Organic Farming Grants, Due June 12

Organic Initiative Special Sign-up Extended until June 12, 2009

The 2009 Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP.

Under the Organic Initiative, minimum core conservation practices have been set nationally. The core practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. In addition, States may add any appropriate practice that meets the resource concern on a particular farm.

Applications received from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming will be accepted under this initiative until June 12. Applications will be ranked at that time. Please contact your GFA client rep for more information!

Aging in Place Grants, Deadline July 15

The Department of Health & Human Services has an open grant program:

The AoA will award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to develop and carry out model aging in place projects (See 42 U.S.C. 3033 for complete statutory authorization for this grant project. The projects will promote aging in place for older individuals in order to sustain the independence of older individuals. A recipient of a grant under this subsection must identify innovative strategies for providing, and linking older individuals to programs and services that provide, comprehensive and coordinated health and social services to sustain the quality of life of older individuals and support aging in place.

All CIAIP grantees will use the funds made available through the grant to:

1. Ensure access by older individuals in the project area to community-based health and social services consisting of—
case management, case assistance, and social work services;
health care management and health care assistance, including evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion services;
education, socialization, and recreational activities; and
volunteer opportunities for project participants;

2. Conduct outreach to older individuals within the project area;

3. Develop and implement innovative, comprehensive, and cost-effective approaches for the delivery and coordination of community-based health and social services, including those identified in paragraph (1) above, which may include mental health services, for eligible older individuals; and

4. Cover travel expenses for two project staff to attend a project meeting in Washington, DC in Year 2 of the project.

Up to $4,500,000 will be available to fund up to 15 new Community Innovations for Aging In Place (CIAIP) grants. These grants will be funded at a federal share of approximately $250,000 to $500,000 per year for a project period of three years, contingent on the availability of federal funds. Contact your GFA client rep if you are interested in applying for this program!

Recycle Your Electronics for Cash!

Now you can safely recycle those old electronics and maybe get a little cash in return at teh same time! If you use the online service you can get your item appraised immediately, and if the price is worth the trade in to you the website will generate a FedEx slip so you can ship your item in!

Here's the link: http://radioshack.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH), as part of its ongoing commitment to making innovative electronics products and platforms more accessible and affordable, today announced it has expanded its electronics trade-in program to include approximately 4,400 company-operated stores.
The RadioShack trade-in program seeks to enhance access to new technology by offering customers the opportunity to apply the value of their older devices to purchases. The program encourages customers to take advantage of innovative technology in an environmentally friendly manner. The trade-in program is the most recent element of RadioShack's ongoing commitment to the environment.
"Customer response to our online trade-in program has been excellent," said RadioShack's Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Peter Whitsett. "Expanding the program to our stores will make it easier for customers to gain access to new, innovative products while realizing value for their used or obsolete devices. Not only is this a win for our customers, but by keeping these used electronics out of landfills, it is a real benefit for our environment."
Customers who take eligible electronics to RadioShack will receive same-day savings on purchases by following these steps:
Eligible products (see list below) must be in working condition and able to "power on" during the appraisal process.
Customer must be the owner of the device and provide their name and address.
Customer will be required to show a valid Driver's License, State ID card, Military ID, or Passport in order to qualify for a gift card exchange.
Eligible products for the RadioShack trade-in program at the store level include MP3 Players, wireless phones, gaming systems and games, GPS receivers, digital cameras and digital camcorders. Additional appraisal value can sometimes be offered for trading in devices with their AC charger, cables, manuals and other accessories. Acceptable items for RadioShack's online trade-in program include the same electronic products listed above as well as car audio head units, notebook computers, HDTVs and computer monitors.
To find the nearest store location, visit http://www.radioshack.com/ and click on the store locator function. The RadioShack Trade-in program is also available online at www.RadioShack.com/tradein.

Gourdie-Fraser has an active recycling program, recycling electronics, paper and batteries. We invite you to join us!

Rural Housing Grants, Due July 10

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces that it is soliciting applications under its Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The HPG program is a grant program which provides qualified public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, which may include but not be limited to Faith-Based and Community Organizations, and other eligible entities grant funds to assist very low- and low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes in rural areas. In addition, the HPG program assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in repairing and rehabilitating their units if they agree to make such units available to low- and very low-income persons. This action is taken to comply with Agency regulations found in 7 CFR part 1944, subpart N, which require the Agency to announce the opening and closing dates for receipt of preapplications for HPG funds from eligible applicants. The intended effect of this Notice is to provide eligible organizations notice of these dates.

Program deadline is July 10, please contact your GFA client rep if you're interested in learning more about this program!

Great Lakes Stewardship Grants, Due Mid-July

Stewardship initiative grants are available to increase awareness and understanding of the ecology of the Great Lakes so that Michigan’s residents become (1) active and effective stewards of the Great Lakes and (2) advocates for strategies that support the long-term sustainability of the Great Lakes fisheries. Efforts can include place or community based education, professional development for K-12 teachers, and K-12 school community partnerships.

Contact your GFA client rep for more information!


Photo: US EPA GLNPO

Waterfront Wastewater Solutions

Over the years we've become accustomed to working in some pretty challenging terrain when it comes to waterfront wastewater treatment. Our rolling topography and miles of waterfront make this a great place to live, but are less than ideal when it comes to wastewater treatment.


The system shown at right (during installation) is a good example. The home sits below the road, on an inland lake. There is a relatively steep incline up to the road. Our tandem design-operations team devised a system that placed the collection portion of the system (the tank) by the home, and one of our specialty underground drip dispersal systems among the trees on the incline for the effluent dispersal. This takes the effluent away from the immediate shore of the lake while preserving the property's look and feel.


However, it is not enough to just develop a good design. The system must be properly installed and operated if it is going to function as intended. So we've taken the next step and now provide all the services you need for systems such as these: site evaluations, design, permitting,
installation, and operations.
If the home
is a seasonal one, we also offer yearly
startup-shutdown services. The team includes NSF-accredited wastewater inspectors, operators experienced in both large plants and individual residential systems and close relationships with ATU manufacturers and suppliers. If you own waterfront property or your municipality includes waterfront areas with questionable septic system performance, contact us (jborchert@gourdiefraser.com) for a site assessment/evaluation. There are many options available to you!

Fire Station Grants, July 2009

Fire Station Construction Grant

Total Funding Available: $210 million

Key Dates: FEMA is expected to issue grant guidance in June or July 2009, with grant applications due in July or August 2009. Grants are expected to be awarded September through December 2009.

Program Information: The Recovery Act provides funds through competitive grants to modify, upgrade, or construct non-federal fire stations. State and local fire companies are eligible to apply. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will administer these infrastructure grants to fire departments.

Grant Information: FEMA has not yet released any further details on these grants. It is likely they will administer the program in a similar fashion to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

Please contact your GFA client rep for more information!