EPA Seeks Applications for Environmental Community Grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making $2 million available in 2010 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources.

EPA will award CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I awards range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities that have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk-reduction activities and become self-sustaining.

In 2009, EPA’s CARE program distributed $2 million to nine communities. Examples of projects that received grants include addressing waste and storm water issues in Kennett, Mo.; reducing air and water pollution in Holyoke, Mass.; addressing water pollution from coal slurry in Wheeling, W.Va.; reducing radon and other indoor air pollutants in Pueblo, Colo.; and tackling the problem of hazardous waste materials and open dumping in Toksook Bay, Alaska. Since 2005, the grants have reached 68 communities in 34 states and territories. A recent evaluation by the National Association of Public Administrators (NAPA) recognized the CARE program as a solid tested framework for engaging communities and other stakeholders.

Applications for the CARE grants are due March 9, 2010. EPA will conduct three Webcasts to answer questions from prospective applicants about the application process on Feb. 2, 23, and 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

More information about the grants: http://www.epa.gov/care/

Disney Announces New Friends for Change Grants for Youth-Led Environmental Service Projects

Disney and Youth Service America have announced Disney's Friends for Change Grants designed to help kids working to make environmentally friendly changes in their communities.

The new program encourages kids everywhere to take steps together with their friends to help the planet. The Friends for Change Grants will fund kids' projects that help the environment and will look to engage children ages five to 18 as leaders in their communities. The program will award 150 grants of $500 each throughout 2010.

The grant program is open to schools, organizations, and individuals planning service projects. To be eligible, projects will need to be done any time during 2010 and should include one service or celebratory component on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, an annual campaign that mobilizes young people around the world to make a positive impact in their communities.

For more information about the Disney Friends for Change Grants, visit the YSA or Disney Web sites.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

WREN Grant Funding Available for 2010-2011 Watershed Education Projects

The Water Resources Education Network (WREN) is a project of the Citizen Education Fund of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (LWVPA-CEF). WREN is a nonpartisan informal collaboration among organizations and public officials working for the protection and management of Pennsylvania’s water resources, both surface and ground water, through grass-roots education and informed policy-making. WREN provides training and grants for local coalition building to promote community awareness and development of public policies necessary to protect Pennsylvania water resources. The WREN Program focuses on two initiatives: Watershed Education to prevent nonpoint source pollution, and Source Water Protection Promotion to raise awareness about the importance of protecting public drinking water sources. Since 1992, LWVPA-CEF has provided over $1.7 million in funding to over 265 community partnerships working to safeguard Pennsylvania water resources.

LWVPA-CEF invites partnerships of local or regional organizations, such as watershed associations, civic groups, community water systems, governmental entities (including municipal authorities), and other public interest organizations to carefully review the WREN Grant Application Guidelines and Application Form and to submit an application to LWVPA CEF. Applications are due by Friday, March 26, 2010. Successful applicants will be notified by May 14, 2009. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for projects to take place July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011.

Full details here.

Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) Grants Program

STATEWIDE SWIF GRANTS: Ohio EPA is pleased to announce a new grants program designed to improve Ohio's rivers, streams and communities in general. Please find a Request for Proposals for the statewide 2010 Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) Grants Program below. This is a potential funding source for projects such as stream restoration, nonpoint source pollution management and innovative storm water management projects.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY SPECIFIC SWIF RFP: Please find a 2010 Request for Proposals for CUYAHOGA COUNTY ONLY Surface Water Improvement Fund Grants below. Conditions placed on a second contribution to the SWIF fund restrict the use of those funds to Cuyahoga County. As a result, this separate RFP has been issued to potentially interested parties within Cuyahoga County.

The Requests for Proposals provide details about grant eligibility and other information that you will need to determine whether a SWIF grant is right for your project.

Click here for full description.

4th Annual Conference of the West Virginina Environmental Education

The 2010 Conference Committee wants everyone to participate! If you’d like to present a session, e-mail a proposal abstract no later than December 31, 2009. Tell us your name, title, affiliation, program name, presenter contact information (mailing address, phone, cell phone, email), and a brief description of what you’d like to present. Abstracts should be 150 words maximum.

Additional information regarding conference facilities, agenda, registration, travel, and local attractions will be available soon on the WVEEA website at www.wveea.org. Presenters are responsible for their conference registration, accommodations at the conference, and travel. Some limited scholarship funding may be available through an application process. Conference registration includes a one year membership to WVEEA.

Environmental Groups in Targeted Regions Supported

ESC provides capacity-building services to environmental justice groups and their allies nationwide, working with them to develop customized assistance plans that will benefit them over the longer term. ESC works with groups to assess their needs, set evaluation benchmarks, and develop a customized assistance plan. This may include small grants for technical assistance from culturally competent local consultants, or for training opportunities.
Service we provide are:

• Short-term intensive training and organizational assistance to help groups individually or in coalition;

• Longer-term assistance over an eight-month to two-year period to groups ready for major organizational breakthroughs.

This support offers maximum flexibility, addressing a wide variety of organizational issues with assistance from ESC-approved consultants and management support providers. Organizations requesting support for technology or fundraising support should see the information for the Technology Resources or Fundraising for Sustainable Organizations programs.
For more details click here.

Technical Assistance and Support for Improved Ground Water Protection

Current Closing Date for Applications: Dec 18, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications from eligible applicants for technical assistance and support that will enhance communication and coordination between EPA and the states to protect ground water. The technical assistance and support are related to activities that will develop and expand the capability of state Underground Injection Control (UIC) programs (Class I-V and proposed Class VI), tribes with UIC primary enforcement authority (primacy), and source water protection (with an emphasis on ground water protection) programs. The successful applicant will provide leadership and support in assisting states and tribes with UIC primacy in highlighting UIC and source water protection issues, prioritizing these issues, and formulating potential strategies for solutions and recommendations to states. The applicant will work with state agency officials who are responsible for implementing ground water protection programs to identify strategies that address solutions. The successful applicant will monitor, coordinate, represent, and advance state environmental interests among states and to EPA. Click here for full description.

2010 FOCUS WV Brownfields Program Application

Foundation for Overcoming Challenges and Utilizing Strengths

The FOCUS West Virginia Brownfields Program provides up to $5,000 plus site redevelopment support to spur the completion of community-based brownfields projects throughout West Virginia.

Eligibility

•Do you have an underutilized or abandoned site in your community with real or perceived environmental barriers to redevelopment?
•Are you a unit of local government or non profit organization?
Examples of Eligible Uses for the Grant:

•Researching property ownership and environmental concerns
•Community workshops to create a vision and facilitate site reuse
•Developing site-specific business plans
•Events to encourage private and public investment

Applications due December 18, 2009

Click here.

Environmental Education Grants -- Solicitation Notice for 2010

This document solicits grant proposals to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. This grant program provides financial support for innovative projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques as described in this notice.

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-EE-10-02
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Oct 29, 2009
Creation Date: Oct 29, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Dec 15, 2009 Please refer to the full announcement, including Section IV, for additional information on submission methods and due dates.
Current Closing Date for Applications: Dec 15, 2009 Please refer to the full announcement, including Section IV, for additional information on submission methods and due dates.
Archive Date: Jan 14, 2010
Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Category of Funding Activity: Environment

Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 95
Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,000,000
Award Ceiling:
Award Floor:
CFDA Number(s): 66.951 -- Environmental Education Grants
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

For more details, click here.

Grants Promote Hiking Trail Projects

The National Trails Fund, sponsored by American Hiking Society, provides funding to grassroots nonprofit organizations throughout the country working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America. The Fund’s grants help give local groups the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools and materials to protect America's public trails. The following types of grants will be considered for the 2010 program: projects that have hikers as the primary constituency; projects that secure trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors and the costs associated with acquiring conservation easements; projects that will result in substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety, or avoidance of environmental damage; and projects that promote the trails constituency. The application deadline is December 15, 2009. Visit the American Hiking Society website to download the grant guidelines and submit an online application.

Details here.

Freshwater Future. Technology and Insight Grants Available!

Deadline: 12/8/09

Freshwater Future’s grants program provides support to activities that strengthen the role of individuals and community groups working to protect and restore shorelines, inland lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Insight Grants:
Assistance from Freshwater Future to build capacity of grassroots organizations, which could include board development, membership expansion, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Technology Grants:
Funding for technology consulting, equipment and/or software.

For more information and to view the Request for Proposals, go to www.freshwaterfuture.org

Need help deciding how to best spend technology dollars and time to meet your goals?
Sign up for a free one-hour webinar on Nov. 18th at 12:00 EST to help you strategically develop your proposal. We will be reviewing web-based tools such as marketing with websites, Internet newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, other social media outlets, blogging, online discussion boards, viral messages and spreading the word, and how to host your own content management website with tips and tactics. Register by November 16th by emailing Cheryl@freshwaterfuture.org.

BROWNFIELDS JOB TRAINING GRANTS

The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (“Brownfields Law”, P.L. 107-118) requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidance to assist applicants in preparing proposals for grants. This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals from eligible entities, including non-profit organizations to deliver environmental job training. Applicants must propose to serve a community that currently receives, or has received, financial assistance from EPA for a brownfields assessment, revolving loan fund, or cleanup grant, a targeted brownfield assessment, and/or site-specific brownfields work carried out under a state or tribal response program.

Proposals sent through the U.S. Postal Service or sent via a commercial delivery service must be postmarked by December 1, 2009. Proposals sent via e-mail must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 1, 2009.

Click here for full description.

Support for Environmental Programs in Maryland

The Town Creek Foundation primarily provides grants to nonprofit organizations that work to promote ecological sustainability in Maryland. The Foundation focuses on statewide environmental advocacy and programs that encourage ecologically sustainable policies and practices on the Eastern Shore, with emphasis on organizations helping to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, the Foundation supports a limited number of organizations nationally that are working to reduce the pressure on forests from the paper products industry, with emphasis on the Southern Appalachian region. The Foundation reviews letters of inquiry twice each year; the upcoming deadline is November 20, 2009. Online letter of inquiry guidelines are available on the Foundation’s website.

Children, Youth and Families At Risk Sustainable Community Projects

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) requests applications for the Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Community Projects (SCP) for fiscal year (FY) 2010 to marshal resources of the Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension Systems so that, in collaboration with other organizations, they can develop and deliver educational programs that equip youth who are at risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, contributing lives. The amount available for support of new projects funded under this solicitation in FY 2010 is approximately $800,000. More information here.

Brownfields and Land Revitalization Grants

Cleanup Grants

Cleanup grants provide funding for a grant recipient to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. An eligible entity may apply for up to $200,000 per site. Due to budget limitations, no entity should apply for funding cleanup activities at more than five sites. These funds may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Cleanup grants require a 20 percent cost share, which may be in the form of a contribution of money, labor, material, or services, and must be for eligible and allowable costs (the match must equal 20 percent of the amount of funding provided by EPA and cannot include administrative costs). A cleanup grant applicant may request a waiver of the 20 percent cost share requirement based on hardship. An applicant must own the site for which it is requesting funding at time of application or demonstrate the ability to acquire title. The performance period for these grants is two years.

National Service Agency Announces 2010 AmeriCorps Grant Opportunity

Up to $363 Million May Be Available

The Corporation for National and Community Service has released the funding notice for its 2010 AmeriCorps grant competition, taking a key first step to implement the new direction for AmeriCorps envisioned by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

The total funding available for these grants will be set by Congress through the appropriations process now underway. If the President’s fiscal year 2010 budget request is fully funded, the agency anticipates approximately $363 million to be available for new, recompeting, and continuation grants in all of the AmeriCorps State and National grant categories. Applications to the Corporation are due January 26, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and successful applicants will be notified in early June 2010.

Priority will be given to applicants that address compelling unmet needs in these areas:
Education
Healthy Futures
Clean Energy/Environment
Veterans
Economic Opportunity

Coldwater Conservation Grants Program

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP)

Coldwater Conservation Plans are useful in building local awareness and support for the long-term stewardship of coldwater streams and their surrounding watersheds. The plans are meant to identify potential problems and opportunities for stream conservation, and may often also lead to more detailed watershed studies or projects, ultimately improving the health of coldwater ecosystems. Grants of approximately $6,000 will be awarded for the creation of a Coldwater Conservation plan that will ultimately conserve and protect the coldwater streams of Pennsylvania. Applications will be accepted through December 18, 2009 via mail or electronically.

This grant is meant to:
-Gather existing data about the coldwater ecosystem;

-Identify potential impacts, threats, problems and opportunities to our coldwater streams;

-Formulate a plan of action for proposed conservation and protection strategies; and

-Build community awareness and support for the conservation of our coldwater streams.

Funds for Community-Based Organizations in Maryland and Pennsylvania

Baltimore Life Companies Grants Program
The Baltimore Life Companies Grants Program supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations that benefit the communities in Maryland and Pennsylvania where the company has offices. Special consideration is given to projects that assist distressed families, enhance public safety and the community, and combat community deterioration. In addition, grants may be awarded to organizations affiliated with governmental agencies, such as public libraries, senior centers, homeless shelters, or other organizations under the direction of governmental agencies. This program, which provides grants of $500, funds ambitious, community-based organizations for which smaller-scale philanthropic support has a significant impact. Requests must be submitted by October 19, 2009 to local Baltimore Life agencies. Application guidelines and forms are available on the Baltimore Life website.

Freshwater Future Fall 2009 Grants Available

Helping You Protect the Great Lakes
Freshwater Future Fall 2009 Grants Available

Our lakes, rivers, wetlands and Great Lakes have never needed citizen and community involvement more. Fortunately, more and more citizens are getting involved to help protect and restore the waters in their community, watch-dog the enforcement of environmental laws, and create change through civic engagement. Realizing the importance of grassroots involvement, Freshwater Future provides financial assistance through our grants program to grassroots projects working to protect inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Organizations must be a member of Freshwater Future to be eligible for our grants program.

NEW!!!! Insight Services Grants: Growing Success
This program is a competitive program to receive financial assistance for Freshwater Future’s professional organizational development and technical assistance. The Insight Services Grants: Growing Success Program provides grant awards be used for assistance from Freshwater Future to build capacity of grassroots organizations, which could include training, board development, membership expansion, fundraising, and strategic planning. Grant funds will be used for Freshwater Future staff time to provide professional assistance to your project or organization, no monetary award will be made to your organization. A 25% match by your organization is required for this program.

Our priority funding areas include:
• Program and Technical Assistance Grants Priority Funding Areas Include:
• Projects to protect and restore wetlands
• Restoration activities
• Land use planning and zoning
• Development, implementation and enforcement of local, state, provincial and federal habitat protection regulations.

• NEW--Insight Grants Funding Areas Include:
• Financial management
• Board Development
• Fundraising planning
• Membership tracking


Deadline: September 30, 2009. Go to www.freshwaterfuture.org/grants for more information and to apply.

GrantStation Special for Nonprofits

Special Offer for Nonprofits throughout the U.S.

A GrantStation membership provides access via the Internet to a comprehensive set of grant research tools that link nonprofits to current sources of grant money and teach organizations how to secure available funding. You do not need to download or install special software to use these tools.

Each GrantStation membership lasts one year and gives organizations access to national, regional, and local grantmakers — both private and government. You will also receive the GrantStation Insider, a weekly email bulletin with the latest information on new funding programs, upcoming deadlines, conferences, and more.

GrantStation and TechSoup are pleased to present a special offer to the nonprofit community beginning September 16 at 8 a.m. Pacific Time and ending September 17 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. During this limited-time offer, specially discounted GrantStation Memberships will be available to eligible nonprofits for only $99. Learn more about this special offer.

Webinar Recordings Focus on Using Recovery Act Funds to Train Green Workers

NALGEP
nalgep@spiegelmcd.com
09/04/09

On June 24, 2009, the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration released five solicitations for grant application (SGAs) totaling $500 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for worker training and placement in green industries and sectors.

The New York State Department of Labor recently hosted two webinars that presented an overview of these funding opportunities and detailed the grant application requirements. The webinars focused in particular on two of the SGAs: the Energy Training Partnership and Pathways Out of Poverty.

-The Energy Training Partnership webinar discussed this $100 million funding opportunity to provide training and placement services in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
-The Pathways Out of Poverty webinar described this $150 million funding opportunity to create pathways out of poverty and into employment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other green industries.

Both webinars were recorded and are available now for viewing by the public. In order to access these webinars, please visit: https://nysdol.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=nysdol.

Once on the site, click "Recorded Sessions" in the left-hand navigation bar. After you have selected the webinar you are interested in viewing from the list, you will be asked to enter the recording password, which is dews2009.
These two webinars will be available online until mid October. After that time, please contact WDTD Employment at WorkforceSolutions@labor.state.ny.us to request a copy of a recorded webinar.

If you have questions, please contact Lisa Furner at Lisa.Furner@labor.state.ny.us.

US EPA/NCER Grant Announcements Update

Open Date: 08/27/2009 - Close Date: 01/04/2010

Summary: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the P3 Award Program, is seeking applications proposing to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving the overall sustainability of human society. The P3 competition highlights the use of scientific principles in creating innovative projects focused on sustainability. The P3 Awards program was developed to foster progress toward sustainability by achieving the mutual goals of economic prosperity, protection of the planet, and improved quality of life for its people-- people, prosperity, and the planet – the three pillars of sustainability. The EPA offers the P3 competition in order to respond to the technical needs of the world while moving towards the goal of sustainability.

Applicable Category(s): Grant/Fellowship Announcements

URL: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2010/2010_p3.html

FY 2010 EPA Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants

These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Opportunities for funding are as follows: Brownfields Assessment Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; coalitions are funded up to $1,000,000 over three years), Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants (each funded up to $1,000,000 over five years) and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years). The proposal deadline is October 16, 2009. Proposal guidelines are available at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm

EPA Announces Brownfields RLF and Environmental Job Training Grants

Communities in 55 state or local governments will receive $55 million in supplemental funding for brownfields RLF grants to help communities carry out cleanup activities, redevelopment projects, and create jobs for local residents living near brownfields sites. The grants include $42 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009, and $13 million from the EPA brownfields general program funding. Fourteen communities in eight states will share $6.8 million in Brownfields Job Training Grants geared toward cleaning up contaminated properties and turning them into productive community assets. These grants are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The U.S. EPA, under its Brownfields Program, is awarding grants of up to $500,000 each to eligible governmental entities and non-profit organizations. For more information, see http://epa.gov/brownfields/eparecovery/index.htm#supp.

Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Program

Department of Commerce: Economic Development Assistance Program

This program provides funding that will promote economic development efforts to enhance the competitiveness in regions experiencing substantial and persistent economic distress, resulting in increased private investment and higher-skill, higher-wage jobs.

Funds Target Sustainability and Justice Issues

Threshold Foundation

The Threshold Foundation works to mobilize money, people, and power to create a more just, joyful, and sustainable world. For the 2009-2010 funding cycle, the Foundation will provide grants to nonprofit organizations through the following two grantmaking committees: The Sustainable Planet Committee will focus on community-based solutions for a sustainable world, local solutions for threatened biodiversity ecosystems worldwide, and climate change efforts to accelerate reduction of carbon emissions through carbon taxes or auctioned cap and trade policies within the United States. The Justice and Democracy Committee will focus on criminal justice reform efforts to address policies that negatively impact youth, drug policy reform to end drug laws that criminalize youth of color and to remove barriers to education for incarcerated youth, and models of building electoral power in historically underrepresented U.S. constituencies. Online letters of inquiry must be submitted by September 25, 2009. Detailed application guidelines are available on the Foundation's website.

Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest Region Fish Passage Program

Project proposals are due on or before November 6, 2009. Funds provided under this RFP may only be used for in-the-water activities, including engineering costs. There are approximately 15,300 dams over 6 feet high and hundreds of thousands of other smaller barriers to fish passage, such as perched culverts and road crossings, in our Region. Many of these barriers have a negative impact on fish and other native aquatic organisms, such as crayfish, freshwater mussels, and insects. Removing these barriers will enhance biodiversity and help restore healthy populations of aquatic species.

Small dam removals, perched culvert renovations, low water crossing improvements, rock ramp installations, stream grade control structure modifications, barrier inventories, and evaluation monitoring activities are eligible for funding. If your staff is interested in submitting a project proposal, please follow the attached guidance. Full proposals are due to Aaron_Woldt@fws.gov on or before COB November 6, 2009. Staff from partner agencies and Service staff from non-Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices (FWCO) interested in submitting a proposal must contact the appropriate FWCO to coordinate your proposal and to develop a Fisheries Operations Needs System (FONS) submission for your project. The geographic areas of responsibility and the primary points of contact for each FWCO are attached.
Thank you for your interest in the Midwest Region Fish Passage Program. Removing barriers and reconnecting rivers and streams is one of the most important things we can do to restore habitat for fish and other aquatic species.

If you have general questions about the Fish Passage Program or the proposal submission process, please contact:
Mr. Aaron Woldt, Fisheries Program Supervisor, at 612-713-5110. More information about the Region 3 Fish Passage Program can also be found at:
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/publications/r3-fishpassageprgm7-31-07.pdf.

Grant Opportunity: Healthy Watersheds through Healthy Forests

There's a grant opportunity from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities called Healthy Watersheds through Healthy Forests. The goal is to link water consumers with water producers in a long-term mutually beneficial relationship - in short to "monetize water as an ecosystem service." Two or three grants will be given in the eastern U.S. in private-ownership dominated forested watersheds that serve as drinking water sources.

Downstream Strategies is interested in working with a local water utility and other partners to develop a proposal and to implement a project, should we find a watershed that fits the program. The ideal watershed would be largely forested, mostly in private ownership, and a source water area for a water utility.

See http://www.usendowment.org/pendingrfps.html for more information.

If you are interested in discussing a potential collaboration, or if you could suggest a water utility or watershed that seems like a good fit, please contact Evan:

Evan Hansen, President
Downstream Strategies
219 Wall Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.292.2450
www.downstreamstrategies.com

PA DEP ANNOUNCES APPLICATION PERIOD FOR FEDERAL COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT GRANTS

Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger today announced that DEP’s Water Planning Office will begin accepting applications for federal fiscal year 2010 coastal zone grants. The grants are funded by the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), and will finance projects within the Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie coastal zones that support the program’s mission to protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s coastal resources. Applications must be received by Oct. 23. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, (e.g. be a political subdivision, an authority, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization or an educational institution). DEP and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have launched an electronic grant application system - Environmental eGrants - which standardizes the application process and provides an environmentally friendly way to submit a grant application through a secure Internet connection.

All applications for coastal zone management program grants must be submitted electronically through the eGrants system at: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grants. The Environmental eGrants program will guide users through the process of completing the electronic grant application.

Public information sessions on the new electronic grants system will be held in both coastal zones. The first session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. in Room 108 of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie. The second session will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Betsy Ross Room 6069 at the Philadelphia State Office Building, 801 Market St., Philadelphia. To submit an application or to obtain more information concerning coastal zone grants, visit DEP’s website at www.dep.state.pa.us, keyword: “Coastal Zone,” or contact DEP’s Water Planning Office, Second Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063, phone (717) 772-4785.

Department of the Interior: Endangered Species - Candidate Conservation Implementation

This program provides funding to prevent the need to list candidate species and for projects that benefit at-risk species that are potential candidates, with emphasis on those actions that address threats identified in candidate assessments.
More here.

The Conservation Alliance Supports Wilderness Protection Programs

The Conservation Alliance is a group of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots citizen-action groups and their efforts to protect wild and natural areas in North America where outdoor enthusiasts spend their time. Funded programs should focus primarily on direct action to protect specific threatened wild places and waterways. The Alliance is not looking for mainstream education or scientific research projects, but rather for active campaigns. Before applying for funding, an organization must first be nominated by one of the Alliance's member companies. The upcoming nomination deadline for grants of up to $35,000 is November 1, 2009. The Alliance will send each nominated organization a request for proposal (RFP) including instructions on submitting a full request, which is due December 10, 2009. To review the grant criteria, visit the Conservation Alliance website.

RFP Release ~ Calling for Balanced Growth Watershed Planning Projects (OH)

A joint Request for Proposals (RFP) has been released by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and the Ohio Water Resources Council calling for projects to develop Balanced Growth Watershed Plans in Ohio. Groups who will have an interest in developing projects will be watershed planning partnerships which are locally determined organizations that could include local government representatives, planning agencies, councils of governments, special purpose authorities, and/or non-governmental organizations. Awards of up to $100,000 each will be made for up to 8 projects across Ohio to take part in the two year planning process. The RFP can be accessed in PDF format at http://balancedgrowth.ohio.gov with application deadline of October 16, 2009. All applications from any watershed in the state are to be submitted to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission Office at One Maritime Plaza, 4th Floor, Toledo, OH 43604. Selection of watershed projects in the Ohio River Basin will be made by the Ohio Water Resources Council and in the Lake Erie Basin by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.

A briefing session on the RFP will be held September 1, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in Columbus, OH. (Address: Fountain Square, 2045 Morse Road, Building E - Assembly Center East.) For any additional questions on the RFP or the Balanced Growth Program, please contact the Commission Office at 419-245-2514.

Chesapeak Bay Watershed Education & Training Program RFP

The 2010 Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program Request for Proposals for the Chesapeake Bay watershed was published in the Federal Register on July 17th, 2009, marking the beginning of the ninth grant cycle for this popular program.

B-WET Chesapeake provides hands-on environmental education to students and teachers to foster stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Projects support the stewardship and meaningful watershed educational experiences goals of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement by: (1) providing meaningful bay or stream outdoor experiences to students in the Chesapeake Bay watershed OR training teachers to provide these experiences for their students, (2) combining meaningful bay or stream outdoor experiences and teacher training (exemplary programs), (3) providing meaningful bay or stream outdoor experiences by incorporating the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System, or (4) providing products and/or services that support meaningful bay or stream outdoor experiences and/or teacher training.

Final Proposals must be received by 5pm on Friday, October 16, 2009

For more information and detailed application instructions, please visit the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office Education website at http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/educationmain.aspx


Grant program officers are also available to answer questions.
Depending on your part of the watershed, please contact:

Shannon Sprague, Program Manager: Pennsylvania/New York
*Shannon.Sprague@noaa.gov*
Ann Marie Chapman: Virginia/West Virginia *AnnMarie.Chapman@noaa.gov*
Doug Levin: Maryland/Delaware *Doug.Levin@noaa.gov*
Kevin Schabow: Baltimore/Washington, DC *Kevin.Schabow@noaa.gov*

EPA Fellowships for Graduate Environmental Study

Read the full RFP at http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2009/2009_star_gradfellow.html

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is offering Graduate Fellowships for master’s and doctoral level students in environmental fields of study. The deadline is October 22, 2009 at 4:00 PM for receipt of paper applications, and October 22, 2009 at 11:59:59 PM ET for submittal of electronic applications to Grants.gov. Subject to availability of funding, the Agency plans to award approximately 120 new fellowships by June 30, 2010. Master's level students may receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students may be supported for a maximum of three years, usable over a period of four years. The fellowship program provides up to $37,000 per year of support per fellowship.

Applications are welcomed from students studying any academic discipline to the extent that the particular topic of research is related to EPA’s mission. This includes students studying in ecology, economics, engineering, modeling, the health sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, exposure sciences, social sciences, informational sciences, mathematical and computer sciences, and environmental sciences.

The mission of the EPA STAR Fellowships Program is to help ensure that the U.S. meets its current and projected human resource needs in the environmental science, engineering, and policy fields. Thus the EPA is looking to fund students at the graduate level who are committed to meeting the challenges of today and the next generation by pursuing a career related to protecting human health and the environment. Proposals may come from students in traditional and interdisciplinary academic disciplines; from students studying in emerging fields that will require increased human capacity such as in the exposure sciences; from students utilizing multidisciplinary approaches and/or addressing multiple media; and, in areas which focus on environmental justice, environmental education, community-based participation, and/or environmental decision-making.

Great Lakes Stewardship Grants

Sustain Our Great Lakes is currently offering funding through its Community Grants Program and Stewardship Grants Program. These programs support habitat restoration, protection and enhancement projects, invasive species control, water quality improvements, and watershed planning and management within the Great Lakes basin. The Requests For Proposals are now available at www.sustainourgreatlakes.org (Click on Apply). Please consider submitting an application by the October deadlines.

Department of the Interior: Recovery Act-Coastal

This program addresses high priority wetland, upland, or riparian habitats in selected geographic areas. Projects must provide direct benefits to Federal Trust species (i.e., migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, inter-jurisdictional fish, certain marine mammals, and species of international concern). More information here.

Grants for Environmentally Friendly Projects

Nickelodeon's Big Green Grants Program
Nickelodeon's Big Green Grants Program provides support to schools and community-based organizations throughout the U.S. for environmentally friendly projects. Green Grants of $2,500 and $5,000 encourage projects that inspire kids to take care of the environment, be active and live healthier, and engage in community service. Applicants must participate in Worldwide Day of Play (September 26, 2009) or host a Big Green Help environmental project. Public and private elementary and middle schools as well as nonprofit community-based after-school organizations are eligible to apply. Applications from urban and rural/suburban areas as well as small and large community-based organizations serving all ethnicities are encouraged to apply. Requests must be submitted by December 31, 2009. Visit the program's website for application guidelines and forms.

WREN Opportunity Grants (PA)

WREN has Opportunity Grants available, small grants to community groups to carry out local watershed education projects. Projects must be completed by September 30. Maximum funding per project is $300. Learn more here.

REAP Applications Due (PA)

The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 year. REAP allows farmers and businesses to earn tax credits in exchange for "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) on agricultural operations that will enhance farm production and protect natural resources. Program guidelines and application forms are available at the REAP website.

FY2010 Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants

The FY2010 Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants have been posted to the brownfields website at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm

The proposal deadline is October 16, 2009.

These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum).

Opportunities for funding are as follows (See Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 66.818):

Brownfields Assessment Grants: (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; $1,000,000 for Assessment Coalitions) provide funding to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning (including cleanup planning) and community involvement related to brownfield sites;

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants: (each funded up to $1,000,000 over five years) provide funding to capitalize a revolving fund and to make loans and provide subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites;

Brownfields Cleanup Grants: (each funded up to $200,000 over three years) provide funding for a grant recipient to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites that are owned by the grant recipient.

Please note there are two significant changes to the Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants in FY2010:
(1) Applicants applying for a cleanup grant must own the site that is the subject of their proposal at time of proposal submission;

(2) Applicants who are currently recipients of a Brownfields RLF cooperative agreement, whether awarded under CERCLA 104(k) or CERCLA 104(d) are ineligible to apply in the FY2010 competition. If you are an existing RLF cooperative agreement recipient you may be eligible to apply for RLF supplemental funding in early 2010.

EPA encourages applicants to read the guidelines carefully before applying.

PA: FEDERAL TAX REFUND APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania businesses pursuing renewable energy projects that qualify for federal tax credits are encouraged to apply for a direct refund from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Treasury announced the plan to support the development of approximately 5,000 renewable energy production facilities. Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger told Pennsylvania businesses that the program will supply immediate cash payments in lieu of future tax credits. “Companies want to develop renewable energy projects, but may lack the necessary funding. The cash payments will make funds available that can be used immediately to invest in such projects, which will create jobs and help stabilize and grow Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Secretary Hanger. “Pennsylvania has a number of programs designed to encourage and assist green energy production, including a tax credit program for renewable energy production. The federal program is yet another tool that can be used as a potential source of capital that can help move stalled projects forward and drive us down the road toward energy independence.” As much as $3 billion in funding for the immediate federal tax credit program is being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A company that creates and places in service a renewable energy facility beginning Jan. 1, 2009 can receive an immediate cash payment to cover a portion of the project’s cost. Previously a company would receive a tax credit. This new program would generate an immediate cash payment to cover the eligible costs in lieu of future tax credits. Companies interested in applying for the federal refund program can visit https://treas1603.nrel.gov/. To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

Department of the Interior: Recovery Act - Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

This program provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and managing fish and wildlife habitats on their own lands.

More info here.

National Science Foundation: Environmental Sustainability

This program provides funding for engineering research that supports human well-being and that is also compatible with sustaining natural (environmental) systems.

Grants will be given in four areas, including:

Ecological Engineering topics should focus on the engineering aspects of restoring ecological function to natural systems. Engineering research in enhancement of natural capital to foster sustainable development is encouraged. Many communities are involved in stream restoration, revitalization of urban rivers, and rehabilitation of wetlands that require engineering input. What is the fundamental engineering knowledge that is necessary for ecological engineering to function sustainability?

More info here.

EPA Provides Money for Clean Water, Drinking Water Projects

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides significant funding for states to finance high priority infrastructure projects needed to ensure clean water and safe drinking water. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, received $4 billion, including funds for Water Quality Management Planning Grants. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program received $2 billion. EPA is making Recovery Act grants to states and Puerto Rico to capitalize their State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, from which assistance is provided to finance eligible high priority water infrastructure projects. The states will set priorities based on public health and environmental factors, in addition to readiness to proceed to construction, and identify which projects will receive funding. States must provide at least 20% of their grants for green projects, including green infrastructure, energy or water efficiency, and environmentally innovative activities. Last week, EPA and the Department of Health and Human Service's announced $90 million in Recovery Act funds for improved access to vital drinking water and wastewater services in the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The funds will be invested in 'shovel ready' infrastructure projects designed to better protect human and environmental health in Indian Country and to create jobs. For more information, click here, http://www.epa.gov/water/eparecovery/

Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) focuses its efforts on the empowerment of economically poor and disadvantaged people seeking to change the structures that perpetuate their condition. SDOP currently supports groups in the United States who are oppressed by poverty and social systems and want to take charge of their own lives. Funded projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the groups of people who will directly benefit from them and must address long-term corrections of the conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the SDOP website to review the funding guidelines and download the application form.

More info here.

USDA: Rural Community Development Initiative

This program assists intermediaries in providing a program of financial and technical assistance to a nonprofit, community-based housing and development organization, a low-income rural community, or a federally recognized tribe (the recipient) that will develop the capacity and ability of the recipient to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development in rural areas.

More info here.

Grants Enhance Company Communities

NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life in company communities through community partnerships with nonprofit organizations in Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Grants are provided in the following categories: Community Vitality and Development, Environmental and Energy Sustainability, Learning and Science Education, and Public Safety and Human Services. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $50,000. For the upcoming grant cycle, applications must be received by September 1, 2009. Visit the company's website to download the Foundation's application form here.

Support for National Wildlife Refuge Allies

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program

The National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program, an initiative of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports creative projects that help organizations to be effective co-stewards of our nation's important natural resources within the Refuge System. This program provides competitive grants of $1,500 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations or organizations that have applied for nonprofit status, including Refuge Friends organizations, Audubon Chapters, and other citizen support organizations interested in assisting a Wildlife Refuge. Start-up grants, capacity building grants, and project specific grants are available. The next application deadline is September 4, 2009. Visit the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website to review the Request for Proposals and submit an online application.

More info here.

WREN Opportunity Grants

WREN has Opportunity Grants available, small grants to community groups to carry out local watershed education projects. Projects must be completed by September 30. Maximum funding per project is $300.
Learn more at wren.palwv.org/grants

Grantsmanship Training Program

The Grantsmanship Center's signature Grantsmanship Training Program
is coming to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 17-21, 2009.

The program will be hosted by the
Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University.

The Grantsmanship Training Program is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop that covers the complete grant development process, from researching funding sources to writing and reviewing grant proposals. More than 110,000 nonprofit and government personnel have attended this fast-paced, five-day workshop, which is followed with a full year of membership support services.

During the workshop, participants learn The Grantsmanship Center's proposal-writing format, the most widely used in the world. In addition to practicing advanced techniques for pursuing government, foundation, and corporate grants, participants work in small teams to develop and then review real grant proposals.

Participants exit the class equipped with new skills, new professional connections, and follow-up services for one year, including professional proposal review, access to The Grantsmanship Center's exclusive online funding databases, and an array of other benefits. Many also leave with proposals that are ready to polish and submit.

Tuition for the Grantsmanship Training Program is $895 ($845 for each additional registrant from the same organization).

To register online or to learn about scholarship opportunities for qualifying organizations, click here. Or call The Grantsmanship Center's Registrar at (800) 421-9512 (outside California); (213) 482-9860 (within California).