Grants for Independent school districts - Natural Resources

This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as theCatalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under:Soil and Water Conservation 10.902which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture, is announcing potential availability of agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to promote public awareness of Farm Bill activities throughout Maryland.Proposals must be for projects based in Maryland and focus on Farm Bill conservation. Research proposals will need to meet the requirements in order to be accepted.Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities identified in Section C of this announcement for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one and five years in duration.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Maryland State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 5th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by July 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 1st, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the competitiveness of California's specialty crops, benefiting a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions.

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) (Headquarters) Aquatic Resources Program protects and restores riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources to provide functioning ecosystems for a combination of balanced and diverse uses including fish and wildlife, and for the long-term needs of future generations. BLM is requesting projects for the Aquatic Resources Program (15.244) that Build Drought Resilience in Arid Watersheds and/or restore healthy waters through Implementing and/or Increasing BLM’s Ability to Implement Riverscape and Wet Meadow Restoration. This program also supports projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Sections 50221 Resilience, 50222 Ecosystems Restoration and 50303 DOI.

This grant provides funding to K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, and faith-based organizations in Arizona to create and maintain sustainable green spaces that improve environmental quality and community well-being.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service NHQ Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)The U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service NHQ Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is collaborating with National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through an interagency agreement for implementation of the Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Project Cooperative Agreement Program.Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot ProjectNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CFWR-24-NOFO0001412Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.935, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under OUAIP, is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants to host a CFWR pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2024For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on September 4, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.A webinar has been pre-recorded and is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvexAMyuY2o.The presentation and supporting information are posted in the Related Documents tab of this opportunity. The recorded webinar is also available on https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/coop-agreements.The agency anticipates making selections by November 2024 and expects to execute awards by January 2025. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling AmountsThe estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $400,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The funding ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period.Federal Financial Assistance TrainingThe funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/.It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics:1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Western United States for projects aimed at preventing the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels in aquatic ecosystems.

This funding opportunity supports academic institutions in the Gulf of America region to conduct interdisciplinary research on climate adaptation, coastal resilience, and ecosystem management in collaboration with NOAA.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will support projects in the Great Lakes basin that implement the following strategic, priority actions: Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease ImpactsImplement targeted reforestation and forest protection actions to minimize invasive forest insect and disease impacts on watersheds. Reduce Runoff through Green Infrastructure Capture or treat stormwater runoff by planting trees and other vegetation as an integral component of green infrastructure. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats Protect, restore, and enhance high-quality coastal zone and connecting riparian ecosystems where trees are an important component. The minimum and maximum Federal funding requests vary depending on program area, with an overall range of $50,000 to $300,000. Please review the funding table in the Request for Applications for the allowable ranges of each program area. An informational webinar will occur on July 23rd, 2024, at 9 am Central/10 am Eastern. The link is: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/91m9ed3hrjpkab7c1a5zly1ud025xxc5 The powerpoint can be found at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/mffkiks7dyhmuewtir2liy7tllo06u16 The webinar recording is also posted on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/workingtogether/grants/?cid=FSEPRD898819.

This grant provides funding for projects that restore and enhance forests and wetlands in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, benefiting wildlife and promoting community resilience, particularly for local landowners and conservation organizations.

This grant provides funding to public agencies in California for the development and improvement of boat launching facilities to enhance recreational water access and support community development.

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is the first in an anticipated series of Landowner Support for Forest Resilience NOFOs. Landowner Support for Forest Resilience is currently funded by four Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions (Public Law No: 117-169. Subtitle D, Sec. 23002(a) (1 ), (2), (3), and (4)), which encompass cost share and payment incentives for forestry practices and support participation of underserved landowners and small-acreage landowners (owning less than 2,500 acres) in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. Landowner Support for Forest Resilience falls under the USDA Forest Service's existing Landscape Scale Restoration Program, as authorized under Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a). This program advances the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative. Established by Executive Order 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, the Justice40 Initiative has made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments, such as climate, clean energy, and other areas, flow to disadvantaged communities. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) solicits proposals for two IRA provisions: Subtitle D, Sec. 23002 (a)(2) and Subtitle D, Sec. 23002 (a)(3). These provisions provide the USDA Forest Service with funding to:Support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.Support the participation of forest landowners who own less than 2,500 acres of forest land in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to recognized Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA, and Tree Campus K-12 participants in Arizona to enhance urban forestry practices and improve community forest management.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Napa County that focus on wildlife conservation, education, and habitat improvement projects, particularly those benefiting school-aged children.

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 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.

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.

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 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.