Grants for State governments - Natural Resources

The PEPO Statewide Initiatives Grant focuses on funding education and outreach initiatives that have a statewide or multi-basin impact in Colorado. Part of the Public Education, Participation, and Outreach (PEPO) Grant Program established in 2022, this category supports efforts such as developing new statewide education campaigns, conducting statewide water awareness surveys, and creating education materials to bolster public awareness on water issues. These initiatives must demonstrate support across multiple basins and align with priorities of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), guided by the Colorado Water Plan. This grant category underlines the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing water education and outreach across the state. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer annual deadline: June 1st

This program provides funding to local governments, tribal entities, and nonprofits in Colorado to implement projects that reduce flood and erosion risks following wildfires.

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 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 program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of parks, trails, and recreational spaces to enhance community livability and promote conservation.

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 Virginia. A total of up to $1,200,000.00 is available for the Virginia 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 $900,000.00 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 May 10th, 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 30, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryNRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Caribbean Area 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 Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico (PR) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)). A total of up to $500,000 is available for the Caribbean Area 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 $100,000. 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 DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 15, 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 CIG applicants is scheduled for April 9, 2024 at 9 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time. Information on how to participate in the webinar will be posted to the HYPERLINK website. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Caribbean Area CIG website to learn more about the CIG program.The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to water and power authorities, as well as nonprofit conservation organizations in the western U.S., to implement projects that enhance water efficiency, promote renewable energy, and improve sustainability in response to water scarcity and climate challenges.

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 Iowa and focus on conservation issues. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Iowa 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 $5,000,000.00, however, budget constraints may prevent NRCS from funding 2024 proposals. Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits 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 projects between 2 and 5 years in duration. Awarded organizations may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Iowa NRCS Leadership. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing Iowa IPC agreements. 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 7th, 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 7th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 16, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development is seeking applications for its Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities. Donor Name: Indiana Office of Energy Development State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Indiana Office of Energy Development is committed to affordable, stable, and reliable energy solutions for the benefit of all Hoosiers. Indiana OED supports the development of comprehensive energy policy that supports a diverse and balanced portfolio of energy resources. Program Goals  Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC) is a community-based competitive grant program to address energy needs and priorities at a community or regional level. Applicants are encouraged to think big, and to consider how they can address their energy needs on a larger scale. The purpose of the EPIC grant program is to support a comprehensive energy solutions program tailored to specific communities and serve as a model for other communities across Indiana. The goals of the EPIC program are to support Indiana’s five pillars of electricity policy: reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Each proposal is encouraged to support as many of the five pillars as possible with a measurable impact. Proposals must be able to demonstrate public benefit to their communities, including but not limited to underserved and disadvantaged communities. Successful applicants will serve as a model for other communities with similar energy needs and goals. Awardees will share their progress during the project and their success upon project completion. Further, to support broader local and state priorities, awarded projects will demonstrate a connection to one or more of the following state priorities: economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Partnerships are expected to be an essential element. Funding Information Indiana OED is making approximately $2,500,000 available. OED anticipates awards averaging $300,000 to $500,000 per awardee. Project Period 3 years or less. Eligible Projects & Technologies Proposals must fall into one or more of the following topics. Example technologies are listed but are not exhaustive. Energy Efficiency- Includes projects that result in using less energy, such as: Building upgrades and retrofits Energy system technology to monitor and manage energy usage Weatherization measures Higher efficiency technology, equipment, and appliances Alternative Fueling and Charging Infrastructure-Includes projects for publicly accessible alternative fueling and/or charging infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and reduce local emissions. Vehicle purchases are not allowable under EPIC. Alternative fuels include biodiesel (B20+), compressed natural gas, electric, ethanol, hydrogen, liquid natural gas, propane, and renewable diesel (R20+). Examples include: Publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure (excluding Level 3 or DC fast charging) Vehicle-to-Grid technology development and/or deployment Publicly accessible alternative fuel fueling infrastructure Energy Security and Reliability-Includes projects that support resource adequacy, and support responses to and recovery from energy emergencies, shortages, or disruptions. Examples include: Backup generation (battery energy system storage, solar + battery storage, propane) Microgrid technologies Cybersecurity measures Clean Energy Resources- Includes projects that result in the use of renewable and other clean energy technologies, such as: Battery storage Solar (and solar + battery) Geothermal Wind Biomass Eligibility Criteria Eligible entities include local units of government, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and institutions of higher education. Entities that work throughout a community or region and can coordinate partnerships are strongly encouraged, such as local and regional economic development organizations, community foundations, and other organizations that participate in community development initiatives. Eligible entities must be Indiana based and registered with both the federal and state governments in order to receive award fund An eligible entity may submit only one proposal. An entity can coordinate submission on behalf of multiple beneficiaries. A community may be a part of multiple submissions as long as they are not the prime applicant (i.e., the one executing the grant agreement with OED) in more than one submission. Tiered subawards are not allowable under the federal award, so the prime recipient may only release funds to subcontractors to perform work on the project and may not make further subawards. For more information, visit OED.

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 potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state- and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals will be accepted for projects located in Nebraska.Proposals are requested for competitive consideration for cooperative agreement awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants can be tribal government, State or local unit of government, non-profits with a 501 (c) (3) with status, or institution of higher learning.Entities may submit more than one application as long as the proposals are for different projects and entities may receive more than one award.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 noncompliant proposals will 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 6th, 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 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15th, 2024.These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The United States Department of the Interior (Department), Bureau of Reclamations (Reclamation) Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program (Program) aims to improve the skill of water supply forecasts via enhancing snow monitoring through the deployment of emerging technologies to complement existing monitoring techniques and networks. This new program was authorized in December 2020 by P.L. 116-260, Sec. 1111, Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act. The program was authorized for FY 2022 -FY 2026.Reservoir operations and related water management decisions rely on estimates of current and future water availability. These estimates depend on technologies to observe basin conditions such as snowpack. In many Western basins, snowpack and subsequent snowmelt runoff constitutes a significant portion of the annual water supply. Accordingly, monitoring snowpack is of great interest to water managers and water users alike. Traditionally, basin snowpack information is based on a sparse network of observing stations across large watersheds. These networks provide high quality information at station locations but extrapolating that information to an entire watershed is a challenge. This challenge, in large part, motivates the Program.As such, the NOFO invites proposals from eligible applicants that are invested in and capable of demonstrating emerging or deploying existing snow monitoring technologies and/or use of snow monitoring data to enhance water supply forecast skill. Considering this and the Acts emphasis on partner agency coordination, strong applications will have partnerships with water management and forecasting entities to facilitate transfer of knowledge, foster use of data in forecasts, and evaluate utility of information for informing water management decisions. This supports Department of the Interior priority of addressing the drought crisis by providing water managers the best available information to inform the management of this scarce and critical resource.In Phase I, applicants submit technical proposals in the required format and length as specified in Section D.2.1.4 Project Proposal as well as with the required content. Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration.Reclamations application review committee (ARC) will select a set of highly qualified applications from Phase I to move to Phase II of the application process. Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration. If the selected applicants are not present for Phase II, their proposals are automatically disqualified from proceeding further and will be ineligible for an award. Phase II will entail a 30-minute virtual (web meeting) project/proposal pitch presentation to a review panel, followed by 20 minutes of question and answer with the review panel. Those selected to advance to Phase II will be notified of the presentation requirements and logistics with a minimum 4 weeks notice.

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.

Mexico Standard Program;apos;s goal is to promote partnerships between public agencies and groups interested in protecting, improving, restoring, and managing an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America. A 1:1 match is required. This program supports the DOI and FWS mission of protecting and managing the nation;apos;s natural resources by collaborating with partners and stakeholders to conserve land and water and to expand outdoor recreation and access.

FY24 Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Cooperative Inspection Agreements with States and Tribes. Employment of Native Americans which will stimulate the Nations economy.Satisfying the BLM requirement for Oil & Gas Inspection and Enforcement requirements per FOGRMA.Training of Native American Inspectors per the National Certification Program for Oil & Gas I & E Personn. The BLM manages approximately 40,000 Federal onshore leases and well inventory of more than 94,000 across 32 States. These leases have generated in excess of $2 billion annually in bonus bids, royalties and rents in recent years of which nearly half is distributed to States in accordance with revenue sharing provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act and FOGRMA. In addition, the BLM manages operations on roughly 4,500 oil and gas leases on behalf of Native Tribes and individual Native mineral owners. The BLM seeks to ensure that the public’s oil and gas resources are developed in an environmentally responsible manner that maximizes recovery, while minimizing waste and providing a fair return for the taxpayer through accurate revenue collection. . This is accomplished through expediting leasing, streamlining well permitting, reservoir management, and the administration of operations, which includes prioritizing inspections based on risk and providing oversight of ongoing operations, as well as monitoring reclamation and abandonment activities. Another important component is the BLM’s Fiduciary Trust Responsibility to Indian Tribes, which is an obligation on the part of the United States to protect tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources, as well as a duty to carry out the mandates of Federal law with respect to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages.

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101646, 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956) (Act) established the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal areas through competitive matching grants to eligible State agencies. The NCWCG Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, and a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines. Revenues are deposited into and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The primary goal of the NCWCG Program is the longterm conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) authorizes funding for the NCWCG Program through Fiscal Year 2026.

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to advise States, local units of government, and Indian Tribes of the potential availability of funds in their State for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to acquire and/or develop lands for public outdoor recreation purposes. The State and Local Assistance Program was created when the LWCF Act was enacted September 3, 1964. It helps fulfill the LWCF Acts purpose to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to present and future generations of U.S. citizens and visitors such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation in such recreation and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States. This is accomplished in part by authorizing and providing grants to States, and through States to local units of government and Indian tribes, for projects that acquire lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation spaces, as well as develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities. Outdoor recreation areas and facilities must be publicly owned as well as open to the general public and not limited to special groups. The LWCF State and Local Assistance program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated lead agencies in each of the 50 States plus American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each fiscal year Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is in turn allocated to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for the funding, States must have a current State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) in place that assesses demand and need for outdoor recreation resources and sets priorities for the use of LWCF funds. The process for applying for a grant begins at the State or Territory level. Entities interested in applying for an LWCF grant must contact their State lead agency to find out details about the availability of funds, timing of grant process, State program priorities, funding criteria, etc.The lead agency is responsible for soliciting project proposals from other State agencies, local units of government, and Indian Tribes and for conducting competitions to identify the projects that can best advance the goals or meet the needs identified in the States SCORP. The top ranked projects, within the funds available, are nominated to the NPS for consideration and final decision, as well as the actual award of a grant. Prospective applicants should be able to specifically describe how their project would address priority outdoor recreation needs and goals as identified in the States SCORP.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE INFORMATION IN THE ABOVE NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY BEFORE APPLYING.With few notable exceptions in allowable periods of performance, 2024 administrative grant applications and awards will be the same as 2023 (see information for the applicant below). Applicants no longer need to limit personnel expenditures to one year and the overall grant to three. We recognize the strategic value in awarding a 4-5 year administrative grant that can be successively amended in cost and scope. This prevents overlapping periods of performance and simplifies reporting. If you have already been awarded an administrative grant in 2023, work with your NPS program officer to advance a cost increase amendment, not a new 2024 administrative grant award. Award amounts are still recommended to be greater than $200,000 and less than 7% of the states apportionment. Applications with proposed awards outside of this range should justify the request in the budget narrative according to the program goals of: 1) improving participation in ORLP and formula grant programs, 2) addressing deficient formula grant implementation areas, 3) improving monitoring of LWCF assisted parks and sub-recipients. Recommendations to applicants include: 1) work with your NPS program officer to review the application prior to submission, 2) pay special attention to Budget Object Classifications definitions within the SF424a instructions and use these BOCs in the budget narrative to make sure there is tight correspondence, 3) include a signed, written request for reimbursement of any equipment costs included in budget, and 4) allow time for revisions to the SF424a.

This notice of funding opportunity is to advise the State lead agencies for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) of the availability of funds for projects to develop or update their State-wide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) or supporting elements of it, as well as for other types of recreation planning projects. The LWCF Act requires each state to develop and maintain a SCORP for overall program eligibility for LWCF grants. The LWCF State and Local Assistance program is implemented by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated lead agencies in each of the 50 States as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each fiscal year Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is in turn allocated to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for the funding, States must have a current SCORP in place that assesses demand and need for outdoor recreation resources and sets priorities for the use of LWCF funds. Projects selected for LWCF funding should address priority needs or goals of the SCORP. The NPS must review and approve each States SCORP, which is updated at least once every 5 years. The LWCF Grant Assistance Manual establishes the eligibility, procedural, and programmatic requirements for LWCF grants. A copy of the current volume of the LWCF Financial Assistance Manual (Volume 72, October 1, 2023) can be found at FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MANUAL (nps.gov). Chapter 2 of the Manual outlines the SCORP process and requirements.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the LWCF invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve our history and protect our national endowment of lands and waters. The LWCF program is divided into the "State Side" which provides grants to State and local governments, and the "Federal Side" which is used to acquire lands, waters, and interests therein necessary to achieve the natural, cultural, wildlife, and recreation management objectives of federal land management agencies.