Natural Resources Grants

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering a grant to evaluate the feasibility of using existing underground gas storage facilities to store clean renewable hydrogen in California. This project aligns with the CEC's mission to advance California's clean energy goals by exploring innovative solutions for energy storage. The overarching goal is to assess the technical and economic viability of converting these facilities for hydrogen storage, contributing to the state's renewable energy infrastructure. The grant specifically targets projects that will benefit California Gas Investor Owned Utility (IOU) ratepayers. The project focuses on developing comprehensive technical and economic assessments of storing and retrieving hydrogen blends and/or pure hydrogen. Key priorities include engaging with local communities and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) around selected sites to assess awareness and support for underground hydrogen storage, and leveraging this feedback to inform experimental design. The project also emphasizes studying the characteristics of at least two existing underground gas storage facilities, conducting experiments to assess the impacts of hydrogen introduction on well integrity and reservoir dynamics, and proposing necessary mitigation measures for safety and reliability. Expected outcomes include quantitative risk assessments and techno-economic analyses for converting selected facilities, comparing costs and risks of various use cases, and estimating levelized costs of hydrogen storage, capital costs, and operations and maintenance costs. The project will also develop recommendations for Gas IOUs, CBOs, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to guide decision-making on the future role of underground hydrogen storage in California. Optional but desired elements include comparing the levelized cost of hydrogen storage and life-cycle emissions with alternative storage options and examining the potential of storing hydrogen in saline aquifers. The CEC's strategic priority in offering this grant is to support the integration of clean renewable hydrogen into California's energy mix. The theory of change is that by thoroughly assessing the feasibility, risks, and economic implications of underground hydrogen storage, the state can make informed decisions about deploying this technology, thereby accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The grant, with a funding range of $2.5 million to $3 million and a duration of three years (November 1, 2024 – September 30, 2027), aims to produce actionable insights that can directly influence future policy and infrastructure development in California's hydrogen economy.

This funding opportunity is designed to help cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations acquire development rights on agricultural land to prevent its conversion to non-agricultural uses, ensuring its preservation for farming for at least twenty-five years.

The City of St. Petersburg is offering Social Action Funding grants of up to $100,000 to social service agencies providing homeless services and/or homeless prevention services. This grant program aims to offer financial support for initiatives that positively influence the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness within the city. The program aligns with a broader mission to advance the health, economic, or social well-being of persons in need. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable populations. Priority is given to agencies serving families with children (ages 0-5 and 6-17 years), elderly individuals over 62, unaccompanied youth, youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless individuals (as defined by HUD), veterans, and victims of domestic violence. The overarching impact goal is to reduce and prevent homelessness in St. Petersburg by supporting comprehensive social service programs. The program prioritizes agencies that utilize a "housing first" and low-barrier approach. Specific critical services, such as storage units for personal items, call centers for homelessness prevention and assistance, and discretionary funds for street outreach, are also encouraged, allowing agencies to submit additional applications for these services. While there are no bonus points for matching funds or sole source proposals, all agencies are required to enter client data into the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System, with domestic violence providers being the sole exception. Expected outcomes include improved well-being for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals and families served, successful housing placements, and the overall impact on reducing homelessness within the city. The grant period for projects is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration of funded services. This strategic approach emphasizes direct intervention and support for those most in need, with a clear focus on actionable and impactful services.

This grant provides funding to municipalities for projects that promote waste reduction, recycling, and the safe collection of household hazardous waste to enhance environmental sustainability.

This Program Announcement is issued under the provisions of section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (codified at 42 USC 10301 et seq.) and amended by Public Laws 101-397, 104-147, 106-374, 109-471, and 117-58. The Water Resources Research Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer program grants to Institutes established under the provisions of section (a) of the Act. Water Resources Institutes or Centers have been established in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Institute in Guam also serves the Federated States of Micronesia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Institute in Hawaii also serves American Samoa. Institute Directors or their designee(s) are responsible for submitting applications. Responsibility for administration of the State Water Resources Research Institute program has been delegated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).Section 104(b) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 requires the Institutes or Centers to:(1) plan, conduct, or otherwise arrange for competent applied and peer reviewed research that fosters (A) improvements in water supply reliability;(B) the exploration of new ideas that (i) address water problems; or (ii) expand understanding of water and water-related phenomena;(C) the entry of new research scientists, engineers, and technicians into water resources fields; and(D) the dissemination of research results to water managers and the public.(2) "cooperate closely with other colleges and universities in the State that have demonstrated capabilities for research, information dissemination, and graduate training in order to develop a statewide program designed to resolve State and regional water and related land problems." (3) "cooperate closely with other institutes and other organizations in the region to increase the effectiveness of the institutes and for the purpose of promoting regional coordination."Applications submitted under this Announcement are to be in furtherance of these objectives and promote the national mission and objectives of the U.S. Geological Survey which are focused on providing water-quality and -quantity information, understanding water availability, addressing the influence of climate on water resources, and responding to water-related emerging needs. Specific areas of emphasis are at the discretion of the individual Institute or Center Directors.

This program provides funding to coastal communities and organizations in New Hampshire to develop projects that enhance resilience against climate change impacts, focusing on capacity building, planning, and design efforts.

The Loudoun County COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program seeks grant applications from community organizations to ensure greater equity and access to the COVID-19 vaccine for populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This program aligns with the broader mission of public health and community well-being by addressing disparities in vaccine access and promoting health equity. It is administered by the Loudoun County Health Department and supported through federal acts, highlighting a strategic priority to leverage government funding for targeted community health interventions. The program's target beneficiaries are priority populations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals in rural communities, people with disabilities, the homebound or isolated, the underinsured or uninsured, immigrants and/or refugees, and those with transportation limitations. The primary impact goal is to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination and the number of vaccinated individuals within these groups, thereby reducing health disparities and protecting vulnerable populations. The program prioritizes specific projects and initiatives focused on increasing vaccine access. This includes funding for project staff, travel to vaccination sites, facility and vehicle rentals for off-site clinics, bus passes to facilitate transportation, associated costs for operating clinics, health communications, education services, and software for information flow. The strategic focus is on removing barriers to vaccination and supporting community-based efforts that can effectively reach and engage these priority populations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in vaccination rates among the identified priority populations and a reduction in the equity gap in vaccine access. The program also aims to build on existing community rapport and trust, emphasizing the importance of local reach and experienced messengers. By supporting organizations with demonstrated capacity and experience in community health promotion and working with affected communities, the grant intends to achieve sustainable improvements in public health and health equity within Loudoun County. The funding available is $306,407, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $102,000, for a grant period from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.

The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry announces the 2024 ATV Trail Maintenance Grant Program, designed to support ATV clubs in maintaining and improving ATV trails across the state. The grant offers a tiered funding system based on trail mileage, ranging from $7,000 for trails up to 10 miles, to $12,000 for trails over 70 miles. Eligible expenses include construction, maintenance, labor (up to $15 an hour if paid), and landowner relations efforts, with an additional $500 available for qualified landowner relations expenses. Clubs must be registered non-profit corporations in good standing and meet several requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and providing proof of landowner permission. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024, with grants payable on a reimbursement basis. Grant renewed every year.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting applications for the 2024 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round from March 12 to May 7, 2024. Approximately $1.9 million in RTP funding is available. The RTP, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program aimed at building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities across non-motorized, diversified, and motorized trail categories. In 2024, the program is open for applications for both new trail construction and improvements to existing trails, following a competitive application process overseen by the RTP and the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. Eligible applicants include city, county, town, tribal, or other government entities, as well as registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body.

The Maine Tourism Development & Management Grant is designed to foster tourism development, education, and management projects in Maine that aim to enhance collaboration among key destination organizations, create sustainable growth within the tourism sector, and provide qualified technical and consulting assistance. The grant supports projects that align with the Maine Office of Tourism's Destination Management Plan and prioritize sustainable and inclusive tourism. Applications are accepted annually, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible projects include tourism product development, stewardship planning, visitor education programs, strategic planning related to tourism, and the creation of educational or interpretive signage to improve the visitor experience. A 25% cash match is required to ensure regional and community support for the projects. Ineligible uses of funding include marketing campaigns, special events, for-profit organizations, administrative costs, and construction projects. The grant emphasizes the importance of advancing off-season tourism, promoting the value of tourism, and developing inclusive travel opportunities. Deadline – Letter of Intent – 2pm, April 19, 2024 Application Deadline: 2pm, May 24th, 2024

Multistate Conservation Grants are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 669h-2 and 16 U.S.C. 777m, providing funding for wildlife restoration and sport fish restoration projects and recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) projects that address regional or national priority needs of State fish and wildlife agencies and their partners that are beyond the scale, scope, and capabilities of a single State. The priority needs, also known as Strategic Priorities, are identified annually by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) with input from State fish and wildlife agencies and their partners. Recipients awarded Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants (T-MSCG) may use the funds for wildlife or sport fish projects involving research, restoration, conservation and management of wild birds, wild mammals, sport fish, and their habitats. These funds may also be used for projects providing for public use and benefit from these resources, including hunter safety and education, aquatic education, angler R3 projects and other purposes consistent with the enabling legislation. Recipients awarded under R3 Multistate Conservation Grants (R3-MSCG) can only use the funds for hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment projects that promote a national hunting and shooting sport recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities.

This program provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for the design, construction, or improvement of public access facilities for non-motorized waterway recreation.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to encourage collaboration with partners in providing strategic conservation delivery assistance and/or provide tools or data that enhance the ability of the agency to support conservation activities. The overall intent of this solicitation is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined in this announcement. Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for projects located in New Jersey. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be up to $75,000.00 For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 7th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to encourage collaboration with partners in conducting outreach and providing strategic conservation delivery assistance that enhances the ability of the agency to support conservation. The overall intent of this solicitation is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined in this announcement. Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for outreach and technical assistance in Maine. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be approximately $500,000. Proposals are requested from eligible entities for competitive consideration of agreement awards and projects between For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on April 19, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by May 10, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 6, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Arizona (AZ) State Office Wildlife Program

Bureau of Land Management Arizona State Office Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Program

Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Arizona Invasive and Noxious Plant Management

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities and municipal authorities in Pennsylvania for improving public water supply and sanitary sewer systems through various infrastructure projects.

ADVS is the state agency responsible for the 600,000 service members, Veterans, and family members that call Arizona home. To that end, ADVS collaborates with public and private stakeholders to implement initiatives that positively influence the lives of Arizona’s military, Veteran, and family population.  ADVS is supporting the ongoing statewide collective impact efforts and implementation of three (3) Veteran initiatives focused on ending Veteran homelessness, assisting with Veteran employment barriers, and providing a pathway to providing Veterans with a higher level of care. ADVS is committed to the implementation of these Veteran Initiatives, which includes providing programs and services focusing on a community-based Veteran Homeless Action Plan to meet the needs of Veterans and their families through outreach, housing services, employment barriers, connection to VA community resources, and facilitating Veterans transition into a higher level of care.   AZ Action Plan to End Homeless Veterans Introduction: ADVS provides critical, statewide coordination and technical assistance to services and organizations serving Veterans. This includes activities such as the Arizona Veteran StandDowns, outreach events that support homeless and at-risk military Veterans in Coconino, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma Counties. This solicitation looks to expand the reach and capacity of Arizona Department of Veterans' Services to serve Arizona Veterans. AZHC is a statewide organization and have served Veterans and their families for many years. Project Objectives: Host the Maricopa County StandDown, the largest serving StandDown in the nation. The event serves over 2,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans each year.  Provide leadership, coordination, technical assistance, and bridge funding  throughout the year. Foster collaborations with new partners to serve  Veterans in need. Seek to prioritize the Maricopa County StandDown efforts towards  Veterans who  are street-living homeless without jeopardizing the accuracy of the      data of  Veterans' housing status. Provide financial assistance to Veterans in need in the form of bridge housing or mitigation assistance throughout the year in Maricopa County. Provide financial and technical assistance to the 11 StandDowns throughout the state. Collect accurate information of how many Veterans are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Outreach to other communities currently hosting or considering hosting   StandDown or at-risk Veteran resource events. Develop relationships and provide assistance to foster future collaborations under the Arizona Veteran StandDown Alliance. Provide After-Action reports for each event, shared with the Arizona Department  of Veterans' Services, and accessible to the community on our website. Veteran Toolkit  Introduction: ADVS with the help of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families has launched the  roadmap to Veterans Employment. This strategy outlines various initiatives to assist Veterans with obtaining employment. As often is the case, the veteran has been unemployed or under employed, and may not have the funds to buy the required protective  equipment, tools, or supplies needed for work. Project Objectives: The purpose of this section is to outline the scope of work of the grantee and   deliverables due to ADVS. Grantee will receive referrals from employment service providers (DVOP, LVER, Community workforce development services etc.) and provide identified          veteran recipients with an intervention that enables gainful employment. Grantee will ensure that the intervention occurs within 48 hours of a regular workweek. All monetary interventions must be receipted and submitted monthly for ADVS reporting. Financial assistance may not be given directly to the veteran; equipment, tools, and supplies must be acquired for them. Veteran must sign and acknowledge they have received assistance, to include any items purchased for obtaining gainful employment. Hero’s Pathway to Hope The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) is the State agency responsible for the 600,000-service member, veterans and family members that call Arizona home. The ADVS mission is to be the catalyst in response to the evolving needs if Arizona’s veterans and their families. To that end, ADVS partners with public and private stakeholders and community partners to implement initiative that positively impact the lives of Arizona's military, veteran and family population. The State of Arizona is seeing increasingly high numbers of homeless veterans who cannot be housed due to a combination of financial difficulties and high acuity needs. Project Objectives: Lead a multi-agency team of public and private partners to ensure programmatic goals are met tee will be responsible for facilitating communication through email and virtual  meetings throughout the duration of the Pilot. Grantee will give a complete overview of Pilot during the briefing process where the Veteran will sign and Inter-Agency ROI, Acknowledgment of Program      Guidelines and data collection. During briefing process Grantee will provide clear and concise information that the Veteran in entering into a voluntary Pilot Program, which includes the possibility of denial of applications and termination of funding within the three (3) month bridge of placement. Collect pilot data to inform program needs beyond the pilot. Provide Promise to Pay letter to be sent to Placement Facility, Veteran and assigned VA Social Worker. Notice of Funds ending letter will be sent to Facility and Partnering Agencies; notifying Facility of thirty (30) day end of funds date. Grantee will provide a report of monthly expenses for each Veteran participating in the Pilot and a report of data findings within ninety (90) days of conclusion of the  Pilot. Financial Notes: The State of Arizona is seeing increasingly high numbers of homeless veterans who cannot be housed due to a combination of financial difficulties and high acuity needs. Provide financial assistance to Veterans in need in the form of bridge housing or mitigation assistance throughout the year in Maricopa County. Provide financial and technical assistance to the 11 StandDowns throughout the state. Collect accurate information on how many Veterans are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Advocate for additional financial resources at the federal, state, and local levels to support housing and homelessness services, including advocating for the restoration of the state housing trust fund. Financial assistance may not be given directly to the veteran; equipment, tools, and supplies must be acquired for them.

This program provides funding to county conservation boards in Iowa to improve and enhance fish habitats in local water bodies, promoting better fishing opportunities and water quality.