We're Relocating!

Thank you for following our blogger blog for the past year. We have decided to move our blog to Wordpress as it allows more options for authoring and reading.

Please update your subscriptions to:
http://gourdiefraser.wordpress.com/

All of our previous posts have been moved to the new blog, so you can refer back if you wish.

Thank you!

Climate Showcase Communities Grant, Due July 26

The US EPA is awarding $10M in grant funding through its Climate Showcase Communities Program. This program will assist local and tribal governments in developing plans, conducting demonstrations, and implementing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while achieving additional environmental, economic, public health, and/or community benefits. The overall goal of the Climate Showcase Communities program is to create replicable models of sustainable community action that generate cost-effective and persistent greenhouse gas reductions while improving the environmental, economic, public health, or social conditions in a community.

The Climate Showcase Communities Program provides funding for planning, demonstration and/or implementation projects designed to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The goal of this program is to implement innovative programs, projects, and approaches which demonstrate documentable reductions in GHG and are replicable elsewhere. The Office of Air and Radiation requests proposals from eligible entities, as described in Section III, which will achieve reductions of GHG emissions through actions taken by local and tribal governments.

Proposed activities must achieve reductions in GHG emissions by addressing one or more of the following priority areas:

• energy performance in municipal operations (including municipal energy, water, and wastewater utilities)
• energy performance in residential, commercial, agricultural, aqua-cultural, and/or industrial buildings
• land use, transportation, or community master planning
• reduction of vehicle miles traveled
• solid waste management
• agricultural, aqua-cultural, and natural resource management
• use or supply of green power products, on-site renewables, and other clean energy supply options
• heat island management
• removal of barriers for greenhouse gas management, through the development of effective programs, policies, or outreach
• other innovative activities which generate measurable reductions of greenhouse gases

In addition, proposals submitted for consideration should: 1) achieve ongoing GHG reductions 2) build capacity within local and tribal agencies to address GHG emissions 3) build and leverage partnerships across multiple stakeholder groups; 4) link climate change initiatives with broader environmental, economic, health, environmental justice, and social co-benefits; and 5) create models of success that are broadly replicable. Applicants will also be scored on their ability to link their proposed projects to broader climate management by describing how the project relates to “complementary activities” they have completed, in progress, or planned. Complementary activities include other policies, programs, or actions undertaken by a local or tribal government related to climate change management.

EPA anticipates awarding a total of approximately 20 to 30 cooperative agreements from this announcement, ranging in value from $100,000 to $500,000, subject to availability of funds, quality of evaluated proposals, and other applicable considerations. The maximum amount available for any award is $500,000 in federal funds. Under the tribal set-aside, EPA expects to award 1-3 cooperative agreements ranging in value from approximately $100,000 to $500,000, for a total value of approximately $500,000, subject to availability of funds, quality of evaluated proposals, and other applicable considerations. Awards are subject to the availability of funds and quality of evaluated proposals. EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding becomes available. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than six months from the date of original selection date.

Deadlines and Match
The estimated project period for awards resulting from this solicitation will begin February 1, 2011. Proposed project periods may be up to three years. A 50% match is required for this program with the exception of tribal governments and intertribal consortia that are exempt from matching requirements. The cost share and/or match can be in the form of cash or as in-kind contributions, such as use of volunteers and/or donated time, equipment, expertise, etc. All matching funds are subject to the regulations governing matching fund requirements at 40 CFR 31.24. In-kind contributions often include salaries or other verifiable costs which must be carefully documented. In the case of salaries, applicants may use either minimum wage or fair market value.

Eligibility
Local governments—a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority (including any public and Indian housing agency) school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments, any other regional or interstate government entity, or any agency or instrumentality of a local government.
Federally recognized Indian tribal governments—the governing body or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community (including Native villages) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and services provided by him through the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as any organization or intertribal consortium that represents federally recognized tribes.
Intertribal Consortia-- an “intertribal consortium” is defined as a partnership between two or more tribes that is authorized by the governing bodies of those tribes to apply for and receive assistance under this program. Intertribal consortia are eligible to receive grants under this program only if the consortium demonstrates that all members of the consortium meet the eligibility requirements for the grant and authorize the consortium to apply for and receive assistance by submitting to EPA documentation of (1) the existence of the partnership between Indian tribal governments, and (2) authorization of the consortium by all its members to apply for and receive the grant.

Contact us for more information!

EDA Deadline Reminder, June 30

Note: This program is especially applicable if you are seeking infrastructure funding related to economic development or job creation (industrial parks, etc).

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting applications for the EDA American Recovery Program under the auspices of PWEDA. Specifically, the FFO pertains to applications for funding under EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs only. Under this FFO, EDA will give priority consideration to those applications that will significantly benefit regions “that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring,” as stipulated under the Recovery Act. EDA provides financial assistance to distressed communities in both urban and rural regions. Such distress may exist in a variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant declines in per capita income, large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, trade impacts, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources, reduced tax bases, or substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities.

EDA’s experience has shown that regional economic development to help alleviate these conditions is effected primarily through investments and decisions made by the private sector. Under the EDA American Recovery Program, EDA will help restore, replace and expand economic activity in regions that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring, and prioritize projects that will diversify the economic base and lead to a stronger, more globally competitive and resilient regional economy. EDA’s economic development activities help create jobs by encouraging business inception and growth.

Deadline: Jun 30, 2010
Funds are available for obligation until September 30, 2010; however, it takes a minimum of 90 days from EDA's receipt of a complete application until award, when funds are obligated.

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes
Grants are generally 50%, however, exceptionally distressed areas may apply for up to 30% more. In-kind contributions are acceptable towards match.

Eligible Applicants:
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)


Additional Information on Eligibility:

PLEASE NOTE: For-profit, private-sector entities and individuals do not qualify for investment assistance under the Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which are the applicable programs under this announcement. Pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.)(PWEDA), eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (i) District Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. Projects eligible for Public Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those projects located in regions meeting “Special Need” criteria (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3), as set forth in section VII. of this announcement.

Contact us for more information!

Community Challenge Planning Grants, TIGER II

This notice announces the availability of funding and requests proposals for the HUD's Community Challenge Planning Grants in conjunction with a portion of the Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Investments Grants that can be used for transportation planning grants.HUD’s $40 million Community Challenge Planning Grant Program will foster reform and reduce barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities.Such efforts may include amending or replacing local master plans, zoning codes, and building codes, either on a jurisdiction-wide basis or in a specific neighborhood, district, corridor, or sector to promote mixed-use development, affordable housing, the reuse of older buildings and structures for new purposes, and similar activities with the goal of promoting sustainability at the local or neighborhood level. HUD’s Community Challenge Planning Grant Program also supports the development of affordable housing through the development and adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances and other activities such as acquisition of land for affordable housing projects.

DOT is authorized to use up to $35 million of the funds available for TIGER II Discretionary Grants for TIGER II Planning Grants to fund the planning, preparation, or design of surface transportation projects that would be eligible for funding under the TIGER II Discretionary Grant program.

Eligibility

State and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs),other political subdivisions of State or local governments, and multi-State or multijurisdictional groupings.

Pre-Applications are due by 5:00 PM, 30 days after this Notice is published in the Federal Register and applications must be submitted by August 23, 2010.

Contact us for more information!

New RMAP Program to Support Rural Small Business

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program is a new program that will make grants to organizations that provide training, technical assistance or make small loans to new and existing rural small businesses. This program will provide grants and loan funds to organizations that provide training, technical assistance and/or small loans to rural small business owners, facilitate access to capital and access to services for rural microenterprises. The funding is channeled to three areas:

• Loans to microentrepreneurs through applicant organizations: Funds to provide fixed interest rate microloans of less than $50,000 to rural entrepreneurs for the development or start-up of successful microenterprises in rural areas.
• Grants to organizations to assist microentrepreneurs (connected to loan funds): Funding to organizations to provide marketing, management, and other technical assistance to microentrepreneurs who received or are seeking a loan from the microenterprise development organization.
• Grants to support microenterprise development (not connected to loan funds): Funding to organizations to provide training, operational support, business planning, market development assistance, and other services to rural entrepreneurs.

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program program will be administered as a national program through USDA Rural Development’s Business Programs Office.

Organizations eligible to apply for funding include nonprofit organizations, public institutions of higher education, and tribal governments that are not served by a nonprofit development organization.

Applicants should have a demonstrated record of delivering services to rural microentrepreneurs or an effective plan to develop such a program. Applicant organizations do not need to be located in a rural area, but they must serve rural entrepreneurs. Microenterprises can be food or agriculture-related but are not required to be.

The farm bill defines organizations meeting the above qualifications as Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDO).

Applications must meet the following standards:

• Federal share of the cost of a project funded by this program shall not exceed 75%
• MDOs must match at least 15% of any grant amount
• Not more than 10% of any grant received may be used for administrative expenses

Definitions:

• Microentrepreneur: an owner and operator or prospective owner or operator of a rural microenterprise unable to obtain sufficient training, technical assistance or credit
• Microloan: a business loan of not more than $50,000
• Rural: any area other than 1) a city or town with 50,000 or greater population, or 2) an urbanized area contiguous or adjacent to a city or town with 50,000 or greater population
• Rural Microenterprise: sole proprietorship or business with no more than 10 full-time equivalent employees
• Microenterprise development organization (MDO): an organization that is a nonprofit entity, Indian tribe (that is not served by an MDO), or public institution of higher education that provides training and technical assistance to rural microentrepreneurs, facilitates access to capital and services to rural microenterprises and has a demonstrated record of delivering services to rural microentrepreneurs or an effective plan to develop such a program.

Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-10-RMAP
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jul 16, 2010
Archive Date: Aug 16, 2010
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Expected Number of Awards: 35
Estimated Total Program Funding: $8,900,000
Award Ceiling: $130,000

Additional Information on Eligibility:
Non-profit entities, Indian tribes, and public institutions of higher education that, for the benefit of rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises, provides training and technical assistance, makes microloans or facilitates access to capital or another related service, and/or has demonstrated record of delivering, or an effective plan to develop a program to deliver such services.

Eligible MDOs will automatically be eligible to receive technical assistance grants to provide technical assistance and training to microentrepreneurs that have received or are seeking a microloan under the RMAP. These grants are limited to an amount equal to not more than 25 percent of the loan to an MDO under the RMAP. Technical assistance-only (TA-only) grants will competitively be made to MDOs for the purpose of providing technical assistance and training to prospective borrowers. TA-only grants will be made to eligible MDOs that seek to provide business-based technical assistance and training to eligible microentrepreneurs and microenterprises, but do not seek funding for a direct loan under RMAP.

Grants for Humanities Programming, Deadline Aug. 18

America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations grants support projects in the humanities that explore stories, ideas, and beliefs in order to deepen our understanding of our lives and our world. The Division of Public Programs supports the development of humanities content and interactivity that excite, inform, and stir thoughtful reflection upon culture, identity, and history in creative and new ways. Grants for America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations should encourage dialogue, discussion, and civic engagement, and they should foster learning among people of all ages. To that end, the Division of Public Programs urges applicants to consider more than one format for presenting humanities ideas to the public.

NEH offers two categories of grants for America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations: planning and implementation Grants. Planning grants are available for projects that may need further development before applying for implementation. This planning can include the identification and refinement of the project’s main humanities ideas and questions, consultation with scholars, preliminary audience evaluation, preliminary design of the proposed interpretive formats, beta testing of digital formats, development of complementary programming, research, or the drafting of interpretive materials.

Implementation grants support the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public. Applicants must submit a full walkthrough for an exhibition, or a prototype or storyboard for a digital project, which demonstrates a solid command of the humanities ideas and scholarship that relate to the subject. Applicants for implementation grants should have already finished most of the planning for their projects, including the identification of the key humanities themes, relevant scholarship, and program formats. For exhibitions, implementation grants can support the final stages of design development, but these grants are primarily intended for installation.

Current Closing Date for Applications: Aug 18, 2010

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Eligible Applicants:
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education

National Endowment for the Humanities

Contact us for more information!

Evaluating Centers for Independent Living, Deadline June 9

This program provides support for planning, conducting, administering, and evaluating centers for independent living (CILs) that comply with the standards and assurances in section 725 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), consistent with the design included in the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for establishing a statewide network of CILs.

Deadline: June 9, 2010

Eligibility
Be a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agency.

Amount of funding
$10,229,435 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and $596,334 from the FY 2010 Centers for Independent Living (CIL) appropriation.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $386,635.

Estimated Number of Awards: 28

You can retrieve an application here:
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html

You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: http:// www.EDPubs.gov or at its e-mail address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.

If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify this program as follows: CFDA numbers 84.400A and 84.132A.

For more information contact:
Sean Barrett, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5016, PCP, Washington, DC 20202-2800. Telephone: (202) 245-7604 or by e-mail: sean.barrett@ed.gov.

MDNRE Trust Fund, Deadline August 3

It will soon be park season and if you are seeking to provide more recreational opportunities now is the time to get started! The MDNRE Natural Resources Trust Fund has a secondary deadline August 3 for land acquisition projects only.

* August 3 - Secondary application deadline for land acquisition projects only.

Application materials are generally available each January for the current year application cycle. Final grant recommendations are made by the MNRTF Board of Trustees in late fall and submitted to the Legislature for approval and appropriation of funds. Local grant and DNRE applications are evaluated and scored by the staff in Grants Management, using criteria and a point scale established annually by the MNRTF Board. While only state and local governments may apply to the MNRTF, any individual, group, or organization may nominate land for consideration for acquisition. A nomination is a suggestion that a parcel of land be considered for DNRE ownership.

Criteria:
Applications are evaluated on criteria established by the MNRTF Board of Trustees. Local units of government must provide at least 25% of the project's total costs as local match. Recommendations are made by the MNRTF Board of Trustees to the Governor, which are forwarded to the Michigan Legislature for final approval and appropriation.

There are eight (nine for development applications only) evaluation criteria:
1. Need for project
2. Applicant history
3. Site quality and Project quality
4. Natural Resource Protection and Use/Recreation Opportunities
5. Financial Need of the Applicant
6. Urban Area Recreation Opportunities
7. Local Match
8. Entrance Fees
9. Universal Design (development applications only)

Priority Project Types of the MNRTF Board for 2010 are:
1. Trails/Greenways
2. Wildlife/Ecological Corridors and Winter Deeryard Acquisitions
3. Project is located within an Urban Area.


Applicant Eligibility:

The state and counties, cities, townships, villages, school districts, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, or any authority composed of counties, cities, townships, villages or school districts, or any combination thereof, which authority is legally constituted to provide public recreation. Local units of government must have a DNRE-approved 5-year recreation plan on file with the Department prior to application.

Application Process:
1. Submittal of a community recreation plan
2. Submittal of grant application
3. Evaluation by DNRE staff
4. Recommendation of funding by the Michigan Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board
5. Appropriation of project funds by the Legislature

Deadline(s):
Local community recreation plans must be submitted to the DNRE by the application due date. The secondary application deadline of August 2nd is for acquisition applications only.

Timeline(s):
Grant awards are dependent on the appropriations process, but project agreements are normally distributed within 12 to 18 months after the application submission.

Dollar Amount(s) Available:
Development project minimum/maximum grant amount: $15,000 to $500,000. No minimum/maximum limits on land acquisition grants.

Source(s) of Funds:
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

Source: MDNRE website

Community Development Block Grants, Deadline June 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT
THE MICHIGAN STRATEGIC FUND
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

The program will provide funds to Michigan’s non-entitlement communities for Community Development Block Grant Recovery (CDBG-R) eligible projects that meet the national objective of benefiting low/mod income persons and other regulatory requirements.

Communities are invited to submit one (1) project that will have eligible job creation. Proposals may be submitted for a variety of projects which include: hard development costs associated with infrastructure activities that provide basic services to residents or activities that promote energy efficiency and conservation through rehabilitation or retrofitting of existing buildings.

Prohibited Projects
No consideration will be given to the following projects: swimming pools, golf courses, zoos, aquariums , casinos or other gambling establishments, buildings for general conduct of government, political activities, purchase of equipment and operating and maintenance expenses.

There are no federal requirements for a local cash match or other type of funding match. However, preference will be given for projects that rely on other sources of funding. Projects with a completion deadline in 2010 will be scored favorably. Projects with a start date after April 30, 2011, will not be scored.

Grants will only be made directly to the qualifying community.
Proposals are DUE by June 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.

Contact us for more information!

Energy Grant Roundup

First of all we would like to take a moment to congratulate our client, the Mancelona Area Water & Sewer Authority, on once again being named "Best Tasting Water in the Region" by the American Water Works Assn (MI) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment! This is a third-time win for MAWSA, with top honors in 2010, 2007 and 2006. This project first broke ground in the fall of 2001, and included over 17 miles of new watermain.

On to the energy grants available!

Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing grants and loans will provide $20 million to assist small manufacturing companies, currently located in Michigan, to diversify into high-growth clean energy sectors and invest in advanced manufacturing of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems and components. Any business physically located in Michigan with 500 or fewer full-time or equivalent employees, or a business that relocates to Michigan by the time of the award is eligible to apply.
Energy Efficiency - due May 21: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/CEAM_Energy_Efficiency_RFP_318749_7.pdf
Renewable Energy - due May 14: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/CEAM_Renewable_Energy_RFP_318752_7.pdf

USDA Energy Grant program options:

REAP Renewal Energy Program
(Rural Energy for America Program, formerly known as the "§9006" program) offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generating systems. Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together they may finance up to 75% of a project's cost. Grants can never finance more than 25% of the project or $500,000 -- whichever is less. (The REAP program also supports energy efficiency projects.)

Authorized uses include:

• Renewable energy machinery & equipment – purchase & installation (including reimbursement for these costs only if the costs were incurred after submitting your application).


• Renewable energy real estate improvements – materials & construction (including reimbursement for these costs only if the costs were incurred after


• Feasibility studies, technical/engineering reports, permits, professional fees, & business plans (including reimbursement for such costs whether incurred submitting your application).before or afterapplication date).

REAP Energy Efficiency Program

(Rural Energy for America Program, formerly known as the "§9006" program) offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency improvements. Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together they may finance up to 75% of a project's cost. Grants can never finance more than 25% of the project or $250,000 -- whichever is less. (The REAP program also supports renewable energy projects.)

REAP applications are now being accepted for FY2010; the application deadline is June 30, 2010. Awards are likely to be announced in summer 2010.Note: Applicants seeking REAP grants of $20,000 or less are greatly favored in the 2010 selection process.

Contact us for more information!

TIGER II Discretionary Grant Program, Deadline Aug 23

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is authorized to award $600 million in TIGER II Discretionary Grants pursuant to Title I (Department of Transportation) of the FY 2010 Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 111-117, Dec. 16, 2009). This appropriation is similar, but not identical to the appropriation for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or “TIGER Discretionary Grant”, program authorized and implemented pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Recovery Act”). Because of the similarity in program structure and objectives, DOT is referring to the grants for National Infrastructure Investments under the FY 2010 Appropriations Act as “TIGER II Discretionary Grants”. As with the TIGER program, funds for the TIGER II program are to be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region.

Eligible Applicants for TIGER II Discretionary Grants are State and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), other political subdivisions of State or local governments, and multi-State or multi-jurisdictional groups applying through a single lead applicant (for multi-jurisdictional groups, each member of the group, including the lead applicant, must be an otherwise eligible applicant as described in this paragraph).

There is a cost-sharing requirement.

Original Closing Date for Applications:
Aug 23, 2010

The criteria for the TIGER II Discretionary Grant program were announced in the interim notice of funding availability in the Federal Register. The notice requires that pre-applications must be submitted by July 16, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Final applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by August 23, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Current Closing Date for Applications:
Aug 23, 2010 The criteria for the TIGER II Discretionary Grant program were announced in the interim notice of funding availability in the Federal Register. The notice requires that pre-applications must be submitted by July 16, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Contact us for more information!

Rural Emergency Responders Initiative - USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development, through its community facilities program, provides funding for the Rural Emergency Responders Initiative to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies. The community facilities program funds are used to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment and services. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.

Funds may be used to finance equipment, vehicles, and/or buildings for the following types of projects:

• Fire Protection
• Rescue/Ambulance
• Law Enforcement
• Civil Defense/Early Warning Systems
• Mobile/Stationary Communications
• Emergency Responders Training Facilities
• Hospitals
• Outpatient Care
• Physician’s Clinics
• Migrant Health Centers
• Healthcare Office Buildings
• County Health Department Offices
• Food Preparation Distribution Centers
• Animal Shelters

Rural Development, through its community facilities program, provides financial assistance to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation.
These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.

Purchase or Construction includes:
- Jail
- Fire Trucks
- Fire Department Buildings
- Police Stations
- Multi Service Buildings FRPS
- Mobile Communications Center
- Civil Defense Buildings
- Rescue and Ambulance Service Buildings
- Rescue and Ambulance and Equipment
- Service Communications Centers
- Architectural & Engineering fees, right of way and easements

Contact us for more information!

Youth Arts & Culture Grants, Due May 8

The retention and community engagement of young people (14-25 years-old)
through arts and culture in Michigan.

Program Objectives: The NLACM want to support the following:
♦ Cool programs or projects young people are already working on to help make them “cooler”
♦ Ideas young people have about how to make their community cool
♦ Projects that use arts and culture to empower young people in Michigan
♦ Projects that involve the creative mentorship of young people

Requirements
♦ The program must be led by a young person or young people... 14-25 years-old
♦ The program must have a 1:1 match, cash or in-kind
♦ Project budget and budget itemization
♦ List of people involved with the project (include leadership and administrative positions, if possible)

Narrative (Questions to be answered in three pages or less)
♦ General: Project description, timeline, desired outcomes (impact on young people), evaluation(ways to determine success), budget
♦ How does this program promote youth empowerment?
♦ How will this program encourage young people to stay Michigan?
♦ How are young people mentored as part of this program?
♦ How are young people involved in the implementation, administration, and/or leadership of this program?

Eligibility
♦ Applicants must be a Michigan Non-profit 501c(3) or other tax exempt organization, proof of tax exempt status must accompany the grant application. Applications may be in partnership with youth based organizations or student groups
♦ Applications must be postmarked no later than May 8, 2010.
♦ The project must occur between June 1 and September 30, 2010.
♦ Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Complete guidelines

Conservation Innovation Grant Pre-Proposals Due 4/26

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing availability
of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from all 50 States. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2010 will be approximately $25 million. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration.

Funds will be awarded through a two-phase nationwide competitive grants process which will include a pre-proposal for all applications, and a full application package only for competitively selected pre-proposal applicants, pursuant to notification by NRCS.

Innovative Conservation Projects or Activities
For the purposes of CIG, the proposed innovative project or activity must encompass the development, field testing, evaluation, implementation, and monitoring of:
• Conservation adoption approaches or incentive systems, including market-based systems;
• Promising conservation technologies, practices, systems, procedures, or approaches; and
• Environmental soundness with goals of environmental protection and natural resource enhancement.
To be given priority consideration, the innovative project or activity:
• Makes use of a proven technology or a technology that has been studied sufficiently to indicate a high probability for success;
• Demonstrates and verifies environmental (soil, water, air, plants, energy use, and animal) effectiveness, utility, affordability, and usability of conservation technology in the field;
• Adapts conservation technologies, practices, systems, procedures, approaches, and incentive systems to improve performance and encourage adoption;
• Introduces conservation systems, approaches, and procedures from another geographic area or agricultural sector; and
• Adapts conservation technology, management, or incentive systems to improve performance.

Pre-proposals must be received at the NRCS National Headquarters by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), on April 26, 2010.

Contact us for more information!

Rural Business Opportunity Grants, Pre-Review Deadline April 28

Rural Development has an active Notice of Funding Availability for Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG). Grant funds may be used to assist in the economic development of rural areas by providing technical assistance for business development and economic development planning.

Eligible applicants: Local, State, or Federal government entities; nonprofit corporations; tribal entities; and cooperatives with members who are primarily rural residents and that conduct activities for the mutual benefit of the members.

Funding amounts: $7,480,000 total funds are allotted to this program in 2010, with a maximum of $250,000 available for each entity. No match required!

One-step process: Funding decisions are made on the basis of one round of applications, although Rural Development does offer a pre-review of applications if received by April 28.

Project examples: Grant funds may be used for, but are not limited to, the following purposes:

• Identify and analyze business opportunities that will use local rural materials or human resources. This includes opportunities in export markets, as well as feasibility and business plan studies.
• Identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers;
• Establish business support centers and otherwise assist in the creation of new rural businesses;
• Conduct local community or multi-county economic development planning;
• Establish centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide training to rural businesses in the utilization of interactive communications technologies to develop international trade opportunities and markets;
• Conduct leadership development training of existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; or
• Pay reasonable fees and charges for professional services necessary to conduct the technical assistance, training, or planning functions.

Priorities:
Projects should be designed to help rural communities in the region create wealth so they are self-sustaining, repopulating and thriving economically, especially using any of the following USDA key strategies in sustainable ways:

1. Local and regional food systems as a strategy for encouraging production agriculture and related industries in new wealth creation;
2. Renewable energy generation, energy conservation, and/or climate change adaptation or mitigation as strategies for quality job creation;
3. Use of broadband and other critical infrastructure as a strategy to facilitate local entrepreneurship and expansion of market opportunities for small businesses;
4. Access to capital in rural areas as a strategy to ensure continuous business development and job creation/retention; and
5. Innovative utilization of natural resources as a strategy to expand business opportunities.

Key dates:
April 28, 2010: Optional pre-review deadline.
June 28, 2010: Final application due date.
September 15, 2010: Anticipated award date.

Contact us for more information!

EPA Brownfield Planning Pilots, Apps Due June 1

This notice announces the availability of EPA grant funds and direct assistance (through Agency contract support) for projects from eligible entities to facilitate community involvement in area-wide planning approaches to brownfields assessment, cleanup, and subsequent reuse. Area-wide planning grant funding and technical assistance will be directed to brownfields-impacted areas, such as a neighborhood, district, city block or corridor. The grant funding and direct assistance will result in an area-wide plan which will inform the assessment, cleanup and reuse of brownfields properties and promote area-wide revitalization. EPA anticipates selecting approximately 20 pilot projects through this competitive opportunity.

The maximum total amount of grant funding that applicants may apply for is $175,000 for the entire project period. Applicants may apply for project periods of up to 24 months. Applicants may apply for both grant funding and direct contract support in the same proposal but the total amount of assistance must not exceed $175,000.

The Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Pilot Program is designed to assist predominantly under-served and economically disadvantaged communities. This may include low-income, minority, and/or economically distressed residents living in areas that face a disproportionate level of environmental degradation, social inequities, historic under representation, economic stagnation, and/or recent economic disruption (e.g., closure of assembly or manufacturing plants, resulting in recent and significant local job loss). As required by the Brownfields Law, EPA will ensure that there is a fair distribution of funding between urban areas such as large metropolitan areas and non-urban areas, such as rural areas, small towns and tribal communities.

Contact us for more information!

ORV Trail Grants Available, Due May 1

2010-11 Off-Road Vehicle Trail Grant Applications Available

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced today
that the 2010-11 Off Road Vehicle (ORV) trail grant applications are
available to public agencies, and nonprofit incorporated clubs and
organizations.

Applications are available for grants to maintain existing designated
state ORV trails, routes, and use areas; repair public lands damaged by
inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes, and use
areas. Grant funds also are available to pay for liability insurance,
leases or easements.

"We currently have 28 trail sponsors that maintain more than 3,300
miles of state designated ORV trails and routes statewide," said Steve
Kubisiak, DNRE Recreation and Trails Program coordinator. "We depend
on these partnerships to maintain the trails, and encourage
participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to
help us maintain Michigan’s great ORV trail system."
Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail
maintenance and restoration needs on public land. New trail, route, and
scramble area development proposals will also be considered.

Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2010.

Contact us for more information!

TechSmith K-12 School Software Grants

TechSmith, a Michigan software development company, is donating $2 million worth of screen capture & recording software to Michigan K-12 schools in support of quality and continuity of learning.

Be the first to take advantage of this corporate-funded grant and apply for donated multimedia content creation tools.

Get details on eligible products »

Who should apply?
Any Michigan K-12 school
Instructors, staff, departments, schools, or districts
Your request can range from one license to a sitewide license across a school or district.

It's up to you to make a case for receiving the quantity you request. We're looking for a clear plan with credible goals for how the software will be used.

A new application period period begins each month. The grant program ends June 30, 2010, or when the $2 million grant pool is exhausted.

For more information on specific available software, and to make your application please visit the TechSmith website at:
http://www.techsmith.com/michigangrant/

MI Coastal Management Program, Due 5/15

It's time to get working on those coastal management program grant applications!

The guidance document outlines the basics:

Funds are being made available to encourage projects that reflect Michigan's Coastal Management Program (MCMP) objectives which include:

* Create and enhance coastal public access

* Protect, manage, and restore coastal resources, habitats, and watersheds

* Control development in erosion and flood hazard areas

* Research and educational outreach on Great Lakes and coastal issues

* Preserve and restore historic coastal structures important to Great Lakes maritime heritage

* Redevelop urban waterfronts, brownfields, and ports

* Protect coastal water quality and reduce nonpoint source pollution in coastal watersheds

* Minimize the adverse impacts of coastal growth and development

* Research, planning and zoning initiatives addressing the siting of wind energy facilities in the context of ensuring coastal resource protection

Who is eligible to apply?

* Coastal units of government including cities, counties, villages, and townships

* Area-wide agencies including regional planning agencies and conservation districts

* State agencies

* Universities and school districts

* Tribal governments

* Nonprofit organizations (non-construction projects only)

Important: Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to receive funding for construction. Nonprofit organizations wishing to use grant funding for construction projects on public lands, must apply through an eligible public entity. This eligible entity must provide assurance of public ownership.

What kinds of coastal projects are eligible for funding?

A. Studies, Designs and Land Use Plans: $60,000 maximum grant request. 1:1 non-federal match required for all projects except those specifically outlined in the Waiver of Match Requirements section. Projects may include:

* Site design, planning, and engineering for recreational sites and waterfront redevelopment

* Habitat restoration and resource management plans

* Maritime history interpretation, and historic structure restoration planning

* Coastal educational materials

* Natural features inventories

* Research on Great Lakes and coastal issues

* Studies for economic development planning, including ports and harbors

* Community master planning and zoning addressing management of coastal resources

* Watershed management plans

* Geographic Information System data development and mapping for coastal management

* Feasibility studies

Waiver of Match Requirements

The MCMP will consider waiving the 1:1 match requirement for proposals in specific categories of non-construction projects eligible for funding under Section 309 of the Coastal Zone Management Act, including:

∗ Development of community land use plans and zoning ordinances based on Smart Growth principles for coastal and waterfront communities (see http://coastalsmartgrowth.noaa.gov/ for information). Joint (multi-community) plans and ordinances are preferred

∗ Development of multi-community plans for protecting and managing coastal habitats and habitat corridors, including the associated research, inventories, and GIS data. Plans that include management of state-designated High Risk Erosion Areas, Environmental Areas, and Critical Dune Areas are preferred∗ Development of multi-community plans for establishing coastal greenways, blueways, and other trail systems for non-motorized recreation and public access, including the associated research, inventories, and GIS data3EQP 3594 (Rev. 02/10)

∗ Research, inventories, GIS data development, plans, and other projects that inform the planning and siting of coastal and offshore alternative energy infrastructure, and support the protection and management of natural, cultural, and historic resources

∗ Research, studies, and education/outreach efforts regarding the feasibility of low impact alternatives (i.e. beach nourishment, bio-engineering) to traditional shoreline armoring approaches.

∗ Development of coastal GIS parcel data in communities that contain designated High Risk Erosion Areas, Environmental Areas, and/or Critical Dune Areas

Competition for grant funds with no match requirement is expected to be intense. Applicants submitting proposals with substantially less than 1:1 match identified should understand that this significantly limits MCMP options for funding the projects. We urge all applicants to submit proposals including 1:1 match. All land use planning and GIS proposals must have a direct connection to coastal planning and/or coastal resource protection. This connection, along with ways in which the project will improve local coastal management, should be clearly described in the grant application.

B. Construction: $5,000 minimum and $50,000 maximum grant request. 1:1 non-federal match required for all projects. Projects may include:

* Habitat restoration and coastal resource protection

* Barrier-free retrofitting

* Low-cost construction projects, for example: boardwalks, scenic overlooks, educational and/or interpretive displays, trails, and bio-engineering shore protection demonstration projects

* Lighthouse restoration and preservation

Allowable construction projects are defined under Section 306A of the Coastal Zone Management Act. A project that involves any physical change to a site or existing structure is considered construction. All construction projects must be open to the general public, located on public land or secured through long-term lease (20 years minimum), and barrier-free accessible. MCMP project signs, (supplied by MCMP) acknowledging funding and displaying appropriate NOAA and state logos, must be permanently placed at project sites.

What kinds of coastal projects are NOT eligible for funding?

* Restroom facilities

* General recreational facilities (e.g., playground equipment, ball fields and courts)

* Maintenance of existing structures

* Hard shoreline armoring (rip-rap, sheet pile, gabions, etc.)

* Brick and mortar construction

* Dredging

* Design or construction of roadways

* Water and sewer line construction

* GIS-purchase of hardware

* GIS-maintenance activities (maintaining data)

* GIS-parcel mapping outside of coastal areas

* Demolition

* Chemical treatment and mechanical or manual removal of invasive species

* Recreation plans

* Dam improvements

* Drain improvements

Where projects must be located to be eligible for funding?All construction projects must be within Michigan's coastal boundary that generally lies 1,000 feet inland from the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes. Included within the boundary are coastal cities, state parks, coastal lakes, coastal floodplains, Great Lakes connecting waters, coastal river mouths, bays, and designated sand dune areas. Coastal boundary maps are available at www.michigan.gov/deqcoastal or you may call staff of the MCMP at 517-335-3168.4

EQP 3594 (Rev. 02/10)All project areas for studies, designs, land use master plans, local ordinances, GIS data development, and nonpoint pollution control must directly relate to protection or management of coastal resources or water quality.

Michigan P2 Grants, Deadline 4/30

The Michigan P2 (Pollution Prevention) Program is now accepting grant applications!

Local Climate Action Grant Objectives
This grant request will target the following climate actions:
• Developing and implementing a “local climate action plan” to reduce GHG emissions and reduce energy consumption.
• Adopt formal resolutions and ordinances that support energy and climate change initiatives.• Create a community inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Organizing or strengthening a citizen climate and/or energy task force for a municipality, county, or region.
• Support ongoing partnerships between neighborhoods/blocks and city government that will address climate and energy issues.
• Improve infrastructure and operations, and adopt climate-smart practices through land use plans, zoning, and building codes.
• Identify opportunities for waste and energy savings in buildings, waste and water treatment processes, and other local government operations including: transportation and roads; handling of solid and hazardous waste; janitorial and food services; laundry operations; environmental purchasing; electronic waste disposal; composting; heating and cooling; recycling; energy and water usage; etc.
• Developing sustainable land use guidelines for the community to address energy usage and climate change.

All proposals must meet the following requirements:
1. Eligible applicants include county governments, local health departments, municipalities, and regional planning agencies. However, subcontractors can be private for-profit or non-profit organizations.
2. Organizations receiving grants are required to provide a match of at least 25 percent of the total project cost. Grantee contributions may include dollars, in-kind goods and services, and/or third party contributions.
3. Total grant fund request must be no larger than $50,000.
4. The applicant must expend grant funding within one year or two years of the start date of the grant agreement, and complete all tasks within the term of the contract.
5. The project must contain a critical evaluation and measurement component, including how “success” is defined and how it will be determined.

Each project must include the elements listed below:
Development of a climate action program. The program should outline how your organization will implement the following practices below:
• Developing a local sustainable climate action plan to address GHG emissions and save energy and reduce waste in the community.
• Identify and work with key community stakeholders to implement your climate action plan, working with residents and community groups.
• Identify and develop a local inventory and baseline of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in your community and strategies to reduce those emissions.
• Identify opportunities for waste and energy savings in buildings, waste and water treatment processes, and other local government operations including: transportation and road; handling of solid and hazardous waste; janitorial and food services; laundry operations; vehicle servicing; environmental purchasing; electronic waste disposal; composting; heating and cooling; energy and water usage; and recycling
• Adopt local resolutions or ordinances committing to local climate change actions and strategies.
• Develop sustainable climate change action strategies that continue beyond the life of this grant.
• Identify and develop local sustainable land use planning efforts to reduce climate change.
• Create a plan to improve infrastructure, operations, and enable climate-smart practices through land use plans, zoning and building codes, solid waste and water management programs, and through policies dealing with roads and public transportation.
• Develop local climate change education and outreach materials and workshops.

A total of $250,000 in funding is available for this grant program. Organizations receiving grants are required to provide a match of at least 25 percent of the total project cost. The match requirement of at least 25 percent has been established by law. Grantee contributions may include dollars, in-kind goods and services, and/or third party contributions. Indirect costs may be calculated by using your agencies indirect rate, up to 20 percent of staff salary and fringes (see page 13 for indirect cost definition). The maximum dollar amount requested should be based upon what is needed to carry out the identified tasks and products. Total grant fund requests must be no larger than $50,000. Project contracts can run for one or two years and will be on a cost-reimbursement basis.

Requests for funding will be accepted from March 1, 2010, through April 30, 2010.

Contact us for more information!

Farm Market Promotion Grants, Due 4/15

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) announces the opportunity to submit applications under FMPP for FY-2010. Approximately $5 million is allocated for FMPP for Fiscal Year 2010. The maximum amount awarded for any one proposal cannot exceed $100,000; the minimum amount is $2,500. Entities eligible to apply include agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities and Tribal governments. Individuals are not eligible under FMPP.

Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2010.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) was created through a recent amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. The grants, authorized by the FMPP, are targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. The FMPP announced on March 1, 2010, the opportunity to submit applications under FMPP for 2010. Approximately $5 million is allocated for FMPP for Fiscal Year 2010. The maximum amount awarded for any one proposal cannot exceed $100,000; the minimum amount is $2,500.

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Eligible Applicants

• Agricultural Cooperative - A group-owned or member-owned entity or business that provides, offers, or sells agricultural products or services for the mutual benefit of the members thereof.


• Producer Network - A producer group-owned or member-owned incorporated entity or business that provides, offers, or sells agricultural products or services through a common distribution system for the mutual benefit of the members thereof.


• Producer Associations - An incorporated producer entity or business that assists or serves producers or a producer network.


• Local Government - Any unit of local government within a State, including a county, borough, municipality, city, town, township, parish, local public authority, special district, school district, intrastate district, council of governments, and any other instrumentality of local government.


• Nonprofit Corporation - Any organization or institution, including nonprofits with State or IRS 501 (c)(3) status and accredited institutions of higher education, where no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.


• Public Benefit Corporation - A corporation organized to construct or operate a public improvement, the profits from which inure to the benefit of a State(s) or to the people thereof. • Economic Development Corporation - An organization whose mission is the improvement, maintenance, development and/or marketing or promotion of a specific geographic area.


• Regional Famers Market Authority - An entity that establishes and enforces region, State, or county policies and jurisdiction over regional, State, or county farmers markets.


• Tribal Government - A governing body or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community (including any native village as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688 (43 U.S.C. § 1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Agency Name
Agricultural Marketing Service

Photo Credit: USDA Photo Library

Contact us for more information!

Solid Waste Management Assistance Grants, Due April 27

EPA Region 5 is soliciting proposals that address the national Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) priorities of increasing recycling of municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and industrial materials in Region 5 [Region 5 comprises Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin]. Specific Region 5 priorities are listed in the full text under I. Funding Opportunity Description. This funding supports EPA’s strategic goal of land preservation and restoration. Applicants are encouraged to partner and collaborate with other organizations involved in similar efforts.

EPA solid waste grants generally fund program development or pilot projects which promote waste reduction, recycled-content products, markets for recycled materials, or assist in the development of solid waste management plans and the clean up of open dumping. EPA solid waste funds may pay for a new position, contractor support, the development and printing of public outreach materials, supplies, minor equipment purchases, and project-related travel (e.g., to conduct or attend workshops). Please note that EPA solid waste funds generally cannot pay for large equipment purchases or be used for building or construction.

Special focus area for this solicitation:
1. Mid-Western Collaboration to Support Byproduct Synergy: Byproduct Synergy
(BPS) programs bring businesses, institutions, and governments in a geographic area
together to explore options for improving materials management. They involve
transforming waste from one organization into a feedstock for another process. BPS can
be implemented on its own or as part of a broader industrial ecology or sustainability
program. Implementing organizations vary and include not-for-profits, Manufacturing
Extension Program Centers, academic institutions, and government agencies. Proposals
addressing this priority must increase the effectiveness of byproduct synergy efforts in
Region 5 by:
1. supporting a collaboration of Region 5 byproduct synergy programs
2. developing and piloting a process or system to reduce duplication across
programs and allow sharing of knowledge and expertise on synergies, materials,
and technical and regulatory issues and
3. developing and piloting a data management system that will allow BPS programs
across the region to consistently track environmental and economic results of their
programs.
Projects should also include a plan for long term maintenance and improvement of the
collaboration and systems. Proposals should establish a method for measuring any
improvement in effectiveness of participating byproduct synergy efforts in EPA Region
5. Effectiveness can be measured by increases in service by an individual BPS program
that resulted in a greater number of synergies implemented, increase in waste diverted
from disposal, increase in number of partners, increase in number of jobs created or
retained, increase in economic investment, increase in staff level for program
implementation, or other measures determined by the applicant.

2. Collaborative demonstration project to evaluate use of recycled materials in
roadways or infrastructure: Demonstration projects can provide information needed
by statewide agencies to develop specifications for the use of recycled materials in
roadways and infrastructure. Proposals addressing this priority should increase the
knowledge, understanding, and experience with using recycled materials in construction
of roads or infrastructure in Region 5 by working collaboratively with Region 5 State
Departments of Transportation, Tollway Authorities, Turnpike Commissions and other
statewide or interested local road commissions to identify, design, plan, develop a
funding mechanism for, and initiate a demonstration project that will evaluate the use of
at least 2 recycled materials OR at least 2 different uses of recycled materials AND
produce results that will be acceptable by a majority of the stakeholders to ensure that the
results will be broadly useful for decision-making purposes and development of needed
specifications. Proposals addressing this priority should include:
1. a plan for identifying and engaging stakeholders
2. an approach for identifying materials/applications of interest to stakeholders and
technical issues to be addressed by a demonstration project
3. an approach ensuring interest, support, and acceptance of results by a majority of
the stakeholders.
4. a plan for ensuring the results of the demonstration project are shared with
stakeholders, including those involved with specification development.
5. a plan for developing a funding mechanism for the demonstration.
6. an approach for estimating the current use of the selected materials in Region 5.
Selected materials and applications should be of interest to a majority of the statewide
stakeholders and include at least one of the following materials: foundry sand, postconsumer
asphalt shingles, coal combustion products, recycled concrete aggregate from
external sources, or tires. It must also avoid duplication of other demonstration projects
conducted in similar climates outside of Region 5.

3. Innovative Materials Management at Large Sports Venues: Many opportunities
exist to improve materials management at large professional sports venues (i.e., stadiums,
arenas, tracks with fan capacity greater than 18,000). Encouraging materials reduction,
reuse, recycling, and composting at these facilities can also enhance community waste
reduction programs and capacity. Proposals addressing this priority should demonstrate
and evaluate a new or innovative approach(es) to materials management at a large
professional sports venue(s) in Region 5. Projects can include, but are not limited to, one
or more of the following:
1. working with vendors and/or suppliers to improve sound materials management
with respect to the purchasing, use or recycling/composting of food containers,
food and beverages, souvenirs, packaging, etc.
2. using recycled materials in operations, catering, or construction
3. enhancing a permanent (not a one-time event) recycling and/or food/organics
waste composting program
Proposals should include an estimate of the potential tons of material to be composted,
recycled, reused, and/or rebought during the project period and then annually thereafter.
Projects should demonstrate environmental results by the end of the project period and
provide a method for quantifying environmental improvements (including tons of
material composted, recycled, etc.); financial costs or savings associated with
implementation of the materials management practices; and, if applicable, an analysis of
the potential for jobs creation or loss. Applicants are encouraged to build on existing
tools and resources related to materials management at venues. Projects that address
fan/participant education as a component are encouraged.

Current Closing Date for Applications:
Apr 27, 2010

Funding Instrument Type:
Cooperative Agreement Grant

Estimated Total Program Funding: $100,000
Award Ceiling: $50,000
Award Floor: $15,000

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
No

Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Contact us for more information!

Economic Development (EDA) Grants - Application Reminder

Under this federal funding opportunity (FFO) announcement, EDA is soliciting applications for the EDA American Recovery Program under the auspices of PWEDA. Specifically, the FFO pertains to applications for funding under EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs only. Under this FFO, EDA will give priority consideration to those applications that will significantly benefit regions “that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring,” as stipulated under the Recovery Act. EDA provides financial assistance to distressed communities in both urban and rural regions. Such distress may exist in a variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant declines in per capita income, large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, trade impacts, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources, reduced tax bases, or substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities. EDA’s experience has shown that regional economic development to help alleviate these conditions is effected primarily through investments and decisions made by the private sector. Under the EDA American Recovery Program, EDA will help restore, replace and expand economic activity in regions that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring, and prioritize projects that will diversify the economic base and lead to a stronger, more globally competitive and resilient regional economy. EDA’s economic development activities help create jobs by encouraging business inception and growth.

Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility:
PLEASE NOTE: For-profit, private-sector entities and individuals do not qualify for investment assistance under the Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which are the applicable programs under this announcement. Pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.)(PWEDA), eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (i) District Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. Projects eligible for Public Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those projects located in regions meeting “Special Need” criteria (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3), as set forth in section VII. of this announcement.

Agency Name
Economic Development Administration

Current Closing Date for Applications:
Jun 30, 2010
Funds are available for obligation until September 30, 2010; however, it takes a minimum of 90 days from EDA's receipt of a complete application until award, when funds are obligated.

Safe Routes to School Mini Grants, Due April 7

National Center for Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School Mini-grants

Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include: Faculty, staff, or parent volunteers at elementary or middle schools; Adult-supervised elementary or middle school groups or clubs; Adult-supervised high school groups/clubs that wish to partner with a nearby elementary or middle school; Local governments; Tribal governments; and/or Community-based or private non-profit organizations engaged in improving safety for and increasing the number of children who safely walk or ride a bicycle to school.

Purpose:
The National Center for Safe Routes to School is now accepting applications for up to 35 mini-grants of $1,000 each to support the goal of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs, which is to enable and encourage children to safely walk and bicycle to school. SRTS programs are implemented nationwide by parents, schools, community leaders, and local, state, and tribal governments. The aim of the mini-grants is to use student creativity and leadership skills to increase safe walking and bicycling to school. Successful applications will focus on either (a) increasing safe walking and/or bicycling to school, or (b) improving the safety of students already walking and/or bicycling to school. Activities funded by the mini-grants must be part of a broader walking and/or bicycling to school effort.

Deadline: April 07, 2010

Maximum Award: $1000

Number Of Awards: 35

Period: One year.

Contact us for more information!

Broadband Technology Deadline Extended

Recovery Act - Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)


Original Closing Date for Applications:
Mar 15, 2010 NTIA has granted a limited extension of time to file infrastructure. Specifically, applicants for BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects will have until 5 p.m. EDT, March 26th to file their applications to NTIA. Applications in NTIA's two other project categories - Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption - remain due at 5 p.m. EDT, March 15th.

Current Closing Date for Applications:
Mar 15, 2010 NTIA has granted a limited extension of time to file infrastructure applications. Specifically, applicants for BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects will have until 5 p.m. EDT, March 26th to file their applications to NTIA. Applications in NTIA's two other project categories - Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption - remain due at 5 p.m. EDT, March 15th.

American Recovery and reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. 111-5 Stat 115 (2009)

Expected Number of Awards:
300

Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,600,000,000
Award Ceiling: $150,000,000
Award Floor: $500,000

CFDA Number(s):
11.557 -- Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
Yes (20%, can be in-kind services)

The following entities are eligible to apply for assistance: (1) States, local governments, or any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof; (2) The District of Columbia; (3) A territory or possession of the United States; (4) An Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 450b); (5) A native Hawaiian organization; (6) a non-profit foundation, a non-profit corporation, a non-profit institution, or a non profit association; (7) other non-profit entities; (8) for-profit corporations; (9) limited liability companies; and (10) cooperative or mutual organizations.

Agency Name
Department of Commerce
Description
BTOP provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, to enhance broadband capacity at public computer centers, and to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. Through this support, BTOP will also advance the Recovery Act’s objectives to spur job creation and stimulate long-term economic growth and opportunity.

If you believe your community may benefit from a partnership arrangement, the website http://match.broadbandusa.gov/BTOPpartners/BPMhome.aspx is a way to contact service providers who may be interested in such an arrangement.

Michigan Humanities Council, Underwriting Grants

Arts & Humanities Touring Program Grants (up to 40% of expenses or $3,000)

Michigan’s Arts & Humanities Touring Directory represents 204 of our state’s most talented performing and visual artists and humanities presenters. It provides schools, libraries, museums, civic and service groups, festival organizers, and other Michigan nonprofits a wide variety of cultural programming in the fields of dance, music, storytelling, theater, and traditional and visual arts. The Touring Program grants are available to nonprofit organizations who may request up to 40 percent of presenters’/exhibitors’ fees and travel expenses. Request for a grant may not exceed $3,000 per application, and an organization may not submit more than four grant applications or request more than $4,000 in a fiscal year. Applications are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

As of January 28, 2010, applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for programs April 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010. Funding is pending approval by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Deadline: Grants are first come-first served until funding is exhausted.

Questions? Contact Phyllis Rathbun at 517-372-7770.

Scenic Byways Grants Available, Due April 16

Federal highway has announced the availability of scenic byway grants for the next funding cycle. The picture shown is an underground water tank GFA designed along a scenic heritage route in Peninsula Township.

Expected Number of Awards: 150
Estimated Total Program Funding: $40,000,000
CFDA Number(s): 20.205 -- Highway Planning and Construction
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Eligible Applicants
County governments
City or township governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Individuals

Additional Information on Eligibility:
Federal agencies, local units of government, and nonprofit organizations may apply to this program, but they must coordinate their applications with their State Departments of Transportation (DOT). The formal applications to FHWA are submitted by the State DOTs, and the projects are generally managed by the cognizant State DOT. Indian tribe governments have the option of submitting byway grant applications through the State or directly to the FHWA Division office in their State.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued the FY 2010 solicitation for proposals under the National Scenic Byways Program. Under this program, the Secretary of Transportation may make grants to States or Indian tribes to implement projects on roads designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads, State scenic byways, or Indian tribe scenic byways. The Secretary may also make grants to States or Indian tribes to plan, design and develop a scenic byways program. Eligible projects must be from one of the following eight eligible activities:
State or Indian tribe Scenic Byway Programs,
Corridor Management Plans,
Safety Improvements,
Byways Facilities,
Access to Recreation,
Resource Protection,
Interpretive Information,
or Marketing.

FHWA will continue to be more strategic in its FY 2010 National Scenic Byways Program grant awards process by targeting its resources toward projects that provide the greatest benefits. FHWA is particularly focusing on projects that place additional emphasis on livability, or with demonstrated benefits for the byway traveler and invites the application of large-scale, high-cost projects that provide strategic benefits to the byway. The Federal share of the byway project grant is 80 percent.

Contact us for more information!

Rural Firefighter Assistance Grants, Due April 30

Current Closing Date for Applications: Apr 30, 2010

Estimated Total Program Funding: $7,000,000
Award Ceiling: $20,000
Award Floor: $0
CFDA Number(s): 15.242 -- National Fire Plan - Rural Fire Assistance
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Agency Name
Department of the Interior
Description
To implement the National Fire Plan by increasing firefighter safety and enhancing the knowledge and fire protection capability of rural and volunteer fire departments by providing basic wildland firefighting supplies and equipment.

Contact us for more information!

Building Health Communities Grants, NOIs Due Friday

Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools and Community Partners

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is currently soliciting grant proposals from Michigan elementary schools and community partners to address the root causes of childhood obesity through prevention and collaboration. The Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools and Community Partners grant program will provide funding for healthy physical activity and nutrition programs during the 2010-2011 school year.

We have developed a "toolbox" of proven resources and activities that promote awareness of good nutrition and the benefits of physical activity. Using the toolbox, schools and community partners can help students become more physically active and healthier.

The toolbox consists of seven elements. Four of the elements are mandatory. They must be must included in any proposal that we consider for funding. You can also increase your chances for funding by including one or more of the optional elements in your proposal.

Schools also may propose to engage parents and community partners through either or both:
Parent education to complement student learning
Community assessments
Communities that have completed a Promoting Active Communities assessment between January 2007 and February 2010 may propose to implement one recommendation from the assessment.

Grant details, forms and applications
E-mail our Social Mission staff with questions you have about the grant elements or application process. Include your contact information.
Applicants must meet all requirements in the request for proposals (PDF).
The required Building Healthy Communities grant applications and forms are available below. You can type the required information into the applications.
School application (PDF)
Community application (PDF)
Conditions of grant (PDF) Late or incomplete proposals will not be considered for funding.
Complete the Notice of Intent to Apply form no later than Feb. 12, 2010. Submitting the form by the deadline is a condition of funding eligibility, but does not obligate your organization to apply for a grant.

Submit complete proposal. To be eligible for consideration, your proposal must meet all RFP requirements and the following deadlines. Sunday, March 14, 2010: Full grant proposal must be submitted online by midnight. All completed forms and attachments must be sent in a single e-mail to our Social Mission staff at buildhealth2010@bcbsm.com. Monday, March 15, 2010: A hard copy of the proposal must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2010 and sent to:
Building Healthy Communities Grant Program — MC B718Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan600 E. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226-2998

Manistee, Muskegon AuSable River Grants, Due Feb 28

MICHIGAN HABITAT IMPROVEMENT FUND PROGRAM GRANTS

Program Objective(s):
To provide funds for projects on the Manistee, Muskegon and AuSable rivers to improve and
enhance fisheries and aquatic resources affected by the operation of Consumers Energy
Company’s hydropower projects. These projects include fisheries habitat restoration and
enhancement, preparing comprehensive river management plans, aquatic studies, fisheries
recreation, water quality improvement and soil erosion control activities on these three rivers.

Criteria:
1. The proposed project must be needed in the area.
2. Degree to which the project meets one of the needs, areas of concern, or
management direction indicated by the river assessments, river management plans,
or Fisheries Division priorities and supported by the project coordinator
3. Length of time the project will provide benefits
4. Impact on future research projects such as enhancement to increase natural
recruitment thereby reducing future costs of stocking
5. Reduction of future expenditures or direct expenditures in a positive manner
6. Size of area that will benefit from the proposed project
7. Proposed project benefits compared to the costs
8. Applicant has made preliminary arrangements with appropriate contractors for
completion of the proposed project.
9. Proposed projects having match funds available will be given preference.

Eligibility:
All units of government, nonprofit organizations, and individuals willing to develop and complete
projects located in the watersheds for the three river systems where the Consumers Energy
Company hydropower projects are located.

Funds available in the fall if applications are accepted for award.

Matching Grants, Wetlands Conservation Due Jul 30

The US Fish & Wildlife Service has announced availability for matching funds. The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or establishment of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. A 1:1 match is required. Research funding is ineligible.

Expected Number of Awards:
50
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$50,000,000
Award Ceiling:
$1,000,000
Award Floor:
$75,001