Grants for Small businesses - Natural Resources

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that install and maintain technologies to intercept and remove marine debris, benefiting coastal habitats and marine resources.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for the popular Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP). Donor Name: Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) State: Hawaii County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: This is the fourth year of the grant program which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. A total of $3,576,470 is available for this year’s program which was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill. Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include: Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming. Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock. Apiary – bees and bee boxes, education, expanding food markets. Eligibility Criteria  This year’s program is open to: Individuals, including backyard farmers – for the amount set at $5,000 per applicant. Applicants must be Hawai‘i resident, at least 18 years old and head of the household. Those previously granted awards under the MGFSP are ineligible. Organizations that are registered to do business in Hawai‘i, including Native Hawaiian, nonprofits, federally funded educational facilities – for the amount set at $10,000 per applicant. Organizations receiving awards will be required to provide matching funds of at least 10% of the grant award. The matching funds cannot be derived from other federal sources. For more information, visit Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

This program provides funding to public entities, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in Orange County, North Carolina, to implement innovative projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience for local communities.

This grant provides financial assistance to local agencies and organizations in California for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities that help recreational boaters properly dispose of sewage waste, promoting cleaner waterways and safer boating experiences.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is designed to provide infrastructure and services for recreational boats 26 feet or more in length. Goals of the program include: 1. enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources; 2. strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and economic benefits; 3. promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities; 4. provide continuity of public access to the shore; and 5. promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority has launched the 2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grants. Donor Name: Miami Downtown Development Authority State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program is designed to support projects/events in FY2024-2025 that take place in Downtown Miami. The DCCG program will include innovative projects/events that should have a demonstrable economic impact in Downtown Miami while also strengthening its appeal as a global destination.  Funding Priorities Outdoor Venue – activating public spaces, green spaces, and unique open-air venues, for example, a rooftop, Miami Worldcenter, or city park that promotes Downtown Miami’s outdoor options. Community Building Opportunities – events/programs that promote and connect the Downtown community and attracts tourism.  Family Programming – events/activations that promote and provide programming suitable for the entire family to enjoy at an affordable ticket price point. Content that features the communities, history &/or natural resources in Miami-Dade is encouraged.  Programming Featuring Miami as a Global City – promotes Downtown Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub. Cultural and Historic Education – featuring Downtown’s historic story &/or buildings. Content highlights Downtown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community Public Transportation Awareness – build ridership and awareness of Downtown Miami’s multimodal transportation options through the event location and/or event marketing of Downtown’s diverse transportation options. Free or Discounted Projects/Events – Cost of admission/affordability is considered for grant funding. Free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students will receive funding priority. This must be clearly and visibly stated in marketing and promotional material when applicable.  Funding Information  Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00. The project/event’s activation must take place during the grant fiscal year (Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025).  Eligibility Criteria  The Miami DDA values organizations producing and implementing multiple activations Downtown. For an application to be considered, it must meet the following requirements:   The applicant must have a reputation of professional and personal excellence and conduct. *All felonies &/or misdemeanors must be disclosed on the application. The applicant must submit documentation of having produced the activation in the past or a similar program. If this is the applicant’s first public activation, a comprehensive and detailed business plan needs to be submitted.  The applicant must provide a confirmation letter or a letter of intent from the event venue confirming dates and times for the activation. Timelines for the activation must include all stages of the project/event including pre-marketing, live event, and wrap-up/post-event.  If the project/event requires permitting from the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, or approval from Bayfront Park, you are required to provide a copy of either the submitted permit application or an approved permit with your application. The applicant organization must be an active corporation in good standing as a “for profit” or “not-for-profit.” Visit Sunbiz to check your business status. The applicant must provide proof of funding commitments from other sources. The Miami DDA’s DCCG cannot be the only funding source for your project/event.  For more information, visit Miami DDA.

The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production in the United States and its territories. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers, into government technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. On-farm conservation research is defined as an investigation conducted to answer a specific applied conservation question using a statistically valid design while employing farm-scale equipment on farms, ranches or private forest lands. The CIG program is not a NRCS producer financial assistance program. Project outcomes should benefit a region of a state or the entire state and not just benefit one farm. NRCS will prioritize projects that will implement climate-smart agriculture conservation activities which are targeted to assist agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forestland owners in directly improving soil carbon, reducing nitrogen losses, or reducing, capturing, avoiding, or sequestering carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions, associated with agricultural production. All CIG projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers that meet EQIPs eligibility requirements listed in 7 CFR 1466.6(b)(1) through (3).

The SB 1 Grant Program offers funding to local, regional, and tribal governments for planning and implementing projects to adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts, with additional technical assistance available for those representing Environmental Justice communities.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1 million in California State General Funds for the Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) for the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund (DOGWF). The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 awardee will be responsible for providing evaluation and technical assistance for DOGWF PY 23-24 program awardees as they pioneer initiatives that guide displaced oil and gas workers into new jobs and career trajectories by extending beyond singular sectors, committed to securing stable, well-compensated, and gratifying roles for these workers across diverse industries. The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 grant aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of DOGWF projects. The initiative seeks to fund an organization with expertise in assessing program and operational capacity, facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs), conducting a developmental evaluation for continuous learning and improvement, and addressing the needs of displaced workers impacted by energy sector shifts for future policy and program planning. In addition, the ETA awardee will support program grantees with developing and implementing strategies for partnership development, participant assessment, skills transfer, career navigation, administering training stipends, providing wrap-around support, identifying relevant career pathways and training programs, and guidance on participant tracking and performance outcomes reporting. Applicants for the DOGWF ETA must be organizations with the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver ETA to grantees across the state. Proposals from non-profit or for-profit consulting, technical assistance, evaluation, capacity-building organizations, labor organizations, community colleges, adult education providers, workforce boards, and education and training providers will be accepted. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PST on July 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on June 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PST.  Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by June 24, 2024 by 9 a.m. PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOwky4VSQ06lWDMieX-9bA The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by July 1, 2024, at noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through the relaunch of the Materials Management grants program, which has been renamed the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. Donor Name: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants program is to support statewide efforts to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials at all stages of their life cycle. The goal of the program is to build local capacity and support community solutions that address the environmental, social and health impacts created by production, consumption, use and disposal of materials. The objectives of the program are to: Inspire promising solutions to reduce the impacts of materials by funding innovative projects and programs. Empower community action to reach environmental solutions. Create environmental and health benefits that result from more sustainable consumption and use of materials. Advance equity and environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. Funding Area  In an effort to make the  application process more accessible and streamlined, the program will focus on one annual funding area each year. For the 2024 grant cycle, the annual funding area is waste prevention. Waste prevention is an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and generation of waste before something becomes trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities reduce waste by changing product design, by using less, by using something longer, or by repairing it. DEQ may award grants for activities that reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials such as: A farmers market purchasing reusable dishes to eliminate single-use products Establishing or expanding services for community tool libraries or other share libraries. A small business buying a new technology to etch glass instead of applying plastic product labels. A store investing in bulk storage for resupplying low-waste products. Funding Information Up to $ 1,000,000 is available for the 2024 grant cycle. $ 25,000 is the minimum available for individual grant awards. $ 125,000 is the maximum available for individual grant awards. Grant Period DEQ anticipates that grant agreements will be drafted beginning in January 2025. The grant term begins the date that the grant agreement is signed. After signing the agreement, recipients must complete their projects within 24 months. Eligible Activities Education and outreach Training Research Program, project or policy development Workforce development Eligible Costs Administrative costs, such as travel, office expenses, and overhead Salaries and benefits for project personnel and payments to consultants or contractors Publications and other printed materials Machinery, vehicles, equipment, signs, containers and project-related supplies. Eligible Applicants Local governments, Nonprofit (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, Organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, Public schools, Public universities, Community colleges, or Small businesses of 50 people or less. For more information, visit Oregon DEQ.

The Intentional Development Group is proud to announce The Small Business Boost Grant, a program designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the City of Youngstown’s economic landscape. Donor Name: Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Small Business Boost Program, managed by The Intentional Development Group with funds provided by the City of Youngstown, will help boost the economic impact of Small Businesses within the City of Youngstown. Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions. Applications must be for ONE of the following: Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management; Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects Track 2: Adaptation and Resiliency; Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry); Track 3B: Soil Health Systems; OR Track 4: Agricultural Forest Management. Funding Information Total Available Funding: $28,750,000 Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency $5,000,000 State Funds Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems & BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 3B: Soil Health Systems: $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (carbon sequestration): $750,000 State Funds. Eligibility Requirements  Proposals for funding will be accepted from NYS Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts). Proposals may be for multiple projects and/or on multiple farm operations but must be for one Track only. Districts may submit more than one application, including separate applications for multiple Tracks on the same farm operation. For more information, visit Department of Agriculture and Markets.

This grant provides financial support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to improve their recycling and organics recycling efforts by acquiring containers and compostable bags.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Texas. A total of up to $1,000,000 is available for the Texas CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $300,000. 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. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 1, 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 25, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 14, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity supports Indigenous-led organizations and Tribal Nations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to strengthen their communities through initiatives focused on climate justice, self-determination, and sustainable development.

SUMMARY INFORMATION Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Kentucky NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP WRE) Acquisition Services Agreement Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-KY-ACEP- 24-NOFO0001367 Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which can be found at: https://sam.gove/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 Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals to assist with due diligence for acquiring Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), including contracting for title exams, updates, and closing services; boundary surveys; appraisals and cultural resource investigations. ACEP WRE provides funding for the purchase of conservation easements held by NRCS, and to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land. Proposals are requested for consideration of cooperative agreements with a period of performance not to exceed five years. 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 Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on TBD. 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 Saltonstall-Kennedy Act established a fund (known as the S-K fund) used by the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants or cooperative agreements for fisheries research and development projects addressing aspects of U.S. fisheries, including, but not limited to, harvesting, processing, marketing, and associated business infrastructures (seesection IV, F; Funding Restrictions). Under this authority, grants and cooperative agreements are made on a competitive basis (subject to availability of funding) to assist in carrying out projects to expand domestic and foreign markets related to U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries. The term U.S. fisheries refers to any marine fishery (including the Great Lakes) that encompasses commercial, recreational, charter, subsistence, wild capture, and aquaculture that is, or may be, engaged in by citizens or nationals of the United States or other eligible applicants. The objective of the S-K Research and Development Program, referred to throughout this document as the S-K Competitive Grant Program, is to promote U.S. fisheries by assisting the fishing community to address marketing and research needs. The term fishing community means harvesters, marketers, growers, processors, recreational fishermen, charter fishermen, fishermen, and persons providing them with goods and services. Proposals submitted to this competition must address at least one of the following priorities: Promotion, and Marketing; Development, Infrastructure and Capacity Building; Science or Technology that Enhances Sustainable U.S. Fisheries. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) includes information on application requirements and criteria for proposals requesting a maximum of $500,000 in Federal funding for up to a two-year period. Matching funds are not required, nor will they be considered during the evaluation process. Awards are anticipated to start no earlier than September 1, 2025. NOTE: No awards will be funded under this current NOFO. Pre-Proposal submissions under this NOFO are eligible to submit a full proposal under a separate Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), NOAA-NMFS-FHQ-2025-26868, which will post in Grants.gov on September 26, 2024. NEW REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: All applicants must complete and maintain three registrations: Sam.gov, Grants.Gov, and eRA Commons. The registration process for all three systems can take 4 to 6 weeks, so applicants should begin activity as soon as possible. SUBMISSION CHECKLIST FOR ERA REQUIREMENTS Below is a submission checklist for eRA Requirements. This is not an exhaustive list of everything you need for a successful application. All items below should be checked before you submit your application in Grants.gov. SAM.gov Registration and approved UEI eRA Commons Registration Grants.gov Registration PD/PI Account Created PD/PI Commons ID entered exactly on Box 4 on the SF-424 UEI entered exactly on Box 8c. of the SF-424 Congressional District formatted correctly (ex. VA-001) All PDFs flattened File sizes are less than 100 MB File page sizes are 8 12 x 11 File names are shorter than 50 characters (including spaces) File names do not include invalid characters (, diacritical marks) If you have any questions, please reach out to the eRA HelpDesk or the Agency Contact listed in your NOFO.

The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grant program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The program promotes partnerships projects that must involve a) only long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or establishment of wetland and associated upland habitats to benefit diversity of wetland ecosystems and b) maintaining an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-associated migratory birds consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, and Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan. The program requires a 1:1 non-federal match and research funding is ineligible. This program supports the Department of Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission of protecting and managing the nation natural resources by collaborating with partners and stakeholders to conserve land and water and to expand outdoor recreation and access. Also, this program contributes to efforts to reduce climate pollution, support climate resilience, support land conservation and biodiversity efforts and leverage partnerships.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the application deadline for the Commercial and Charter Vessel Access Grant Program, funded through the LDWF 2019 Flood Disaster Grant. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allocated funds to mitigate the effects of freshwater flooding on Louisiana’s saltwater resources. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to public and private entities for constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or improving access for saltwater commercial and charter fishing vessels. The new application deadline is May 31, 2024, extending from the original date of May 15, 2024. Projects must be in coastal areas impacted by the 2019 flood and accessible to the public. Recipients must maintain facilities for at least 20 years.

This program provides cost-share assistance to private and public landowners with 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land to improve forest resources, including wildlife habitat and soil and water quality, through various forestry management activities.