Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Natural Resources

Grant Opportunity: Good Roots Grant Program Funding Organization: Keeping Alabama Beautiful Contact Information: For more information, visit the website at https://powerofgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Good-Roots-Example.pdf or contact the organization directly at [insert contact information]. Application Cycle: - Cycle 1: Application opens on October 7, 2024, and closes on November 1, 2024. Eligibility: - Eligible groups include local governments (cities, towns, communities of any size), educational institutions (city and county school systems, universities), and any 501(c)(3) organization. - Recipient organizations must have tax-exempt status under the IRS Code and must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, nationality or ethnic origin. Award Details: - Grants will be awarded up to $1,000. Evaluation Criteria: - Applications will be judged based on the degree of environmental benefit to the community, likelihood of project success, degree of support from local leaders and volunteers' involvement in the project, demonstration of long-term care for trees, and soundness of the project's financial plan. Additional Information: - All trees must be planted according to procedures prescribed by the International Society of Arborculture or the National Arbor Day Foundation. - The local government or nonprofit representative must endorse the project and a signed grant agreement is required for all grant recipients. - A grant selection committee will make the final determination of all grant awards. Application Link: To apply for this grant opportunity, please visit https://us.grantrequest.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fapplication.aspx%3fSA%3dSNA%26FID%3d35049%26sid%3d5841&SA=SNA&FID=35049&sid=5841.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for governments, educational institutions, tribal organizations, and nonprofits to advance ecosystem restoration and biodiversity through the use of native plants, particularly in areas affected by disasters and invasive species.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to at-risk communities, including local governments and Tribes, to develop wildfire protection plans and implement projects that reduce wildfire risks and enhance resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions in Oregon and Washington to improve outdoor recreation access and services, particularly for underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that protect and restore aquatic habitats and water resources on public lands in Idaho, prioritizing ecological health and community engagement, particularly for underserved populations.

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 Illinois EPA is seeking proposals for projects aimed at addressing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution to enhance the quality of Illinois' surface and groundwater. Funded through the Clean Water Act's Section 319(h), this program supports the development and implementation of watershed-based planning projects. These projects may include creating new watershed-based plans, updating existing plans, providing technical assistance for NPS pollution control, and conducting environmental and social indicator monitoring. The goal is to prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments through strategic planning and community engagement. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

The IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center (NOC) Forest and Woodlands Resource Management grant aims to fund projects that enhance wildfire resilience, promote sustainable forest management and bioenergy through biomass utilization, with a focus on restoring forest and woodland ecosystems, supporting sustainable wood products, reforestation, and salvaging dead or dying timber, offering between $25,000 to $500,000 per project, with a total fund of $800,000 available, and applications are due by September 30, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for short-term projects that enhance local governance, infrastructure, education, and public safety in U.S. territories and freely associated states.

Grant Opportunity: Parcel Assessment and Strategy Development for Permanent Preservation in the South Branch Flint River - Description: This grant opportunity supports a deeper analysis of two parcels totaling 1200 acres in the upper Flint River Basin. The analysis includes on-the-ground ecosystem assessment, habitat delineation, mapping, valuation/appraisal, title search, and overall environmental evaluation. The goal is to prepare for making an offer and potential campaign to acquire the properties or a conservation easement. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Shiatown Park Improvement Readiness - Description: This grant opportunity supports various improvements at Shiatown Park along the Shiawassee River. Funding will be used for wetlands determination and assessment, installation of park boundary and trail markers, historic interpretive signage, floodplain determination, and enhancing community resilience. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Gladwin City Park FAA Site Invasive Species Eradication and Habitat Restoration - Description: This grant opportunity supports the restoration and revitalization of a 1.3 acre section of land near Gladwin City Park. Funding will be used for invasive species eradication, habitat restoration, benches, plantings along the trail, interpretive signage, and educational components. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. (Note: The breakdowns for other grant opportunities are not included due to character limitations.)

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve water quality and availability in Arizona by protecting and restoring river and riparian ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.

This funding opportunity is designed to support citizen science projects that enhance federal fisheries stock assessments and improve understanding of climate change impacts on fish stocks and fishing communities.

This grant provides funding for projects that enhance watershed resilience, grasslands, sagebrush rangelands, and big game habitats across Colorado, targeting non-profits, local governments, and educational institutions.

This funding opportunity supports projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution in Pennsylvania's watersheds, particularly in Environmental Justice Areas, by improving water quality through initiatives like agricultural runoff control and urban stormwater management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits in New Mexico for projects that reduce wildfire risks and promote community resilience against climate change.

The Projects for Organizations grant opportunity, offered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, aims to support public projects and events by nonprofit organizations, informal arts groups applying through fiscal agents, and arts-in-education projects within schools and school districts. This grant aligns with the Commission's mission to foster arts and culture within Idaho by directly funding initiatives that engage the public and promote arts education. The program specifically targets organizations operating in Idaho for at least one year with a valid 501(c)(3) status or governmental units including schools. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the citizens of Idaho, who benefit from increased access to public arts projects and events, and students within the state, who gain from enhanced arts-in-education programming. The impact goals include enriching community life through cultural offerings and fostering artistic development and appreciation. The grant prioritizes projects that compensate professional artists and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring a high standard of artistic endeavor and professional practice. Funding information indicates that grants are up to $1,100 and require a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind), funding up to 50% of projected expenses. This demonstrates a strategic priority to leverage additional resources and encourage community investment in arts projects. While specific measurable results beyond successful project completion and financial accountability are not explicitly detailed, the focus on public projects and arts-in-education implies expected outcomes such as increased community engagement in the arts and improved arts literacy among students. The Idaho Commission on the Arts' strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to provide accessible funding for a diverse range of artistic and cultural projects across all counties in Idaho. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and setting clear eligibility and project guidelines, they can empower local organizations and schools to deliver high-quality arts experiences, thereby enriching communities and fostering a vibrant arts ecosystem throughout the state. The requirement for final reports for past grants also indicates a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement within their funding programs.

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) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPPAFA-24-NOFO0001355 Assistance Listing: 10.932, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Due Date: NRCS must receive proposals by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2024. Note: The RCPP AFA and Classic FY 2024 notices of funding opportunity (NFO) will run concurrently. For information on Classic proposals please see USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-24-NOFO0001354. The RCPP promotes the coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer valueadded 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 or 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 Classic 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 will be 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 Classic announcement. Any unused funds may be available for other partnership agreements. RCPP AFAs are intended to support project structures and approaches that cannot be carried out as effectively through the RCPP Classic NFO. RCPP AFA applicants must describe the innovative nature of the conservation approach they are proposing to justify potential funding through an RCPP AFA NFO rather than an RCPP Classic NFO. Moreover, applicants should consider the additional administrative and technical assistance responsibilities that accompany receipt of an RCPP AFA award. The 2018 Farm Bill provides the following examples of project types that might be implemented through RCPP AFA: projects that use innovative approaches to leverage the Federal investment in conservation; projects that deploy a pay-for-performance conservation approach; and projects that seek large-scale infrastructure investments that generate conservation benefits for agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest owners. Although RCPP AFA provides flexibilities to partners, these projects share the overarching focus of RCPP, which is to engage with producers and landowners to implement conservation practices, systems, and approaches on (or for the benefit of) agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. NRCS can make up to 15 awards through this funding opportunity through Farm Bill funding. This limit does not apply to projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. 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 these conversations. 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 NRCS 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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that enhance marine education and training, particularly for indigenous Pacific Islanders and underserved communities in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, focusing on sustainable fishing practices and traditional knowledge integration.

This program provides competitive funding to state and territorial water research institutes to support applied research and outreach that addresses local and national water resource challenges.