly innovative projects that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community. An example of a past successful project includes a partnership between a Shelby Township-based business and the Hispanic Service Center, offering reduced-cost Spanish-language food safety training, which met a critical need for local entrepreneurs. This illustrates the foundation's commitment to supporting diverse and impactful initiatives. The program prioritizes proposals that are innovative and seek to address an unmet community need within 4CCF’s service area. The selection process involves applicants presenting an in-person proposal to a panel of 4CCF committee members, followed by a five-minute question and answer session. This interactive approach emphasizes transparency and direct engagement, allowing the foundation to better understand the proposed projects and their potential impact. With a pool of $50,000 to award, the Spark Grant Program expects measurable outcomes in community development and the support of local entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The example of the Spanish-language food safety training highlights the potential for projects to address specific demographic needs and foster economic empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and invest in initiatives that demonstrate creativity and a direct, positive impact on the well-being and growth of the four-county community, reflecting a theory of change that values accessible support for innovative local solutions.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION This project seeks U.S. and Dominican organizations to bring U.S. artists to conduct visual storytelling workshops for at-risk youth. These workshops aim to promote human rights and empower disadvantaged communities through the arts. The workshops must include modules on human rights history, advocacy, and examples of human rights movements in both the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, participants will engage in modules focused on story development and comic creation (books, graphic novels, and/or comic strips). The program will feature a competition where participants will develop their stories and publish them on an online platform for the audience to read and vote for their favorites. The top stories will be printed and distributed at the binational centers and Dominican universities, with at least 1,000 print copies. These publications will also include information on how to access EducationUSA resources, providing participants with more information about arts education in the U.S. Through this program, at least 50 Dominican youth ages 16-30, should acquire storytelling skills and exposure to U.S. arts education, deepening their understanding of human rights and associated movements in both the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the competition should impact youth in the Dominican Republic by fostering alignment with U.S. positions on issues like equality, diversity, and inclusion through alumni-shared stories. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of Performance Period: 12-18 months Program Performance Period: Must be completed in 18 months or less. This notice is subject to funding availability. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION Eligible Applicants: Individuals and the following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S. and Dominican not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations; U.S. and Dominican public and private educational institutions; U.S. and Dominican organizations related to arts and/or human rights advocacy; U.S. artists. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is desired but not required for this award competition. Other Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have an active registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.6 for information on how to obtain these registrations. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Address to Request Application Package: Application forms required below are available on the U.S. Embassy website. Content and Form of Application Submission: Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Content of Application: Please ensure the proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity. All documents must be in English, all budgets in U.S. dollars, all pages numbered, all documents formatted to 8 x 11 paper, and all Microsoft Word documents single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are required: Mandatory application forms: SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations), SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs), SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below: Proposal Summary: A short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. Introduction to the Organization applying: A description of past and present operations, showing the ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. Program Goals and Objectives: The goals describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? Program Partners: List the names and types of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening promptly, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Future Funding or Sustainability Applicants plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information. Attachments: 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program. Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner. If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. Official permission letters, if required for program activities. Required Registrations: All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge: www.SAM.gov registration which will generate an UEI, NCAGE/CAGE code. Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), "Debarment and Suspension". The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register on SAM.gov. Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov at www.sam.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organizations can create an account at https://login.gov. As a reminder, organizations need to renew their sam.gov registration annually. Foreign-based organizations must apply for an NCAGE code before registering on SAM.gov. To register, go to: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home to apply for a CAGE code. NCAGE codes must be renewed every 5 years. It is in the organization's best interest to check if their CAGE/or NCAGE codes are active. Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov. Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and NCAGE can take up to 10 days. The organization's legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov. Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov. Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and NCAGE can take up to 10 days. The organization's legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov. www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov. Submission Dates and Times: Applications are due no later than August 15, 2024. Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Criteria: Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with details about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants 25 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and the program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Budget 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable for the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Monitoring and evaluation plan 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it can measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Sustainability 10 points: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the program. Review and Selection Process: A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION Federal Award Notices: The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Payment Method: According to the U.S. governments federal assistance policy, recipients do not receive advance payments over their immediate cash needs. Generally, up to 20% of the grant total is withheld as a final payment to ensure that final reports are submitted by grantees. All successful applicants will be provided with this information upon award of funds. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Applicants should review all terms and conditions and required certifications that will apply to this award, available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S. flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions. Reporting: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Please find links to the documents below. Narrative Report Instructions SF-PPR [PDF, 269 kB], Federal Financial Report SF-425 [PDF, 575 kB], Instructions for the Federal Financial Report [PDF, 160 kB]. G. OTHER INFORMATION Guidelines for Budget Justification Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program. Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel. Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit. Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment. Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also, describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the project activities. Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All Other or Miscellaneous expenses must be itemized and explained. Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to run the organization. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with the U.S. government, include a copy with your proposal. If your organization does not have a NICRA, you may claim indirect costs at a de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs. Cost Sharing: Explain contributions (both cash and in-kind) that your organization and other partner organizations will make towards the cost of the program. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers time and donated venues. Cost sharing is not required for this NOFO but is encouraged. Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages. For further guidance on the federal budget and federal grant policies, please review the Federal Standard Terms and Conditions and the OMB Uniform Guidance at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/circulars/. H. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact [email protected].

The County of Maui's Green Grants program, managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), is a significant initiative providing approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects that promote sustainability. This program aligns with the county's mission to enhance environmental protection and sustainability within Maui. The grants aim to foster a greener future for the region by supporting a diverse range of environmental projects. The program targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. A particular emphasis is placed on projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The impact goals are centered around environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. This includes initiatives in areas such as invasive species management and broader environmental protection efforts, contributing to the overall ecological well-being of Maui County. Key priorities for the Green Grants include supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The program has a specific allocation for an Environmental Protection Grant, totaling $490,000 for FY25, which will fund initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. Additionally, up to $10,000 is specifically allocated for Waikapū community beautification projects, highlighting a focus on local community engagement and improvement. The expected outcomes and measurable results include tangible environmental improvements across Maui County, such as reduced invasive species, restored natural habitats, and enhanced conservation efforts. The program anticipates projects that will contribute to a more sustainable environment, with a particular emphasis on community-led initiatives and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge. Projects are expected to run for a full year, with options for alignment to either Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) 2025, allowing for flexible project planning and execution to maximize impact.

To obtain a copy of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) please go to the ARPA-E website at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov. To apply to this FOA, Applicants must register with and submit application materials through ARPA-E eXCHANGE (https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Registration.aspx). For detailed guidance on using ARPA-E eXCHANGE, please refer to the ARPA-E eXCHANGE User Guide (https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx). ARPA-E will not review or consider concept papers submitted through other means. For problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE, email [email protected] (with FOA name and number in the subject line). Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email [email protected]. Agency Overview: The Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E), an organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), is chartered by Congress in the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-69), as amended by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358), as further amended by the Energy Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-260): (A) to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States through the development of energy technologies that (i) reduce imports of energy from foreign sources; (ii) reduce energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases; (iii) improve the energy efficiency of all economic sectors; (iv) provide transformative solutions to improve the management, clean-up, and disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; and (v) improve the resilience, reliability, and security of infrastructure to produce, deliver, and store energy; and (B) to ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies. ARPA-E issues this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under its authorizing statute codified at 42 U.S.C. 16538. The FOA and any cooperative agreements or grants made under this FOA are subject to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 910. ARPA-E funds research on, and the development of, transformative science and technology solutions to address the energy and environmental missions of the Department. The agency focuses on technologies that can be meaningfully advanced with a modest investment over a defined period of time in order to catalyze the translation from scientific discovery to early-stage technology. For the latest news and information about ARPA-E, its programs and the research projects currently supported, see: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/. ARPA-E funds transformational research. Existing energy technologies generally progress on established learning curves where refinements to a technology and the economies of scale that accrue as manufacturing and distribution develop drive improvements to the cost/performance metric in a gradual fashion. This continual improvement of a technology is important to its increased commercial deployment and is appropriately the focus of the private sector or the applied technology offices within DOE. In contrast, ARPA-E supports transformative research that has the potential to create fundamentally new learning curves. ARPA-E technology projects typically start with cost/performance estimates well above the level of an incumbent technology. Given the high risk inherent in these projects, many will fail to progress, but some may succeed in generating a new learning curve with a projected cost/performance metric that is significantly better than that of the incumbent technology. ARPA-E funds technology with the potential to be disruptive in the marketplace. The mere creation of a new learning curve does not ensure market penetration. Rather, the ultimate value of a technology is determined by the marketplace, and impactful technologies ultimately become disruptive that is, they are widely adopted and displace existing technologies from the marketplace or create entirely new markets. ARPA-E understands that definitive proof of market disruption takes time, particularly for energy technologies. Therefore, ARPA-E funds the development of technologies that, if technically successful, have clear disruptive potential, e.g., by demonstrating capability for manufacturing at competitive cost and deployment at scale. ARPA-E funds applied research and development. The Office of Management and Budget defines applied research as an original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledgedirected primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective and defines experimental development as creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes. Applicants interested in receiving financial assistance for basic research (defined by the Office of Management and Budget as experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts)1 should contact the DOEs Office of Science (http://science.energy.gov/). Office of Science national scientific user facilities (http://science.energy.gov/user-facilities/) are open to all researchers, including ARPA-E Applicants and awardees. These facilities provide advanced tools of modern science including accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, as well as facilities for studying the nanoworld, the environment, and the atmosphere. Projects focused on early-stage R for the improvement of technology along defined roadmaps may be more appropriate for support through the DOE applied energy offices including: the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (http://www.eere.energy.gov/), the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-management), the Office of Nuclear Energy (http://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy), and the Office of Electricity (https://www.energy.gov/oe/office-electricity). Program Overview: The Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now (NEWTON) program will support the research and development of technologies that enable the transmutation of used nuclear fuel (UNF) to alleviate the impact of storage in permanent disposal facilities. This program seeks to fund the development of novel technologies that increase the overall capacity factor, power output, and efficiency of particle generation systems (including but not limited to proton, neutron, and/or photon), by reducing beam trip magnitude and duration (referred to as loss of beam). Additional technologies will focus on increasing the throughput of transmutation by developing target materials that maximize transmutation rates and are easily processible to remove the transmuted material. The United States does not currently have an active facility for the permanent disposal of used nuclear fuel derived from the civilian nuclear sector. Used nuclear fuel comprises several classes of isotopes that could be processed in different ways due to their economic value. Firstly, uranium (U), which comprises greater than 95% of the mass of UNF, can be reprocessed and converted back into fuel for light-water reactors through the addition of small amounts of uranium-235 (U-235). Secondly, plutonium (Pu) and minor actinides (MAs), such as neptunium (Np), americium (Am), and curium (Cm), which together comprise roughly 1.5% of UNF by mass, are produced from nuclear fission. Many of these isotopes are fissionable and could be incorporated into fuels designed for advanced reactor concepts. Intermediate-lived fission products (ILFPs) including strontium-90 (Sr-90) and caesium-137 (Cs-137) have relatively short half-lives of roughly 30 years and have applications in radioisotope thermoelectric generators for space applications. However, ILFPs are largely destined for permanent disposal in a deep geological repository. The major long-lived fission products (LLFPs) have half-lives exceeding 200,000 years and have few commercial applications. LLFPS include selenium-79 (Se-79), technetium-99 (Tc-99), tin-126 (Sn-126), iodine-129 (I-129), and caesium-135 (Cs-135). The last class of isotopes are the stable isotopes produced from nuclear fission and resulting decay. These isotopes could be extracted from UNF, but no commercial processing of these have been undertaken. A deep geological disposal facility for the disposition of UNF in the U.S. has been estimated to cost $96.18 billion over the 150-year lifetime, after which the facility would cease to accept new waste. This facility would be able to store 70,000 metric tons (MT) of unprocessed UNF, which is insufficient for the existing volume of civilian waste. Densification of the waste can be accomplished through removal of the plutonium, minor actinides, and ILFP components of the UNF. Removal of 99.9% of these components would allow a densification factor of 225, based on current disposal requirements, thus allowing a single repository to store upwards of approximately 16 million MT of UNF. The LLFPs are responsible for many of the engineered barriers that are required to be built in the repository due to their long half-lives and environmental mobility. Removal of these LLFPs could decrease the capital expenditure of a permanent geological repository while also improving safety. To view the FOA in its entirety, please visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.

This program provides financial assistance to low to moderate income homeowners in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to help them maintain ownership of their primary residences.

This program provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations in Hawai’i to promote local food production and enhance food security through gardening, livestock, and apiary projects.