×

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!

Clean Water Fund ProgramLoan


Max. Loan Award: No maximum amount

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) is one of two revolving loan funds established under the Wisconsin Environmental Improvement Fund (EIF) and the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP). CWFP provides financial assistance to municipalities for wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects. It includes projects for compliance with a municipality’s WPDES permit. The EIF is jointly administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Administration (DOA).

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

Go to Loan Website

Program Priorities

Each state has the flexibility to choose their own priorities and select projects. These priorities can be found in each state’s Intended Use Plan.

Short-Term Goals:

  • Provide additional economic assistance in the form of principal forgiveness with the highest amounts allocated to those applicants with the greatest financial need.
  • Provide additional assistance, in the form of principal forgiveness, to municipalities that qualify under the affordability criteria to help offset the cost of compliance with more protective phosphorus limits.
  • Provide additional assistance, in the form of principal forgiveness, to help offset the costs of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) regionalization projects.
  • Provide matching funds in the form of principal forgiveness to municipalities that are working with Focus on Energy to upgrade the energy efficiency of their WWTPs.
  • Allocate a minimum of 10% of capitalization grant funds to projects or portions of projects that incorporate water or energy efficiency, are considered green infrastructure, or are environmentally innovative.
  • Work with internal and external parties to identify options for funding innovative projects that enhance water quality, including nonpoint-source pilot projects for meeting phosphorus requirements through water quality trading.
  • Explore avenues to support pre-apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, and youth training programs that open pathways to employment.
  • Conduct public outreach and education regarding program policies, procedures, and participation.
  • Evaluate the feasibility, benefit, and public opinion of incentivizing projects that target unsewered areas serving existing homes.

Long-Term Goals:

  • Develop strategies and mechanisms to promote regionalization as a viable alternative for small, economically challenged communities with declining populations and aging WWTPs.
  • Protect the public health and environmental quality of the state of Wisconsin.
  • Manage the revolving loan fund in such a way as to protect its long-term integrity and enable it to revolve in perpetuity.
  • Provide economic assistance to municipalities, including those that may not have substantial credit histories, for the purposes of constructing and maintaining water quality related infrastructure.
  • Identify and implement innovative programs necessary to fill funding gaps in the state for meeting water quality standards and objectives.
  • Implement policy changes that encourage municipalities to make their wastewater treatment systems and stormwater systems more resilient, sustainable, and adaptive to climate change impacts.
  • Continue to refine strategies, programs, and mechanisms to ensure that municipalities are able to address the highest priority water quality problems.

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

Eligibility Requirements

The threshold for eligibility includes:

  • Facility plan approval letter required for all projects – no exceptions.
  • Design Life Calculation Worksheet is now required for all projects (even 20-year loan terms) unless the project consists solely of installation or replacement of pipeline.
  • If requesting funding for Planning & Design costs, be certain to include the associated contract or contracts for all requested costs.

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

Matching Requirements

The required 20% state match for the Base and Supplemental capitalization grant is authorized under state law and will be generated from revenue bonds. All state matching funds will be disbursed to loan recipients before the state makes the first draw of federal funds from the capitalization grant. Thereafter, all draws against the grant will be made at a cash draw ratio of 100% federal funds. No state match is required for the Emerging Contaminants capitalization grant.

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

 

 

 

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Compliance Maintenance and New/Changed Limits Projects: These projects are necessary to maintain compliance with permit requirements or implement new or changed limits required by law.
  • Water Meter Projects: These projects are eligible when the municipality requesting funding does not have a public drinking water system, and only where meters will be added or replaced throughout the entire system.
  • Septage Receiving Facilities: 2005 Wisconsin Act 347 was enacted in April 2006. This Act pertained to septage receiving facilities and provides a 0% interest rate on projects or portions of projects funded by the CWFP that are for the receiving, treatment, and/or disposition of septage.
  • Urban Stormwater and Urban Nonpoint Source Projects: These projects must be primarily water quality related. Portions of a project solely for flood control or future growth are funded at market rate. This includes Green Infrastructure projects on public or private property. Contact Environmental Loans with questions about project eligibility.
  • Unsewered Projects: These projects are only eligible for market rate financing unless 2/3 or more of the initial wastewater flow will come from homes that were in existence for at least 20 years prior to the date of the application.
  • Violator Projects and those Portions of Projects that Provide Industrial and Reserve Capacity: Eligible projects or portions of projects in these categories receive market rate funds.
  • Pilot Projects: Non-traditional CWFP projects (such as water quality trading) as part of the CWFP Pilot Projects Program are eligible for loans with an interest rate as low as 0%.

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

Project Timeline

The project timeline is up to 30 years or the useful life of project, whichever is less.

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

 

 

 

 

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications for CWFP SFY2025 funding is September 30, 2024. Applicants must have an eligible project on the SFY25 Project Priority List. Applications must include a facility plan approval letter and approvable plans and specs,.

The deadline to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) for SFY2026 is October 31, 2024.

All CWFP applications, other than those for the Pilot Projects Program, are required to be submitted through the online application system. Information on accessing and using the online application system is available on the DNR website.

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

 

Contact Information

For general questions, please contact:
Lisa Bushby, Clean Water Fund Program Coordinator
Phone: (608) 358-3330

For questions on environmental loans, please contact:
Matt Marcum, Environmental Loans Section Manager
Phone: (608) 575-8825

For questions on environmental loans, please contact:
Becky Scott, Environmental Loans Section Manager
Phone: (608) 513-9351

For questions related to stormwater, please contact:
Sarah Bolitho, CWFP Storm Water Specialist
Phone: (608) 960-2927

Print ThisEmail This

Clean Water State Revolving FundLoan


Max. Grant Award: No maximum

Project Type: Planning; Construction

Michigan’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program is a low interest loan financing program that assists qualified local municipalities with the construction of necessary wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects. These projects improve water quality, the environment, and protect public health. Michigan’s CWSRF program has allocated over $5.7 billion in low interest loans to over 670 projects around the State since 1988. Of that amount, $106 million has been awarded as loan principal forgiveness since 2010. For more information on the CWSRF program, view the CWSRF Info Sheet.

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

Go to Loan Website

Grant Priorities

Michigan’s short-term program goals include:

  • Oversee the update of the Clean Water Needs Survey to ensure maximum participation from communities and that non-traditional project types are included.
  • Apply for all 3 CWSRF federal grants and ensure requirements of the grant terms and conditions are met including American Recovery Plan Act funding.
  • Assist borrowers listed on the annual PPL in meeting CWSRF requirements to successfully close on a loan.
  • Develop program procedures related to the new CWSRF state legislation.
  • Procure and maintain a new data system for tracking CWSRF and related state grant programs.
  • Hire and train new CWSRF program staff.

Michigan’s long-term program goals include:

  • Maintain the fiscal integrity of the fund to ensure it remains viable and self-perpetuating to meet the long-range water quality needs of the State. MFA utilizes a financial consultant to advise EGLE on decisions surrounding financing levels, interest rates, additional subsidization, and other financing attributes.
  • Target outreach and assistance to communities that have never utilized CWSRF.
  • Obtain maximum capitalization of the fund for the State while generating sufficient investment and loan interest earnings for debt service of the state match revenue bonds.
  • Maintain and develop relationships with other funding and financing agencies and water quality organizations to ensure resources are directed in a holistic approach.
  • Maintain and refine procedures to prevent fraud and ensure a system of checks and balances.

Green Project Reserve
As part of the FY2022 federal appropriations, WIFFS is required to provide a minimum of 10 percent (4,975,100) of the base capitalization grant for project components that meet the Green Project Reserve (GPR) requirements. This includes projects that incorporate green infrastructure, energy, water efficiency, or are environmentally innovative.

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

Eligibility Requirements

An approvable loan application must include:

  • Complete CWSRF application including Parts I-III.
  • Detailed project description, cost breakdown, and schedule.
  • Financial documentation demonstrating ability to repay the loan.
  • Any necessary executed intermunicipal service agreements.
  • An approved project plan.
  • Set of approved plans and specifications including construction permit(s) if required.
  • Resolution from the applicant designating a project representative and approving the project scope.
  • A fiscal sustainability plan.

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

Matching Requirements

The BIL General Supplemental dollars require a 10% state match.

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

 

 

 

Eligible Costs

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) provides low-interest loans for projects that improve water quality and protect public health. CWSRF loans may be used for design and construction of the following:

  • Wastewater treatment facilities
  • Sewer rehabilitation
  • Collection systems Application Process
  • Combined sewer separation
  • Storm water conveyance and treatment facilities
  • Inflow/infiltration correction
  • Sewer overflow correction
  • Nonpoint source pollution control

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

Project Timeline

Up to 30 years or useful life of project, whichever is less.

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

 

 

 

Application Deadline

Potential applicants to the CWSRF should first review the CWSRF Eligibility Guidance. Eligible applicants must submit the Intent to Apply (ITA) form below to be considered for funding and financing opportunities. All financing determinations are based on applicant eligibility, priority points, and availability of funds. Applicants should apply for a project with the expectation the program is a loan program first and foremost.

The Intent to Apply (ITA) form is accepting submissions for fiscal year 2026. The form must be submitted by November 1, 2024. You can preview the ITA form before submittal to view the information required to complete the form.

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

Contact Information

For questions and inquiries, please contact:
Kelly Green, Administrator, Water Infrastructure Funding and Financing Section
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Phone: (517) 284-5433

SRF Project Managers by District

Sign up for Email Updates

Print ThisEmail This

EPA Community Change GrantsGrant


Max. Grant Award: $20 million for community-driven investments; $3 million for engagement of disadvantaged communities

Project Type: Planning; Construction

EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program anticipates awarding $2 billion nationally to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects to reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community response capacity. The Community Change Grants will support comprehensive community and place-based approaches to redressing environmental and climate injustices for communities facing legacy pollution, climate change, and persistent disinvestment.

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

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant Priorities include:

Track 1: Community-driven investments for Change

  • Climate resiliency and adaptation
  • Mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events
  • Community-led air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation
  • Investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure
  • Workforce development that supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants
  • Reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution

Track 2: Facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in public processes

  • Support for state and federal advisory groups for environmental and climate justice
  • Participation in workshops
  • Engagement in environmental and related rulemakings
  • Engagement in other public processes

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

Eligibility Requirements

Applications must meet all eligibility criteria, as outlined in Section III of the NOFO.

Applications for both tracks must include:

  • Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
  • Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
  • EPA Key Contacts Forms 5700-54
  • EPA Preaward Compliance Review Report Form 4700-4 (Useful tips)
  • Project Narrative Attachment Form
  • Attachments using the “Other Attachments Form” in Grants.gov including Program Budget Template, Partnership Agreement, and Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
  • Compliance Plan – describes how applicants will ensure compliance with the grant’s terms and conditions and manage broader legal and compliance risks.

Additional Track 1 Requirements:

  • Climate Action Strategy – applications must include at least one project aligned with at least one of EPA’s Climate Action Strategies, e.g., Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
  • Pollution Reduction Strategy – applications must include at least one project aligned with at least one of EPA’s Pollution Reduction Strategies, e.g., Clean Water Infrastructure to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Increase Overall System Resilience
  • Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan – details how applicants will inform, respond to, and engage community members throughout project development and implementation
  • Community Strength Plan – describes how applicants’ proposed projects will enhance the overall strength and economic prosperity of the community
  • Readiness Approach – describes how applicants will successfully complete the grant within the 3 year period of performance

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

Matching Requirements

No cost-sharing or matching is required.

For Michigan applicants, the State of Michigan through the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund will provide 5% match funding of the total awarded amount for eligible Community Change Grant applications awarded by the EPA to fund projects benefiting disadvantaged communities in Michigan. To be eligible for this match funding, applications for the Community Change Grant must be fully submitted to the EPA prior to August 1, 2024.

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

Eligible Costs

Eligible Costs include:

  • Tree planting
  • Multi-benefit stormwater projects
  • Targeted water infrastructure upgrades, e.g., private-side lead lines replacement
  • New parks or enhancing/expanding existing parks to provide climate resilience benefits like heat island reduction and flood mitigation
  • “Complete Streets” projects to improve walkability, bike-ability, and transit use
  • Measurement, analysis, design, planning, and engineering work necessary to submit a competitive application for state and/or federal funding for large-scale improvements to significantly reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions and/or improve climate resilience
  • Community resilience hubs that remain open during an emergency
  • Workforce development programs that will help reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants to benefit disadvantaged communities

Ineligible Costs include:

  • Projects for community or Tribal relocation activities. Relocation activities generally include activities intended to plan or assist the moving of an individual from their residence or a business from its place of business.

For more information on eligible project activities, please refer to Appendix C and D of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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

Project Timeline

All projects funded by Community Change Grants must be completed within 3 years. There can be no extensions.

EPA anticipates that the first awards will be made in the late Spring of 2024 and will continue to be made on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

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

 

Application Deadline

Applications are being accepted by EPA on a rolling basis through November 21, 2024.

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated on a rolling basis as described in Section V of the Notice of Funding Opportunity to facilitate and expedite the review and award process. EPA cannot guarantee that funding will be available through the end of the NOFO 12-month application period as funding availability is dependent on the volume and quality of applications received, as well as other applicable programmatic and funding considerations.

Applicants must apply electronically through Grants.gov. If your organization has no access to the internet or access is very limited, you may request an exception from applying through Grants.gov.

Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active SAM.gov registration. If you do not have a SAM.gov account, then you will need to create an account using login.gov to complete your registration. Finalizing these registrations could take a month or more so please register as soon as possible to prevent a delayed registration from affecting your ability to submit an application.

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

Contact Information

For general information or questions about this NOFO, email the program administrators.

To request TA for preparing a Community Change Grant application, please fill out the request form or call (800) 540-8123 if you have any questions or need help in filling out the form. If you need language assistance, please send an email here.

For Michigan applicants, to request help connecting with potential project partners or technical assistance providers in Michigan, email:

Office of Climate and Energy

Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate

Print ThisEmail This

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.

Print ThisEmail This

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

Print ThisEmail This

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.

 

Print ThisEmail This

National Coastal Resilience FundGrant


Max. Grant Award: No maximum

Project Type: Planning; Construction

Through the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) makes investments in planning, design, and implementation of natural and nature-based solutions. The goal is to enhance protection for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural coastal hazards and to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. NFWF will award approximately $140 million in grants to create and restore natural systems to increase protection for communities from current and future coastal hazards and improve habitats for fish and wildlife species. The availability of federal funds estimated in this solicitation is contingent upon the federal appropriations process; funding decisions will be made based on level of funding and timing of when it is received by NFWF.

This program is primarily funded by, and coordinated with, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Limited funding is available in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to support projects advancing nature-based solutions in the vicinity of but not within the boundaries of DOD installations and ranges that enhance military resilience to coastal hazards. Additional funding is provided by other partners, including Occidental and Shell USA, Inc.

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

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Grant priorities include:

  • proposals that seek to advance previously funded NCRF projects to the next category in the project pipeline (i.e., “pipeline projects”)
  • restoration-implementation projects that can begin construction within one year of the award date

Award decisions will be made based on regional circumstances and needs, but all proposals must address the following priorities:

  • Nature-Based Solutions: Projects must focus on identifying or implementing natural, nature-based or hybrid solutions, such as restoring coastal marshes, reconnecting floodplains, rebuilding dunes or other natural buffers, or installing living shorelines.
  • Community Resilience Benefit:Projects must show clear benefits in terms of reducing current and projected threats to communities from natural coastal hazards, including, but not limited to sea-level rise, lake-level change, coastal erosion, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and impacts from other chronic or episodic factors.
  • Fish and Wildlife Benefit: Projects must help to improve habitats for fish and wildlife species.
  • Community Impact and Engagement: Projects will be prioritized that provide risk reduction or job creation benefits to underserved or tribal communities (both federally recognized tribes and those tribes that are not federally recognized) and that directly engage community members in project design and implementation. NFWF encourages projects that are informed by Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, that promote tribal co-stewardship, that protect or enhance habitat for subsistence species, and/or that contribute to tribal food security. Projects should engage community-level partners to help design, implement, and maintain projects; secure maximum benefits for communities; and ensure sustainability and long-term maintenance.
  • Transferability and Sustainability: NFWF encourages projects that seek to re-shape our thinking on what constitutes coastal community resilience to climate impacts as experienced across different landscapes. This may include developing solutions that are scalable and transferable to other communities or that can catalyze further action toward resilience.

NFWF’s regional coastal resilience assessments identify areas, called Resilience Hubs, where natural resource restoration efforts will have the greatest impact for human community resilience and fish and wildlife. Projects do not need to be located in an area identified by NFWF as a Resilience Hub to be eligible, but applicants may find this tool useful to assess projects based on the dual benefits to habitats and human communities.

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

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Projects must be located within the coastal areas of U.S. coastal states, including the Great Lakes states, and U.S. territories and tribal lands. For the purpose of this funding opportunity, the eligible project area is defined as all coastal Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 8 watersheds that drain to the sea and any adjacent HUC 8 watersheds that are particularly low-lying or tidally influenced (“coastal areas”); a map of the NCRF geographic footprint can be found here.
  • All projects under this program must demonstrate dual benefits to both coastal communities and habitats. The NCRF supports projects that will result in the creation and/or restoration of natural systems to increase the resilience of communities from coastal hazards and improve habitats for fish and wildlife species.
  • Applicants must apply under one category that best describes the purpose and activities that will be implemented during the project. NFWF will not fund projects across combined categories, i.e., proposals seeking funding to both design and construct a restoration project.

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

Matching Requirements

Non-federal match is not required but is encouraged to demonstrate broad support for the project. Match can be any combination of in cash and/or in-kind goods and services, e.g., external/partner services, volunteers or grantee in-kind, etc., and there is no priority given to higher cash percentages. The ratio of matching contributions offered to grant funding requested is only one criterion considered during the review process. More information about how to document non-federal match, including a description of acceptable sources of matching funds, is available here.

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

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs fall under the following four categories:

  • Community Capacity Building and Planning
  • Site Assessment and Preliminary Design
  • Final Design and Permitting
  • Restoration Implementation

Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds:

  • Equipment: Applicants are encouraged to rent equipment where possible and cost-effective or use matching funds to make those purchases. Please contact program administrators if your project can only be completed using NFWF funds to procure equipment and they will consider applications for funding essential equipment on a case-by-case basis.
  • Federal funds and matching contributions may not be used to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that uses telecommunications equipment or services produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation as a substantial or essential component or as critical technology of any system.
  • NFWF funds and matching contributions may not be used to support political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
  • NFWF funds may not be used to support ongoing efforts to comply with legal requirements, including permit conditions, mitigation and settlement agreements. However, grant funds may be used to support projects that enhance or improve upon existing baseline compliance efforts.

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

Project Timeline

For this funding opportunity, a project cannot have a start date prior to June 1, 2024 or an end date after December 31, 2028. Any expenses incurred prior to an official award letter and signed contract are taken solely at the risk of the applicant. Restoration Implementation projects must include 1 year post monitoring after expected construction completion in their period of performance.

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

 

 

Application Deadline

Pre-Proposals are due by 11:59 pm ET on April 10, 2024.
Full Proposals by invite only are due by 11:59 pm ET on July 2, 2024.

All application materials must be submitted online through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Easygrants system. A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application. The Tip Sheet can be downloaded here. Grant awards are announced in late November to early December 2024.

Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website’s Applicant Information page.

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

Contact Information

For general questions, email:

NCRF Program Team

 

For questions related to project Ideas in the Great Lakes, email:

Aislinn Gauchay, Program Director – Great Lakes, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

 

For assistance with online Easygrants system, contact:

Easygrants Helpdesk

Voicemail: (202) 595-2497

Please include your name, proposal ID #, email address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.

Print ThisEmail This

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.

 

Print ThisEmail This

Sewer Overflow & Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants ProgramGrant

Project Drivers:
Additional Goals:
States:

Max. Grant Amount: No maximum

Project Type: Planning; Construction

As amended in 2018, the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) Program is intended to address infrastructure needs for combined sewer overflows (CSO), sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), and stormwater management.

Congress awards grants to states, and states make sub-awards to eligible entities and projects. States are required to provide a 20% match to the federal grant award. In Wisconsin, the DNR plans to meet the cost-share requirement by selecting projects also funded by the Urban Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Management (UNPS & SW) Construction Grant Program.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources administers the state’s OSG program. Potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to DNR staff for support navigating the application process.

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

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

In Wisconsin, the OSG program is still under development. Please contact the program managers listed below for the most up-to-date information.

OSG program priorities include:

  • Investment in projects in rural and/or financially distressed communities. At least 25% of the program funds must be awarded to rural and/or financially distressed communities. For purposes of the OSG program in Wisconsin, rural communities are those with less than 10,000 residents and financially distressed communities are those that have small populations, low household income, high poverty rates, expected population loss, and high unemployment.
  • Investments in green infrastructure projects. At least 20% of the funds must be awarded to green infrastructure. Eligible GSI projects include:
          • rainwater harvesting collection
          • storage, management, and distribution system
          • infiltration basins
          • constructed wetlands
          • bioretention/bioswales
          • shoreline creation, protection, and restoration

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

Eligibility Requirements

As the OSG program is still being developed, please contact the grant administrators listed in the “Contact Information” section below to confirm whether the inclusion of the project in the CIP or local plans are required for the OSG program.

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

 

 

Matching Requirements

Projects funded by OSG grants may be required to provide a 45-50% match from non-federal funds. Potential sources of matching funds include:

  • State grants
  • Private contributions for businesses or non-profits
  • In-kind services
  • CWSRF loan dollars that qualify as “non-federal.”

In Wisconsin, matching requirements can likely be met with a grant from the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant because those grants are funded with State bond revenue. By pooling these grants, a recipient could potentially receive 100% of project funding through grants.

Further, OSG grant recipients that qualify as rural or disadvantaged communities may not be required to provide cost-share. Those matching funds must be from another source. And the percent cost-share, i.e., match, should be reduced when awarded to rural or disadvantaged communities.

Given that the Wisconsin program is still being developed, details about the match percentage and sources should be discussed with DNR staff using the “Contact Information” section below.

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

Eligible Costs

The OSG program provides up to 55% of eligible project costs. Eligible costs include:

  • Planning and design
  • Construction

Ineligible costs include:

  • Operations and maintenance
  • Staff salaries
  • Usual operating expenses

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

Project Timeline

Projects funded with OSG grants must be completed within four years of the grant award.

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

 

 

Application Deadline & Forms

In Wisconsin, DNR aligned the OSG program deadlines with the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant. Accordingly, OSG grant applications are due by April 15 of the calendar year prior to the awarded grant start year and are only accepted in odd years. For example, for a grant award in 2026, the application deadline would be April 15, 2025.

In Wisconsin, the application form for the OSG program is available on DNR’s website here*. The OSG application process is the same as the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant program. In other words, these programs have the same application.

*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 for the contact information for this funding opportunity.

Contact Information

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Corinne Johnson, Grant Program Manager
Phone: (608) 720-0120

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Joanna Griffin, Runoff Management Grants Program Coordinator
Phone: (608) 400-9519

Wisconsin Regional Contact:
Jessiah Bennett, Water Resources Management Specialist
Phone: (414) 458-0448

Print ThisEmail This

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

Print ThisEmail This

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

Print ThisEmail This

Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management GrantGrant

Project Drivers:
Additional Goals:
States:

Max. Grant Award: $85,000 for planning grants; $150,000 for construction grants, with a potential of an addition $50,000 for land acquisition

Project Type: Planning; Construction

Funded by revenue from state bonds, the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water (UNPS&SW) Management Grant Program offers competitive grants to local governments for the control of pollution from diffuse urban sources that is carried by storm water runoff as defined in NR 155.12(31)., Wis Adm code. Grants from the UNPS&SW Program reimburse costs of planning or construction projects controlling urban nonpoint source and storm water runoff pollution.

This grant is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

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

Go to Grant Website

Grant Priorities

Highest priority in selecting projects under these grant programs will be given to projects that:

  • implement performance standards and prohibitions contained in ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code
  • address waterbodies in a EPA-Approved TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load), those that exceed groundwater enforcement standards

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

 

 

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Local government applicants must have either jurisdiction over the project area or be required to control storm water discharge with an inter-governmental agreement between the municipality and DNR
  • Projects must be in an urban area. Urban areas include jurisdictions with a population density of 1,000 or more persons per square mile or an area with commercial land use. Commercial land use includes:
          • strip commercial, office parks, shopping centers and downtown commercial
          • governmental, institutional, transportation and recreational land uses that contain source areas generating an above-average amount of rainfall runoff volumes and/or pollutant loads, such as parking lots, streets, storage areas, or large landscaped areas.

To confirm whether the inclusion of the project in the CIP or plans are required for the UNPS&SW grant program, please contact the grant administrators listed in the “Contact Information” section below.

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

Matching Requirements

Construction and planning projects are cost shared at 50%.

Proofs of purchase are included for all state cost-share amounts to be reimbursed. Proofs of purchase may include accepted bids, accepted estimates, invoices, work orders, or contractual agreements.

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

 

 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

  • Planning and design;
  • Stormwater best management practice implementation
  • Construction
  • Design costs incurred before a grant application may be reimbursable so long as they meet the requirements of NR 154
  • Planning grants can be used to pay for a variety of planning activities such as:
            • stormwater management planning for existing or new development, related information and education activities
            • ordinance and utility district development and enforcement

Ineligible costs include construction costs incurred prior to the grant application.

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 start date.

If a grant is awarded, the project start date is the following January, i.e., January 1, 2026, and must be completed by January 1, 2028. These timelines are dependent on the adoption of state or federal budgets. Delays in those processes can delay this timetable.

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

 

Application Deadline & Forms

Applications are due annually on April 15. DNR accepts UNPS&SW grant applications for planning and construction in alternating years.

For the 2025-2026 funding cycle, DNR is accepting planning grants. For planning grants for projects to being in 2026, the deadline is April 15, 2025. This is the same deadline (and application process) as the OSG program.

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

Contact Information

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Joanna Griffin, Runoff Management Grants Program Coordinator
Phone: (608) 400-9519

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Corinne Johnson, Nonpoint Source Program Grant Manager
Phone: (608) 720-0120

Wisconsin Regional Contact:
Erin Hanson, Water Resources Management Specialist, Nonpoint Source, Regional Coordinator
Phone: (920) 360-7845

Print ThisEmail This

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.

Print ThisEmail This

Email This

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.

logo

Tap into Resilience

A WaterNow Alliance Initiative

Have a project that needs support? Our team of experts is here to help

Ask an expert

Whether you have a project that needs support or are just dipping your toe in, our team of experts is here to help.

Ask an expert