Federal Community Development Grants

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.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Tribal Colleges for improving educational facilities and purchasing essential equipment to enhance their services and community impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to low-income rural communities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribes for planning and developing applications for essential water and waste disposal projects.

This program provides licenses and funding to new investment companies that focus on supporting and growing small businesses in rural areas, helping to bridge the funding gap for economic development in these communities.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers and small rural businesses for implementing renewable energy projects and improving energy efficiency.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments partnering with community-based organizations to address environmental and climate injustices in their communities.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. cooperatives and organizations with strong ties to them in enhancing cooperative governance and development programs overseas.

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA. USDA provides grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish Revolving Loan Funds (RLF). Loans are made from the revolving loan funds to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to USDA.The Agency anticipates the following maximum amounts per award: Loans - $2,000,000; Grants - $300,000.

The U.S. Embassy BURKINA FASO Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Burkina Faso invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and BURKINA FASO through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of PDS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs; Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs; Professional and academic exchanges and programs; Civic education projects that promote democratic processes and human rights; New media concepts projects aimed at reaching wider audiences; Youth community service projects that promote democratic processes and encourage volunteerism; Development of initiatives aimed at maintaining contacts with alumni of U.S. exchange programs. Priority Program Areas: Programs to bolster understanding and practices of Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance. This may include projects that encourage participation in civil society, especially for women, religious minorities, and youth. Programs that seek to promote a better understanding of diversity, inclusion, religious freedom, gender rights, persons with disabilities, underrepresented or otherwise disadvantaged communities, and/or other aspects of human rights. Creative programs that advance one or more of the priority areas listed above, to include but not be limited to, economic empowerment, youth development, peace and security. Programs promoting English language capacity through projects that encourage the usage and learning of English language as a tool for civic and economic development. Programs that increase transparency, media professionalism, access to diverse new sources, media literacy, etc. Projects may develop the capacity of Burkinabe media, a tradition of fact-checking and research for journalists and/or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs beyond the capital and secondary cities. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding.

The U.S. Embassy Yaound Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces the availability of funding through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an annual request for Statements of Interest (SOI), outlining funding priorities, strategic themes, and procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully read and follow all instructions below. The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, 3-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to undertaking the development of full proposal. Upon review of eligible SOIs, PDS will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. Purpose of Small Grants: The PDS grants program supports projects proposed by U.S. and Cameroonian academic, cultural, educational, and other non-profit organizations and/or individuals that promote U.S. values, increase understanding between U.S. and Cameroonian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting government transparency and accountability, economic prosperity, peace and security, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation. All programs must include an element of American culture or society, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Governance: Projects promoting democratic principles, improved and inclusive governance, transparency, human rights, religious freedom, empowerment of marginalized groups, citizen engagement, including in elections, civic education, and civil society. Prosperity: Projects promoting economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, bilateral trade and investment, countering corruption Security: Projects promoting peace and security, rule of law, alternatives to violence in resolving conflict, tolerance, preventing radicalization to violence, improving mutual understanding between groups, community policing Sustainability and Climate Change: Projects promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change Journalism: Projects promoting a professional and independent media, role of informed citizens in a democracy, media literacy, ethical and investigative journalism. Examples of PDS Small Grants Programs include, but are not limited to : U.S. experts conducting lectures, seminars, or speaking tours with Cameroonian audiences Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs Professional and academic exchanges and programs Libraries, community centers, or other institutions that are interested in becoming an American Space Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S. sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program Projects to promote English language teaching skills or widen access to books and other sources of information about the United States

This funding opportunity provides financial support for non-construction projects aimed at restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast's natural resources, promoting tourism, and enhancing local economies affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for construction and property acquisition projects aimed at restoring and protecting the natural resources and ecosystems of the Gulf Coast region, particularly in areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations to create programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Armenia, focusing on shared values, education, and community empowerment.

The United States Agency for International Development, Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) is gathering information for the anticipated Resilience of Ethnic Tibetans (ResET) Activity. The purpose of this forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and Request for Information is to: Share the eligibility information for prospective Applicant(s). Request for feedback on the draft Activity Description. Request for feedback on cost share. Confirm interest from organizations in submitting the application. PRE-APPLICATION NOTICE Share the eligibility information for prospective Applicant(s) interested in submitting an application in response to the ResET activity Notice of Funding Opportunity. Eligibility will be restricted to Applicants who meet the requirements found in the Consolidated Appropriation Act 2023, which are: This funding opportunity is restricted to nongovernmental organizations with experience working with Tibetan communities to support activities which preserve cultural traditions and promote sustainable development, education, and environmental conservation in Tibetan communities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in China. Organizations eligible to apply under this NOFO include, but are not necessarily limited to, U.S. and non-U.S. non-profit or for-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private voluntary organizations, foundations, colleges and universities, civic groups, faith-based and community institutions, private businesses and associations, regional organizations, philanthropic organizations, and advocacy groups. For-profit applicants should note that USAID policy prohibits the payment of fee/profit to the prime Recipient under grants and cooperative agreements. The Applicant will be required to submit evidence of such prior experience (as prime Contractor/Recipient or subcontractor/subawardee) as part of the application. For example, the contract or agreement number with a short description of the activity and donors information, the relevant project information, the organizations legal status in China, etc. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 2. Offer the opportunity for the interested organization(s) to provide feedback on the draft Activity Description as detailed in Attachment A of this document. 3. Request feedback on the appropriate cost share contribution from the Recipient of the ResET activity in accordance with ADS 303.3.10.1 Cost Share Determination and 2 CFR 200.306. Please provide answers on the following questions: Is cost share contribution appropriate for this type of activity? Why and why not? If so, what is the realistic amount of the cost share? 4. Request for response whether your organization is interested in submitting an application in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity expected to be posted in Grants.gov in approximately December 2023 January 2024. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESPONSES/COMMENTS: Please send all responses to this forecasted NOFO/RFI via email to Suthicha Chussananalin, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, at [email protected] with a copy to Deborah Rakowski, Regional Agreement Officer, at [email protected] by the date and time indicated above with the title RFI no. 72048624RFI00001, Resilience of Ethnic Tibetans (ResET) Activity. Responses to this forecasted NOFO/RFI are voluntary and respondents are welcome to address any or all of the items listed above as well as provide any additional relevant information. You will only receive an electronic confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response but will not receive individualized feedback on any suggestions. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the Governments use of such information. Specific questions about this RFI should be directed only to the email addresses identified above. The submitted response should include the following information: Reference Number: RFI no. 72048624RFI00001, Resilience of Ethnic Tibetans (ResET) Activity Date: Name/Position: Affiliation/Organization: Email Address: Please note that issuance of this forecasted NOFO/RFI does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the US Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of the response. Thank you for your assistance and interest in the USAID program. Sincerely, /s/ Deborah Rakowski Regional Agreement Officer Attachment A: Draft Activity Description

This funding opportunity is designed to empower local organizations in Guatemala, particularly those representing indigenous peoples, women, and youth, to address key development challenges and improve economic and social conditions in areas affected by high irregular migration.

This Notice identifies the draft criteria established for the selection of noise mitigation project(s) under the Community Noise Mitigation Program which is intended to facilitate the installation of sound insulation in covered facilities. Through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103), $75 million in funding is available with $56,250,000 allocated for funding at or near active-duty military installations and $18,750,000 allocated for funding at or near guard or reserve installations, of which $5 million shall be for funding to communities for which a nearby military installation has transitioned to a new type or model of aircraft after January 1, 2019. The recipient has five (5) years from the date of award to expend these funds. The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation must obligate these funds through a counter-signed grant agreement no later than TBD.

This program provides up to $50 million in grant funding to eligible public bodies, non-profits, and Federally-recognized tribes. Grants may cover up to 75 percent of total project cost. There is no minimum or maximum award amount. Grants will be provided to eligible applicants to repair eligible essential community facilities damaged by Presidentially Declared Disasters that occurred in CY 2022 . Subject to any updates to the Presidentially Declared Disasters, the following states have been identified with areas that have been impacted by qualifying events during CY 2022: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Applications for the CF Program Disaster Repair Grants must be submitted to the applicable USDA RD Office. Applications will be accepted on a continual basis, beginning on the publication date of this notice, until funds are exhausted. The applicable USDA RD State Office will conduct an initial review, rating, and selection of complete applications.

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses. Examples of essential community facilities include: -Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities -Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements -Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing -Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment -Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools -Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment -Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses What are the funding priorities? ---Priority point system based on population, median household income -Small communities with a population of 5,500 or less -Low-income communities having a median household income below 80% of the state nonmetropolitan median household income.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to rural communities and nonprofit organizations for repairing and improving water infrastructure damaged by federally declared disasters in 2022.