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Step 4 - Select Priority Funding Opportunities

Identifying “best fit” funding options for nature-based storm resilience solutions can be challenging. Use the guidance and resource below to narrow down the available options to find grants and loans most aligned with your community’s priority project goals and needs.

Select Priority Funding Opportunities

The fourth step is identifying funding and financing opportunities that align with your project needs, goals, and priority benefits. The below database includes 50+ available grants, but is designed to help you find the best funding opportunities to match your selected priority project as well as the contact information needed to establish relationships with the program administrators.

To narrow down the list, first, identify your applicant type. This could be “State Governments,” “Local Governments,” “Tribal Governments,” and “Other.” Next, select the project driver that best identifies the key factor that motivated you to begin the selected priority project. The project driver filter options are “Conservation & Restoration,” “Flooding,” “Infrastructure Resilience,” “Recreation,” and “Stormwater.”

From there, you can select your key project goal. The project goal filter options are “Coastal Resilience,” “Economic Development,” “Water Quality Development,” and “Wildlife Habitat & Biodiversity.” The project goals often reflect your community needs.

Finally, select the state where your project will be located. From the dropdown menu, you can select “Michigan,” “Wisconsin,” or “All” for a project that will bridge across both states.

Once you’ve found your priority fund options, use the “Print This” or “Email This” buttons to save your selections.

Start exploring!

Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes StatesGrant


Max. Grant Award: $800,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support implementation of Great Lakes State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (State AIS Plans). All state grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes states or their designee are eligible. Funding is provided to support implementation of State AIS Plans which helps states in preventing introduction and spread of AIS on state and surrounding lands.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include projects that:

  • Demonstrate interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration
  • Have major component(s) that substantially involve other state(s) or large entities/organizations, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient what is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) address vectors for AIS infiltration (i.e., prevention) into the Great Lakes
  • Substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve early detection efforts in key areas in the Great Lakes
  • Substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve rapid response efforts in the Great Lakes
  • Substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve containment efforts
  • Substantially (in scope or scale) reduce the abundance of established AIS (i.e., in the water actions to eliminate an AIS that IS widely established in the Great Lakes, from a new location) in the Great Lakes
  • Promote long-term societal, economic, and environmental sustainability goals

For a complete list of grant priorities and review criteria, please refer to the grant full announcement.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Proposed work must either be within the Great Lakes Basin or near enough to the basin that it contributes substantially to the prevention and/or control of AIS in the Great Lakes Basin. Activities such as outreach, boat ramp inspections, and/or law enforcement are often done outside the basin but make substantial contributions when work is done in areas where people are likely to transit (and thereby potentially transfer AIS) into the Great Lakes Basin. Early detection, rapid response, and/or control efforts outside the basin must address:

  • Species with a substantial potential for interbasin transfer (e.g., hydrilla in a waterbody near the Great Lakes Basin that receives heavy boat use).
  • Species of significant concern to the Great Lakes community within a Great Lakes state.
  • Activities where the primary motivation is to prevent transfer of AIS into the Great Lakes Basin.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

Matching Requirements

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required to be eligible for this grant opportunity. However, cost sharing is considered in one of the grant review criteria listed under the Application Review Information section later in this grant opportunity document. With respect to that criterion, all non-federal types of cost share are eligible, e.g., in-kind contributions.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Examples of eligible activities include:

  • outreach
  • boat inspections
  • law enforcement
  • early detection
  • rapid response
  • control efforts

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Projects should be completed within 2 years, although projects may be completed in up to 4 years with strong justification. Please contact grant administrator using the “Contact Information” section below to discuss if your project is anticipated to extend beyond 2 years.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Application Deadline

All pre-proposals, including the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative, must be received no later than 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on March 31, 2024. Pre-proposals are acceptable application submissions for the project ranking phase and must contain the information described in the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative below. Pre-proposals will be ranked to determine funding levels for each at which time applicants will be contacted via email and required to submit full proposals described below. Pre-proposals should be submitted via email.

Once funding levels are established, applicants will be notified of approved funding amounts via email and must then submit each of the application materials listed below via GrantSolutions. All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For programmatic technical assistance, please contact:
Nathan Evans, Fish and Wildlife Service
Phone: (612) 286-4212

For program administration assistance, please contact:
Mallory Mackey, Fish and Wildlife Service
Phone: (612) 713-5106

For help regarding Grants.gov, please contact:
Customer support
Phone: (800) 518-4726

For help regarding GrantSolutions, please contact:
Customer Support
Phone: (866) 577-0771

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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration CompetitionGrant


Max. Grant Award: $6,000,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The FY24 BIL Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Competition will award grants to eligible state and territory Coastal Zone Management Programs (CZM Programs) for coastal habitat restoration; coastal habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design; and coastal land conservation projects that support the goals and intent of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law).

This grant program seeks projects that enhance coastal resilience. Strengthening coastal resilience means preparing and adapting coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of and more quickly recover after extreme events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, flooding, and sea level rise. Habitat restoration and natural and nature-based infrastructure and solutions are critical to doing so by protecting lives and property; sustaining commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing; recovering threatened and endangered species; and maintaining and fostering vibrant coastal economies and lifestyles.

Total anticipated funding for this Federal award announcement is approximately $44.6 million, subject to availability of funding and final administrative funding allocations.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

The NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) will prioritize:

  • Projects that are “shovel ready” or reasonably advanced in the acquisition due diligence process
  • Habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design projects that will create a pipeline of future projects
  • Proposals that include on-the-ground implementation over those that include only pre-implementation activities
  • Projects that include the principles of equity and inclusion in their proposals and performance of work
  • Projects with benefits to tribal, indigenous, and/or underserved communities
  • Projects that appropriately consider and elevate local or indigenous knowledge in project design, implementation, and evaluation
  • Projects that advance the Justice40 Initiative. Established by Executive Order 14008 on “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” it set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments in climate, clean energy, and other areas will flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment
  • Projects that increase the geographic distribution of funds across coastal states
  • The broadening of the participation of Minority Service Institutions, including historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and Asian American and Pacific Islander serving institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages applicants to include partners and contributors from any of the above groups or institutions.

To further explore this grant’s program priorities, please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Projects must be located on publicly-owned land, or land where a public entity holds a lease or easement that provides for adequate public control of the property
  • Project applications should include a letter of support from the public entity who holds title or a legal interest on the project site
  • Non-governmental organizations may not serve as the lead applicant for land conservation projects, as they are not eligible to hold title to lands acquired with these funds.
  • Letters of Intent must be submitted by a CZM Program and each Program may submit no more than three proposals (letters of intent) for this competition.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

Matching Requirements

There is no non-Federal matching requirement for this funding.

However, applicants are strongly encouraged to combine NOAA Federal funding with formal non-federal matching contributions or informal leveraged funds from a broad range of sources in the public and private sectors to demonstrate stakeholder support, partnership, and collaboration for the proposed work. Such cost sharing is an element considered in the evaluation criteria.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Eligible projects include:

  • habitat restoration projects
  • habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design projects
  • land conservation projects
  • a combination of categories.

Generally, allowable costs include salaries, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, and training, as long as the costs are determined to be necessary, reasonable, and allocable to the award.

Ineligible projects include:

  • activities that constitute legally required mitigation for the adverse effects of an activity regulated or otherwise governed by state or Federal law;
  • activities that constitute mitigation for natural resource damages under Federal or state law
  • activities that are required by a separate consent decree, court order, statute or regulation.

See also Section III.C. of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional ineligible projects and costs.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Projects are expected to be scoped in a manner that would allow them to be completed within 3 years of the start date of the award. NOAA may extend an award for a total performance period of up to 5 years if circumstances warrant, such as unforeseen circumstances that prevent the project from being completed within the original period of performance.

It is anticipated that projects funded under this announcement will have an award start date of August, 1, 2025. Applicants may submit proposals with a project period of 12 to 36 months, or, for habitat restoration projects only, applicants may request a project period of up to 48 months to allow for at least one year of post-restoration monitoring.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Application Deadline

Letters of Intent (LOIs) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 15, 2024. If invited to submit a full proposal, applications must be received by and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern time on January 9, 2025.

The standard SF-424 application package is available online. If this is not feasible, application packages may be requested from the Office for Coastal Management via email.

All applicants must be registered in SAM before submitting its application and provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For questions or inquiries, please email:
The Office for Coastal Management

 

 

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Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant ProgramGrant


Max. Grant Award: $60,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds, and the species and habitats they support.

This grant is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, FedEx, Southern Company and Arconic Foundation.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include:

  • Projects that increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities, particularly underserved communities, in project planning, outreach and implementation
  • Applicants who represent a mixture of urban and rural communities
  • Projects that advance an existing conservation plan or strategy

In addition, proposals should address at least one bullet under each of the five following bolded priorities:

  • On-the-Ground Restoration: Projects must restore and/or create wetlands, coastal or riparian areas
  • Environmental Outreach, Education & Training: Projects must integrate meaningful outreach, education and/or training into the proposed on-the-ground activities that advance local watershed and conservation goal
  • Community Partnerships: Projects must involve five or more partners (public and private entities) including the applicant
  • Measurable Results: Projects must result in specific, measurable ecological, educational and community benefits
  • Sustainability: Projects must include a plan for maintenance and care of the project beyond the grant period

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Projects selected may be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s).
  • Applicants should budget time and resources to obtain the needed approvals. As may be applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal, state or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

 

Matching Requirements

The ratio of matching contributions offered is considered during the review process, and projects are required to meet or exceed a 1:.75 match ratio to be competitive.

Matching contributions must be non-federal in nature and may include in-kind contributions of staff and volunteer time, work performed, materials and services donated, cash or other tangible contributions to the project objectives and outcomes.

Additionally, partner contributions can serve as matching contributions and grantees for this grant program commonly use a large amount of in-kind matching contributions to reach this threshold by utilizing their community partnerships to generate match. Applicants are highly encouraged to contact NFWF for assistance in determining what qualifies as in-kind or any other matching contribution (see “Contact Information” section below).

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Eligible Costs include:

  • On-the-Ground Restoration
  • Environmental Outreach, Education & Training
  • Community Partnerships
  • Measurable Results in ecological, educational and community benefits
  • Sustainability

Ineligible Costs include:

  • Equipment
  • Political advocacy
  • Fundraising
  • Lobbying
  • Litigation
  • Compliance with legal requirements, e.g., permit conditions, mitigation, and settlement agreements.

For additional details, please click here.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Grants should span 12 to 18 months with a start date in late summer/early fall 2024.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

 

Application Deadline & Forms

All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Easygrants system by January 31, 2024, 11:59pm ET.

A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application and can be downloaded here. Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website’s Applicantion Information page.

Click on the “Contact Information” section below to get in touch with this funding opportunity’s program officers.

Contact Information

For questions on regional programs, please contact:
Sarah Vest, Coordinator, Regional Programs
Phone: (202) 595-2602

For questions on community stewardship, please contact:
Kaitlyn Hill, Program Manager, Community Stewardship
Phone: (202) 595-2436

For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Voicemail: (202) 595-2497
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.
Please include: Your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.

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Forest Restoration (Great Lakes Watershed)Grant


Max. Grant Award: $200,000-$300,000 dependent on Program Area

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The interagency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) targets improvements to address the most significant environmental problems within the Great Lakes Basin. Through an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service anticipates receiving funds to support competitive projects that implement strategic, priority actions within Forest Service authorities to restore, protect, and maintain the Great Lakes ecosystem. Awarding of grants is contingent on allocation of EPA funding.

Successful projects will implement reforestation and other forest restoration activities to address invasive species, nonpoint source pollution impacts on nearshore health, and habitat restoration in coastal and riparian areas, while paying attention to measurable on-the-ground impacts, connections between terrestrial forested landscapes and water quality, resilience to climate change and other ecosystem stressors, and environmental justice.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include:

  • Program Area 1. Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease Impacts

Projects in this category will implement targeted reforestation and forest protection actions to minimize invasive forest insect and disease impacts on watersheds. Successful applications will demonstrate how targeted restoration or protection of canopy cover benefits water quality, watershed processes, and/or priority habitats.

Projects receiving additional emphasis include those that minimize non-native invasive insect and disease impacts where tree damage and mortality pose a particularly high risk to hydrologic function and ecosystem integrity in a watershed or that increase environmental justice through integrated programs for non-native invasive insect and disease resilience, equitable environmental benefits, and improved quality of life for adjacent or downstream communities.

  • Program Area 2. Reduce Runoff Through Green Infrastructure

Projects in this category will capture or treat stormwater runoff by planting trees and other vegetation as an integral component of green infrastructure. Under this program area, tree planting should be the main green infrastructure strategy used for a stormwater mitigation project. Examples of green infrastructure may include:

    • Urban street tree planting
    • Concentrated plantings in parks, nature preserves, or former agricultural land
    • Riparian buffers in developed areas
    • Mixed tree and other vegetation (e.g., prairie) plantings
    • Bioswales/rain gardens

Projects receiving additional emphasis include those that increase capacity, expertise, and engagement in maintaining community trees, particularly in underserved communities.

  • Program Area 3. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats

Projects in this category will protect, restore, and connect high-quality coastal and connecting ecosystems where trees are an important component. Examples of included habitats are coastal wetlands, drowned river mouths, dune and swale habitats, forested coastal buffers, and critical connecting riparian areas. Applications should highlight any geographical, hydrological, biological, or habitat-related connections of project areas to coastal wetlands. Projects focused only on non-native invasive species management as a restoration method and outcome will not be given priority for this program area.

Projects receiving additional emphasis include projects that address climate change impacts and account for future conditions under a changing climate (e.g., using climate-adapted species, identify sites that provide key habitat to mitigate climate change effects, etc.) or that address environmental justice through equitable access to natural areas, cultural resources, environmental benefits, and/or improved quality of life for adjacent or downstream communities.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirements for this funding opportunity include:

  • Projects must lie entirely within the Great Lakes watershed
  • Projects generally must take place on nonfederal lands
  • Ownership of the property where project activities will occur must be clear
  • Applicants proposing projects involving insect and disease prevention, detection surveys, eradication, or suppression are required to develop applications in coordination with U.S. Forest Service and/or state agency forest health specialists
  • Applicants are encouraged to work with their state forestry agency and research how their project fits into the goals and objectives of the state forest action plan
  • Federal applicants are ineligible

To be successful, applications must conform to the authorities of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (as amended), specifically Sections 3. Rural Forestry Assistance; Section 5. Forest Stewardship; Section 8. Forest Health Protection; and Section 9. Urban and Community Forestry Assistance.

For a full list of minimum requirements, please refer to page 7 of the Request for Applications.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

Matching Requirements

Matching funds are not required for this program.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

 

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Planting trees to mitigate adverse insect/disease effects
  • Urban street tree planting
  • Third-party detection surveys, monitoring, evaluations, prevention, and suppression of insect and disease outbreaks on federal land
  • Riparian buffers in developed areas
  • Protecting or restoring forested riparian buffers that provide connectivity and enhance habitat in rural or agricultural areas
  • Supporting or undertaking invasive species outreach and education to increase awareness and prevent spread
  • Increasing environmental justice through integrated programs for non-native invasive insect and disease resilience, equitable environmental benefits, and improved quality of life for adjacent or downstream communities
  • Mixed tree and other vegetation (e.g., prairie) plantings
  • Bioswales/rain gardens
  • Address environmental justice through equitable access to natural areas, cultural resources, environmental benefits, and/or improved quality of life for adjacent or downstream communities

Ineligible costs include:

  • Basic research
  • Construction and capital improvements
  • Projects that only have outreach and education as outcomes
  • Projects that only have surveying or mapping as outcomes
  • Cost share, reimbursement, and other types of payment provided directly to private landowners
  • Projects focused on tree removal

For more complete information, please refer to page 3 of the Request for Applications.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Projects must be completed within two years of the award date. It may take up to six months from project selection for award recipients to receive funds.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

 

 

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. ET on September 18, 2024.

Prior to submitting an application, applications are encouraged to consult with their appropriate state forester, tribal administrator, or forest supervisor to develop and submit the application. Applications must be submitted online through Grants.gov (Grant Opportunity Number USDA-FS-GLRI-FR24). Applicants must obtain a UEI number and SAM registration status.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

 

Contact Information

For the primary contact for this grant, please contact:
Erin Barton, Eastern Region GLRI Coordinator
Phone: (612) 476-5849

For the general program staff, please email:
General Program Staff

For the IL, IN, MI, MN, and WI Field Office Staff, please contact:
Gina Jorgensen, St. Paul Field Office Representative
Phone: (651) 649-5276

For the Program Area 1 Midwest States Staff, please contact:
James Jacobs, USDA Forest Service
Phone: (651) 649-5266

For Grants.gov assistance, please contact:
Customer Support
Phone: (800) 518-4726

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Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant ProgramsGrant


Max. Grant Award: $20,000,000 for Great Lakes Basin-wide applicants; $10,000,000 for region-based applicants

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grants Program (GLEJGPs) is the Great Lakes National Program Office’s (GLNPO’s) major competitive grant funding opportunity for FY-23 to help fulfill EPA’s commitment to Environmental Justice (EJ). The GLEJGPs are being established to make Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds available to underserved communities to promote the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem in or near those communities. Grant awards from this funding opportunity are to be used by potential pass-through entities for issuing and overseeing subawards for environmental restoration projects in historically underserved Great Lakes communities in order to develop and implement a subaward funding program to fund projects in those communities pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan III.

Under this competition, approximately $30,000,000 may be awarded for one to six cooperative agreements over approximately six years. The number of cooperative agreements and total amount awarded is contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received, Agency priorities, and other applicable considerations.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include:

  • Projects in alignment with EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2
  • Projects in alignment with the six priorities identified by the EPA in its Equity Action Plan
  • Projects in underserved communities to promote the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem in or near those communities

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

 

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must provide a written commitment that all Project Subrecipient activities are carried out within underserved communities in the Great Lakes geographic region.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

 

 

 

Matching Requirements

There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement as a condition of eligibility under the Request for Proposals (RFA).

Although cost-sharing/matching is not required as a condition of eligibility under this competition, under Section V of the RFA will take leveraging into account when evaluating proposals.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Projects that protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes
  • Projects that protect the Great Lakes ecosystem health
  • Activities that are mentioned in the GLRI Action Plan III, including habitat restoration, invasive species management, and non-point source runoff reduction.

Ineligible activities include:

  • Scientific research
  • Activities that EPA cannot fund under the above-described statutory authority
  • Applications focused solely on improving access and recreational activities
  • Applications focused solely on workforce development activities
  • Applications focused solely on monitoring activities
  • Applicant activities and subaward activities occurring outside the historic Great Lakes basin except as otherwise agreed on a case-by-case basis between EPA and the selected Principal Recipient(s)
  • Activities related to septic system inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, or installation.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

It is EPA’s expectation that the award, including all subawards, will have a total period of performance of up to six years (January 2024 – January 2030) with incremental funding provided on an annual basis.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

 

 

Application Deadline

Complete application package must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than September 15, 2023, 11:59 PM ET. Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov. Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active SAM.gov registration. Please note that this process can take a month or more for new registrants.

If your organization has no access to the internet or access is very limited, you may request an exception for the remainder of this calendar year at least 15 calendar days before the application due date.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

If you have general and technical questions, please contact the following staff at the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office:
Cara Walsh

Sign up for the Great Lakes News email list to get information about funding opportunities to support Great Lakes environmental work and updates about Great Lakes environmental projects.

 

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Land and Water Conservation FundGrant


Max. Grant Award: No maximum

Project Type: Planning; Construction

Created by Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides grants for projects that protect natural areas, water resources, and the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as projects that provide recreation opportunities.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources administers the state’s LCWF program in partnership with the National Park Service. DNR strongly encourages applicants to contact their regional project manager as early as possible in the planning stages of a project, ideally within three months prior to submitting an application.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

 

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

WDNR’s Grant Program Guidance details LWCF funding priorities including projects that:

  • Are on waterfront properties open to the public and focuses on preserving and enhancing natural wildlife and areas
  • Meet the needs of urban areas
  • Provide recreation opportunities for elderly, minority, disabled, and low-income populations
  • Acquire land in areas with limited outdoor recreation facilities
  • Provide multi-use and multi-season facilities
  • Enhance or preserve natural beauty
  • Are proposed by applicants which have sufficient financial resources to adequately maintain and operate the project
  • Have other priority characteristics specified in law/statute/code or the LWCF Federal Financial Assistance Manual, Vol. 72

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

The following are threshold requirements that must be met to be eligible for this funding opportunity:

  • LWCF projects must be specified in a local adopted and approved Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), or otherwise known as a Parks and Open Space Plan. A CORP must be updated every five years.
  • The project must also be consistent with the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) adopted by the DNR. The SCORP identifies in-county public camp sites and access to nature walks as top needs in the state.
  • Applicants must also have a current signed resolution (within the past 2 years) from the applicant’s governing board approving the project. The resolution must outline the governing board’s commitment of funding to complete the project. A sample resolution meeting these requirements can be found here.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

Matching Requirements

Matching funds must be equal to or greater than the amount of the grant award, i.e., a 50% match.

Grant recipients may charge reasonable user fees (e.g. state park daily entrance or camping fee) to defray operation and maintenance costs. However, any income accruing from the property should be used for purposes that support the original grant contract. Income accruing to an area receiving assistance during the project period from a source other than the intended recreational use must be used to reduce the total costs of the project.

Typically, federal grants cannot be used to provide matching funds for other federal grants. Common allowable sources of matching funds include:

  • Applicant funds, e.g., general funds, fee revenues, etc.
  • Financial donations from private organizations and individuals
  • Municipal labor, equipment, and materials provided by the municipal applicant
  • In-kind donations of labor, services, materials, and equipment from private organizations and individuals

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligible costs.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Pre-engineering costs for development projects
  • Direct costs which are supported by time sheets, vouchers or similar documentation reflecting specific assignment to a project are eligible project costs
  • Equipment rental at rates that not exceed the county machinery rates established annually by the department of transportation
  • Actual fringe benefits paid as part of the direct labor costs claimed
  • Engineering or planning fees necessary to complete eligible items, which may be recovered retroactively

Ineligible costs include:

  • Construction costs incurred prior to the date of the grant award
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Income-generating facilities (e.g. concession buildings)
  • Stand-alone maintenance facilities that do not specifically serve the grant property
  • Facilities developed on property that was acquired via condemnation
  • Donated labor, materials, land, or other activities which do not result in an actual expenditure by the sponsor and indirect costs are not allowable in the claim
  • Buildings primarily devoted to operation and maintenance

An applicant’s eligible and ineligible costs will be further defined during the discussions with the regional program officer (please click on “Contact Information” section below for links).

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Projects that can be completed within 3 years receive priority.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

 

Application Deadline & Forms

Complete grant applications must be submitted electronically to the Regional Project Manager by 11:59pm on May 1. Applications are accepted annually.

The time between submitting a complete application and receiving a grant contract ranges from 6-18 months depending on the details of each project. An application submitted in May 1, 2025, could receive funding sometime between November 1, 2025, and November 1, 2026.

The application form for the LCWF program is available on DNR’s website here and instructions here. To apply for a LCWF grant, applicants will need a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number that can be obtained by going to SAM.gov.

Click on the next section for contact information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Pam Rood, Financial Assistance, Division of Internal Services, Facilities and Land
Phone: (608) 333-3718

Wisconsin Northeast Regional Contact:
Jessica Terrien, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (920) 461-2680

Wisconsin Northern Regional Contact:
Pat Anderson, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (715) 416-5020

Wisconsin South Central Regional Contact:
Mary Rothenmaier, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (608) 720-0121

Wisconsin Southeast Regional Contact:
Jeremy Holtz, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (920) 883-7428

Wisconsin West Central Regional Contact:
Kurt Byfield, Regional Project Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund
Phone: (608) 501-4274

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Michigan Coastal Management ProgramGrant


Max. Grant Award: $100,000 for planning projects; $150,000 for feasibility, engineering, and design projects; $200,000 for construction projects; $500,000 for land conservation through acquisition projects

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE), Water Resources Division (WRD) Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) offers grant funds to assist in the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of our sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems. This grant funding supports the efforts of coastal communities, non-profit organizations, universities, and Tribal governments to protect, preserve, restore, enhance, and wisely develop our coastal resources along the longest freshwater coastline in the nation.

These grant funds are made possible through the partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

MCMP grant priorities include the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of Michigan’s sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems.

Grant Focus Areas:

  • Coastal Water Dependent Uses and Community Development – plan and manage future growth and development on lands adjacent to the coast, while protecting coastal natural resources, maritime heritage resources, water-dependent livelihoods, outdoor recreation, and other assets and activities that contribute to the community’s sense of place
  • Coastal Waters – protect and manage coastal waters, including planning and installing nature-based solutions like vegetated buffers, raingardens, and living shorelines to manage and slow the flow of stormwater and coastal flooding
  • Coastal Hazards – increase coastal communities’ understanding of the risks associated with living on the coast from coastal erosion, flooding, stormwater, and urban heat to build upon the ability to absorb, respond, and adapt to impacts from coastal storms and Great Lakes water level variabilities
  • Coastal Habitat – protect, preserve, and restore healthy coastal wetlands, beaches, and dunes
  • Public Access – protect, restore, create, and enhance public access to the Great Lakes using approaches that support coastal communities; foster appreciation of our natural, cultural, and historic resources; and create coastal tourism opportunities

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Site-specific, low-cost construction projects, and land acquisitions must be located entirely within the approved MCMP coastal boundary. Coastal zone boundary maps are available through the MCMP’s website.

Please contact the grant administrators using the links in the “Contact Information” section below for the most up-to-date information on eligibility requirements.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

 

Matching Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide a 1-to-1, non-federal match and provide documentation of committed funds and the source of such funds. Match may be in the form of cash, in-kind services, or donations.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

 

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Planning – includes a variety of proposed actions that meet the needs of coastal communities and typically result in the development of a Master Plan, conservation, or recreational plan, or plans that expand upon coastal values and characteristics.
  • Feasibility, Engineering, and Design – includes site specific investigations such as feasibility studies, creation of conceptual designs, and/or final engineering plans that lead to a low-cost construction, habitat restoration, or other on-the-ground implementation work.
  • Low-Cost Construction – includes projects that physically alter publicly owned property for site specific enhanced public access, habitat restoration, installation of bioengineering and green infrastructure practices, and installation of signage.
  • Land Conservation Through Acquisition – includes projects that propose land acquisition, purchase of easements, and purchase of development rights. Note: Only units of government or public entities are eligible for this funding and all purchases must demonstrate significant ecological value, need for protection, and must be managed in perpetuity.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

The period of performance for MCMP grants are 12-15 months.

Grant Funding Opportunities are released in October of each year. Grant awards announcement are typically released the following Summer with awards beginning October 1.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

 

Application Deadline

The Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) is released annually in the fall with applications due mid-December.

If you are interested in funding through the MCMP, complete and submit its Project Interest Form and one of the MCMP Focus Area Coordinators will follow up with you.

Please contact grant administrators for the most up-to-date information related to application deadlines and forms.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For questions or inquiries, please contact:

Ronda Wuycheck, Program Manager
Phone: (517) 420-5921

Adam Arend, Community Development Coordinator
Phone: (517) 231-2793

Emily Kirkpatrick, Coastal Hazards Coordinator
Phone: (517) 290-5476

Dave Schuberg, Coastal Habitat Coordinator
Phone: (517) 331-1792

Melissa Letosky, Coastal Waters Coordinator
Phone: (517) 416-7001

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National Coastal Wetlands Conservation GrantsGrant


Max. Grant Award: $1,000,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. The Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines, and interest on the fund, under the authority of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.

The grant program is co-administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Coastal Program.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include projects that:

  • support the goals of the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan
  • provide long-term conservation
  • conserve maritime forest on coastal barrier islands
  • benefit threatened and endangered species
  • encourage public-private partnerships
  • complement other conservation projects.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

All projects must ensure long‐term conservation (at least 20 years) of coastal wetland resources. Eligible applicants include States adjacent to the Great Lakes, among others. Tribes, local governments, conservation organizations, and private landowners are encouraged to work with state agencies to develop a project and submit an application.

For more information about the eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity, please contact the program officers using the “Contact Information” section below.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

 

 

Matching Requirements

States provide 50% of the project cost or 25% if the state has a land conservation program. Match can be provided by the state or partners and may include the value of previously conserved land and in-kind contributions.

For more information about matching requirements, please reference the Notice of Funding Opportunity here.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

 

Eligible Costs

The NCWCG Program provides eligible State agencies with grants for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Eligible costs include:

  • Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long‐term conservation
  • Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems
  • A combination of acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management.

Ineligible Costs include:

  • Projects that are not eligible for NCWCG Program funding include:1. Projects to create wetlands where wetlands did not previously exist are ineligible
  • Projects to acquire and/or restore upper portions of watersheds where benefits to the coastal wetlands ecosystem are not significant and direct.

For more information on eligible and ineligible costs, please click here.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

The period of performance for this funding opportunity appears to be flexible but typically within 12 months.

Please click the Notice of Funding Opportunity here for details, and reference the “Contact Information” section below to get in touch with program officers.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

Application Deadline & Forms

Grant application packages must be submitted in GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov no later than Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The grant opportunity can be found here.

Tribes, local governments, conservation organizations, and private landowners are encouraged to work with state agencies to develop a project and submit an application.

We strongly encourage you to email a draft of your application to your WSFR Regional Office and/or Coastal Program contact (see “Contact Information” section below) at least four weeks prior to the due date (i.e., by May 24, 2024) for pre-deadline review.

Contact Information

For technical questions regarding the grant application, please contact:
Nick Popoff

Midwest Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin) may contact the regional grant contacts by completing the online messaging forms linked below for:
Mandy Kamps, USWS Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Office of Conservation Investment

Jessico Collier, USWS Great Lakes Coastal Restoration and Partnerships Coordinator, Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office Coastal Program
Phone: (920) 866-1728

Elizabeth Berg, USWS Coastal Program Biologist, Midwest Region Headquarters Ecological Services Coastal Program
Phone: (612) 713-5138

Christie Deloria-Sheffield, USWS Great Lakes Coastal Program Coordinator, Midwest Region Headquarters Coastal Program

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Rooting ResilienceGrant


Max. Grant Award: $200,000

Project Type: Planning; Implementation

River Network is excited to announce a funding opportunity for community-based nonprofit organizations for planning and implementing small community forestry projects in disadvantaged communities. Free technical assistance is available during both the application process and the grant period, through River Network and our Rooting Resilience partners at Anthropocene Alliance and Native Americans in Philanthropy, to support organizations who are new to federal funding and may need additional help applying for or managing this grant. River Network is an equal opportunity provider.

This opportunity is possible thanks to a grant from the Urban & Community Forestry Program of the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the Inflation Reduction Act (Funding Opportunity USDA-FS-2023-UCF-IRA-01). River Network will serve as a national pass-through partner of the Forest Service, providing funding and technical assistance for community-based nonprofit organizations, as defined below, to plan and carry out forestry projects that build the community’s abilities and resilience. Community-based nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 status or a fiscal sponsor are eligible. A total of $1,800,000 in program funding is available.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

This funding opportunity’s grant priorities includes:

  • Work rooted in community. This includes work proposed by and with support from Tribal or disadvantaged community members who understand, based on lived experience, what approaches will work best for their area.
  • Entities or organizations that are seeking federal pass-through funding for the first time and/or have limited experience receiving charitable funds or grants.
  • Projects that clearly demonstrate the benefits of their proposed activities to their community and their local trees.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for this funding opportunity include:

  • Applicants who are community-based nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)3 status or a fiscal sponsor are eligible
  • All proposed projects must fund work that directly impacts disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) or the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities tool
  • Applicants will need to provide the census tract number for the disadvantaged community that your proposed project will benefit. Applicants can select more than one community.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

Matching Requirements

Match or cost share is NOT a requirement for requesting grant funds.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Examples of eligible costs include:

Urban and Community Forestry Planning and Implementation

  • Planning and carrying out tree plantings as stand-alone projects or as part of larger green infrastructure projects;
  • Integration of tree planting and/or tree care into watershed, climate resilience or other planning efforts;
  • Community or volunteer-based tree inventories or programs to monitor tree/forest health;
  • Incorporating tree plantings into existing greenways, parks and water trails, projects that support community health;
  • Initiating partnerships with public health professionals and organizations to assess and mitigate extreme heat or air quality concerns in a neighborhood through trees;
  • Tree care and maintenance including the removal of invasive species or hazardous tree removal, tree watering or the installation of tree protection;
  • The promotion of native trees for residential or school based “stormwater-smart” programs or the planting of “edible forests” that provide people with cultural connections and access to food.
  • Facilitating dialogue between renters and property owners to increase renter involvement in tree planting and tree care activities.
  • Mangrove forest restoration or other forestry approaches that address coastal and river bank erosion through tree planting.

Urban and Community Forestry Education and Outreach

  • Projects that build community support for trees, forests and green spaces through public programming, education campaigns, and volunteer opportunities;
  • Support for the creation of grassroots, volunteer-led tree distribution and care program;
  • Projects that provide educational activities for youth on the many benefits of trees and foster the next generation of tree stewards;
  • Projects that increase languages that educational materials are provided in and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility of educational materials related to trees and urban forestry;
  • Projects that build trust with disadvantaged communities by engaging residents in all steps of a tree-planting project, from selecting priority areas of where to plant trees to ways of measuring success.

Urban and Community Forestry Workforce Development

  • Projects that establish or expand existing workforce development, job training, and youth training programs to include tree planting and maintenance activities.
  • Support for expanded recruitment and access to workforce development programs by increasing language options and ADA accessibility for programs providing career pathways to urban and community forestry related jobs.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Grants will range over a 1-3 year period, dependent upon the project, its activities, and grantee capacity. Projects must start no later than January 1, 2025, and must be completed by January 1, 2028.Please contact grant administrators using the Contact Information section below.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET, October 23, 2024 via River Network’s online application portal. River Network invites you to reach out to them before this deadline to discuss your project and see if it may be a good fit, and to access our free technical assistance to help you apply.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For assistance with this funding opportunity, please email:

Rooting Resilience at River Network

 

Applicants can also schedule virtual office hours.

 

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Southeast Michigan Resilience FundGrant


Max. Grant Award: $400,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund is a public-private partnership that increases the resilience of communities and natural resources in Southeast Michigan by reducing the impact of stormwater through green stormwater infrastructure solutions, improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and increasing the accessibility and usability of public green space and natural areas.

Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Fund is a public-private partnership among Cleveland-Cliffs, the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Forest Service.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include:

  • Projects that expand Green Stormwater Infrastructure and Enhancing Public Space
  • Projects that improve Habitat Quality and Connectivity and Enhancing Public Space
  • Projects that directly benefit and engage low-income communities and communities of color
  • Projects that meaningfully and directly engage communities in their ideation, design, implementation, and/or long-term maintenance and sustainability

Click on the section below to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

The following threshold requirements must be met to be eligible for this funding opportunity:

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

Matching Requirements

Match for this grant is not required; however, the ratio of matching contributions offered to grant funding requested is one criterion considered during the review process. Providing some match (non-federal and federal) is encouraged to demonstrate broad support for the project and overall impact of the work.

Match can be any combination of in cash and/or in-kind goods and services (for example external/partner services, volunteers or grantee in-kind, materials and services donated, etc.) or other tangible contributions to the project objectives and outcomes.

No priority will be given to higher cash percentages versus other sources of match. In addition, eligible indirect costs (that would not be paid with requested grant funding) may be applied as match. More information about using indirect costs as match can be found by clicking here. Full information on how to document match, including a description of acceptable sources of match, is available here.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Eligible Costs include:

  • Expanding green stormwater infrastructure while enhancing the quality of, access to, and/or use of community green space or natural areas
  • Habitat restoration projects that improve the quality and connectivity of habitats

Ineligible Costs include:

  • Equipment
  • Political advocacy
  • Fundraising
  • Lobbying
  • Litigation
  • Compliance with legal requirements, e.g., permit conditions, mitigation, and settlement agreements.

For additional details, please click here.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Anticipated completion time for funded projects will typically be two years following finalization of a grant agreement. The standard grant period may include a third year in cases with a demonstrated need for additional time to complete critical project activities including but not limited to, final design or engineering, project establishment or maintenance, community engagement/outreach, or monitoring.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

Application Deadline & Forms

Full proposals must be submitted online on EasyGrants by September 28, 2023, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application.

Click on the “Contact Information” section below to get in touch with the program officers for this funding opportunity.

 

Contact Information

Aislinn Gauchay, Program Director, Great Lakes
Phone: (612) 564-7284

Traci Giefer, Senior Program Manager, Great Lakes
Phone: (612) 564-7296

Naomi Attaway, Coordinator, Regional Programs
Phone: (202) 595-2657

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Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience GrantsGrant


Max. Grant Award: $25,000,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

$240 million in funding is available for habitat restoration and coastal resilience through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Under BIL, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is supporting habitat restoration efforts that will help strengthen the climate resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities.

Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants fund projects that will have a transformative impact for coastal communities and tribes across the country. This grant program prioritizes habitat restoration actions that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, use natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms, promote resilient ecosystems and communities, and yield socioeconomic benefits. NOAA anticipates $240M in total funds to be available for this competition.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include :

  • Sustaining productive fisheries and strengthening ecosystem resilience
  • Endangered Species Act: Listed Species
  • Magnuson-Stevens Act: Managed Species
  • Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
  • Great Lakes: Native Species
  • Enhancing community resilience to climate hazards and providing other co-benefits
  • Fostering regionally important habitat restoration
  • Providing benefit to Tribal, Indigenous, and/or Underserved Communities, including through partnerships

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for this funding opportunity must meet the following eligibility thresholds:

  • The project location must be coastal, marine, or estuarine areas that benefit species or fisheries that are outlined within the program priorities
  • Standard Federal (SF)-424 forms
  • Proposal content:- Project Summary and Project Narrative- Budget Narrative- Supplemental Materials and Project Designs

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

Matching Requirements

There are no cost share requirements. Cost share is encouraged, however, and is an element within the evaluation criteria. Cost share may include formal, non-federal match funds, and/or informal leverage from a broad range of sources.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

 

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs are projects that have the greatest potential to provide holistic benefits through habitat-based approaches that strengthen both the ecosystem and community resilience.

Projects can include:

  • restoring marine, estuarine, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems
  • rebuilding sustainable fisheries and contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species
  • protecting the safety and well-being of coastal communities by using natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms
  • supporting benefits that healthy habitats provide, such as clean drinking water and industries like boating, fishing, and tourism.

Ineligible costs include projects that focus solely on:

  • marine debris prevention and removal
  • acquisition of real property
  • beach renourishment for recreation.

Additional ineligible activities include:

  • hard infrastructure for water quality
  • consent decree, court order, statutes
  • effectiveness monitoring and research

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

Period of performance for projects funded through this grant is approximately three years.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

 

 

Application Deadline

Proposals must be received through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern time on November 17, 2023. Please check back for updates on new grant cycles.

Applicants should apply through the Grants.gov website. A complete standard NOAA financial assistance application package should be submitted in accordance with the guidelines in the Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement. Each application must include the application forms from the SF-424 form family.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For general questions and inquiries regarding this funding opportunity, email:

Natalie McLenaghan, Competition Manager

 

For questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission:

Grants.gov Support
(800) 518-4726
Website

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Trees In Your Community GrantGrant

Project Drivers:
Additional Goals:
States:

Max. Award Amount: $1,500,000

Project Type: Construction/Implementation

GreenLatinos, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, requests proposals for the Trees in Your Community Grant. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has invested more than $1 billion in the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program for competitive grants for tree planting and maintenance, with a focus on projects that combat extreme heat, provide workforce development opportunities and create new community partnerships. GreenLatinos was selected as one of twelve national pass-through partners to implement this grant program in conjunction with the Forest Service in historically underrepresented communities – 100% of the benefits of IRA funding through this program will flow to communities in need.

Urban forestry funding is available to community-based organizations to work in low-income, disadvantaged communities. Projects would implement urban forestry efforts focused on tree planting and maintenance, community engagement, and/or workforce development in the field of urban forestry. For more information, please see the Trees in Your Community Grant FAQ.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant Priorities include:

  • Work in low-income, disadvantaged communities
  • Funding requests over $750,000 for proposals with a regional strategy

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

Matching Requirements

No match requirement for this funding opportunity.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Eligible Costs include projects that:

  • Encourage individuals, groups, and organizations in disadvantaged communities to become engaged participants in urban forest planning, planting, and management
  • Improve and increase access to parks and nature, and expands urban tree canopy in disadvantaged communities
  • Protect, enhance, and expand equitable urban tree canopy cover to maximize community access to human health, social, ecological, and economic benefits in disadvantaged and nature-deprived communities experiencing low tree canopy cover, extreme heat, and frequent flooding
  • Protect, enhances, and increase access to and stewardship of watersheds in urban and developing areas with a focus on conserving and managing forest patches and green stormwater infrastructure
  • Provide paid training experiences for residents to establish and maintain urban forests into the future
  • Support youth employment, internship and/or apprenticeship, and/or other professional training opportunities in tree planting, arboriculture, urban forest management, urban wood utilization, and related topics
  • Work across boundaries, leveraging ideas and resources to increase capacity to provide equitable access to the benefits of trees across the larger landscape and at a greater geographic scale

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

3-year awards that run from 2024-2027.

All projects are to be completed by or prior to November 30, 2027.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Application Deadline

This is a rolling application process beginning September 5, 2024. All applications must be submitted by October 11, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received on a first-come, first-served basis, with all award decisions finalized by October 23, 2024.

The Forest Service provides technical assistance at no cost to community-based organizations, Tribes and others through its Community Navigators Program. In addition, the Arbor Day Foundation has made available their implementation templates to assist community-based organizations seeking to scale their impact in urban and community forestry.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Contact Information

For questions and inquiries, please email:

Green Latinos

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Wisconsin Coastal Management Program GrantsGrant


Max. Grant Award: No maximum

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) supports the management, protection, and restoration of Wisconsin’s coastal resources, and increases public access to the Great Lakes. Projects must be located in one or more Wisconsin counties adjacent to Lake Superior or Lake Michigan

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) administers WCMP Grants in collaboration with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council (WCMC) and the Office for Coastal Management (OCM), U.S. Department of Commerce, through funding provided under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include:

  • Project evaluation will give the greatest weight to impact on coastal resources, followed by methodology, project budget, and timetable
  • A bonus point system encourages applicants to develop creative proposals that:
          • build partnership alliances with other organizations or agencies
          • develop exceptional marketing, outreach, or education strategies
          • encourage coast-wide projects
          • engage underrepresented communities
  • Preference for Public Access and Historic Preservation projects includes those that incorporate sustainable building practices and green infrastructure that reduce stormwater runoff

Click on the next section to learn about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

The following threshold requirements must be met to be eligible for this funding opportunity:

  • Projects must be located in one or more Wisconsin counties adjacent to Lake Superior or Lake Michigan.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

 

Matching Requirements

WCMP Grant projects totaling $60,000 or less require a 50% match. Projects with a total budget larger than $60,000 require a 60% match.

Match may be in-kind, cash, or a combination of the two. Applicants must certify that they can supply the required match. Match cannot be federal funds except for tribal “self-sufficiency” grants. Local money spent before the grant is awarded cannot be considered as match, including expenses incurred in preparing this application, preliminary engineering reports, etc. All matching funds, including in-kind expenses, must be spent during the grant period (no prior match is allowed). In-kind match includes the use of equipment, supplies, land, or other commodity already owned by the applicant or the use of items or staff time donated by a third party.

Partnerships that include meaningful private contributions as part of the match are encouraged. Gifts and property donations are acceptable, but only if they are made during the grant period. Financial donations collected before the grant period may be included in the match calculation only if the money is expended after the grant period begins.

Volunteer time used as an in-kind match must be charged at the rate paid for the type of work being done. For example, the time an 2024-25 WCMP Grant Program Grant Application Instructions attorney spends doing data entry work for a project is charged at the rate paid to data entry operators. If the attorney volunteers to do legal work for the project, the attorney’s volunteer time is charged at the rate paid to an attorney.

Applicants must certify that they can supply the required match. Match cannot be federal funds except for tribal “self-sufficiency” grants. Local money spent before the grant is awarded cannot be considered as match, including expenses incurred in preparing this application, preliminary engineering reports, etc. If match funding is not available at the time of application, please describe what funding resources are being explored and when the funding decisions will be made. Commitment and security of match funding are included in the application evaluation criteria.

Click on the next section to learn about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration
  • Nonpoint source pollution control
  • Coastal resource and community planning
  • Great Lakes education
  • Public access and historic preservation projects

Ineligible costs include:

  • Activities to fulfill requirements of a permit
  • Pass-through/small grants competitions
  • Honoraria/awards
  • Lobbying

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

WCMP grant funded projects must be completed within one year.

 

 

2024-25 WCMP Grant Program Example:

  • Application Deadline: November 3, 2023
  • Project Review Committee: January 2024
  • WCMC Meeting: February 2024
  • Projects Selected: March 2024
  • Projects Begin: July 1, 2024*
  • Project Completion: June 30, 2025

*Subject to release of federal funding and, for habitat restoration, acquisition projects, and other projects with a ground-moving component, approval of technical documentation.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Application Deadline & Forms

Applications are due via email by November 3, 2023.​ Applicants are highly encouraged to discuss proposals with staff prior to the due date, and applicants requesting $100,000 or more are required to contact WCMP staff before submittal.

For information on current grant cycles, please contact the grant administrators listed in the “Contact Information” section below.

 

 

Contact Information

WCMP staff welcome questions and discussion of project ideas. Please contact WCMP staff at:

Mike Friis, Bureau Director
Phone: (608) 267-7982

Kate Angel, Coastal Resources and Community Planning
Phone: (608) 267-7988

Todd Breiby, Wetland Protection/Habitat Restoration
Phone: (608) 261-6349

Lauren Leckwee, Public Access & Historic Preservation, Environmental Review
Phone: (608) 267-2125

Lydia Salus, Great Lakes Education, BIL Opportunities
Phone: (608) 266-3687

Or WCMP staff generally via email.

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Wisconsin Recreational Trails ProgramGrant

Project Drivers:
Additional Goals:
States:

Max. Grant Award: $250,000

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Recreational Trails Program is a federal program that provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. RTP grants are to be used on trail projects that further a specific goal or are included in the State Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) or a local plan referenced in the SCORP.

In Wisconsin, this program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant Priorities include:

  • Rehabilitation and maintenance of existing trails and trailhead facilities;
  • Development of new trails, trail linkages and trailhead facilities (some restrictions apply on federal lands); and
  • Acquisition of property for trails in areas with limited trail opportunities.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

  • RTP funds may only be used on trails which have been identified in or which further a specific goal of a local, county, or state trail plan included or referenced in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). These include traditional trails as well as water trails recognized by the DNR.

Please note that applications for acquisition projects are not being accepted for State Fiscal Year 2024.

Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

 

Matching Requirements

Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs.

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

 

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Maintenance and restoration of existing trails
  • Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages
  • Construction of new trails. Construction of new trails crossing federal lands only where permissible under other law, necessary and required by a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, approved by the DNR and the administering federal agency and consistent with applicable federal land management plans and policies.
  • 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, as amended).

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Project Timeline

If your project is selected for funding, you will be notified of a tentative award approximately 4 months after the application deadline. Final award and payment will be subject to several additional required reviews, including, in some cases, approval of the Natural Resources Board and the Joint Committee on Finance. The time between submitting a complete application and receiving a grant contract ranges from six to eighteen months.

For the most up to date information on project timelines and period of performance, please contact the grant managers using the “Contact Information” section below.

Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Application Deadline

Applications are typically due on May 1 each year. Please contact the grant program manager using the “Contact Information” section below to confirm application deadlines.

Stewardship Local Assistance Programs (STEW), Federal Land and Water Conservation Program (LWCF) and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant Program Guidance and Application Materials available using the links below:

*One method to resolve PDF problems such as the [Please wait…] error is to use IE mode in Microsoft Edge Chromium. Another option is to save a copy of the file to your device for offline use, then open the file with Adobe Reader. For more PDF troubleshooting tips, please click here.

Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For assistance with RTP grants, contact:

Bobbi Winebar, WDNR Grant Program Manager
Phone: (920) 461-2595

Your regional DNR grant project manager

 

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DISCLAIMER: These materials are not offered as or intended to be legal advice. Readers should seek the advice of an attorney when confronted with legal issues. Attorneys should perform an independent evaluation of the issues raised in these materials. By providing these materials WaterNow and our partners do not endorse, either expressly or by implication, their accuracy or legality and expressly disclaims any and all liabilities and warranties related to use of these materials.

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