Wisconsin grants for City or township governments

Grant Name: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Funding Organization: Federal program administered in most states Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Department of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI 54313, (920) 461-2595 Program Intent: The RTP provides reimbursement for the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. Award Details: Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs. Funds from this program may be used in conjunction with funds from other state grant programs that also fund trail projects. Eligibility: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governing bodies, school districts, state agencies, federal agencies or incorporated organizations are eligible to apply. Incorporated organizations must be incorporated under s. 181, Wis. Stats., and have a primary purpose of promoting outdoor recreation trails activities. Eligible Projects (in order of priority): 1. Maintenance and restoration of existing trails 2. Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages 3. Construction of new trails (with certain restrictions on federal lands) 4. Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors (must comply with the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970) Deadline: Applications are typically due on May 1 each year. Additional Information: The RTP legislation prohibits using funds for condemnation of any kind of interest in property. Non-motorized projects constitute 30% of funding category definitions while motorized projects constitute another 30%. Diversified projects that include both motorized and nonmotorized uses make up the remaining 40%.

The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund is a grant opportunity that invests in grassroots conservation and education projects benefiting Wisconsin's lands, waters, and wildlife, while also connecting people to the state's natural resources. The grants range from $500 to $2,000. The fund has several grantmaking priorities, including projects that benefit Wisconsin's imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species, engage and impact underserved communities or support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin's conservation and environmental education sectors, and build climate resiliency through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and encourage innovation through resource leverage and partnerships. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II), federal, state, or local governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, or accredited schools, colleges, or universities. Ineligible organizations include individuals, businesses, section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations, private foundations, and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin's natural resources or people. The total project budget cannot exceed $10,000 with overhead costs limited to 15% of the grant amount. Project expenses incurred prior to submitting the application are not eligible. A one-to-one match is required and can include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application per organization per grant cycle will be accepted. To apply for the grant opportunity: 1. Ensure your project addresses the grantmaking priorities and meets eligibility requirements. 2. Complete the application (paper copies not accepted). 3. Include proof of IRS tax-exempt status (IRS form 501c3 tax determination letter). 4. Submit all materials by email to Lindsey at [email protected] by September 1st. Applicants will be notified within six weeks following the submission deadline. For more information or inquiries, contact Lindsey Taylor, Conservation Programs Coordinator, at (608) 409-3145 or [email protected]. The grant is renewed every year with a deadline of September 1st.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

This program provides financial assistance to various governmental entities, organizations, and educational institutions in Wisconsin for the construction and improvement of shooting ranges.

This program provides financial support to Wisconsin fire departments and county fire associations to improve their capabilities in fighting forest fires through equipment, training, and resources.

Grant Program: EC-SDC Grant Program for OTM / Non-Profit NN Systems Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: - Application Questions: [email protected] - Technical Program Coordinator: Briana Harter, [email protected], (608) 893-0709 Program Intent: The EC-SDC Grant Program aims to provide financial assistance to Other-Than-Municipal (OTM) and non-profit Non-Transient Non-Community (NN) public water systems serving small or disadvantaged communities in addressing emerging contaminants, specifically PFAS and manganese. Eligibility: 1. Applicants must be the owner or authorized representative of an OTM or non-profit NN public water system. 2. The public water system must serve a community with a population less than 10,000. 3. The public water system must have either PFAS or manganese contamination. Project Eligibility: Projects must include actions to address PFAS or manganese contamination. Eligible items include project planning and design, technical assistance, construction or treatment to address contamination (such as consolidation with another water system, new well construction and old well abandonment, and treatment installation). Application Process: 1. Review the eligibility requirements and grant announcement. 2. Develop your project plan, considering technical assistance if needed. 3. Complete all application materials once they become available on Jan. 16, 2024. 4. Submit the application materials and required documents to [email protected]. 5. The DNR will review complete applications and attachments. 6. If approved for a grant award, the DNR will notify you. 7. Reimbursement requests can be submitted quarterly for eligible expenses incurred. Deadlines: Application period opens on Jan. 16, 2024. Application period deadline: July 31, 2024. Funding: Eligible projects may receive funding up to $240,000 per public water system. $3 million is allocated for eligible PFAS projects, and $1 million for eligible manganese projects. Grant award payments are made on a reimbursement basis. Reimbursement Materials: Materials will be available once

Grant Opportunity: Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier (SFR-FP) Funding Organization: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Contact Information: - Name: Faith M Murray - Email Address: [email protected] - Work Phone: (920) 461-8206 - Work Address: NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPT OF, GREEN BAY, WI 54313 Intent and Eligibility: The Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier grant program provides funding for the construction and renovation of fishing piers primarily designed to provide public access for shore fishing. Eligible applicants include counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations. Matching contributions must come from non-federal sources. Application Deadline: Applications for the Sport Fish Restoration Fishing Pier grant must be submitted by October 1 each year. Application Materials: To apply for the grant, applicants must submit various materials including the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Programs Application (Form 8700-385), Grant Project Authorizing Resolution (Form 8700-388), project location maps, topographical maps of the project area showing land disturbance area, illustrations of the current condition of the project area, drawings or site plans of the proposed project area including buildings and facilities, preliminary or final engineering plans with pier designs, draft easement/lease/MOU documents if applicable, and copies of required permits if already received. Submission Process: All grant applications should be emailed to [email protected]. The subject line of the email should indicate the type of grant being applied for. Application materials should be saved in PDF format and not exceed 15 megabytes in size. If email size exceeds 15 MB, documents can be sent in multiple emails. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted by the deadline. Additional Resources: Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidance for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Subaward Grant Program: Boating Infrastructure Grant, Clean Vessel Act, and Sport Fish Restoration for Boat Access and Fishing Piers [PDF]. Accessibility guidance for grant-funded projects (CF-031) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

This grant provides financial support to individuals and organizations in Wisconsin for projects that promote safe and ethical hunting by recruiting new hunters, especially adults, women, and families, while addressing barriers to participation.

Grant Opportunity: All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Enforcement Patrol Grant Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For information on these grants, please contact your local recreation warden [PDF]. Award Details: The DNR can provide up to 100% of county net costs for the enforcement of ATV regulations. Actual funding received is based on total allotted funds split between participating agencies. Eligibility: Sheriff departments in Wisconsin are eligible to receive grants for All Terrain Vehicle patrols. Application Process: 1. Read the Snowmobile/ATV Safety Patrol Manual (LE-503) [PDF] for details on how to apply. 2. Submit a Notice of Intent to Patrol (Form 8700-059) [PDF] on or before June 1 of the patrol year. 3. Submit the form to: DNR ATV Administrator, LE/8 PO Box 7921 Madison WI 53707-7921

This program provides funding to local governments and eligible organizations in Wisconsin to conduct environmental assessments of brownfield sites, facilitating their redevelopment and revitalization.