Grants for City or township governments - Natural Resources

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is the first in an anticipated series of Landowner Support for Forest Resilience NOFOs. Landowner Support for Forest Resilience is currently funded by four Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions (Public Law No: 117-169. Subtitle D, Sec. 23002(a) (1 ), (2), (3), and (4)), which encompass cost share and payment incentives for forestry practices and support participation of underserved landowners and small-acreage landowners (owning less than 2,500 acres) in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. Landowner Support for Forest Resilience falls under the USDA Forest Service's existing Landscape Scale Restoration Program, as authorized under Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a). This program advances the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative. Established by Executive Order 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, the Justice40 Initiative has made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments, such as climate, clean energy, and other areas, flow to disadvantaged communities. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) solicits proposals for two IRA provisions: Subtitle D, Sec. 23002 (a)(2) and Subtitle D, Sec. 23002 (a)(3). These provisions provide the USDA Forest Service with funding to:Support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.Support the participation of forest landowners who own less than 2,500 acres of forest land in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) has established a grant program to fund research and development proposals addressing critical issues in wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management, and energy resource development within Ohio. This program aligns with OWDA's mission to engage in research and development in these key areas, aiming to foster innovation and implement solutions that benefit the state. The grants are designed to support projects that fulfill a general need in Ohio and fall within the Authority's scope of powers. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are a range of public entities and academic institutions. Eligible participants include Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies, and Institutions of higher learning that conduct research and/or development. The program seeks to achieve broad impact across the state by funding projects that address environmental and natural resource challenges, ultimately improving public health, water quality, and resource management for Ohio residents. Priority for grants will be given to projects that demonstrate statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications. OWDA has historically awarded grants in diverse areas such as surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health, indicating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The program focuses on fostering research and development that can lead to tangible and widespread benefits throughout Ohio, ensuring that the funded initiatives have a significant and positive impact on the state's natural resources and infrastructure. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of research and development projects that provide solutions to identified challenges in water, waste, and energy management. Grantees are required to submit a final report, which will serve as a measurable result of the program's effectiveness and the specific achievements of each funded project. While specific funding amounts can vary, the program typically offers between $100,000 to $500,000, with an allocated $200,000 dependent upon available funds, supporting eligible project costs such as start-up and research. Indirect/overhead costs are capped at 35% of the grant amount to ensure that the majority of funds are directed towards direct project activities.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to recognized Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA, and Tree Campus K-12 participants in Arizona to enhance urban forestry practices and improve community forest management.

This funding opportunity supports various organizations in Maine to develop and implement projects that expand affordable housing options and workforce housing through community planning and collaboration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits to implement projects that improve rangeland health and resilience against climate change across multiple states.

The Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department is currently accepting applications for the Sheboygan County Stewardship Fund Grant. This grant aims to foster recreational opportunities and conserve valuable natural resources within Sheboygan County. Applicants can submit projects under three main categories: project development, land acquisition, or discretionary, all subject to case-by-case review. Projects may include land and easement acquisition, development or restoration of parks and trails, protection of water resources, and habitat restoration, among others. Funds awarded by the Stewardship Grant cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of the project or acquisition. The deadline for application submission is May 3, 2024. A matching requirement of 1:1 is necessary for grant consideration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for land acquisition projects that help with the planning and implementation of conservation efforts aimed at protecting natural communities and habitats in California.

This funding opportunity supports projects that preserve cultural and paleontological resources on federal lands in New Mexico, targeting state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

This program provides funding to Delaware counties and municipalities for planning and engineering projects that improve water quality and manage stormwater effectively.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program, offered by the California Arts Council, provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations for their ongoing operations. This grant is designed to support the overall well-being of California's cultural vitality by sustaining a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. The funding is intended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission, rather than a specific project, aligning with a strategic priority to foster a stable and thriving arts ecosystem across the state. The target beneficiaries are arts and cultural organizations within California, specifically those with total revenue between $250,000 and $1.5 million. This focus aims to support a crucial segment of the cultural sector, enabling them to continue their work. The impact goals include enhancing the sustainability and resilience of these organizations, ensuring they can contribute to California's cultural landscape. The program prioritizes eligible expenses associated with general operations, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. This focus on operational support allows organizations to maintain their core functions, which is critical for long-term stability. The expected outcomes include the sustained operation of arts and cultural organizations, the retention of a diverse arts workforce, and the continued delivery of cultural services to communities throughout California. Measurable results for this one-year funding cycle could include the number of organizations sustained, the range of eligible expenses covered, and the continued employment of arts professionals. The grant activity period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This grant indirectly supports the California Arts Council's broader theory of change, which posits that investing in the operational capacity of arts organizations leads to a more vibrant, accessible, and equitable cultural environment for all Californians.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state and local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and tribal organizations to advance plant conservation and restoration projects in Colorado, focusing on biodiversity and climate resilience.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that conserve and improve natural resources, targeting municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and private property owners in Hennepin County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Maryland for outdoor recreation projects, including land acquisition and the development or renovation of recreational facilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Wyoming to enhance outdoor recreation access, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Research grants support studies that address critical gaps in our understanding of natural history and contribute to the conservation and enhancement of aquatic ecosystems and healthy habitats. FAO seeks to fund projects that advance scientific knowledge and practical solutions for environmental challenges in the region, particularly those impacting aquatic biodiversity, water quality, and healthy habitats. Eligible projects include aquatic biodiversity assessments, water quality monitoring and analysis, development and application of innovative technologies and methodologies, collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors, and habitat restoration and conservation efforts. FAO prioritizes projects that can result in scalable change and impact multiple counties. The maximum funding request per project is $25,000, with a total of at least $75,000 available to award. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and groups operating under fiscal sponsorship within the Muskingum Watershed and Appalachian Ohio regions. Applications must be submitted online, and supporting documents emailed to FAO by August 2, 2024. Grant decisions will be announced by September 30, 2024.

The State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Funding Grant, offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), aims to restore and improve urban forests in Indiana. Its core mission aligns with environmental resilience and conservation, specifically addressing the catastrophic losses caused by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The grant seeks to build long-term resiliency through increased tree diversity and the protection of existing healthy trees. While a specific "foundation mission" is not explicitly stated in the context, the IDNR's involvement implies a state-level commitment to environmental health and sustainable urban development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are municipalities and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations within Indiana. These entities, acting on behalf of their communities, will implement projects that directly impact the health and sustainability of public urban forests. The overarching impact goal is to mitigate the damage caused by the EAB, enhance the ecological integrity of urban areas, and foster community engagement in environmental stewardship. The grant is designed to support a range of activities, from tree removal and treatment to new plantings, all contributing to a more robust and diverse urban canopy. The SUFR Grant prioritizes management and reforestation activities. This includes the removal of EAB-infested or dead Ash trees, insecticidal treatments for threatened Ash trees, and comprehensive tree planting initiatives. A key focus is on replacing removed Ash trees with at least two new trees, promoting native Indiana species, and specifically restricting the planting of Acer genus (maples) to encourage greater biodiversity. Community engagement is a mandatory component of all tree planting projects, emphasizing the importance of local involvement and education in achieving sustainable outcomes. Additionally, applicants must possess an up-to-date tree inventory to demonstrate existing conditions and planned improvements. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in EAB impact, an increase in urban forest canopy cover, and a greater diversity of tree species in Indiana's urban areas. For every Ash tree removed, the requirement to plant at least two new trees will directly contribute to reforestation efforts. The restriction on Acer genus planting (with limited exceptions) will lead to a more varied and resilient tree population. Measurable results will stem from the required documentation, including ISA Certified Arborist reports or updated tree inventories, which detail the location and number of trees removed, treated, and planted. This data will allow for tracking the progress and effectiveness of the grant in achieving its goals. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in strategic urban forest management, coupled with community involvement, Indiana's urban environments will become more resilient to pests and diseases, offering long-term ecological and community benefits.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry, offers the Community Challenge Grant program to fund projects that promote tree planting, care of trees, and education on tree issues, with the aim of enhancing the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests, and requires applicants to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.