Grants for City or township governments - Natural Resources

The Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department is currently accepting applications for the Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant. This grant aims to foster recreational opportunities and conserve valuable natural resources within Sheboygan County. Applicants can submit projects under three main categories: project development, land acquisition, or discretionary, all subject to case-by-case review. Projects may include land and easement acquisition, development or restoration of parks and trails, protection of water resources, and habitat restoration, among others. Funds awarded by the Stewardship Grant cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the project or acquisition. The deadline for application submission is May 3, 2024. A matching requirement of 1:1 is necessary for grant consideration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for land acquisition projects that help with the planning and implementation of conservation efforts aimed at protecting natural communities and habitats in California.

This funding opportunity supports projects that preserve cultural and paleontological resources on federal lands in New Mexico, targeting state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

This program provides funding to Delaware counties and municipalities for planning and engineering projects that improve water quality and manage stormwater effectively.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Funding Opportunity Title: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-24-NOFO0001354 Assistance Listing: 10.932, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Due Date: NRCS must receive proposals by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 2, 2024. Note: The RCPP Classic and Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA) FY 2024 notices of funding opportunity (NFO) will run concurrently. For information on AFA proposals please see Funding Opportunity Number USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPPAFA-24-NOFO0001355. The RCPP promotes the coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-added contributions to expand our ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Through the RCPP, NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners to implement projects that provide solutions to conservation challenges thereby measurably improving the resource concerns they seek to address. RCPP promotes collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and various communities, which is paramount to achieving equity in NRCS programs and services. Using guidance contained in this notice, partners propose projects that generate conservation benefits by addressing specific natural resource concerns in a state or multistate area by addressing one or more priority resource concerns within an NRCS-designated critical conservation area (CCA). NRCS and partners collaborate to design, promote, and implement RCPP projects on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest land. Through RCPP, NRCS may provide both financial assistance (FA) and technical assistance (TA) funds to project partners and agricultural producers for implementing projects. RCPP proposals are evaluated through a competitive proposal process based on three criteria: impact, partner contributions, and partnership and management. Up to $1.5 billion is available for RCPP projects through this announcement and the FY 2024 AFA announcement, which includes $300 million of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) funding and $1.2 billion of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding. Proposals are accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and U.S. territories in the Pacific Island Areas (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). NRCS will prioritize using IRA funds for projects that will implement climate-smart agriculture and forestry conservation activities as described in section F.(3)a. of this announcement. Up to $100 million is being made available specifically for NRCS to enter into programmatic partnership agreements with Indian tribes. This set aside will be shared by this announcement and the FY 2024 AFA announcement. Any unused funds may be available for other partnership agreements. Submissions: Proposals must be submitted through the RCPP portal. See section E of this announcement for information on using the RCPP portal to submit proposals. Access to the RCPP portal requires a level 2 eAuthentication credential or a Login.gov credential. Obtaining a new Login.gov credential involves multiple steps and can take several days to complete. Instructions are posted on the How to Apply to RCPP web page listed below. For More Information: Applicants are expected to contact the appropriate State Conservationists and state RCPP coordinators prior to submitting a proposal. NRCS will use a state conservation questionnaire to record the results of this conversation. Proposals without a completed questionnaire may have their score and ranking reduced. A list of state RCPP coordinators (as of the date of this announcements posting) is on the NRCS How to Apply to RCPP web page. Applicants can also email the RCPP inbox ([email protected]) with any questions about the announcement. The RCPP website is also a great source of current information about the program. Interested applicants are encouraged to participate in one or more of the webinars below to learn about the program and how to apply. 2024 RCPP NFO Applicant Outreach Webinar This webinar will provide general information for applicants submitting proposals for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The same material will be covered at both webinars followed by a question-and-answer section. Please refer to the RCPP website for more information. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) April 23, 2024, RCPP Applicant Outreach Webinar Registration Link 2pm to 4pm EDT - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e2f45f75-7ea4-410b-b1c9-567537cd2454@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 May 30, 2024, RCPP Applicant Outreach Webinar Registration Link 2pm to 4pm EDT - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/226dcb51-0b57-43b1-b340-95e535238713@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 NRCS will schedule additional webinars on RCPP easements and providing outreach to tribal applicants. Information on all webinars will be posted to the RCPP how to apply page.

The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program, offered by the California Arts Council, provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations for their ongoing operations. This grant is designed to support the overall well-being of California's cultural vitality by sustaining a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. The funding is intended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission, rather than a specific project, aligning with a strategic priority to foster a stable and thriving arts ecosystem across the state. The target beneficiaries are arts and cultural organizations within California, specifically those with total revenue between $250,000 and $1.5 million. This focus aims to support a crucial segment of the cultural sector, enabling them to continue their work. The impact goals include enhancing the sustainability and resilience of these organizations, ensuring they can contribute to California's cultural landscape. The program prioritizes eligible expenses associated with general operations, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. This focus on operational support allows organizations to maintain their core functions, which is critical for long-term stability. The expected outcomes include the sustained operation of arts and cultural organizations, the retention of a diverse arts workforce, and the continued delivery of cultural services to communities throughout California. Measurable results for this one-year funding cycle could include the number of organizations sustained, the range of eligible expenses covered, and the continued employment of arts professionals. The grant activity period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This grant indirectly supports the California Arts Council's broader theory of change, which posits that investing in the operational capacity of arts organizations leads to a more vibrant, accessible, and equitable cultural environment for all Californians.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state and local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and tribal organizations to advance plant conservation and restoration projects in Colorado, focusing on biodiversity and climate resilience.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that conserve and improve natural resources, targeting municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and private property owners in Hennepin County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Maryland for outdoor recreation projects, including land acquisition and the development or renovation of recreational facilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Wyoming to enhance outdoor recreation access, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to local government agencies in California for the construction and improvement of facilities that enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating.

Research grants support studies that address critical gaps in our understanding of natural history and contribute to the conservation and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems and healthy habitats. FAO seeks to fund projects that advance scientific knowledge and practical solutions for environmental challenges in the region, particularly those impacting aquatic biodiversity, water quality, and healthy habitats. Eligible projects include aquatic biodiversity assessments, water quality monitoring and analysis, development and application of innovative technologies and methodologies, collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors, and habitat restoration and conservation efforts. FAO prioritizes projects that can result in scalable change and impact multiple counties. The maximum funding request per project is $25,000, with a total of at least $75,000 available to award. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship within the Muskingum Watershed and Appalachian Ohio regions. Applications must be submitted online, and supporting documents emailed to FAO by August 2, 2024. Grant decisions will be announced by September 30, 2024.

The State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Funding Grant, offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), aims to restore and improve urban forests in Indiana. Its core mission aligns with environmental resilience and conservation, specifically addressing the catastrophic losses caused by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The grant seeks to build long-term resiliency through increased tree diversity and the protection of existing healthy trees. While a specific "foundation mission" is not explicitly stated in the context, the IDNR's involvement implies a state-level commitment to environmental health and sustainable urban development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations within Indiana. These entities, acting on behalf of their communities, will implement projects that directly impact the health and sustainability of public urban forests. The overarching impact goal is to mitigate the damage caused by the EAB, enhance the ecological integrity of urban areas, and foster community engagement in environmental stewardship. The grant is designed to support a range of activities, from tree removal and treatment to new plantings, all contributing to a more robust and diverse urban canopy. The SUFR Grant prioritizes management and reforestation activities. This includes the removal of EAB-infested or dead Ash trees, insecticidal treatments for threatened Ash trees, and comprehensive tree planting initiatives. A key focus is on replacing removed Ash trees with at least two new trees, promoting native Indiana species, and specifically restricting the planting of Acer genus (maples) to encourage greater biodiversity. Community engagement is a mandatory component of all tree planting projects, emphasizing the importance of local involvement and education in achieving sustainable outcomes. Additionally, applicants must possess an up-to-date tree inventory to demonstrate existing conditions and planned improvements. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in EAB impact, an increase in urban forest canopy cover, and a greater diversity of tree species in Indiana's urban areas. For every Ash tree removed, the requirement to plant at least two new trees will directly contribute to reforestation efforts. The restriction on Acer genus planting (with limited exceptions) will lead to a more varied and resilient tree population. Measurable results will stem from the required documentation, including ISA Certified Arborist reports or updated tree inventories, which detail the location and number of trees removed, treated, and planted. This data will allow for tracking the progress and effectiveness of the grant in achieving its goals. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in strategic urban forest management, coupled with community involvement, Indiana's urban environments will become more resilient to pests and diseases, offering long-term ecological and community benefits.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry, offers the Community Challenge Grant program to fund projects that promote tree planting, care of trees, and education on tree issues, with the aim of enhancing the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests, and requires applicants to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking grant proposals from applicants interested in conducting projects that will benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. The Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that are state-listed or candidates for listing. Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations with priority for those whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Funding for the Wildlife Diversity Grant program comes from a significant investment by the state legislature to restore and protect biodiversity in Washington, and the Department expects this funding to be available in future biennia to continue this grant program. Priority Activities for Funding Priority activities include: Implementing recovery and conservation actions for eligible Washington endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species that directly and measurably benefit species populations. These projects contribute to increased species abundance, distribution, population health, or clear abatement of direct threats. Collecting data and information on the abundance, distribution, habitat associations, or natural history of eligible state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species, with additional priority given toward species whose habitat is under significant pressure from development, land use, or resource management (i.e., shrubsteppe, eastside forest, prairies, and oak woodlands). Completing direct actionable steps toward achieving increased populations of eligible species (e.g., conservation translocation feasibility studies) or baseline data collection (e.g., developing survey protocols or assessing habitat use) for eligible species. Ineligible activities include habitat restoration, conservation easements, land acquisition, outreach and education, and projects that primarily target benefits for species outside the WDFW Wildlife Diversity Division’s scope of responsibility, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, wolves, and harvested wildlife. Review the grant opportunity announcement for more details on priority, eligible, and ineligible activities for inclusion in grant proposals, including a list of eligible species. How to apply Grant applicants must email their complete proposal to [email protected] no later than 11:59 pm on May 5, 2024. Please refer to the grant announcement for instructions on the required application components and their formats. Agency contact info Questions and communications concerning this grant opportunity may be directed to: Jenna Judge Wildlife Diversity Assistant Division Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [email protected]

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to reduce whale mortality from fishing gear entanglement in Southern California. This grant directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations by addressing a critical threat to cetacean populations. The program aims to provide compensatory restoration for injuries to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS), thereby mitigating past environmental damage and fostering healthier marine ecosystems. The primary beneficiaries of this program are cetaceans in Southern California, particularly those susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of the entanglement response network, improve documentation and disentanglement efforts, and broadly support activities that reduce serious injuries or mortalities from entanglements. This initiative contributes to the foundation's strategic priority of healthy oceans and coasts by safeguarding marine mammals. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. These include directly enhancing entanglement response in Southern California, and potentially beyond if it benefits local cetaceans, coordinating with federal, state, and local resource agencies to improve the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program, and training and developing volunteer response capacity. Furthermore, proposals should outline how activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the program. Expected outcomes include a more robust and efficient entanglement response network, a reduction in the number of entangled cetaceans, improved survival rates of entangled animals through effective disentanglement, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies. Measurable results would likely involve metrics such as the number of successful disentanglements, the increase in trained responders, and the documented reduction in entanglement-related mortalities. An estimated $250,000 will be available for a Phase 1 project award, anticipated to last 1-2 years, with a priority geographic focus on the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation projects aimed at protecting threatened and endangered species in Colorado, targeting state and local governments, educational institutions, tribal organizations, and nonprofits.