Grants for Native American tribal organizations - Natural Resources

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryRevision to close dateThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals must be for projects based in the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)) and focus on conservation issues as noted in Section A (2) of this notice. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Caribbean NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2024 will be up to $1,500,000.00. Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits having or not having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), or institutions of higher education for competitive consideration of awards for 2 projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing agreements in the Caribbean Area.Awarded organizations may be required to attend administrative training and may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Caribbean NRCS leadership.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or non-compliant proposals may be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.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 May 22nd, 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 June 1st, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 20th, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Alaska 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. Policy guidance for the Program ensures that public land management based on multiple use and sustained yield provides healthy and productive riparian, wetland, and aquatic habitat, achieves land health standards, and considers society’s long-term needs for healthy watersheds. The issues the Program addresses are diverse and include restoration, habitat fragmentation and degradation, drought resiliency, water availability, and aquatic invasive species. Program staff provide professional expertise and policy guidance to BLM managers, Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, and non-governmental partners on these issues, and implement the best management practices to minimize or avoid impacts to water resources, riparian and wetland areas, and aquatic habitats on public lands. This program supports projects funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Section 40804 (b) Ecosystem Restoration. This program also supports projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Sections 50221 Resilience, 50222 Ecosystems Restoration and 50303 DOI.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

Through Planning and Project Design Grants, Reclamation provides funding for collaborative planning and design projects to support water management improvements. This includes funding for: (1) Water Strategy Grants to conduct planning activities to improve water supplies(e.g., water supplies to disadvantaged communities that do not have reliable access to water, water marketing, water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological resilience); (2) Project Design Grants to conduct project-specific design for projects to improve water management; and (3) comprehensive Drought Contingency Plans. Note that funding to develop a water marketing strategy formerly funded through Water Marketing Strategy Grants, a stand-alone funding opportunity under WaterSMART - is now available through (1) Water Strategy Grants.

The BLM Arizona Cultural Heritage Partnership Program (CHPP) supports projects advancing the Department of Interior's priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, restoring balance on public lands, advancing environmental justice, and investing in a clean energy future. Projects should focus on public archaeology education, the development of educational programs, repatriation of Native American remains, and cultural resource inventory. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, state and local governments, and Indian tribal governments. The program aims to support projects that use science, data, and traditional knowledge to enhance economic opportunities for communities of color, low-income families, and rural and indigenous communities.

The Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund in New Hampshire offers an alternative to permittee-responsible mitigation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources such as streams and wetlands through In-Lieu Fee (ILF) payments. These pooled funds are distributed as competitive grants across nine watershed service areas, supporting restoration, enhancement, and preservation activities aimed at compensating for losses and maintaining the state's aquatic resource functions. An annual Request for Proposals is issued by NHDES, the fund's managing entity. Applicants are evaluated by a Site Selection Committee based on criteria including alignment with the state Wildlife Action Plan and expert assessments. The ultimate goal of the ARM Fund is to ensure "no net loss" of aquatic functions and values, emphasizing the creation of sustainable, maintenance-free natural systems within their respective landscapes

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve forest management and reduce wildfire risks in the Truckee and Donner Summit areas, benefiting local communities and enhancing their preparedness for wildfires.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is seeking applications for its Community Spaces Matching Grant Program. Donor Name: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District State: California County: Sonoma County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program focuses on protecting land and creating open spaces within cities and communities, through partnerships with local public agencies, nonprofits and federally recognized tribal organizations. Community Spaces projects have the potential to transform neighborhoods, providing places to recreate, find solitude, hold public gatherings, grow local food, and to experience and learn more of the importance of natural resources and agriculture. Funding Information The Board of Directors have authorized an annual budget of $3,000,000 for MGP project. Eligible Activities The Matching Grant Program has three categories of eligible project types:  Acquisition  Improvement  Acquisition/Improvement combination projects Eligibility Criteria Public agencies  Federally recognized tribes  Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status For more information, visit Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments and tribal-led non-profits in the U.S. to develop energy plans that promote renewable energy and sustainability within their communities.

This grant provides funding for educational projects that promote wilderness values and stewardship among youth and adults in Idaho, Montana, and Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is now accepting a second round of applications as part of the $3 million, 5-year Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division. Donor Name: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The DNR is looking to increase the ability of historically underserved farm communities to address nutrient pollution and frequent flooding through the grant. Underserved farmers are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as those who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veterans or with limited resources. Other classifications may be supported as negotiated. Funding Information Projects funded through the grant may receive up to $250,000. Currently, remaining funds for subawards totals $700,000. Eligibility Criteria  Grants will be distributed through subawards to entities including: Conservation districts Institutions of Higher Learning Local or state government entities, including 28E agreement entities such as Watershed Management Authorities NGOs and nonprofits Tribal nations Beginning farmer groups U.S. military veteran farmer groups. For more information, visit DNR.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is seeking applications for its C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities: Projects that benefit Wisconsin’s most imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species. Projects that engage and impact underserved communities in Wisconsin and/or support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin’s conservation and environmental education sectors. Projects that build climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s natural resources through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. All projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes. They encourage innovative projects that leverage resources and partnerships. Funding Information Grants range from $500 to $2,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s natural resources or people. The total project budget may not exceed $10,000, and overhead costs shall not exceed 15% of the grant. Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application. A one-to-one match is required. Match may include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application will be accepted per organization per grant cycle For more information, visit NRFW.

The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation, substitute teachers, or educator costs. Priorities Grant applications must include a significant component of outdoor activity. Grant applications must directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning or facilitate access to the outdoors. Grant applications that align with classroom learning and standards are encouraged but not required. Funding Information Grants between $100 and $500 are available. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Project must directly engage youth age pre-K – 12. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students. Project activities must take place 6 weeks or more after the Go Outside Fund due date. Project expenses may not have incurred prior to submitting the application. For more information, visit NRFW.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska is inviting applications for its Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) grant program. This initiative aims to foster partnerships with state, county, and tribal governments to plan and execute projects for the restoration of forests, rangelands, and watersheds. The GNA program supports activities including the treatment of insect-and disease-infected trees, hazardous fuels reduction, and other efforts to enhance forest, rangeland, and watershed health, inclusive of fish and wildlife habitats. GNA is applicable to Federal and non-Federal lands, as well as lands owned by Indian tribes. Projects that directly benefit BLM-managed lands, even if executed on non-BLM lands, are eligible for funding. Examples of potential projects under this program in Alaska encompass noxious weeds and invasive species treatment, fuels management, community assistance, forest management, rangeland plant restoration, wildlife habitat connectivity, NEPA compliance support, riparian restoration, and targeted grazing. The program is designed to address a wide range of environmental quality and public benefit goals through collaborative, cross-boundary restoration services.

This grant provides funding to state and local governments in Montana for professional services to develop projects that conserve and manage the state's renewable resources.

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 5135, FEMA will provide grants to capitalize revolving loan funds which may be used to provide loans to finance various types of hazard mitigation projects to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters. Through the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF)program, eligible entities (refer to Section C.1) will use these capitalization grants to establish a revolving loan fund (referred to herein as an entity loan fund) from which they will provide direct loans to local governments for projects and activities that mitigate the impacts of drought, intense heat, severe storms (including hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, cyclones, and severe winter storms), wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other natural hazards. Eligible activities may include the construction or modification of natural or built infrastructure to increase resilience and reduce risk of harm. Entity loan funds will be programmatically and financially administered by the respective entity. FEMA will monitor the administration of the entity loan funds during the period of performance per the reporting requirements, and will continue to monitor administration of the entity loan funds after the capitalization grant closeout via biennial audits and post-closeout reporting. Under 42 U.S.C. ? 5135(h)(3)(C), FEMA may make recommendations for or require specific changes as needed to improve the effectiveness of the funds. Funding for the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is limited. Pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), FEMA must award funding through multiple Notices of Funding Opportunity over a 5-year period. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program aligns with the goal of promoting resilience and adaptation in light of current risks, including those posed by climate change, and the 2020-2024 DHS Strategic Plan (https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024) through Goal 5: Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience. Specifically, Objective 5.1: Build a National Culture of Preparedness has several sub-objectives that the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program supports. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program serves primarily to bolster Sub-Objective 5.1.1: Incentivize investments that reduce risk and increase pre-disaster mitigation, including expanding the use of insurance to manage risk through funding hazard mitigation projects, particularly ones that reduce risk to infrastructure. By focusing on increasing resilience and reducing harm to built infrastructure, this program will help members of underserved communities,1 who might be at heightened risk as a result of current hazards, including those associated with climate change. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program complements and supplements FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant portfolio to support mitigation projects at the local government level and increase the Nation's resilience to natural hazards and climate change. Entity loan funds can be leveraged differently than other funding opportunities to meet unique funding needs. This program will support entity-led hazard mitigation priorities and allow participating entities to meet their funding needs as described in the entity's Intended Use Plan (see Section D.10.b). Such needs may include but are not limited to: meeting non-Federal cost-share requirements for other grants, upfront project design costs, smaller projects that may not qualify for other HMA grant programs, or projects that do not meet the cost-effectiveness requirements applicable for other programs.

The Oregon Forest Legacy Program under LWCF funding seeks to protect forestlands from non-forest use through acquisitions and conservation easements. This funding opportunity supports efforts to maintain Oregon's forest integrity against urbanization and development pressures, emphasizing sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Applications for this funding must propose projects that align with Oregon’s Forest Legacy Areas and demonstrate significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Must be located within an Oregon Forest Legacy Area.

The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL) is designed to support the conservation, management, development, and preservation of Montana's renewable resources. The program offers funding primarily for public facility projects like water, wastewater, and solid waste development, as well as projects related to irrigation rehabilitation, dam repair, and forest enhancement. Eligible applicants are divisions of state government, tribal governments, and other local political subdivisions, with funding available in the form of grants or loans for feasibility studies, construction plans, and implementation efforts.

The Renewable Resource Grant Program (RRGL) Planning Grant aims to support governmental entities by funding professional and technical services needed to produce high-quality RRGL grant applications. These grants are focused on projects that conserve, manage, develop, or protect Montana's renewable resources. Eligible projects include feasibility, design, research, resource assessment studies, and the preparation of plans for construction, rehabilitation, or production. Eligible applicants are divisions of state government, tribal governments, and other local political subdivisions like cities, towns, counties, and various districts. Applications for funding can be submitted through specific cycles with detailed review periods.