Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Environment

This funding opportunity is designed for partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to conduct research on groundwater nitrate modeling in the Illinois River Basin, addressing critical water quality and ecosystem health issues.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) announces an open competition for organizations (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting an application to manage the National Adaptation Plan Global Network (NAP GN). NAP GN was created in 2014 to accelerate national adaptation planning and action in developing countries. This is done by: i) facilitating peer learning and exchange; ii) supporting national-level action; and iii) generating, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge. NAP GN will expand its offerings to developing countries for planning, implementing, and financing NAP processes. NAP GN support from planning to implementation contributes to the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE). PREPARE is a whole-of-government effort to help more than half a billion people in developing countries adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change by 2030. PREPARE includes overarching goals to build capacity to mainstream adaptation into policies, programs, and budgets as well as to unlock finance to support adaptation action, both of which will be advanced by this project. In addition, NAP GN supports the OES Bureau goal and objectives: • Bureau Goal 2: Mitigate threats to the global environment, ocean, health, and space that jeopardize security and the prosperity of the United States. • Bureau Objective 2.1: Strengthen U.S. and international partners’ capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health, climate, environment, space, and ocean security threats. • Bureau Objective 2.2: Support global action to effectively implement the Paris Agreement by reducing net greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate change. A.2. Problem Statement As countries grapple with increasing climate change impacts, national adaptation plans (NAPs) are critical to enhance coordination, set policy priorities, mobilize resources, and allocate support to achieve countries’ adaptation goals. Formally established in 2010 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the NAP process enables least developed and developing countries to identify and address their medium- and long-term priorities for adapting to climate change. The objectives of the NAP process are to reduce vulnerability, increase resilience and integrate climate change adaptation into development planning and budgeting processes. While countries have made significant progress in developing NAP, many struggle to translate those plans into implementation and attract finance. OES seeks to address challenges least developed and developing countries face in translating NAPs into implementation and attracting finance for NAP processes. Relatedly, financing institutions struggle to identify bankable projects ready for investment. Preparing investment plans utilizing priorities from existing NAPs and adaptation strategies could help bridge this gap. A.3. Project Goal Least developed and developing country governments will accelerate implementation of their NAPs, with a particular emphasis on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address their unique climate vulnerabilities. A.4. Objectives Objective 1: Support 4-6 countries to prepare country investment plans that support NAP implementation. Activities must include, but are not limited to: • Launch a call for support for countries to express interest in preparing investment plans. • Provide 4-6 short-term technical assistance activities (of which at least 2 must target SIDS) focused on preparing investment plans and other critical proficiencies for implementation of NAPs. Objective 2: Further accelerate NAP implementation efforts in at least 6 additional countries. Activities must include, but are not limited to: • Facilitate at least 2 peer learning activities and exchange events (of which at least 1 must target SIDS). Objective 3: Create knowledge products and tools to improve understanding of NAP planning to implementation processes. Activities must include, but are not limited to: • Prepare at least 2 knowledge products such as briefing notes, guidance, reports, or webinars to share lessons and concrete experiences on translating plans to implementation including preparing investment plans and attracting finance. The above list of activities is indicative and not intended to be exhaustive, and the State Department, Office of Global Change (EGC) encourages the applicant to generate and submit in this proposal additional, innovative approaches to achieve the goals and objectives of this grant. A.5. Expected Outcomes Expected outcomes of this project include: 1. Accelerated development of adaptation investment plans and finance of national adaptation processes in 4-6 developing countries. 2. Enhanced capacity of at least 2 SIDS on national adaptation planning processes to address their unique vulnerabilities. A.6. Performance Indicators The project will monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Reporting on outcome results will be required under each programmatic report due under this grant. The project should include all relevant standard climate indicators with reporting targets and cumulative targets for the end of project from this list: • EG.11-1 NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAINED IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION SUPPORTED BY USG ASSISTANCE • EG.11-2 NUMBER OF INSTITUTIONS WITH IMPROVED CAPACITY TO ASSESS OR ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS SUPPORTED BY USG ASSISTANCE • EG.11-3 NUMBER OF LAWS, POLICIES, REGULATIONS, OR STANDARDS ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION FORMALLY PROPOSED, ADOPTED, OR IMPLEMENTED AS SUPPORTED BY USG ASSISTANCE • EG.11-4 AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT MOBILIZED (IN USD) FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AS SUPPORTED BY USG ASSISTANCE • EG.11-5 NUMBER OF PEOPLE SUPPORTED BY THE USG TO ADAPT TO THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE • EG.11-6 NUMBER OF PEOPLE USING CLIMATE INFORMATION OR IMPLEMENTING RISK-REDUCING ACTIONS TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AS SUPPORTED BY USG ASSISTANCE • GNDR-8: NUMBER OF PERSONS TRAINED WITH USG ASSISTANCE TO ADVANCE OUTCOMES CONSISTENT WITH GENDER EQUALITY OR FEMALE EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THEIR ROLES IN PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR INSTITUTIONS OR ORGANIZATIONS See the proposal instruction section for more information and the Annex for indicator definitions to aid in the selection of appropriate indicators. Additionally, EGC welcomes NAP GN to develop, as applicable, a limited number of custom indicators as necessary to the capturing of the range of accomplishments and outcomes of this project. Please submit any, proposed custom indicators and corresponding disaggregates in the submission of this proposal. A.7. Key Considerations At least $500,000 of this award must benefit Small Island Developing States. Countries of implementation for this award may include: Albania; Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; The Bahamas; Bangladesh; Barbados; Belize; Benin; Bhutan; Botswana; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cabo Verde; Cambodia; Cameroon; Chad; Chile; Colombia; Comoros; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Cote d’Ivoire; Democratic Republic of Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; Equatorial Guinea; El Salvador; Ethiopia; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; Gabon; The Gambia; Georgia; Ghana; Grenada; Guatemala; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Honduras; India; Indonesia; Iraq; Jamaica; Jordan; Kenya; Kiribati; Kyrgyzstan; Laos; Lebanon*; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Madagascar; Malawi; Malaysia; Maldives; Mali; Marshall Islands; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mexico; Mongolia; Morocco; Mozambique; Nauru; Namibia; Nepal; Niger; Nigeria; Niue; Pakistan; Palau; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Rwanda; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Saint Lucia; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Solomon Islands; Somalia; South Africa; Suriname; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Togo; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; Uganda; Ukraine; Uruguay; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; Vietnam; Yemen; and Zambia. Any additional countries will require prior approval by the Department of State. *The implementer must obtain written approval from OES prior to providing any funding that may benefit Lebanon. A.8. Substantial Involvement OES anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project. OES will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Substantial involvement areas can include, but are not limited to: • Active participation or collaboration with the recipient on preparing call for support. • Collaboration on selection and/or review of project beneficiaries. Specific areas of substantial involvement will be dependent upon the objectives of the proposal and outlined in the final Agreement. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer.

This grant provides funding for innovative technologies that enhance the detection and neutralization of underwater threats, targeting researchers and companies specializing in explosive ordnance disposal and underwater robotics.

This funding opportunity supports research projects aimed at improving health outcomes for Native American populations by developing and testing culturally appropriate health interventions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research aimed at improving the spread and implementation of effective health interventions, particularly in underserved communities, with a focus on promoting health equity and addressing health disparities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations led by local residents in the Texas Gulf Coast region, focusing on pollution reduction and the equitable transition to clean energy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Kuwaiti non-profits, educational institutions, and individuals to create projects that strengthen cultural and educational ties between the United States and Kuwait.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is a partnership of seven federal wildland fire management and research agencies that have a shared need to address problems associated with managing wildland fuels, fires, and fire-impacted ecosystems. The partnering agencies include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS) and five bureaus in the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI): Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Geological Survey. The DOI also is represented by the Office of Wildland Fire. Funding to support the program is provided by both DOI and FS. For further background on the JFSP, those considering submitting proposals are encouraged to visit its website at https://www.firescience.gov. All proposal must be submitted by Sept 29, 2024, 5:00 p.m. MT, using the electronic submission process provided on the JFSP website (https://www.firescience.gov.). Proposals can not be submitted through Grants.gov. No exceptions are allowed to this closing date and time. All proposals must meet all requirements in this NOFO (see especially Section V below). Proposals that do not meet all requirements in this section will not be considered for funding.

This funding opportunity supports Sea Grant programs in enhancing aquaculture knowledge and practices through travel and collaboration with industry and educational partners, benefiting U.S. coastal and Great Lakes communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit higher education institutions in the U.S. to conduct research that improves pipeline safety while engaging students in innovative projects.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools and organizations in Washington and Oregon to create hands-on environmental education projects that promote climate resilience and incorporate Indigenous Knowledge.

USAID/Philippines Sources Sought Notice Market Research for USAID/Philippines Biodiversity and Climate Change Activity ISSUING DATE: May 26, 2023 CLOSING DATE: June 26, 2023, 2:00 PM (Philippine time) The United States Agency for International Development's Mission to the Philippines (USAID/Philippines) is developing a new five-year Activity on biodiversity conservation that will address the related issues of biodiversity loss and climate change. The Activity will improve enabling environments for strengthening key institutions, and leveraging private sector investments and financing for nature-based conservation, adaptation, and mitigation. Subject to availability of funds, USAID/Philippines anticipates this activity will be implemented for five (5) years. Through this Sources Sought Notice (SSN), USAID/Philippines is seeking to learn the capabilities, interest, and recommendations from all relevant parties within the Philippines and internationally, e.g., US or non-US nongovernmental organizations, universities, consortia, and for-profit entities. Respondents from all sectors including non-government, non-profit, for profit, academic and research institutions, and civil society are encouraged to respond to this SSN. IMPORTANT: Please open the "Related Documents" tab for the full Sources Sought Notice.

This grant provides funding for research and conservation projects aimed at combating the devastating effects of a fungal disease on hibernating bat populations in North America, targeting various stakeholders including governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions.

The overall goal of the program to be established under the Notice of Funding Opportunity is to advance EJ by directing resources and ultimately environmental and community benefits toward overburdened, underserved, or communities adversely and disproportionately affected by environmental and human health harms or risks (communities with potential EJ concerns). EPA anticipates that the grant program will support improved, long-term funding integration of EJ principles into Puget Sound restoration and recovery. The successful applicant will develop and administer a support program that will fund projects and activities that focus on providing environmental and community benefits. For additional details, please refer to the funding opportunity.

This grant opportunity from Grand Victoria Foundation is focused on supporting organizations in Elgin that are dedicated to inclusive civic engagement and high-functioning human services, education, and economic systems. The foundation awards Mission Grants to organizations meeting the needs of the community and Partnership and Collaboration Grants to those working with local institutions to bring about positive community change. Eligible organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity or partnered with a fiscal sponsor, demonstrate high quality and impact, good governance and management, and fiscal health. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, religious purposes, or governmental entities. They welcome multi-year requests from organizations with which they have an existing or prior funding relationship and generally consider proposals for two-year grants. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which can be submitted throughout the year. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the program areas and eligibility requirements before completing the online LOI application. For more information about this grant opportunity and to begin your application, please visit: https://grandvictoriafoundation.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/gvfletterofinquiry

This competition provides funding and support for teams developing innovative high-temperature seismic sensors to improve geothermal energy monitoring and enhance the understanding of subsurface conditions.

The purpose of the NIH Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) is to provide support to mid-career health-professional doctorates for protected time to devote to patient-oriented research (POR) and to act as research mentors primarily for clinical residents, clinical fellows and/or junior clinical faculty. Section IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Requesting an Application Package The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace or an institutional system-to-system solution. Links to apply using ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace are available in Part 1 of this FOA. See your administrative office for instructions if you plan to use an institutional system-to-system solution. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission It is critical that applicants follow the Career Development (K) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review. Page Limitations All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed. Instructions for Application Submission Note: Effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2023, the Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan will be attached in the Other Plan(s) attachment in FORMS-H and subsequent application forms packages. For due dates on or before January 24, 2023, the Data Sharing Plan and Genomic Data Sharing Plan GDS) will continue to be attached in the Resource Sharing Plan attachment in FORMS-G application forms packages. The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this FOA. SF424(R&R) Cover All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. Other Project Information All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile Expanded All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. IMPORTANT REMINDER: The personal profile associated with the eRA Commons username entered in the Credential field for the PD/PI (candidate) must include an ORCID ID. For more information on linking an ORCID ID to an eRA Commons personal profile see the ORCID topic in our eRA Commons online help. R&R Budget All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form Other Plan(s): Note: Effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2023, the Data Management and Sharing Plan will be attached in the Other Plan(s) attachment in FORMS-H and subsequent application forms packages. For due dates on or before January 24, 2023, the Data Sharing Plan and Genomic Data Sharing Plan GDS) will continue to be attached in the Resource Sharing Plan attachment in FORMS-G application forms packages. All applicants planning research (funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH) that results in the generation of scientific data are required to comply with the instructions for the Data Management and Sharing Plan. All applications, regardless of the amount of direct costs requested for any one year, must address a Data Management and Sharing Plan. The PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form is comprised of the following sections: Candidate Research Plan Other Candidate Information Mentor, Co-Mentor, Consultant, Collaborators Environment & Institutional Commitment to the Candidate Other Research Plan Sections Appendix All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Candidate Section All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Candidate Information and Goals for Career Development Candidate’s Background Provide details of the candidate’s immediate and long-term career objectives in POR and in mentoring new clinician investigators. Include a summary of the research career of the candidate, documenting the ability of the candidate to conduct high quality POR and commitment to a career in POR. Document the ability of the K24 candidate to provide mentoring to new clinician investigators without duplicating information in the biosketch. Provide the number of years of mentoring experience, mentoring role (i.e., research advisor, clinical mentor, etc.), the number of clinicians mentored, the specialties of the individual mentees and the stages in their professional career. In addition, describe the types of research that were conducted by the individuals mentored, and the proportion of mentored individuals currently in academic medicine and/or directly participating in POR. Provide an explanation as to how relief from patient care or administrative responsibilities through the protected time provided by this award will contribute to the development or expansion of the candidate’s POR program and increased level of commitment to mentoring new and early stage clinician investigators. It is important to convey to the reviewers the reasons for needing protected time to continue a vital research program and continue to engage in the mentoring of new scientists. It should be clear that this award will permit the candidate to spend more time on research and mentoring and less time on administrative and clinical responsibilities for the institution. Career Goals and Objectives Describe the candidate's career goals and objectives under this award, including prior experience, and current research support. Candidates are encouraged to provide a timeline for accomplishing these goals and how this award will enhance mentoring or inclusion of mentoring in their career activities. Candidate’s Plan for Career Development/Training Activities During Award Period Describe the professional responsibilities/activities including other research projects beyond the minimum required effort commitment to the career award. Explain how these responsibilities/activities will help ensure career progression to achieve independence as an investigator. The candidate should describe any new or enhanced research skills and knowledge he/she will acquire during the career award period, and how these skills and experiences will significantly enhance his/her ability to continue his/her research programs as an independent scientist. Research Plan Section All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Research Strategy Currently supported research: There is no need to provide extensive detail with regard to ongoing, funded research. Enough information should, however, be provided in the areas of Hypotheses and Specific Aims; Background, Significance and Rationale; Preliminary Studies and Results; and Research Design and Methods to permit the peer reviewers to evaluate the extent, special features and general quality of the candidate's research activities and opportunities for mentoring. New research to be specifically supported by this award: Describe how this award will be used to help augment the candidate’s research skills and/or develop new directions in POR. This description should include a Statement of Hypothesis and Specific Aims; Background, Preliminary Studies and Aims; Significance and Rationale; and Research Design and Methods. Although it is not expected that this description would be as detailed as an application for an investigator-initiated research grant (e.g., R01), it is expected that sufficient detail be provided to permit an evaluation of the scientific merit of the research, and to clearly show research opportunities for mentoring. Documentation must be provided that appropriate and adequate resources, both in terms of support and facilities are available to the candidate to conduct the research program(s). This is an important part of the application because it will provide the main rationale and justification for needing protected time for research. The candidate must ensure that the inclusion of women, members of minority groups and their subpopulations, and children, has been addressed in the development of the design for all proposed patient-oriented research. The candidate must provide this information for each new research project proposed. Candidates must provide plans for ensuring continuing support of their POR programs preferably with them as the PD/PI. If the applicant is proposing to gain experience in a clinical trial, ancillary clinical trial or a clinical trial feasibility study as part of his or her research career development, describe the relationship of the proposed research project to the clinical trial. Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research All applications must include a plan to fulfill NIH requirements for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). See SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for instructions. Other Candidate Information Section Candidate's Plan to Provide Mentoring This required component should include a description of the availability of appropriate junior investigators for mentoring; their previous training and specialization; plans for recruitment, selection and supervision; the types of educational and research experiences that will be provided; and the capacity in which the candidate for the career award will serve as a mentor. If there is an existing (clinical) research curriculum (e.g., through a CTSA), describe how the mentoring plan will be integrated with the curriculum. Candidates must also describe a plan for supporting the research of their mentees during the period of the career award. Candidates must indicate the proposed person months committed to the mentoring plan. Mentor, Co-Mentor, Consultant, Collaborators Section All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Plans and Statements of Mentor and Co-mentor(s) Not Applicable Letters of Support from Collaborators, Contributors and Consultants Signed statements must be provided by all collaborators and/or consultants confirming their participation in the project and describing their specific roles. Collaborators and consultants do not need to provide their biographical sketches unless also listed as senior/key personnel. However, information should be provided clearly documenting the appropriate expertise in the proposed areas of consulting/collaboration. Environmental and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Description of Institutional Environment The sponsoring institution must document a strong, well-established research and career development program related to the candidate's area of interest, including a high-quality research environment with key faculty members and other investigators capable of productive collaboration with the candidate. Describe how the institutional research environment is particularly suited for the development of the candidate's research career and the pursuit of the proposed research plan. Describe the resources and facilities that will be available to the candidate Institutional Commitment to the Candidate’s Research Career Development The sponsoring institution must provide a statement of commitment to the candidate's development into a productive, independent investigator and to meeting the requirements of this award. It should be clear that the institutional commitment to the candidate is not contingent upon receipt of this career award. The letter of commitment from the institution should provide statements concerning the amount of protected time the candidate will receive (3-6 person-months or 25 to 50% full-time professional effort required); the duties from which he/she will be relieved (if clinical duties, the institution should describe specific steps that will be taken to cover these duties, such as hiring clinical staff); and the institutional commitment to enhancing the candidate's ability to be a productive, independent investigator. Appendix Limited items are allowed in the Appendix. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide; any instructions provided here are in addition to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide instructions. PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information When involving human subjects research, clinical research, and/or NIH-defined clinical trials (and when applicable, clinical trials research experience) follow all instructions for the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, with the following additional instructions: If you answered “Yes” to the question “Are Human Subjects Involved?” on the R&R Other Project Information form, you must include at least one human subjects study record using the Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form or a Delayed Onset Study record. Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed with the following additional instructions: Do not complete Section 4 – Protocol Synopsis information or Section 5 - Other Clinical Trial-related Attachments. Delayed Onset Study Note: Delayed onset does NOT apply to a study that can be described but will not start immediately (i.e., delayed start). All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. PHS Assignment Request Form All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed. 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) See Part 1. Section III.1 for information regarding the requirement for obtaining a unique entity identifier and for completing and maintaining active registrations in System for Award Management (SAM), NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code (if applicable), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. 4. Submission Dates and Times Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates and Times. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission. When a submission date falls on a weekend or Federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day. Organizations must submit applications to Grants.gov (the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies) using ASSIST or other electronic submission systems. Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH’s electronic system for grants administration. NIH and Grants.gov systems check the application against many of the application instructions upon submission. Errors must be corrected and a changed/corrected application must be submitted to Grants.gov on or before the application due date. and time. If a Changed/Corrected application is submitted after the deadline, the application will be considered late. Applications that miss the due date and time are subjected to the NIH Policy on Late Application Submission. Applicants are responsible for viewing their application before the due date in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission. Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. 5. Intergovernmental Review (E.O. 12372) This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review. 6. Funding Restrictions All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. 7. Other Submission Requirements and Information Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration. For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit How to Apply – Application Guide. If you encounter a system issue beyond your control that threatens your ability to complete the submission process on-time, you must follow the Dealing with System Issues guidance. For assistance with application submission contact the Application Submission Contacts in Section VII. Important reminders: All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the SF424(R&R) Application Package. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH. The applicant organization must ensure that the DUNS number it provides on the application is the same number used in the organization’s profile in the eRA Commons and for the System for Award Management (SAM). Additional information may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. See more tips for avoiding common errors. Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness and compliance with application instructions by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Applications that are incomplete or non-compliant will not be reviewed. Post Submission Materials Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in the policy. Any instructions provided here are in addition to the instructions in the policy. Section V. Application Review Information 1. Criteria Note: Effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2023, the Data Sharing Plan and Genomic Data Sharing Plan (GDS) as part of the Resource Sharing Plan will not be evaluated at time of review. Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. Applications submitted to the NIH in support of the NIH mission are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system. Overall Impact Reviewers should provide their assessment of the likelihood that the proposed career development and research plan will enhance the candidate’s potential for a productive, independent scientific research career in a health-related field, taking into consideration the criteria below in determining the overall impact score. Scored Review Criteria Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact. Candidate Is there evidence of ongoing high quality patient-oriented research, and what is the relationship of that research to this K24 application? Is there evidence of the candidate's capabilities and commitment to serve as a mentor for new clinical investigators in the conduct of patient-oriented research? Does the application demonstrate that the proposed program and protected time will relieve the candidate from non-research patient care and administrative duties and allow him/her to devote additional time and to augment his/her capabilities in patient-oriented research? Does the application demonstrate a record of independent peer-reviewed support for patient-oriented research that is likely to continue during the K24 award? Plan to Provide Mentoring Are the plans to provide mentoring or supervising new clinical investigators in patient oriented research adequate? Are plans to integrate appropriate clinical research curricula, into the mentoring plans adequate? Is an appropriate level of effort proposed for the mentoring component? Research Plan Candidates are expected to have independent, peer reviewed research support at the time the career award is made. In such instances, reviewers should not re-evaluate the research plan. Rather, the reviewers should evaluate how the research and career development plans together further the candidate’s research career. Is the research plan an appropriate vehicle for demonstrating and developing the prospective mentee’s skills and capabilities in patient-oriented research? Are the scientific and technical plans of the proposed research of merit? Is the proposed research relevant to the candidate's career objectives? Are adequate resources available to conduct the research program? This includes adequacy of plans for continued support of the research during the funding period of the grant. If proposed, will the clinical trial experience contribute to the proposed research project? Consultant(s), Collaborator(s) Is adequate information provided that clearly documents expertise in the proposed area(s) of consulting/collaboration? Environment & Institutional Commitment to the Candidate Are the research facilities, resources and training opportunities, including faculty capable of productive collaboration with the candidate adequate and appropriate? Is there assurance that the institution intends the candidate to be an integral part of its research program as an independent investigator? Is the level of the applicant institution’s commitment to the scientific development of the candidate appropriate? Are the size and quality of the pool of clinician investigators to be mentored by the PD/PI adequate? Are the quality and relevance of the environment for continuing the scientific and professional development of the candidate and for others pursuing patient-oriented research appropriate and adequate? Is there adequate commitment from the sponsoring institution to provide protected time for the candidate to conduct the research and mentoring program? Is the level of commitment of the candidate’s institution to the career development in patient-oriented research of new clinical investigators mentored by the candidate adequate? Additional Review Criteria As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact score, but will not give separate scores for these items. Protections for Human Subjects For research that involves human subjects but does not involve one of the categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their participation according to the following five review criteria: (1) risk to subjects, (2) adequacy of protection against risks, (3) potential benefits to the subjects and others, (4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and (5) data and safety monitoring for clinical trials. For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or more of the categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate: (1) the justification for the exemption, (2) human subjects involvement and characteristics, and (3) sources of materials. For additional information on review of the Human Subjects section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Human Subjects. Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Individuals Across the Lifespan When the proposed project involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for the inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals on the basis of sex/gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as the inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals across the lifespan (including children and older adults) to determine if it is justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed. For additional information on review of the Inclusion section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Inclusion in Clinical Research. Vertebrate Animals The committee will evaluate the involvement of live vertebrate animals as part of the scientific assessment according to the following criteria: (1) description of proposed procedures involving animals, including species, strains, ages, sex, and total number to be used; (2) justifications for the use of animals versus alternative models and for the appropriateness of the species proposed; (3) interventions to minimize discomfort, distress, pain and injury; and (4) justification for euthanasia method if NOT consistent with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. Reviewers will assess the use of chimpanzees as they would any other application proposing the use of vertebrate animals. For additional information on review of the Vertebrate Animals section, please refer to the Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section. Biohazards Reviewers will assess whether materials or procedures proposed are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, and if needed, determine whether adequate protection is proposed. Resubmissions For Resubmissions, the committee will evaluate the application as now presented, taking into consideration the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group and changes made to the project. Renewals For Renewals, the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period. Revisions For Revisions, the committee will consider the appropriateness of the proposed expansion of the scope of the project. If the Revision application relates to a specific line of investigation presented in the original application that was not recommended for approval by the committee, then the committee will consider whether the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group are adequate and whether substantial changes are clearly evident.

The Anne Arundel County Government and Chesapeake Bay Trust have partnered to fund forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. This grant program, with a deadline of August 1, 2024, offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for a duration of two years. The overarching goal is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening initiatives while increasing protected forested land. This aligns with the Chesapeake Bay Trust's mission of restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay, as increasing tree cover and green areas directly contribute to improved water and soil quality, reduced erosion, and filtered airborne pollutants, all of which benefit the health of the Bay watershed. The program targets areas within Anne Arundel County, excluding the City of Annapolis. The primary beneficiaries are the residents and the natural environment of Anne Arundel County, as the projects aim to improve air and water quality, mitigate erosion, reduce summer temperatures and ozone pollution, and ensure valuable ecological services like habitat, water quality, and flood control for the future. The desired impact is a healthier, more sustainable environment through increased tree cover and protected forested lands. The program prioritizes reforestation/afforestation of protected lands, permanent protection of forested lands, and reforestation/afforestation and protection of uneased and unforested lands. Track 1 focuses on projects providing ecological benefits through riparian buffers, contiguous forest tracts, and wildlife habitat. Track 2 supports acquiring, executing, recording, and monitoring permanent conservation easements to protect existing tree canopy, particularly ecologically valuable sites. Track 3 allows for reforestation/afforestation on unprotected land, contingent on placing a permanent conservation easement, deed restriction, or long-term protective agreement. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in acres of reforested and protected forested land within Anne Arundel County. By expanding tree cover, the program anticipates a reduction in erosion, an improvement in water and soil quality, and a decrease in airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. Additionally, the initiative is expected to lower summer temperatures, thereby reducing ozone pollution and energy consumption. The protection of forested lands will ensure long-term ecological services like wildlife habitat, sustained water quality, and effective flood control, contributing to the overall resilience and environmental health of the county.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative research projects aimed at addressing brain and nervous system disorders in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on building sustainable research capacity and improving neuro-health outcomes.