Grants for State governments - Natural Resources

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The purpose of this NFO is to encourage and promote conservation planning and conservation practice implementation in urban, suburban, and other small-scale type agricultural operations. Emphasis will be placed on projects that establish new demonstration community gardens, or enhance and expand existing community agriculture projects. Proposals should seek to: 1. Provide conservation learning experiences to urban, suburban, and Tribal communities. 2. Address concerns regarding food deserts. 3. Advance Tribal food sovereignty. 4. Achieve positive and measurable natural resources conservation outcomes. 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 May 22, 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 21, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 1, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Japanese organizations in creating innovative projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through public engagement in areas like security, democracy, and entrepreneurship.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation. Program Priorities  The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the Sound and take a role in its future. A road map guiding investments under the LISFF is the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Long Island Sound Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes shown below, in CCMP Implementation Actions (IAs) associated with each theme, and in three CCMP cross-cutting principles: resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice all defined in the CCMP. The most competitive proposals will be those that incorporate theme(s), IA(s) and one or more cross-cutting principle(s) of the CCMP. CCMP THEME: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds – Improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading into Long Island Sound through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention. The most competitive projects will be those that address water quality at a larger or more comprehensive scale such as a neighborhood, waterfront or downtown. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning activities that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permitting. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) of the Long Island Sound Watershed must have a specific outcome related to nitrogen/nutrient prevention as a result of project activities through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance of the site.  Projects must quantify nitrogen/nutrient reductions in metrics. Planning for activities that set-the-stage for implementation of quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Projects must document the benefit to downstream Long Island Sound such as by indicating how the project addresses a source of nitrogen/nutrient pollution, project location and how the design of the project and its implementation will effectively reduce downstream pollution loading. CCMP THEME: Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife – 1) enhance or restore coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and 2) sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Implementing “shovel-ready” projects habitat restoration and/or nature based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning that sets-the-stage for implementation of projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Fostering diverse, balanced and abundant populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines to inform development of a proposal. CCMP THEME: Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Support vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound. Projects providing hands-on conservation experiences will be more competitive. Funding Information With funding of approximately $12 million for projects in 2024, there are multiple funding categories under the LISFF each with a different range of grant funding. Implementation Projects: $50,000 to $1.5 million for projects with particularly high environmental community benefit relative to cost, including: Water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience projects. Projects with the greatest promise to demonstrate, influence, pilot, innovate, and/or provide a proof of concept with the aim of accelerating local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, Environmental Justice and/or community and public outreach and engagement. Design/Planning Projects: $50,000 to $500,000 for: Water quality or habitat restoration projects. Watershed plans. Community resilience/sustainability/natural hazard mitigation plans. Project Period Projects must start within six months and be completed within 24 months after notification of grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has collaborated with Qualified Youth and Conservation Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish conservation projects for numerous years. This program’s projects provide employment for participants and opportunities to learn about and gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management while promoting long-term interest in public lands stewardship and the BLM. The BLM Youth Program assists the BLM with diversifying the workforce while exposing participants to complex cultural and natural resource issues. This program supports the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Public Law 117-58, Sec. 40804(b) Ecosystem Restoration and Section 40803 Wildfire Risk Reduction. This program supports projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Sections 50221 Resilience, 50222 Ecosystems Restoration and 50303 DOI. The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth and conservation corps to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive) including tribal members. Recruitment efforts should focus on young, diverse people from local communities to assist with conservation projects that protect and promote multiple-use on public lands.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state and local governments, tribal entities, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to advance biodiversity and restore native plant communities in Idaho.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to enhance outdoor recreation access and services on public lands while promoting environmental stewardship and equity.

The Colorado Water Plan Grant Program, directed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), aims to support the implementation of the Colorado Water Plan through various project types outlined in Partner Actions. The program offers funding in categories like Water Storage & Supply, Water Sharing Agreements, Conservation & Land Use Planning, Engagement & Innovation, Agricultural, and Watershed Health & Recreation. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, private entities, and others as defined, with projects evaluated based on their alignment with Water Plan goals and available funds. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer deadline: July 1st

This funding opportunity is designed for researchers and teams focused on improving our understanding of snow accumulation and ice flow dynamics in glaciers across the Northern Hemisphere, with an emphasis on airborne and ground-based observations, modeling, and data synthesis.

This grant provides funding for organizations to engage adjudicated youth in Lane County, Oregon, in conservation and restoration projects, helping them earn credits, fulfill community service, and gain job readiness skills.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The 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 Texas and focus on conservation priority topics as noted in Section A of this notice. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Texas NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Eligible applicants include: City or township governments County governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) Private institutions of higher education Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education Special district governments State governments Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. 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 11:59pm Eastern Time on May 22, 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 for potential applicants will be provided on April 9, 2024, from 10:00am 11:00am Central Standard Time via Microsoft Office Teams. Participation. Meeting participation and additional agreement information will be posted on the NRCS Texas Partners for Conservation website. The agency anticipates making selections by June 15, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change. Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $25,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $300,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The 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.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the development of small-scale and urban-focused agriculture production activities. The Tennessee NRCS Small-Scale Urban-Focused Agriculture Project is an effort to challenge local Conservation Districts, non-profit organizations, non-government organizations, institutions of higher learning and other community partners to work toward the development of demonstration urban, community, and pollinator gardens across Tennessee. Awarded projects will demonstrate the process of planning and applying natural resource conservation practices, systems, and treatment in urban agricultural environments. Awarded structural practices will promote agricultural production and optimize environmental benefits in urban agricultural environments. Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for projects located in Tennessee. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be approximately $320,000.00. Proposals are requested from eligible entities for projects with a one (1) to three (3)-year duration. Entity types that may be eligible under these criteria include the following: a. City or township governments b. County governments c. Independent school districts d. Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) e. Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) f. Private institutions of higher education g. Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education h. Special district governments i. State governments 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 June 21st, 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 1st, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Thank you for your interest in partnering with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).Under this Notice of Funding Opportunity, "refuge" refers to an area designated as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other items to note in the Notice of Funding Opportunity:The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide cooperative agreements and grants to enable nonprofit groups and others to partner with a specific FWS site, FWS Regional office, or FWS headquarters to accomplish FWS work.The FWS site/office requesting the work must fund the project. There is no money set aside at headquarters to do these projects. Therefore, the project budget is limited to the amount the FWS site/office has available.The FWS site/office requesting the work must be substantially involved in the project.The FWS site/office requesting the work must collaboratively work with the potential partner to develop the project narrative and budget.The Congressional authority for this Notice of Funding Opportunity does not include the authority to purchase land.FWS uses GrantSolutions to manage financial assistance applications and awards. Applicants must register in and conduct any subsequent award business with FWS in GrantSolutions. To apply, your organization and organization officials must be established in GrantSolutions. For further details, please see section D7 of this Notice of Funding Opportunity. If using Grants.gov rather than GrantSolutions to apply, please consider submitting the application a couple of weeks early because there is often a delay in the transfer of applications from Grants.gov to GrantSolutions.FWS may not make a Federal award to an applicant that hasn’t completed theSAM.gov registration.Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through theU.S. Treasurys Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by the Service program.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats. We are the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of these important natural resources for the American public.FWS origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study the decrease in the nations food fishes and recommend ways to reverse that decline. Today, we are a diverse and largely decentralized organization, employing about 8,000 dedicated professionals working out of facilities across the country, including a headquarters office in Falls Church, Virginia, and eight Regional offices.The National Non-Infrastructure Partnerships initiative encourages US Fish and Wildlife Service field stations to partner with local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations, other land management groups, state, and tribal partners, and others to accomplish projects that:promote the stewardship of FWS resources through habitat maintenance, restoration, and improvement, biological monitoring, or research;increase awareness and understanding of FWS programs and resources through the development, publication, or distribution of educational materials and products;advance education concerning the mission of FWS through the use of FWS sites as an outdoor classroom to combine educational curricula with the personal experiences of students relating to fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitat, and to FWS cultural and historical resources, and development of other educational programs;promote the understanding of, education relating to, and the conservation of fish, wildlife, plants, and cultural and historical resources;improve scientific literacy.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to improve shoreland habitat and water quality by implementing best practices on behalf of multiple property owners in Wisconsin.

PLEASE READ: This program is NOT for flooding damage. This program is only available for infrastructure that was damaged from fires or fire suppression activities that occurred on or after July 1, 2020. For questions regarding post-wildfire flooding damage, please contact your local County Emergency Management office. PLEASE READ: Private landowners are only eligible to receive financial assistance if they work through an eligible applicant: Eligible applicants include Governmental organizations (including state, county, and local), 501(c) non-profit organizations, and Indian Tribes. The State of Arizona through the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) invites proposals from Arizona public and private landowners for emergency repairs for infrastructure damaged by fires or fire suppression activities occurring July 1, 2020 and after. The Post-Wildfire Infrastructure Assistance Program goal is to assist in infrastructure repairs to physical systems, operational structures and facilities needed for the use of urban, rural, agricultural, cultural and natural resources.  Financial Notes: The Arizona Post-Wildfire Infrastructure Assistance Program has allocated $10,000,000 to support infrastructure recovery efforts to mitigate the impact of Arizona wildfires.  Awards will be limited to those applicants most significantly impacted, on a first-come-first-served basis, and DFFM shall prioritize distributions of financial assistance to private landowners. Applicants will be those whose needs were not met by other funding sources (insurance, federal agencies, etc.) and only after all other sources of payment, including any insurance and other reimbursements, have been deducted or the landowner provides information to DFFM that the landowner does not qualify for other reimbursement.  Awards will be limited to a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $500,000 per award. Some projects may be offered only partial funding depending on the severity of demonstrated need and funding availability at the time of the request. 

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state agencies and universities to acquire land, construct facilities, and enhance research and education focused on protecting estuarine habitats and improving climate resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation projects aimed at protecting and recovering endangered and threatened species across the United States, targeting eligible applicants such as state and local governments, educational institutions, tribal organizations, and nonprofits.

The 2025 Regional Ecosystem Research (RER) Program grant, offered by NOAA's NCCOS, aims to fund research projects that enhance understanding of species' habitat usage and connectivity in Marine Protected Areas, with the goal of improving conservation efforts and management plans, particularly in line with the 30x30 initiative.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for local, state, tribal, and non-profit organizations to restore and protect vital riparian and aquatic habitats in the headwaters of the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers, benefiting key species and promoting sustainable conservation practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various governmental and nonprofit organizations for projects that assess and mitigate hazards from abandoned mines on public lands, promoting environmental restoration and public health.

This grant provides funding for organizations and individuals to support land rehabilitation and maintenance activities at a military training area in Hawaii, focusing on environmental sustainability and resource management.