Virginia Natural Resources Grants

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

This program provides financial assistance to Virginia farmers and timber owners who suffered losses due to Hurricane Helene, helping them recover from economic disruptions and damage.

This program provides funding for innovative projects that enhance Virginia's coastal fishery resources, specifically targeting individuals in the fishing industry who seek to improve conservation and efficiency through practical initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This grant provides funding for projects in Virginia that improve water quality, promote land conservation, enhance environmental education, and address emerging environmental challenges.

This grant provides funding to established organizations in southeastern Virginia for new programs or facility improvements that promote cultural, economic, educational, environmental, and health initiatives.

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.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Northern Virginia that support women and families by improving access to essential services and professional development opportunities.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

Loudoun County is seeking grant applications from community organizations for the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program to support their strategies that ensure greater equity and access to COVID-19 vaccine for those populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: Loudoun County Government State: Virginia County: Loudoun County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The program is designed to fund specific projects and initiatives to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination and increase the number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 among priority populations. The priority populations include, but are not limited to, those deemed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: People in racial and ethnic minority groups. People in rural communities. People who have disabilities. People who are homebound or isolated. People who are underinsured or uninsured. People who are immigrants and/or refugees. People who have transportation limitations. Funding for the program, which will be administered by the Loudoun County Health Department, is supported through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. Organizations eligible for funding include established nonprofit entities, such as community-based organizations, community health clinics, health care organizations, coalitions and faith-based organizations. Funding Information Amount of Funding Available: $306,407. Award Floor: $ 10,000. Award Ceiling: $ 102,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025. Eligible Expenses Examples of eligible expenses for Cycle 4 COVID-19 vaccine funds include: Project staff positions for any need specifically related to enhancing COVID vaccine efforts (including administrative support staff) Travel Facility rental (off-site vaccination locations) Rental space and meeting space venues, specifically to enhance COVID-19 vaccination Vehicle rental Bus passes, as long as it gets someone to/from a vaccination appointment Associated costs for operating vaccine clinics Health communications materials and health education services Software that helps facilitate information flow. Minimum Eligibility Requirements Organizations applying for funding should be established nonprofit entities such as Community Based Organizations, Community Health Clinics/Centers, healthcare organizations, coalitions, Faith-Based Organizations, local government agencies, local educational agencies, etc., with demonstrated capacity to engage in relevant activities. To be eligible for this grant, the organization must conduct operations in, or must be focused on addressing the community needs in Loudoun County. Preferred Eligibility Requirements Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate the following: Experience in selected localities, rapport in the community(ies) of focus Local reach to identify and engage trusted messengers Experience and demonstrated trust working with communities most affected by COVID-19 Experience addressing social determinants/conditions that influence the populations of focus Capacity to expand services where other community-based organizations do not exist or do not have capacity to support implementation of vaccine activities Experience in community health promotion and improvement, e.g. immunization projects, prevention/wellness programs, etc. For more information, visit Loudoun County.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Virginia Department of Energy invites proposals for energy innovation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with grants to be awarded at its discretion. Donor Name: Virginia Department of Energy State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program is for the purposes of research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage; and to award grants on a competitive basis from the Fund to support energy innovation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Power Innovation Program (the Program) is hereby established for the purpose of establishing a Virginia nuclear innovation hub from such funds as may be available from the Fund and awarding grants on a competitive basis from such funds as may be available from the Fund to support energy innovation. The Program shall be administered by the Department. In administering the Program, the Department shall, in collaboration with the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium, establish and publish guidelines and criteria for disbursement of funds pursuant to clause, including providing grants to support higher education research on advanced nuclear technologies and advanced reactor technologies, to fund nuclear energy workforce development programming, and to assist with site selection for future small modular reactor projects in Virginia. In administering the Program, the Department shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, establish and publish guidelines and criteria for disbursement of funds pursuant to clause. The Department shall oversee each grant awarded through the Program and ensure thorough reporting on each such grant. Funding Information Up to $3 million. $10,000-$1,000,000, pending available funds. Criteria Grant awards are made at the discretion of the Virginia Department of Energy and in determining grant amounts, the following criteria will be considered: return on investment impact on energy affordability, reliability, and clean energy goals in the Commonwealth capital investment utilization of research-based technologies For more information, visit Virginia Department of Energy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for non-federal partners involved in assessing and restoring oyster reefs in the Great Wicomico River, Virginia, as part of efforts to enhance the ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, researchers, local governments, and small businesses in Virginia to enhance recreational fishing through conservation, habitat restoration, and fisheries research.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County, Virginia, to implement projects focused on environmental conservation and historic preservation.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County that provide essential human services to vulnerable individuals and families, helping them achieve safety, health, and independence.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting applications for the 2024 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round from March 12 to May 7, 2024. Approximately $1.9 million in RTP funding is available. The RTP, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program aimed at building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities across non-motorized, diversified, and motorized trail categories. In 2024, the program is open for applications for both new trail construction and improvements to existing trails, following a competitive application process overseen by the RTP and the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. Eligible applicants include city, county, town, tribal, or other government entities, as well as registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to restore and sustain forests and freshwater habitats in Central Appalachia, benefiting native wildlife and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.