Category: Funding Opportunities

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2014 Source Reduction Assistance and Pollution Prevention Grants Program solicitations now available

EPA has released the RFPs for the Source Reduction Assistance and Pollution Prevention Grants programs.

Source Reduction Assistance Program Grants

Proposals due March 11, 2014
Download the full RFP at http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/srap/srap14.pdf.

Source Reduction Assistance (SRA) awards are issued annually, subject to Congressional appropriation and the quality of proposals received. This Request for Proposals announces that EPA’s Regional Pollution Prevention (P2) Program Offices (herein referred to as the Regions) anticipate having up to $147,000 per region or up to $1,029,000 in total award funding to issue SRA awards in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 to reduce or eliminate pollution at the source.

Collectively, the Regions are interested in funding projects that support five strategic goals of EPA’s P2 program — 1) reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), 2) reduce hazardous substances, 3) increase resource conservation, 4) promote efficient business practices and 5) encourage P2 integration. Proposals will need to demonstrate P2/source reduction through surveys, studies, research, investigation, experimentation, education, training and/or innovative practices.

Proposals that principally support recycling, clean-up, treatment, disposal and/or energy recovery efforts (e.g., incinerating solid waste to generate electricity) will not be considered for funding. Eligible applicants include: the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, local governments, city or township governments, independent school district governments, state controlled institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations (other than institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, community-based grassroots organizations, and federally-recognized tribes and intertribal consortia.

Note, Regions 1, 7 and 9 representing the U.S. states and territories of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa and Guam will not participate in this announcement and will not accept proposals under this competition. Projects proposed in these Regions will not be reviewed. However, applicants working or residing in Regions 1, 7 or 9 are free to propose grant work in a participating Region. Proposals should be sent to the appropriate Region where work will take place.

Region 5′s priorities are for projects that promote:

  • Hazardous substance reduction through the use of environmentally sustainable tools, processes, practices and/or programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate new, innovative practices that promote measurable P2/source reduction efforts.
  • Geographically-based initiatives and sustainable manufacturing through the use of P2. These projects must make use of initiatives such as Economy, Energy, and Environment (E3) partnerships or other local collaborations to provide technical assistance to the sector.
  • Promote tribal college/university-based technical assistance programs that assist tribal facilities in preventing pollution through the use of tools that promote environmentally-sustainable processes, practices and/or programs.

Pollution Prevention Grants Program

Proposals due March 20, 2014.
Download the full RFP at http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/ppis/2014rfpp2grant.pdf.

Under this announcement, the Regions are announcing the opportunity for states (i.e., state agencies, state colleges or universities), federally-recognized tribes, and intertribal consortia to submit proposals under the P2 grant program. Projects that will be funded are those that clearly demonstrate how using P2 concepts, tools or techniques can significantly reduce or eliminate pollution across environmental media (air, water or land).2 Under the authority of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA), the Regions anticipate that approximately $4.1 million will be available in FY 2014. Awards will be issued in the form of grants and/or cooperative agreements.

P2 grants are issued to provide technical assistance and training to businesses on P2/source reduction techniques. Acceptable grant activities will emphasize a coordinated and comprehensive approach for promoting and implementing P2/source reduction assistance. Such assistance may be delivered in the form of technical advice, on-site technical assistance and instruction, or certification or training on preventing pollution at the source. Grant proposals should highlight: 1) the recipient of the assistance activity; 2) the type of assistance being provided; 3) how, when and where the assistance will be provided; and 4) how the assistance will be tracked in order to measure performance. Real life examples of acceptable P2/source reduction assistance activities include, but are not limited to: providing on-site P2 training for small to mid-sized businesses to large manufacturers on Lean and Green concepts; helping businesses set up environmental management system protocols; providing educational workshops on P2 to businesses; offering P2 technical advice to state agencies or university staff who in turn use this knowledge to train businesses on best management practices; providing certification seminars to businesses; supporting recognition programs that honor businesses for promoting or implementing P2/source reduction techniques, etc.

Region 5’s priorities for this solicitation are to promote projects that:

  • Develop sustainable P2 practices and achieve measurable results through hazardous substance reductions in processes and products, chemical usage, and/or extension of product life. Such projects would also result in greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and costs savings. For example, the reduced use of hydrofluorocarbons and other high Global Warming Potential chemical solvents could result in dramatic GHG emission reductions, as well as hazardous substance reductions.
  • Provide businesses with technical assistance in making their operations Lean and Green through initiatives like Economy, Energy, and Environment (E3), by-product synergy with a focus on hazardous substances, greening the supply chain, and/or other collaborative efforts. Projects should result in reduced energy, water and hazardous substance usage, reduced GHG emissions and reduced costs. Refer to link for more information: http://www.e3.gov/about/index.html.
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Funding opportunities for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Nearly $10 million of funding and technical assistance is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National Endowment for the Arts, the Forest Service, Wells Fargo and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and Georgetown University that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including sustainable communities, community forests, and energy efficiency. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.
In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.
Bureau of Indian Affairs 2013 Tribal Climate Change Adaptation Grant Program – $600,000
Application Due: November 29, 2013
Eligible Entities: Federally Recognized Tribes and inter-tribal organizations
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has made available competitive grants for tribal adaptation, training, and tribal travel support to participate in technical training, workshops, forums, and cooperatives. Grants in the following categories will be considered for funding: Category I) Design a series of tribal workshops to support tribal leaders/climate change coordinators/planners to gain the skills needed to guide a tribal government level climate adaptation plan; Category II) Development of tribal government climate adaptation plans, vulnerability assessments, or data analysis that supports multiple tribes. Category III) Travel support to attend technical workshops or to participate in cooperative climate change adaptation efforts.
For more information, visit the request for proposals.
Corporation for National and Community Service’s AmeriCorps State and National Grants – Total funding available TBD
Notice of Intent Due: December 11, 2013
Application Due: January 8, 2014
Eligible Entities: Government entities within states or territories; Tribes; public or private nonprofit organizations; institutions of higher education; labor organizations; partnerships and consortia
The AmeriCorps State and National Grants provide funding to engage AmeriCorps members in service interventions strengthen communities. Focus areas for the grants include: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families. Grants may be used to provide support for direct services that contribute to increased energy and water efficiency, renewable energy use, or improving at-risk ecosystems.
For more information, visit the AmeriCorps Grants webpage.
Wells Fargo and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Environmental Solutions for Communities
Grants Program – Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 each
Application Due: December 16, 2013
Eligible Entities: State, tribal, and local governments; educational institutions; and non-profit 501(c) organizations
Wells Fargo and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation seek to promote sustainable communities through Environmental Solutions for Communities by supporting highly-visible projects that link economic development and community well-being to the stewardship and health of the environment. Funding priorities include ‘greening’ traditional infrastructure and public projects such as storm water management and flood control, urban forestry, and education and training of community leaders on sustainable practices.
For more information, visit the request for proposals.
National Endowment for the Arts FY 2014 Our Town Initiative – Grants ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 each
Application Due: January 13, 2014
Eligible Entities: All applications must involve two primary partners: a local government entity and a nonprofit organization. Local governments include counties, parishes, cities, towns, villages, or federally recognized tribal governments. Local arts agencies or other departments, agencies, or entities within an eligible local government may submit the application on behalf of that local government.
The National Endowment for the Arts will provide a limited number of grants, ranging from $25,000 to $200,000, for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable places with the arts at their core. The Our Town initiative will invest in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, seek to improve their quality of life, foster stronger community identity and a sense of place, and revitalize economic development.
For more information, visit the grant opportunity webpage.
The Forest Service’s Community Forest and Open Space Program – $4 million
Application Due: January 15, 2014
Eligible Entities: Local governments, federally recognized tribes and Alaskan Native Corporations, and non-profits who are eligible to hold title to land for conservation purposes.
The Community Forest Program is a grant program that authorizes the Forest Service to provide financial assistance to establish community forests that provide continuing and accessible community benefits. Community forests provide many benefits such as protection of habitat, water quality, and other environmental benefits, and they can provide economic benefits through timber resources. Community Forests have also long been sites for environmental and cultural education.
For more information, visit the opportunity synopsis.
Georgetown University Energy Prize –$5 million
Letters of Intent Due: February 2014
Eligible Entities: For this competition, a “community” is defined geographically by the limits of a municipality – a town, city, or county that has corporate status and local government. All small to medium municipalities in the U.S.A. with populations between 5,000 and 250,000 are eligible to apply.
The Georgetown University Energy Prize is a competition in which communities will be challenged to work together with their local governments and utilities in order to develop and begin implementing plans for innovative, replicable, scalable, and continual reductions in the per capita energy consumed from local natural gas and electric utilities. Participating communities will be asked to develop a long-term energy efficiency plan and to demonstrate initial effectiveness and sustainability over a two-year period. Participating communities will benefit from access to various resources and the winning community will receive $5 million, which will help to support their continuing community-based energy efficiency efforts. Interested communities are encouraged to submit a non-binding letter of intent as soon as possible.
For more information, visit the energy prize website.
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Greening America’s Capitals: EPA Seeking Letters of Interest by September 23

EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities is seeking letters of interest from state capital cities interested in receiving design assistance to create a clear and implementable vision of distinctive, environmentally friendly neighborhoods that incorporate smart growth strategies and green infrastructure systems. Letters of interest are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on September 23, 2013.  

Design assistance is provided through the Greening America’s Capitals program, administered by EPA. EPA conducts the program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Fourteen state capitals plus the District of Columbia have received assistance from the Greening America’s Capitals program to date; up to 5 capital cities will be selected in 2013.

EPA is providing this design assistance to help state capitals create stronger neighborhoods that protect the environment. EPA will fund a team of designers to visit the successful applicants’ capital cities for up to three days to produce schematic designs and illustrations intended to catalyze or complement a larger planning process for a neighborhood. In the past, the EPA team has provided sustainable design techniques for streets, parks, waterfronts, and town squares. This assistance will help the selected state capitals envision ways to clean up and reuse vacant lands, provide more housing and transportation choices, reduce infrastructure and energy costs, and build civic pride in neighborhoods and the city as a whole. The design team and EPA, HUD, and DOT staff will also assist the city staff in developing specific implementation strategies.

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State, Local, and Tribal Government Funding Opportunities

Nearly $132 million of funding is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Energy (DOE), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Corporation for National and Community Service that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including energy efficiency and sustainable planning. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.
In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.
***HUD HOPE VI Main Street Grant Program – $500,000
Application Due: July 22, 2013
Eligible Entities: Local governments with a population of 50,000 or less, and with fewer than 100 physical public housing units
The purpose of the HOPE VI Main Street Program is to provide grants to small communities to assist in the renovation of a historic or traditional central business district or “Main Street” area by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units. The objectives of the program are to: redevelop Main Street areas; preserve historic or traditional architecture or design features in Main Street areas; enhance economic development efforts in Main Street areas; and provide affordable housing in Main Street areas. HUD will require grantees to take specific energy-saving actions as part of HUD’s Strategic Plan.
For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.
***DOE State Energy Program 2013 Competitive Awards – $5 million
Application Due: July 25, 2013
Eligible Entities: State Energy Office (SEO) or other agency responsible for administering the State Energy Program. States may work in collaboration with non-State entities including local governments.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s State Energy Program seeks applications to advance policies, programs, and market strategies that accelerate job creation and reduce energy bills while achieving energy and climate security for the nation. The funding opportunity’s areas of interest include: 1) Advancing Industrial Energy Efficiency; 2) Stimulating Energy Efficiency Action in States; 3) Driving Demand for Public Facility Retrofits; and 3) Clean-Energy Economic Opportunity Roadmaps.
For more information, visit the funding announcement.
***Corporation for National and Community Service’s Senior Corps: RSVP – $14.5 million
Letter of Intent to Apply: August 9, 2013
Application Due: September 10, 2013
Eligible Entities: Public agencies (including state and local agencies and other units of government), Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and government-recognized veteran service organizations
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) RSVP Program one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation and offers a diverse range of volunteer activities that serve communities to create measurable impact, benefit volunteers through the service experience, and create community capacity. RSVP will focus grant making for fiscal year 2014 in six focus areas including environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and disaster services. For example, grant activities may support increased citizen behavioral change leading to increased efficiency, renewable energy use, and ecosystem improvements. In this competition, CNCS intends to fund RSVP projects that support volunteers 55 years and older serving in a diverse range of activities that meet specific local and community needs. A letter of intent to apply is not required, but highly encouraged.
For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.
***HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants – $109 million
Application Due: September 10, 2013
Eligible Entities: Public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity.
The Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants support the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans which, when implemented, will be expected to achieve the following three core goals: 1) Housing: Replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality mixed-income housing that is well-managed and responsive to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood; 2) People: Improve educational outcomes and intergenerational mobility for youth and supports delivered directly to youth and their families; and 3) Neighborhood: Create the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in distressed neighborhoods to offer the kinds of amenities and assets, including safety, good schools, and commercial activity, that are important to families’ choices about their community.
For more information, visit the funding announcement.
***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD
Application Due: Varies by program year; next due date is September 13, 2013
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, institutions of higher education.
Under the Economic Development Assistance Programs (EDAP) Federal Funding Opportunity announcement, EDA will make construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. Grants made under these programs will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. EDA is soliciting applications from rural and urban communities to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions. EDA’s investment priorities include environmentally sustainable development and economically distressed and underserved communities.
For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.
***FTA Bus Efficiency Enhancements Research and Demonstrations – $3 million
Application Due: September 20, 2013
Eligible Entities: State and local governmental entities; providers of public transportation; Departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government; private or non-profit organizations; institutions of higher education; and technical and community colleges.
The FTA seeks to promote the development and demonstration of targeted energy efficiency-enhancing technologies, specifically enhanced Electrification of Accessories and improvements in Thermal Management of Bus Bodies, for buses utilized in public transportation. Teams must include key roles by individuals representing both (1) a public transportation agency and (2) a bus manufacturer or supplier of relevant systems or components.
For more information, visit the funding opportunity webpage.
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Approximately $7.1 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities – Technical Assistance

The EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to selected local and/or tribal governments using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. Technical assistance will be delivered by EPA staff and by four nonprofit organizations with expertise in sustainable communities.

Assistance from EPA

  • Application Due: October 26, 2012
  • Eligible Entities: Local, county, or tribal governments.
  • EPA will offer nine tools, including planning bikeshare programs, creating a green streets strategy, and a green building toolkit. In 2013, EPA will select up to 44 communities for assistance.

For more information, see the technical assistance webpage.

Assistance from EPA Grantees

  • Application Due: Varies by organization. Due dates range from October 25, 2012 to February 2013.
  • Eligible Entities: Varies by organization. Eligible entities encompass local, county, or tribal governments.
  • Four nonprofit organizations, Forterra, Global Green USA, Project for Public Spaces, and Smart Growth America, have received grants from EPA to offer assistance using tools they have chosen. Global Green’s assistance is based on the LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) standard, which provides a nationally recognized method for creating neighborhoods that are walkable, bikeable, resource-efficient, and equitable. Livability Solutions will offer technical assistance to 6 to 12 communities, enabling local governments and communities to implement changes that move them toward smart growth and sustainability. This technical assistance will take the form of one- to two-day workshops. Smartgrowth America will offer technical assistance in 12 types of one- or two-day workshops such as sustainable land use code audit and local strategies to slow climate change. Forterra’s competition is expected to open in February 2013.

For more information, see the technical assistance webpage.

FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge – Up to $35,000 per selected project

  • Application Due: November 16, 2012
  • Eligible Entities: Agencies, institutions, business entities, associations, organizations, or groups (public or private sector) operating within the local jurisdiction where the project will be conducted.

The 2012 Challenge program will support a broad range of activities designed to foster community resilience. Particular focus will be placed on reaching across social sectors, while a specific goal will be increased local dialogue that includes the sharing of information about local risks and the vulnerabilities of and consequences for local residents and their well-being. Activities can range from establishing a way to train neighborhoods to prepare and take care of themselves and others in an emergency situation to co-hosting initiatives with the private sector to actively involve businesses and organizations to improve preparedness programs, from involving children and youth through educational programs and activities to sponsoring drills for local hazards.

For more information, visit the Challenge webpage.

AIA Sustainable Design Assessment Teams (SDAT) – Technical Assistance

  • Application Due: November 16, 2012
  • Eligible Entities: Committees with a cross-section of residents, local government agencies, businesses, institutions, and community groups. A letter of support from the local AIA chapter is required.

The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program focuses on the importance of developing sustainable communities through design. The American Institute of Architects’ Center for Communities by Design is seeking potential partner communities that can demonstrate the capacity to convene a diverse set of community leaders and stakeholders for an intensive, collaborative planning process focused on long-term sustainability. The Center is particularly focused on identifying communities that have the ability to leverage local resources and build strong partnerships for implementation of an SDAT process. Awarded communities will receive pro bono services from a multidisciplinary team through the program, and the AIA commits to funding up to $15,000 for each project to cover team expenses.

For more information, visit the AIA SDAT page.

EPA Environmental Education Regional Model Grants – $2.16 million

  • Application Due: November 21, 2012
  • Eligible Entities: Any local education agency, college or university, state education or environmental agency, nonprofit organization, or a noncommercial educational broadcasting entity. Tribal education agencies that are eligible to apply include a school or community college controlled by an Indian tribe, band, or nation that is recognized as eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians and which is not administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The purpose of the Environmental Education Regional Grant Program is to increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills that participants in its funded projects need to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment. In order to be eligible, all applications must address at least one of the EPA educational priorities listed and at least one EPA environmental priority. EPA educational priorities are community projects, human health and the environment, and career development. EPA environmental priorities include protecting air quality, preventing pollution, cleaning up our communities, and protecting America’s waters. EPA expects to award one grant per Region for an expected 10 grants nationwide.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity webpage.

EPA Brownfield Area-wide Planning Grant – $4 Million

  • Application Due: November 30, 2012
  • Eligible Entities: General purpose unit of local government; Indian Tribe other than in Alaska, Alaska Native Regional Corporation, Alaska Native Village Corporation, and Metlakatla Indian Community; land clearance authority or other quasi-governmental entity; regional council or group of general purpose units of local government; government entity created by state legislature; redevelopment agency that is chartered or otherwise sanctioned by a state; a state that is serving in a fiscal and administrative capacity on behalf of a local community; nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education.

This grant will fund projects to facilitate community involvement and conduct research, training, and technical assistance necessary to develop area-wide plans and implementation strategies to facilitate brownfields assessment, cleanup, and subsequent reuse. Brownfields area-wide planning grant funding must be directed to specific areas affected by a single large or multiple brownfield sites, such as a neighborhood, downtown district, city block, or local commercial corridor. The grant funding will result in an area-wide plan, including implementation strategies, for the brownfields-affected area.

For more information, see the request for proposals.

USDA 2013 Urban and Community Forestry Grant – Approximately $900,000

  • Application Due: December 3, 2012
  • Eligible Entities: Any U.S. non-federal organization, operating within the United States or its territories.

The 2013 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program will support urban and community forestry projects on nonfederal public land that have a national or widespread impact and application. The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council is seeking innovative grants proposals for program development, research, and collaboration to address the following two strategic priority issues: proposals that demonstrate the connection between the personal benefits of urban forests and quality of life within a community through community engagement; and proposals that design an urban forestry recruitment program and retention strategies that support existing urban forestry academic curricula. Urban and community forests demonstrate benefits including urban heat island reduction. All grant funds must be matched at least equally with non-federal source funds.

For more information, see the request for proposals.

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Approximately $7.4 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

This post announces the availability of nearly $7.4 million and technical assistance in current opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Funders’ Network, and American Institute of Architects (AIA) that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including sustainability, drought adaptation, and environmental education. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2012 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

Funders’ Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund – $250,000
Application Due: October 1, 2012

Eligible Entities: The proposal must be submitted by a team of at least two partners who are (1) the sustainability director of a city (municipality) or a county and (2) the local, place-based foundation.

The Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network have joined together to launch a Local Sustainability Matching Fund. The fund will provide matching investments from national foundations on a competitive basis to build partnerships between sustainability directors and local place-based foundations to advance discrete sustainability initiatives that demonstrate broad-based community support and engagement.

For more information, visit the Funders’ Network.

AIA Sustainable Design Assessment Teams (SDAT) – Technical Assistance
Application Due: Two review cycles; upcoming due date is October 12, 2012

Eligible Entities: Committees with a cross-section of residents, local government agencies, businesses, institutions, and community groups. A letter of support from the local AIA chapter is required.

The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program focuses on the importance of developing sustainable communities through design. The American Institute of Architects’ Center for Communities by Design is seeking potential partner communities that can demonstrate the capacity to convene a diverse set of community leaders and stakeholders for an intensive, collaborative planning process focused on long-term sustainability. The Center is particularly focused on identifying communities that have the ability to leverage local resources and build strong partnerships for implementation of an SDAT process. Awarded communities will receive pro bono services from a multidisciplinary team through the program, and the AIA commits to funding up to $15,000 for each project to cover team expenses.

For more information, visit the AIA SDAT page.

EPA Climate Leadership Awards
Application Due: October 12, 2012

Eligible Entities: Governmental entities or academic organizations with annual budgets over $100 million; legally recognized corporate organizations with annual revenue over $100 million.

EPA co-sponsors the Climate Leadership Awards (CLA) with three NGO partners: The Climate Registry, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and the Association of Climate Change Officers. The CLA is a national awards program that recognizes and incentivizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate change. Applications will be accepted for the following recognition categories: Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting Certificate), Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management, Supply Chain Leadership Award, Organizational Leadership Award, and Individual Leadership Award. This year’s award winners will be publicly recognized in early 2013 at the awards gala, held in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the Climate Leadership Conference.

For more information, visit the Climate Leadership Awards site.

USDA Conservation Innovation Grants – $5 million
Application Due: October 15, 2012

Eligible Entities: Federally recognized Indian tribes, state and local units of government, and non-governmental organizations and individuals.

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. In fiscal year 2013, USDA is offering an adaptation to drought funding category for CIG projects that demonstrate and/or enhance system resilience to drought. Proposal ideas include demonstration of innovative cropping or grazing systems that increase resilience to drought; alternative animal feeding systems that incorporate novel drought-tolerant feedstocks; and alternative housing and/or heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems for confined animal operations to promote animal productivity even during periods of extreme temperatures.

For more information, see the funding notice.

EPA Environmental Education Regional Model Grants – $2.16 million
Application Due: November 21, 2012

Eligible Entities: Any local education agency, college or university, state education or environmental agency, nonprofit organization, or a noncommercial educational broadcasting entity. Tribal education agencies that are eligible to apply include a school or community college controlled by an Indian tribe, band, or nation that is recognized as eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians and which is not administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The purpose of the Environmental Education Regional Grant Program is to increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills that participants in its funded projects need to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment. In order to be eligible, all applications must address at least one of the EPA educational priorities listed and at least one EPA environmental priority. EPA educational priorities are community projects, human health and the environment, and career development. EPA environmental priorities include protecting air quality, preventing pollution, cleaning up our communities, and protecting America’s waters. EPA expects to award one grant per Region for an expected 10 grants nationwide.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity webpage.

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Applications and Scholarships are Now Available for the 2013 Session of Climate Solutions University

Guest post from the Model Forest Policy Program about a funding opportunity for communities in the Great Lakes states.

According to NOAA, July was the hottest month in 118 years of U.S. records. Hurricanes, drought, wildfires, flooding, and tornadoes – 2011 was truly the year of extreme weather, with the United States suffering more weather-related disasters than ever before. Climate Solutions University (CSU) programs offer North American (primarily U.S.) communities the opportunity to assess and respond to climate-related risks that may be threatening their watershed resources, budgets, and resident well-being.  Through the development of forest, water, economic, and climate vulnerability assessments, participating communities can move forward with solutions that are urgently needed for local resilience.

The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP), a leader in climate adaptation training, engages communities to develop climate action plans based on their regional landscapes.  Now soliciting applications for the 2013 Climate Solutions University (CSU), MFPP invites up to two Great Lakes communities to join our Great Lakes regional network that is currently working on a range of solutions such as watershed restoration and shoreline protection solutions to combat climate impacts in the region.  This year marks the fourth session of CSU, where 19 communities across the nation have generated outcomes such as reduced risk of flood disaster and protective public policy.

Applications can be downloaded here.  Some communities may also be eligible to receive a scholarship of $10,000 in addition to consulting services valued at $50,000.  Please submit your application by 5pm on Friday, September 28th.  This deadline can be extended upon request.  For more information contact Community Coordinator, Jeff Morris, jeff@mfpp.org, (530) 355-9880.

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Energy-related Resources for Food Processors

In keeping with our Energy Awareness Month theme, here are a few resources worth checking out related to energy and the food processing industry:

  • Northwest Food Processors Association Energy Portal: Compiled by the Food Industry Resource Efficiency team (FIRE), a partnership between the Northwest Food Processors Association (NWFPA) and the California League of Food Processors (CLFP) in collaboration with a number of public and private sector partners. Sections include: Established Technology; Opportunity Assessment; Efficiency Practices; Emerging Technologies; Financing/Incentives; Resources/Assistance; and a Training Calendar.
  • Energy Usage in the Food Industry: This 86-page report, available from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), reviews energy use and trends in the food industry, revealing energy intensive industries and processes that have the most incentive to reduce energy costs by implementing energy efficient processing methods.
  • ENERGY STAR Food Processing Focus: Provides industry-specific energy management tools and resources. EPA began the food processing focus in 2006 and participation is open to all food processors with plants in the U.S.
  • Energy Efficiency Opportunities in the Canadian Brewing Industry: This report from Natural Resources Canada outlines opportunities specific to the brewing industry, methods for their implementation, and a rationale for sound management of energy and utilities within the larger management of breweries.
  • The Visible Cost of Air: A Worksheet to Assist in Identifying Compressed Air Saving Opportunities: This WMRC fact sheet provides general, practical rule-of-thumb applications and recommendations for reducing waste associated with compressed air usage.
  • Heat Recovery From Milk Cooling Systems: Heat recovery from milk by water-cooled condensing mechanisms is effective and provides a reliable source of heat for preheating water on dairy farms. This Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs fact sheet, written by R.G. Winfield, describes the process of heat recovery from milk cooling systems.
  • Cutting Energy Waste in Large Refrigeration Systems: This Energy Center of Wisconsin fact sheet discusses some common performance problems with large refrigeration systems and suggests simple solutions.
  • Focus on Energy: Food/Dairy: Includes links to publications available in their Industrial Info Library, an opportunity to share your energy efficiency ideas related to this sector with Focus on Energy, and contact information. A “Dairy Processing Energy Best Practice Guidebook” will be available soon.
  • Food Service Technology Center: This extensive web site provides information on commercial kitchen equipment performance, including ventilation, building energy efficiency, lighting, glazing, and HVAC.
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Check It Out: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

Don’t let the name fool you–this useful database includes information on state, local utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. Established in 1995 (and originally named the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy), DSIRE is an ongoing project of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Power Technologies and managed by the North Carolina Solar Center. In addition to renewable energy incentives, DSIRE has recently expanded to include state and federal incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, purchases of energy efficient products or systems and construction of new energy efficient buildings. Even if you’re already familiar with DSIRE, be sure to check the site regularly, especially the “New/Updated Incentives” list to see what new opportunities are available, and to keep on top of changes to existing incentive programs.DSIRE logo