Natural Resources Grants

The United States Department of the Interior (Department), Bureau of Reclamations (Reclamation) Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program (Program) aims to improve the skill of water supply forecasts via enhancing snow monitoring through the deployment of emerging technologies to complement existing monitoring techniques and networks. This new program was authorized in December 2020 by P.L. 116-260, Sec. 1111, Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act. The program was authorized for FY 2022 -FY 2026.Reservoir operations and related water management decisions rely on estimates of current and future water availability. These estimates depend on technologies to observe basin conditions such as snowpack. In many Western basins, snowpack and subsequent snowmelt runoff constitutes a significant portion of the annual water supply. Accordingly, monitoring snowpack is of great interest to water managers and water users alike. Traditionally, basin snowpack information is based on a sparse network of observing stations across large watersheds. These networks provide high quality information at station locations but extrapolating that information to an entire watershed is a challenge. This challenge, in large part, motivates the Program.As such, the NOFO invites proposals from eligible applicants that are invested in and capable of demonstrating emerging or deploying existing snow monitoring technologies and/or use of snow monitoring data to enhance water supply forecast skill. Considering this and the Acts emphasis on partner agency coordination, strong applications will have partnerships with water management and forecasting entities to facilitate transfer of knowledge, foster use of data in forecasts, and evaluate utility of information for informing water management decisions. This supports Department of the Interior priority of addressing the drought crisis by providing water managers the best available information to inform the management of this scarce and critical resource.In Phase I, applicants submit technical proposals in the required format and length as specified in Section D.2.1.4 Project Proposal as well as with the required content. Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration.Reclamations application review committee (ARC) will select a set of highly qualified applications from Phase I to move to Phase II of the application process. Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration. If the selected applicants are not present for Phase II, their proposals are automatically disqualified from proceeding further and will be ineligible for an award. Phase II will entail a 30-minute virtual (web meeting) project/proposal pitch presentation to a review panel, followed by 20 minutes of question and answer with the review panel. Those selected to advance to Phase II will be notified of the presentation requirements and logistics with a minimum 4 weeks notice.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state- and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals will be accepted for projects located in Nebraska.Proposals are requested for competitive consideration for cooperative agreement awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants can be tribal government, State or local unit of government, non-profits with a 501 (c) (3) with status, or institution of higher learning.Entities may submit more than one application as long as the proposals are for different projects and entities may receive more than one award.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.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 DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 6th, 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 June 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15th, 2024.These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), seeks to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. This grant program, with approximately $12 million available in 2024, aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to test innovative conservation approaches, deliver transformative projects, and engage communities that value and protect the Sound. Major funding is provided by EPA through the LISS, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation, demonstrating a collaborative strategic approach to environmental conservation. The LISFF targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local and municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on improving water quality, enhancing and restoring coastal habitats, and fostering sustainable and resilient communities around the Long Island Sound. The program’s strategic priorities are guided by the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP), which emphasizes three core themes: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, and Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Cross-cutting principles of resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice are also integral to the program's theory of change. Under the "Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds" theme, the program prioritizes reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading. This includes funding for "shovel-ready" projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly those addressing water quality at a larger scale. Planning activities, such as community engagement, feasibility studies, site assessments, conceptual design, and final design and permitting, are also supported. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) are specifically focused on quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient prevention with a documented benefit to Long Island Sound. The "Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife" theme focuses on enhancing or restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function, supporting fish, bird, and wildlife populations, and sustaining the Sound's ecological balance. This involves implementing "shovel-ready" habitat restoration and nature-based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects, as well as planning activities for such projects. The program also aims to foster diverse, balanced, and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife, encouraging proposals that consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines. The "Sustainable and Resilient Communities" theme supports vibrant, informed, and engaged communities through projects that offer hands-on conservation experiences. Expected outcomes include quantifiable pollutant reductions, enhanced and restored coastal habitats, increased resilience to climate change, and more engaged communities actively participating in the Sound's protection and sustainability. For water quality projects, measurable results will include quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly nitrogen/nutrient reductions. For habitat projects, long-term maintenance plans and ecological improvements are expected. The LISFF's strategic framework, rooted in the CCMP, aims to accelerate local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, environmental justice, and community outreach, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive, and resilient Long Island Sound for both people and wildlife.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

This program provides financial assistance to public entities in Arkansas for improving and maintaining essential water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water and effective waste management.

Mexico Standard Program;apos;s goal is to promote partnerships between public agencies and groups interested in protecting, improving, restoring, and managing an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America. A 1:1 match is required. This program supports the DOI and FWS mission of protecting and managing the nation;apos;s natural resources by collaborating with partners and stakeholders to conserve land and water and to expand outdoor recreation and access.

The Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program was created to support the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitats and species of Tribal cultural or traditional importance, including those that are not hunted or fished. The TWG Program is part of the Congressionally-authorized State and Tribal Wildlife Grant (STWG) Program which provides wildlife conservation grants to States, Commonwealths, and to the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Tribes under provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. The TWG Program provides opportunities for federally recognized Tribes to engage in fish and wildlife conservation efforts on Tribal lands. Many of the TWG Program-funded project activities increase fish and wildlife populations, allowing for hunting and fishing opportunities on and off Tribal lands. Additionally, the TWG Program funds project activities that align and assist the Service with Endangered Species Act (ESA) conservation activities supporting species down-listing (threatened to endangered), delisting (removal from the list due to species recovery), and preventing new species listings under the ESA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations in Texas to engage underserved communities in outdoor recreation and environmental education activities that promote conservation and stewardship.

The Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), also known as TEDF Category B, is a grant program offered by the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Economic Development. This program is designed to provide additional road funding to Michigan's smallest communities, particularly those with limited ability to fund road improvement projects. It acts as a stop-gap measure to address critical infrastructure needs in these areas. The target beneficiaries of this grant are villages and small cities with a population of 10,000 or less, according to the 2020 census. The program's impact goal is to improve road infrastructure in these communities, ensuring safer and more functional transportation networks. The expected outcomes include the reconstruction, replacement, rehabilitation, or capital preventative maintenance of city or village streets and associated stormwater improvements. Program priorities are centered around maximizing the impact of the funding and encouraging efficient asset management. Applications are scored based on the agency's ability to fund road projects (proportional to 2023 real/personal property value and population), projects on local roads (due to fewer eligible funding sources), projects paired with other infrastructure initiatives for efficiency, collaborative projects with other agencies to encourage lower pricing, and preventative maintenance projects for better asset management. Agencies that have previously received a grant from this program will have points reduced. The funding information specifies a maximum grant amount that is the lesser of 50% of the eligible and participating costs, up to $250,000. The local agency is responsible for the remaining project costs. To receive the full $250,000, the eligible and participating work must equal or exceed $500,000. New construction or routine maintenance, such as filling potholes, mowing, or plowing, are not permitted with Category B funding, reinforcing the program's focus on significant infrastructure improvements.

Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Arizona Threatened and Endangered Species Program. Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., MDT, on the listed application due dates. Applications will be reviewed, rated, ranked and selected by the following rounds: Open from February 16, 2024, through May 17, 2024 Round One – Applications Due: April 15, 2024, 5:00 PM MDT. Round Two – Applications Due: May 17, 2024, 5:00 PM MDT. Applications must be submitted in English.Extensions to NOFO close dates will be unallowed, except in extenuating circumstances.

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101646, 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956) (Act) established the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal areas through competitive matching grants to eligible State agencies. The NCWCG Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, and a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines. Revenues are deposited into and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The primary goal of the NCWCG Program is the longterm conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) authorizes funding for the NCWCG Program through Fiscal Year 2026.

FY24 Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Cooperative Inspection Agreements with States and Tribes. Employment of Native Americans which will stimulate the Nations economy.Satisfying the BLM requirement for Oil & Gas Inspection and Enforcement requirements per FOGRMA.Training of Native American Inspectors per the National Certification Program for Oil & Gas I & E Personn. The BLM manages approximately 40,000 Federal onshore leases and well inventory of more than 94,000 across 32 States. These leases have generated in excess of $2 billion annually in bonus bids, royalties and rents in recent years of which nearly half is distributed to States in accordance with revenue sharing provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act and FOGRMA. In addition, the BLM manages operations on roughly 4,500 oil and gas leases on behalf of Native Tribes and individual Native mineral owners. The BLM seeks to ensure that the public’s oil and gas resources are developed in an environmentally responsible manner that maximizes recovery, while minimizing waste and providing a fair return for the taxpayer through accurate revenue collection. . This is accomplished through expediting leasing, streamlining well permitting, reservoir management, and the administration of operations, which includes prioritizing inspections based on risk and providing oversight of ongoing operations, as well as monitoring reclamation and abandonment activities. Another important component is the BLM’s Fiduciary Trust Responsibility to Indian Tribes, which is an obligation on the part of the United States to protect tribal treaty rights, lands, assets, and resources, as well as a duty to carry out the mandates of Federal law with respect to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages.

This program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit snowmobile clubs in Michigan for maintaining and improving the state's snowmobile trail system.

This grant provides funding opportunities for diverse organizations to develop innovative solutions that improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for underserved communities.

This program provides 100% funding to New Mexico municipalities for projects that improve clean water infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment and stormwater management systems.

This grant provides funding to organizations focused on restoring habitats and improving fish passage for the recovery of Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine.

This notice of funding opportunity is to advise the State lead agencies for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) of the availability of funds for projects to develop or update their State-wide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) or supporting elements of it, as well as for other types of recreation planning projects. The LWCF Act requires each state to develop and maintain a SCORP for overall program eligibility for LWCF grants. The LWCF State and Local Assistance program is implemented by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated lead agencies in each of the 50 States as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each fiscal year Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is in turn allocated to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for the funding, States must have a current SCORP in place that assesses demand and need for outdoor recreation resources and sets priorities for the use of LWCF funds. Projects selected for LWCF funding should address priority needs or goals of the SCORP. The NPS must review and approve each States SCORP, which is updated at least once every 5 years. The LWCF Grant Assistance Manual establishes the eligibility, procedural, and programmatic requirements for LWCF grants. A copy of the current volume of the LWCF Financial Assistance Manual (Volume 72, October 1, 2023) can be found at FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MANUAL (nps.gov). Chapter 2 of the Manual outlines the SCORP process and requirements.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE INFORMATION IN THE ABOVE NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY BEFORE APPLYING.With few notable exceptions in allowable periods of performance, 2024 administrative grant applications and awards will be the same as 2023 (see information for the applicant below). Applicants no longer need to limit personnel expenditures to one year and the overall grant to three. We recognize the strategic value in awarding a 4-5 year administrative grant that can be successively amended in cost and scope. This prevents overlapping periods of performance and simplifies reporting. If you have already been awarded an administrative grant in 2023, work with your NPS program officer to advance a cost increase amendment, not a new 2024 administrative grant award. Award amounts are still recommended to be greater than $200,000 and less than 7% of the states apportionment. Applications with proposed awards outside of this range should justify the request in the budget narrative according to the program goals of: 1) improving participation in ORLP and formula grant programs, 2) addressing deficient formula grant implementation areas, 3) improving monitoring of LWCF assisted parks and sub-recipients. Recommendations to applicants include: 1) work with your NPS program officer to review the application prior to submission, 2) pay special attention to Budget Object Classifications definitions within the SF424a instructions and use these BOCs in the budget narrative to make sure there is tight correspondence, 3) include a signed, written request for reimbursement of any equipment costs included in budget, and 4) allow time for revisions to the SF424a.

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to advise States, local units of government, and Indian Tribes of the potential availability of funds in their State for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to acquire and/or develop lands for public outdoor recreation purposes. The State and Local Assistance Program was created when the LWCF Act was enacted September 3, 1964. It helps fulfill the LWCF Acts purpose to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to present and future generations of U.S. citizens and visitors such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation in such recreation and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States. This is accomplished in part by authorizing and providing grants to States, and through States to local units of government and Indian tribes, for projects that acquire lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation spaces, as well as develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities. Outdoor recreation areas and facilities must be publicly owned as well as open to the general public and not limited to special groups. The LWCF State and Local Assistance program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated lead agencies in each of the 50 States plus American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each fiscal year Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is in turn allocated to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for the funding, States must have a current State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) in place that assesses demand and need for outdoor recreation resources and sets priorities for the use of LWCF funds. The process for applying for a grant begins at the State or Territory level. Entities interested in applying for an LWCF grant must contact their State lead agency to find out details about the availability of funds, timing of grant process, State program priorities, funding criteria, etc.The lead agency is responsible for soliciting project proposals from other State agencies, local units of government, and Indian Tribes and for conducting competitions to identify the projects that can best advance the goals or meet the needs identified in the States SCORP. The top ranked projects, within the funds available, are nominated to the NPS for consideration and final decision, as well as the actual award of a grant. Prospective applicants should be able to specifically describe how their project would address priority outdoor recreation needs and goals as identified in the States SCORP.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the LWCF invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve our history and protect our national endowment of lands and waters. The LWCF program is divided into the "State Side" which provides grants to State and local governments, and the "Federal Side" which is used to acquire lands, waters, and interests therein necessary to achieve the natural, cultural, wildlife, and recreation management objectives of federal land management agencies.