GFA News

We're Relocating!

2010-08-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Community Challenge Planning Grants, TIGER II

2010-06-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

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.

New RMAP Program to Support Rural Small Business

2010-06-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

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

Evaluating Centers for Independent Living, Deadline June 9

2010-05-26T07:16:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Energy Grant Roundup

2010-04-30T07:12:00.001-07:00

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.

TIGER II Discretionary Grant Program, Deadline Aug 23

2010-04-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Rural Emergency Responders Initiative - USDA Rural Development

2010-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

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

Youth Arts & Culture Grants, Due May 8

2010-04-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants, Pre-Review Deadline April 28

2010-04-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

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:

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

EPA Brownfield Planning Pilots, Apps Due June 1

2010-03-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

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.

ORV Trail Grants Available, Due May 1

2010-03-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

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.

TechSmith K-12 School Software Grants

2010-03-23T11:48:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

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

Solid Waste Management Assistance Grants, Due April 27

2010-03-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

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)

Economic Development (EDA) Grants - Application Reminder

2010-03-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Broadband Technology Deadline Extended

2010-03-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Rural Firefighter Assistance Grants, Due April 30

2010-02-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

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

Recovery Zone Bonds

2010-01-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

The Recovery Bond allocation was split between two types of bonds: Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds (RZEDB) and Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (RZFB). Michigan received authorization for approximately $773 million of RZEDB, out of a national allocation of $10 billion. We have also received approximately $1.16 billion of RZFB volume allocation from a national allocation of $15 billion.

RZEDBs are to be issued as taxable Build America Bonds, eligible for a 45% interest subsidy paid to the issuer. Economic development bonds are intended to allow state and local governments to finance projects such as infrastructure improvements and job-training programs.

RZFBs are private activity bonds issued on behalf of private companies. These bonds are similar to Private Activity Bonds, but have more flexibility. RZFBs allow tax-exempt financing for projects which historically would not qualify either due to type or size of project (large manufacturing plants, distribution centers, hotels, research parks, etc.). Tourism and redevelopment of Brownfields are two major areas that might be targeted for this financing.
It should be noted that this allocation authorizes the issuance of reduced interest rate bonds, it does not provide guarantees. Bonds must be marketable, meaning that an identified and secure source of repayment must be identified.

A presentation on this program is available online: http://mediasite.mihealth.org/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=a220a72d6a8e4cd693cc1fa74ca8a73a

Broadband Grants, Deadline March 15

2010-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

The agencies announced the rules for this funding round in two separate but complementary Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) that promote each agency’s distinct objectives.

NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)

NTIA’s NOFA allocates approximately $2.6 billion in this funding round of which approximately $2.35 billion will be made available for infrastructure projects. In this round, NTIA is adopting a “comprehensive communities” approach as its top priority in awarding infrastructure grants, focusing on middle mile broadband projects that connect key community anchor institutions – such as libraries, hospitals, community colleges, universities, and public safety institutions. Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects maximize the benefits of BTOP by leveraging resources, promoting sustainable community growth, and ultimately laying the foundation for reasonably priced broadband service to consumers and businesses.

In addition, NTIA plans to award at least $150 million of the funding for Public Computer Center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that service the general public. NTIA also plans to award at least $100 million for Sustainable Broadband Adoption projects, which include projects to provide broadband education, training, and equipment, particularly to vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized.

RUS’s Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP)

RUS’s NOFA allocates approximately $2.2 billion in this funding round for broadband infrastructure projects. A second funding window will open later which will provide grants for satellite service for premises that remain unserved after all other Recovery Act broadband funding is awarded, make Technical Assistance grants for developing plans using broadband for regional economic development, and grants to provide broadband service to rural libraries funded by USDA under the Recovery Act.

RUS will focus this round on last mile projects, which are anticipated to receive the vast majority of funding. RUS will also fund middle mile projects involving current RUS program participants. The first NOFA had two funding options – grants up to 100 percent in remote rural areas, and 50/50 loan/grant combinations in non-remote rural areas. In the second NOFA, RUS has eliminated this distinction and adopted a base 75/25 grant/loan combination for all projects. The new approach provides RUS with flexibility to seek a waiver if additional grant resources are needed for areas that are difficult to serve, and priority for those who seek lower grant levels. RUS believes this simplified and flexible funding strategy will promote rural economic development.

Separate NOFAs will allow applicants to apply directly to either program. RUS also eliminates the two-step process for BIP applicants to improve program efficiency. These changes will also add valuable time for applicants to focus on one specific program in preparing a more solid application.

Incorporated into the RUS NOFA is an opportunity for the reconsideration of BIP requests to provide viable applications with every chance for funding. There is also a second application review process during which RUS would allow an applicant to adjust its application to better meet program objectives and for the Administrator to provide discretionary points or to increase a grant component to meet rural economic objectives.

Public Workshops

Also today, NTIA and RUS announced a series of public workshops to review the application process and answer questions from prospective applicants. The workshops will be held in Portland, Ore.; Reno, Nev.; Denver, Colo.; San Antonio, Tex.; Eureka, Mo.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Detroit, Mich.; Blacksburg, Va.; Fayetteville, N.C.; and Atlanta, Ga. Interested parties can register for the workshops at www.broadbandusa.gov.

The agencies plan to accept applications from February 16, 2010, to March 15, 2010, and announce all awards by September 30, 2010.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and RUS to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will use $2.5 billion in budget authority to support grants and loans to facilitate broadband deployment in primarily rural communities.

Recreation Grant Workshops

2010-01-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Recreation Grant Workshops Scheduled Around the State in January and February

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that informationalworkshops for communities interested in applying for grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will take place around the state in January andFebruary. The MNRTF provides funding assistance for state and local outdoorrecreation needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. The MNRTF is a state program supported by revenues from the development of state-owned mineral resources, in particular oil and gas. The LWCF program also provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs but is limited to development only of outdoor recreation facilities. The LWCF program is a federal program administered by the National Park Service. The MNRTF and LWCF programs are directed at creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities and providing protection to valuable natural resources.

Both local units of government and the DNR are eligible for MNRTF and LWCF assistance.Workshops scheduled for 2010 are:

Iron Mountain: Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at America’s Best Inn located at 1609 S. Stephenson Ave. in IronMountain.

Inkster: Thursday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Inkster Parks and Recreation Department’s Games Room located at 2025 Middlebelt in Inkster.

Grand Rapids: Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m at the Amway Grand Plaza located at 187 Monroe Ave. NW in Grand Rapids. Note: Must be registered for MRPA Conference to attend these two sessions.

Grayling: Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Inn located at 2650 S. I-75 Business Loop in Grayling.

Lansing: Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Michigan Library and Historical Center Forum located at 702 West Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

The workshops are free and open to the public, and reservations are not necessary to attend. Topics for all of the workshops will include applicant and project eligibility, distribution of funds, application and attachment preparation, project selection and grantee obligations. The grant application deadline is Thursday, April 1, 2010. Grant application materials will be available from the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants, click on "Grant Programs" under Overview or by contacting Grants Management at the DNR at 517-373-9125.

Application materials also will be available at the workshops. The DNR is committed to conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

Fish Habitat Grants, Due Feb 12

2010-01-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

US Fish & Wildlife has announced that the Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership (Partnership) received funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to complete on-the-ground fish habitat projects. The Partnership recognizes that most work to protect, restore and enhance fish habitat will be done at the local level by local watershed associations, municipalities, tribes, states and non-governmental organizations. The Partnership will work with organizations to encourage local conservation actions that fit within the Partnership’s Strategic Plan priorities. Up to $1 million will be available for habitat projects. A “project” is defined as an action that will protect, restore or enhance Great Lakes fish habitat. Project proposals will be compiled, ranked by a subcommittee of the Partnership and submitted to the Partnership’s Steering Committee for review. These funds are available through a portion of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allocation, so the Service will be responsible for making final funding decisions.

Focus areas for 2010 funding are:

1) Fish habitat protection and restoration, specific to one or more of the following: a) Tributary stream restoration or protection to improve fish and aquatic species passage, riparian habitat, large woody debris, water temperatures, natural stream flow functions, or natural stream channel form; b) Coastal and connecting channel wetland restoration, enhancement and protection; c) Connecting channel restoration or protection to improve fish and aquatic species passage and/or riparian habitat.

2) Inventory and assessment of habitats in local watersheds that will lead directly to future on-the-ground projects. We will limit funding for the second focus area to no more than 25 percent of available project funds.

Eligible applicants include:

State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

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 Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Expected Number of Awards:
12
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$1,000,000
Award Ceiling:
$500,000
Award Floor:
$10,000

There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Contact us for more information!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Pipeline Safety Grant Program, Deadline Jan 18

2009-12-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Applicants for Technical Assistance Grants must be local communities or groups of individuals (not including for-profit entities) relating to the safety of pipeline facilities in local communities, other than facilities regulated under Public Law 93-153 (43 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.). Eligible applicants include cities, towns, villages, counties, parishes, townships, and similar governmental subdivisions, or consortiums of such subdivisions. A nongovernmental group of individuals is eligible for a grant under the Technical Assistance Grant program if the group’s members are affected or potentially affected individuals who are, or are willing to become, incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state where they are located.

Agency Name
Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration
Description
The Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) program, first authorized in the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-355, codified at 49 U.S.C. 60130), offers new opportunities to strengthen the depth and quality of public participation in pipeline safety matters. Section 9 of the Act, titled: “Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities” authorized the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to local communities and organizations for technical assistance relating to pipeline safety issues. The TAG program was then amended by Section 5 of the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006. However, FY 2009 was the first year in which PHMSA has received appropriations to fund the grant program. These grants will allow communities and groups of individuals to obtain funding for technical assistance in the form of engineering or other scientific analysis of pipeline safety issues and help promote public participation in official proceedings. For purposes of grants eligibility, local communities are defined as cities, towns, villages, counties, parishes, townships, and similar governmental subdivisions, or consortiums of such subdivisions. A nongovernmental group of individuals is eligible for a grant under the TAG program if its members are affected or potentially affected by pipeline safety issues.

Radio and TV Broadcasting Grants, Due Feb 26

2009-12-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Completed applications must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, February 4, 2010, with the following exception: Because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will accept applications for new FM facilities only during the period February 19-26, 2010 (“FM Window”), completed PTFP applications for projects filed at the FCC during this FM Window must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, February 26, 2010

Current Closing Date for Applications: Completed applications must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, February 4, 2010, with the following exception: Because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will accept applications for new FM facilities only during the period February 19-26, 2010 (“FM Window”), completed PTFP applications for projects filed at the FCC during this FM Window must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, February 26, 2010.

Category Explanation: The Public Telecommunications facilities Program (PTFP) assists, through matching grants, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities.
Expected Number of Awards: 100
CFDA Number(s): 11.550 -- Public Telecommunications Facilities Planning and Construction
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
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
Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility:
To apply for and receive a PTFP Construction or Planning Grant, an applicant must be: (a) a public or non-commercial educational broadcast station; (b) a non-commercial telecommunications entity; (c) a system of public telecommunications entities; (d) a non-profit foundation, corporation, institution, or association primarily for educational or cultural purposes; or (e) a state, local, or Indian tribal government (or agency thereof), or a political or special purpose subdivision of a state. Individuals are not eligible for this program.

Agency Name
Department of Commerce
Description
The Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) assists, through matching grants, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities in order to: (1) extend delivery of service to as many citizens as possible by the most cost-effective means, including the use of broadcast and non-broadcast technologies; (2) increase public telecommunications services and facilities available to, operated by, and controlled by minorities and women; and (3)strengthen the capability of existing public TV and radio stations to provide public telecommunications services to the public. Issuance of grants is subject to the availability of FY 2010 funds.

Eligible Projects and Priorities
An applicant may file an application with the Agency for a planning or construction grant. Each application shall be identified as a broadcast or nonbroadcast project and must fall within at least one of the following categories, which are summarized here and are fully described in

Section 2301.4 of the PTFP Rules:

(a) Special Applications (Nonbroadcast/Distance Learning). NTIA possesses the discretionary authority to recommend awarding grants to eligible nonbroadcast applicants whose proposals are unique or innovative and which address demonstrated and substantial community needs (e.g., service to the blind or deaf and nonbroadcast projects offering educational or instructional services).

(b) Broadcast Applications. The Broadcast Priorities are set forth in order of priority for funding.

(1) Priority 1 ── Provision of public telecommunications facilities for first radio and television signals to a geographic area. Within this category, NTIA establishes three subcategories:

(i) Priority 1A. Projects that include local origination capacity.

(ii) Priority 1B. Projects that do not include local origination capacity.

(iii) Priority 1C. Projects that provide first nationally distributed programming. This subcategory includes projects that provide satellite downlink facilities to noncommercial radio and television stations that would bring nationally distributed programming to a geographic area for the first time, including interconnection with the Public Radio Satellite System and with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Next Generation Interconnection System (NGIS).

(2) Priority 2 ── Replacement of basic equipment of existing essential broadcast stations. The term “essential stations” refers to existing broadcast stations that provide either the only public telecommunications signal or the only locally originated public telecommunications signal to a geographical area.

(3) Priority 3 ── Establishment of a first local origination capacity in a geographical area.

Projects in this category include the planning or construction of facilities to bring the first local origination capacity to an area already receiving public telecommunications services from distant sources through translators, repeaters, or cable systems.

(4) Priority 4 ── Improvement of public broadcasting services: Projects eligible for consideration under this category are intended to improve the delivery of public broadcasting services to a geographic area. Within this category, NTIA establishes two subcategories:

(i) Priority 4A. This subcategory includes the four following types of projects:

(A) Applications to replace urgently needed equipment from public broadcasting stations that do not meet the Priority 2 criteria because they do not provide either the only public telecommunications signal or the only locally originated public telecommunications signal to a geographic area.

(B) The establishment of public broadcasting facilities to serve a geographic area already receiving the same type (radio or TV) of public telecommunications services.

(C) The acquisition of satellite downlinks for public radio stations in areas already served by one or more full-service public radio stations including interconnection with the Public Radio Satellite System.

(D) The acquisition of the necessary items of equipment to bring the inventory of an already-operating station to the basic level of equipment requirements established by PTFP.

(ii) Priority 4B. The improvement and non-urgent replacement of equipment at any public broadcasting station.

(5) Priority 5 ── Augmentation of Existing Broadcast Stations. Projects in this category would equip an existing station beyond a basic capacity to broadcast programming from distant sources and to originate local programming. Within this category, NTIA establishes two subcategories:

(i) Priority 5A. Projects to equip auxiliary studios at remote locations, or to provide mobile origination facilities. While PTFP can equip a remote van for audio/video production, it cannot fund vehicles.

(ii) Priority 5B. Projects to augment production capacity beyond basic level in order to provide programming or related materials for other than local distribution.

(6) Broadcast Other cases (Digital Conversion). NTIA possesses the discretionary authority to recommend awarding grants to eligible broadcast applicants whose proposals are so unique or innovative that they do not clearly fall within the five Priorities listed in this section. Innovative projects submitted under this category must address demonstrated and substantial community needs or must address issues related to the conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced digital technologies.

Please note that for the FY 2010 grant round, NTIA has established three subpriorities under the Broadcast Other category. These subpriorities are discussed in the sections on Radio Broadcasting and Television Broadcasting below.

2. Radio Broadcasting

NTIA will take great care to ensure that its funding of radio applications follows the directive of 47 U.S.C. § 393(c) that “a substantial amount” of each year’s PTFP funds should be awarded to public radio. For the FY 2010 grant round, the eligibility and priority of radio projects, eligibility of radio equipment, and the presumption of 50 percent funding for radio equipment replacement applications remain as they were in the FY 2009 grant round.

In response to recent events and changes in technology and in the Federal regulatory environment, NTIA is providing guidance on four issues of interest to potential radio applicants. Applicants proposing projects involving (a) radio signal expansion, (b) conversion to digital transmission, (c) Internet streaming, and (d) stand-by generators and uninterruptible power supply units should read the appropriate sections below.

(a) Radio signal expansion

NTIA’s highest priority is activation of public broadcasting facilities to provide a public broadcasting signal to unserved audiences. NTIA is prepared to fund new radio station projects as warranted by reviewers’ evaluations and PTFP’s financial resources.

For the first time in many years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will accept noncommercial educational FM applications for new stations during an open window February 19-26, 2010.
See Media Bureau Announces Filing Window for Vacant Allotments Reserved forNoncommercial Educational Use Rescheduled to February 19-26, 2010; Associated MinorChange Freeze to Commence on February 6, 2010, Public Notice, DA 09-2293 (October 23,2009).

Close NTIA has extended the Closing Date for PTFP applications filed in conjunction with the FM Window. Applications for projects filed at the FCC during this FM Window must be received at the PTFP office no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on February 26, 2010. NTIA anticipates receiving many applications for these newly filed station activation projects as well as applications submitted when the FCC resolves mutually exclusive applications, or issues authorizations for non-mutually exclusive applications. Since NTIA cannot predict the timing of FCC processing of applications, NTIA will accept and process applications requiring FCC action prior to the FCC’s issuance of Construction Permits or other authorizations. NTIA reminds applicants, however, that under Section 2301.12(h) of the PTFP Rules“[n]o grant will be awarded until confirmation has been received from the FCC that anynecessary authorization will be issued.”

Close Applicants that have submitted multiple FCC applications during the FM 2010 window should submit a single PTFP application. The application narrative should discuss each proposed facility and include a copy of the FCC application for each location for which funding is requested. (If multiple FCC applications request alternate frequencies for a single facility, only one copy of the FCC application is required.) In anticipation of increased interest in these types of applications, NTIA is hereby providing the following guidance to potential applicants. Potential applicants are also encouraged to contact the program officers for their states, listed in Section VII, Agency Contacts.

NTIA’s first priority for radio projects remains activations to provide the first public radio signal to an area. These projects are divided into two subgroups, Priority 1A and Priority 1B.

First Signal Activations with Local Origination: Priority 1A. As in the past, Priority 1A status will be given to first public radio signal projects that will originate a local public radio service to a geographic area. A Priority 1A application must include local offices and studios which are fully staffed for station management and program production.

NTIA has long recognized that new fully-staffed Priority 1A projects are usually submitted by organizations that are beginning to build community support. Priority 1A projects usually also incur significant project costs which are ineligible for Federal support, such as studio building acquisition/renovation and start-up staff costs. Because these projects are NTIA’s highest priority, PTFP will continue to fund Priority 1A applications with a presumption of a 75 percent Federal share, the maximum amount permitted by law.

First Signal Activations without Local Origination: Priority 1B. Priority 1B status will continue to be given to first public radio signal projects which are repeaters or translators of other public radio facilities. Projects that will serve significant additional listeners with a first public radio signal through increases in tower height and/or power upgrades may be classified as Priority 1B or Priority 2 (equipment replacement) and are discussed in the section on power increase projects below.

In recent years, the emphasis of applications received for expansion projects has changed from requests for fully staffed stations to requests for Priority 1B repeaters and translators. Given the limited availability of Federal funds and the increasing number of applications for new repeater/translator stations, PTFP will now evaluate Priority 1B applications to determine whether or not 75 percent Federal funding is justified.

In general, NTIA will continue its present presumption of 75 percent Federal funding for Priority 1B applications which construct the applicant’s first broadcast facility in a community.

An application seeking to upgrade a translator to a repeater will normally be funded by NTIA at a 50 percent Federal share. These applicants should be able to draw on the financial resources of the community served by the applicant’s existing program service. Since the broadcaster would be building upon existing infrastructure, it also would incur reduced ineligible start-up costs. Applicants for these types of Priority 1B projects may seek a higher Federal share percentage by submitting a justification for the increased amount, which will be evaluated by PTFP.

Power increase projects. Sometimes a project to replace a station’s transmitter or antenna results in an increase in coverage to a new, but relatively small, unserved audience. PTFP usually treats these applications with incidental coverage increases as Priority 2 applications if the equipment replacement meets the Priority 2 criteria. If an applicant requests a Priority 1B consideration of such an application, the applicant should provide documentation of a significant increase in the population that will receive a first public radio signal. PTFP will evaluate the Priority of such requests on a case-by-case basis. Since the applicant already has a facility in the community, these projects, if accepted as Priority 1B, will normally be funded by NTIA at a 50 percent Federal share. Applicants for these types of Priority 1B projects may seek a higher Federal share percentage by submitting justification for the increased amount, which will be evaluated by PTFP.

Second (additional) Station Activations: Priority 3 for those with first local origination, otherwise Priority 4A. An application to provide an additional public radio signal to an area already served by public radio will continue to be placed in Priority 4A, unless it provides the first local origination to an area, in which case it will be placed in Priority 3.
Priority 3 projects may add local origination capability to an existing repeater facility orconstruct a new fully staffed station.

Close The project must demonstrate that it will address underserved needs in a way that significantly differentiates its services from what is already available in the proposed coverage area (see § 2301.4(b)(ii)(b) of the PTFP Final Rules).

In order to extend its resources to assist in signal expansion projects, NTIA will usually fund Priority 3 and 4A additional signal projects at no more than a 50 percent Federal share. This is due both to the lower priority and the reduced ineligible costs of Priority 3 and 4A repeater/translator projects which build upon existing infrastructure. Applicants for Priority 3 and 4A expansion projects, including those for new fully-staffed facilities, may seek a higher Federal share percentage by submitting justification for the increased amount, which will be evaluated by PTFP.

If a project to construct a second station (or other additional stations in a community) results in coverage to a new unserved audience and the applicant requests Priority 1B consideration of its application, the applicant should provide documentation of a significant increase in the population that will receive a first public radio signal. PTFP will evaluate the Priority of such requests on a case-by-case basis.

Important information for all station activation applicants:

(1) Coverage Maps. An applicant proposing to construct a Priority 1A, 1B, Priority 3, or Priority 4A station activation should provide documentation, such as maps or tables, of the number and geographical location of persons who would receive a first public radio signal as well as the number and location of persons already covered by another public radio station who would receive added service as a result of the proposed project (see § 2301.4(b)(1)(v) of the PTFP Final Rules).

(2) Digital Transmission Equipment. An applicant proposing to construct a Priority 1A, 1B, Priority 3, or Priority 4A station activation should address whether it requests funds to equip the new facility with digital broadcast capability. As noted below in the discussion regarding digital conversion, NTIA anticipates that it will fund digital-upgradable transmitters as the usual equipment for new facilities. Grant recipients will be able to add, at their own expense, in-band, on-channel (IBOC) exciters and additional power output modules as needed to PTFP-funded digital-upgradable transmitters.
The FCC selected the hybrid AM and FM IBOC systems tested by the National RadioSystems Committee as de facto standards for interim digital operation. See Digital AudioBroadcasting Systems and Their Impact on the Terrestrial Radio Broadcast Service, First Reportand Order, MM Docket No. 99-325, 17 F.C.C. Rcd. 19990 (2002).

Close Applicants requesting full IBOC digital transmitters as part of their activation project must include documentation of the station’s digital plan demonstrating its programming readiness to begin digital broadcasting upon receipt of PTFP funding. An application for IBOC transmission equipment also must directly address in its technical exhibits the type of analog/digital signal combining proposed. The applicant should include its plans, if any, to utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel (multicasting) as authorized by the FCC. See Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems and Their Impact on the Terrestrial RadioBroadcast Service, Second Report and Order, First Order on Reconsideration and Second FurtherNotice of Proposed Rulemaking (DAB Second Report and Order), 22 F.C.C. Rcd. 10344, 10357(2007).

Close NTIA reminds potential applicants that licensing fees for the use of IBOC technology are considered operating expenses and are not eligible for PTFP funds.

NTIA is aware that the FCC has under consideration proposals to increase the permitted power levels of IBOC technology. NTIA will not provide funds for transmitters to operate at IBOC power levels higher than those authorized by the FCC for the station at the time of award. If the FCC subsequently authorizes IBOC higher power levels, grantees will be permitted to add non-Federal funds to purchase a higher-power transmitter that is partially funded by the PTFP grant.

(b) Radio station conversion to digital transmission

NTIA encourages the use of digital technologies for public radio facilities. For many years, NTIA has funded projects for digital studio-transmitter-links (STLs) and digital audio production equipment which will assist public radio stations as they prepare for conversion to digital technologies. These digital projects are funded as equipment replacement, improvement, or augmentation projects with the presumption of a 50 percent Federal share unless a showing of extraordinary need for a higher percentage has been made pursuant to § 2301.6(b)(ii) of the PTFP Rules. NTIA will continue to support digital non-transmission equipment for radio equipment replacement projects.

Digital conversion projects. Since approving digital radio in 2007, the FCC has licensed over 1,700 commercial and noncommercial digital radio stations.
On September 9, 2009, the FCC list posted at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/digital/contained 289 licensed digital AM stations and 1,463 licensed digital FM stations.

Close Unlike the digital conversion of television stations, however, the FCC has not established a deadline for the conversion of radio stations. In addition, there is the question of when digital radio receivers will achieve significant penetration in the marketplace. While the availability of digital radios steadily increases, the number of installedreceivers in late 2008 was estimated at less than one million. http://www.twice.com/article/253539-HD_Radio_Continues_Slow_But_Steady_Growth.php(viewed September 9, 2009).

Close These factors raise the issue of whether projects whose primary purpose is to begin digital radio broadcasts present compelling urgency for funding in the FY 2010 grant round.

For FY 2010, NTIA will accept applications for digital transmission equipment for public radio facilities to convert to digital broadcasting. PTFP has included a list of eligible digital equipment on its Internet site and in its printed materials. This list includes transmission and STL equipment. Applicants for digital conversion projects must include documentation of the station’s digital conversion plan demonstrating its programming readiness to begin digital broadcasting upon receipt of PTFP funding. The applicant should include its plans, if any, to utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel. Digital conversion applications must directly address in their technical exhibits the type of analog/digital signal combining proposed.

PTFP will place radio applications requesting funds to convert to digital broadcasting in the Broadcast Other category. In order to process applications for digital conversion in an orderly manner and to provide guidance to potential applicants for the FY 2010 Grant Round, NTIA will divide the Broadcast Other category into three Subpriorities. Digital television projects will be placed into Subpriorities A and B because the FCC mandated television’s digital conversion and established a series of deadlines that television stations must meet. Digital radio conversion projects will be placed in Subpriority C.

Broadcast Other, Subpriority C. Radio Digital Conversion. NTIA will assign the following applications for conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced digital technologies to the third subpriority level within the Broadcast Other category. These applications will receive equal consideration as Subpriority C.

- An application to convert radio transmission facilities to digital technologies or an application to add a digital exciter to a digital-upgradable transmitter. In order to be highly competitive, an application must document its plans to utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel.

- An application to convert production equipment to digital technologies for a station already broadcasting in digital or a station proposing to broadcast in digital. In order to be highly competitive, an application must document its plans to utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel.

- An application for additional equipment necessary to originate programming utilizing the Supplemental Audio Channel. In order to be highly competitive, an application must document that current equipment is inadequate to program the Supplemental Audio Channel and that the requested equipment is required.

NTIA notes that in the past it has been able to fund applications each year in most if not all of the five traditional broadcast Priorities and anticipates that it will be able to fund applications in FY 2010 in most if not all of the Subpriorities in the Broadcast Other category. The presumption of funding for radio projects in the Broadcast Other category is a 50 percent Federal share. NTIA has not set aside a specific amount for funding radio digital conversion projects. Funding of radio digital conversion projects will depend on the quality of applications received and the availability of funds.

Digital upgradable transmitters. Regarding FY 2010 applications for replacement equipment, NTIA anticipates that it will fund digital-upgradable transmitters as the usual replacement for analog transmitters at the power level required to achieve the licensed analog ERP, if justified as urgent replacement of radio transmission equipment. Transmitter replacement applications will be placed in Priority 2 or Priority 4A, as appropriate, depending on whether the applicant provides the only public radio signal to an area (see §§ 2301.4(b)(2) and (4)) of the PTFP Final Rules. Grant recipients will be able to add an IBOC exciter and additional power output modules as needed to PTFP-funded digital-upgradable transmitters. The cost for the IBOC exciter and additional power output modules above the amount initially approved for the replacement transmitter will be the responsibility of the grantee for FY 2010 awards. NTIA reminds potential applicants that licensing fees, including licensing fees related to the use of IBOC technology, are considered operating expenses and not eligible for PTFP funds.

Digital Compliant Transmitters. NTIA may also directly fund fully compliant IBOC digital transmitters as replacement equipment, when fully justified by the application. Applicants requesting full IBOC digital transmitters as part of equipment replacement projects must include documentation of the station’s digital conversion plan demonstrating its programming readiness to begin digital broadcasting upon receipt of PTFP funding. Included should be its plans, if any, to utilize Program Associated Data or the Supplemental Audio Channel (multicasting). The request for a digital transmitter, in itself, is not sufficient justification to replace an otherwise adequate analog or composite STL. The need for the replacement of the STL should be supported by technical documentation addressing the program channel and interface requirements of the digital transmitter. Digital conversion applications must directly address in their technical exhibits the type of analog/digital signal combining proposed.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant funds. NTIA is aware that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has a grant program focused on projects to convert public radio stations to digital broadcasting. In order to facilitate application processing by both CPB and PTFP, applicants for PTFP funds should clearly identify in their application whether they have applied to CPB for funding and list the equipment requested from CPB. The submission of an application to CPB will have no effect on NTIA’s evaluation of the PTFP application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that no PTFP-funded equipment is funded by both grant programs.

(c) Internet streaming

Given the limited availability of funds, NTIA has emphasized support of basic equipment required for a public broadcast station to serve its local audience (see § 2301.4 of the PTFP Final Rules, passim). NTIA continues to receive more activation and replacement applications than it can fund in any cycle. NTIA has received a few applications for equipment to provide Internet streaming. The applications have not been favorably evaluated by the reviewers or the national advisory panels.

NTIA has determined that streaming on the Internet goes beyond the provision of a basic local public broadcasting service. NTIA will place any applications it receives for streaming equipment in Priority 5B (see § 2301.4(b)(5)(ii) of the PTFP Final Rules). Priority 5B relates to equipment required for the production of “programming for regional and national use.”

(d) Stand-by Power Generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units

For many years PTFP has funded stand-by power generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units for existing stations when an applicant has documented a pattern of frequent transmitter power outages accompanied by delayed restoration of power. Station activation projects have included stand-by power equipment only if justified by circumstances at the site where the transmitter was to be installed.

PTFP regards stand-by power generators and uninterruptible power supply units as essential equipment when justified as discussed in this section. Applications seeking such equipment will be placed in Priority 2 or Priority 4A, according to the category in which the applicant otherwise qualifies for equipment replacement projects. (Applications requesting UPS or generators should not be included within digital conversion projects submitted under Broadcast Other Subpriorities A, B, or C.) PTFP is prepared to support only the minimum level of equipment required to keep a station’s signal on the air. Stand-by power for STLs may be funded if their inclusion is justified in the same way as transmitters. Emergency power for origination equipment will be considered in addition to transmission equipment when the applicant demonstrates that such equipment is integral to the emergency service it provides. Applicants requesting UPS or generators must specify (1) whether the requested systems are UPS and/or generators and for which locations they are for (e.g,. master control, transmitter, intermediate microwave site), (2) the KVA rating of the requested system, and what loads are being served, and (3) the size of any additional fuel tanks requested and the number of days of extended operation the fuel tanks would support.
Systems requested for master control would be to power technical facilities required tokeep the station master control on air, including air-conditioning limited to those technicalfacilities.

Close Stand-by generators and UPS units to provide emergency power to entire facilities are not contemplated for PTFP support.

In order to be highly competitive, applicants must support the need for stand-by power by documenting one or more of the following conditions—

(1) the station is part of a state/regional system to which the public is referred by local authorities for information during an emergency, such as an evacuation from a storm or other event; or

(2) the station is a relay point for the distribution of emergency information to get it to transmitters beyond its local coverage area; or

(3) the station is the sole source of emergency information in its service area in contrast to a station that is one of many in an area broadcasting the Emergency Alert System; or

(4) the station has experienced a pattern of frequent transmitter power outages accompanied by delayed restoration of power.

3. Television Broadcasting

Over the past ten years, NTIA has awarded most of its television funds for projects to convert public television stations to digital broadcasting. The FCC’s adoption of the Fifth Report and Order in April 1997 announced a phased plan to bring all television stations in the United States to digital broadcasting. As part of the FCC’s phased plan, each television station was temporarily assigned a second channel (“DTV channel”) during the digital transition period. The first major milestone in the FCC’s plan required that all public television stations begin the broadcast of a digital signal on their DTV channel by May 1, 2003. In FY 2000, NTIA instituted several new policies regarding applications for projects to convert public television stations to digital transmission capability. NTIA continued those policies during the FY 2001, FY 2002, FY 2003 and FY 2004 grant cycles. During these five grant cycles, PTFP was able to assist in the digital conversion of approximately 250 public television stations by funding projects which contained over 100 tower-related projects and over 200 digital transmitters and antennas, as well as STLs, intercity microwave relays, encoders, video servers, satellite interconnect, test and monitoring equipment.

For the FY 2005 grant round, PTFP modified its procedures to address an FCC milestone adopted on August 4, 2004, which required digital public television stations to replicate their analog Grade B coverage or to maximize their facilities by July 1, 2006.
See Second Periodic Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting theConversion to Digital Television, Report and Order (Second DTV Periodic Review), MB DocketNo. 03-15, RM 9832, FCC 04-192, 19 F.C.C. Rcd. 18279, 18281 (2004). Public televisionstations had to notify the FCC by November 5, 2004, if they intended their digital channel toreplicate their analog Grade B service or if they intended to “maximize” their coverage area, i.e.,to increase the power of their digital signal beyond that which would only replicate their analogGrade B coverage. The Second DTV Periodic Review established July 1, 2006, as the deadlinefor public television stations to complete their replication or maximization.

Close In the FY 2006 and FY 2007 grant cycles, NTIA emphasized funding of the digital television transmission equipment necessary to broadcast on a station's ultimate DTV channel or for projects that have received a waiver of the July 1, 2006, FCC deadline for power increases of lower-power digital facilities. During the FY 2008 and FY 2009 grant cycles, NTIA emphasized digital television projects so stations could comply with the FCC’s August 2007 post-transition table of digital television channel allotments. See Advanced Television Systems and their Impact Upon the Existing TelevisionBroadcast Service, Seventh Report and Order and Eighth Further Notice of Proposed RuleMaking (Seventh Report and Order), 22 F.C.C. Rcd. 15581 (2007); see also Advanced TelevisionSystems and their Impact Upon the Existing Television Broadcast Service, Erratum, 2007 FCCLEXIS 5947 (2007) (correcting two mistakes in the Post-Transition DTV Table of Allotments).

(a) Remaining digital conversion requirements

Full power station transmission equipment. Section 3002 of Public Law 109-171, as amended, known as the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005,
See Title III of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-171, 120 Stat. 4, 21(Feb. 8, 2006).

Close directed full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasting June 12, 2009, and to broadcast solely digital transmissions on June 13, 2009. Section 3002(a) of the Deficit Reduction Act amends Section 309(j)(14)(A) of theCommunications Act of 1934 so that analog full-power television licenses terminate on February17, 2009. Section 3002(b) of the Act directs the FCC to terminate analog television licenses forfull-power stations by February 18, 2009. Section (2)(a) of the DTV Delay Act (Pub. L. No.111-4) extended the deadline to June 13, 2009.

While the June 12, 2009, deadline for the end of analog broadcasting by full-power television stations has passed, the FCC has concluded that the digital signals of many stations are not reaching as many people as the stations’ former analog signals. The FCC predicted that over 400 television stations (including over 70 public stations) would lose two percent or more of their analog viewers after transitioning to digital.
Commission Updates DTV Coverage Maps and List of Stations with 2 Percent orGreater Service Loss, Public Notice DA 09-1274 (June 5, 2009). http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/signal-loss-report.pdf (viewed on September 4, 2009).

Close The FCC has been working with stations to solve reception issues, including granting power increases and allowing stations to move from VHF channels to UHF channels. See FCC Continues Working On DTV-Related Reception Issues, Solutions IncludeRoving Stations From VHF to UHF Channel Positions, Boosting Power, BroadcastingMagazine, (Aug. 17, 2009).http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/327804-FCC_Continues_Working_On_DTV_Related_Reception_Issues.php. (viewed September 8, 2009).

Close The FCC also authorized two new digital services, Distributed Transmission Systems (DTS) and replacement digital television translators, in an effort to restore signals to former analog viewers. See Digital Television Distributed Transmission System Technologies, Report andOrder, MB Docket No. 05-312, 2008 FCC LEXIS 7698, FCC 08-256 (rel., Nov. 7, 2008) (DTSReport and Order). See also Amendment of Parts 73 and 74 of the Commission’s Rules toEstablish Rules for Replacement Digital Low Power Television Translator Stations, MB DocketNo. 08-253, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 08-278 (rel., Dec. 23, 2008). Media BureauAnnounces Application and STA Filing Procedures for New Digital Television Translators,Public Notice, DA 08-2818 (Dec. 30, 2008), available athttp://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocslpublic/attachmatch/DA-08-2818A1.pdf..

Close During the FY 2009 grant cycle, NTIA extended the PTFP grant deadline in order to accept applications for these two newly authorized services.

During the FY 2010 grant cycle, NTIA will continue to accept applications for the newly authorized DTS and replacement digital television translator services as well as applications that extend the service areas of digital public television stations to the greatest number of people as permitted by the FCC, whether by power increases or by channel changes. These projects may require the purchase of new transmission facilities, including transmitters, antennas, and transmission lines or the modification of existing facilities. In addition, these projects would fulfill NTIA’s mandate to “extend delivery of public telecommunications services to as many citizens of the United States as possible by the most efficient and economical means.”
47 U.S.C. § 390(1).

NTIA priorities for digital conversion projects during the FY 2010 grant cycle are discussed in the next section of this document–section (b) FY 2010 procedures for digital conversion and equipment replacement applications.

Digital conversion of analog translators. During September 2004, the FCC adopted a Report and Order which established rules for the digital conversion of Low-Power TV (LPTV) stations and translators.
Amendment of Parts 73 and 74 of the Commission’s Rules to Establish Rules forDigital Low Power Television, Television Translator, and Television Booster Stations and toAmend Rules for Digital Class A Television Stations, Report and Order, MB Docket No. 03-185,19 F.C.C. Rcd. 19331 (2004). In this Report and Order, the FCC also declined to authorize on-channel digital boosters.

Close In October 2005, the FCC established procedures under which LPTV stations and translators could either (1) file a minor facilities change application for an on-channel digital conversion of their currently authorized analog station (“a flash cut application”) or (2) could apply for a companion digital LPTV or TV translator station. FCC Commences Accepting Applications for On-Channel Digital Conversion of LowPower TV and TV Translator Stations and Announces Availability of Revised Application Forms346 and 301-CA, Public Notice, DA05-2546, 2005 FCC LEXIS 5461 (Oct. 4, 2005).

Close The FCC accepted applications for companion digital LPTV and translator channels during the limited period May 1-May 12, 2006. Announcement of Filing Window for LPTV and TV Translator Digital CompanionChannel Applications from May 1, 2006 through May 12, 2006, Public Notice DA 06-123 (Jan.26, 2006).

Close In August 2009, the FCC opened another window for the filing of applications for digital companion channels, as well as for the filing of applications for new digital-only LPTV and TV translator stations, and for major changes to existing analog and digital LPTV and TV translator stations. Commencement of Rural, First-come, First-served Digital Licensing for Low PowerTelevision and TV Translators Beginning August 25, 2009 and Commencement of Nationwide,First-come, First-served Digital Licensing for Low power Television and TV Translator ServicesBeginning January 25, 2010, Public Notice, DA 09-1487 (June 29, 2009). The FCC noticefurther indicated that “[n]o applications for new analog facilities will be accepted.” (Emphasis in original).

Close Stations interested in filing PTFP applications for companion channels or for the on-channel flash cut of existing facilities should check with the FCC regarding its application filing procedures.

NTIA is aware that over 500 translators and LPTV stations provide the only public television service available in many rural areas of the country. Conversion of these translators to digital broadcasting technologies will ensure the continued availability of public television to all citizens of the country.

Digital translator projects for the upgrade of existing analog facilities remain eligible for PTFP funding during the FY 2010 grant round. This will enable public television licensees to begin this lengthy and costly conversion and will fulfill NTIA’s mandate to “extend delivery of public telecommunications services to as many citizens of the United States as possible by the most efficient and economical means.”
47 U.S.C. § 390(1).

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 established another program within NTIA that will assist commercial as well as noncommercial translators, Class A and Low-Power Television facilities to make the digital transition.
Under section 3009 of the Act, NTIA can award reimbursement grants to upgrade translators, Class A and Low-Power stations from analog to digital in eligible rural communities.
Section 3009 uses the definition of rural communities as defined in Section 610(b)(2)of the Rural Electrification Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. § 950bb(b)(2)) (“any area of the United Statesthat is not contained in an incorporated city or town with a population in excess of 20,000inhabitants”).

This new grant program, the Low-Power Television and Translator Upgrade Program (Upgrade Program), published its guidelines in the May 12, 2009, Federal Register and is entirely separate from the PTFP. 74 Fed. Reg. 22402.

The Upgrade Program is not being conducted under the PTFP Rules. Under the Upgrade Program, applicants may receive grants of up to $20,000 for upgrade of eligible analog translators to digital. While the Upgrade Program provides funds on a reimbursement basis, no local match is required and applications are accepted monthly until all funds are expended. As November 1, 2009, NTIA had approximately $40 million available for Upgrade Program grants. Applicants considering projects to upgrade analog translators to digital should review the Upgrade Program guidelines prior to submitting an application to PTFP. Upgrade program guidelines are posted on the NTIA web site atwww.ntia.doc.gov/lptv/index.html.

While an applicant may submit applications for the upgrade of an analog translator to both the PTFP and Upgrade Programs, NTIA will not fund the upgrade of a translator from both programs.

Replacement of analog translators. The FCC has steadily moved towards ending analog broadcasting by low-power television facilities. In 2004, the FCC stated that “[i]t is not our intention to allow LPTV, TV translator, and Class A broadcasters to permanently operate their analog facilities. Indeed, we seek to hasten their transition to digital service....”
See supra note 17.

As noted earlier, the FCC has adopted procedures which encourage analog low-power facilities to upgrade to digital by permitting stations to flash-cut to digital at any time. The FCC also assigned a second channel (a digital “companion channel”) to those stations that wanted to operate both in analog and digital during their transition to digital. The low-power and translator window which opened at the FCC in August 2009 did not accept applications for new analog facilities. Reflecting the actions the FCC has taken to move translators and LPTV facilities to digital, NTIA has determined that it should no longer invest PTFP funds in the replacement of analog translators and LPTV facilities with analog equipment. NTIA, however, will fund the upgrade of analog translators and LPTV facilities to digital through either the PTFP or Upgrade Program.

Establishment of new digital translators or major modifications to existing facilities. As noted in the earlier section, in August 2009, the FCC opened a window to accept applications for new digital TV translators and LPTV stations as well as accepting applications for major modifications to existing analog and digital LPTV and TV translator stations. NTIA will place applications that are intended to provide new service and applications resulting from major modifications to existing facilities within the standard PTFP Priorities (usually Priority 1B, 2, or 4A). Note that applications for DTS and replacement digital television translators intended to restore service to former analog viewers will be placed with the Broadcast Other Subpriority as discussed further below.

Upgrade of analog master control and production equipment. NTIA also recognizes that conversion of transmission equipment to digital technology, while important, is only part in the conversion of a public television station to digital broadcasting. NTIA believes that many stations have an immediate need to convert their basic master control support infrastructure to store, distribute and broadcast digital signals. Stations also need to convert their production equipment to digital technologies so they can originate local programming at a technical level that is compatible and comparable in quality with productions available from national sources or other local stations. NTIA will, therefore, consider the replacement or upgrade of analog master control and production equipment to digital as part of a station’s digital conversion project and such applications will be placed in the Broadcast Other Subpriority B category as discussed further below.

Replacement of digital transmission, master control and production equipment. Section 2301.b(6) of the PTFP rules indicates that the Broadcast Other category includes projects intended for “the conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced digital technologies.” NTIA first began funding public television digital conversion projects in FY 1998 and is now receiving applications seeking to replace a station’s first generation digital equipment. In order to assist those stations that still rely on analog equipment, NTIA believes that the Broadcast Other Subpriorities should be reserved for the purchase of equipment required to convert a station from an analog to a digital facility. Therefore, applications to replace digital equipment (including the replacement of SD equipment with HD equipment) will be placed within the regular broadcast priorities (usually Priorities 2 or 4A). NTIA may, however, place requests for replacement of digital transmission equipment incidental to power upgrades or channel changes for the purpose of improving signal reception into the Broadcast Other Subpriority as discussed further below.

For the FY 2010 grant cycle, NTIA continues the procedures it used during the FY 2009 grant cycle regarding funding of digital television equipment to emphasize 1) transmission equipment necessary to broadcast on a station’s digital channel as authorized under the FCC’s August 2007 Post-Transition Table of DTV Allotments and subsequent modifications to the Table authorized by the FCC, 2) restoration of service to former analog viewers, 3) increased digital conversion of master control equipment and production equipment, and 4) digital conversion of LPTV stations and translator facilities.

For FY 2009, NTIA awarded $11.3 million to 39 projects which assisted public television stations in the conversion of transmission and master control/production equipment to digital technologies, and $1.5 million for eight urgent television equipment replacement projects. The television awards ranged from $5,122 to $731,924.

Prior to the adoption of the Broadcast Other Subpriorities for digital conversion applications, PTFP routinely placed radio and television equipment replacement projects in Priorities 2 and 4A. When making FY 2010 grants, NTIA will ensure that “a substantial amount” of PTFP funds will be awarded for “the expansion and development of noncommercial radio broadcast station facilities” per the requirements of 47 U.S.C. §393(c).

(b) FY 2010 procedures for digital conversion and equipment replacement applications

NTIA intends to remain responsive to the equipment replacement needs of public television stations. NTIA’s balancing of equipment replacement and digital conversion applications is discussed in the following sections.

In order to assist public broadcasting licensees in converting to digital technologies, NTIA is adopting the application procedures for the FY 2010 grant round which are summarized below and discussed further in the following six portions of this section. Changes in these sections from the procedures in place during the FY 2009 grant cycle are discussed in the following sections.

(1) Subpriorities for digital conversion projects.

• Transmission equipment required by public television stations to complete their digital broadcast facilities will be considered in Broadcast Other, Subpriority A. Transmission equipment includes equipment necessary to maximize broadcast facilities, to change channels as authorized by the FCC, or to restore service to substantial populations that lost service as a result of the station’s transition to digital. NTIA will consider expedited processing for projects that provide adequate justification why expedited processing is required to meet any conditions placed on the authorization by the FCC or to restore service to substantial populations that lost service as a result of the station’s transition to digital.

• Digital master control and production equipment for either replacement of analog equipment or digital conversion of analog equipment will receive equal consideration as Broadcast Other, Subpriority B.

• Production equipment, whether for new digital facilities or as replacement of analog equipment, will be placed in Subpriority B of the Broadcast Other category.

• Digital conversion of translators and LPTV stations has been authorized by the FCC without a deadline. These applications will be placed in Subpriority B.

(2) Equipment eligible for digital television conversion projects and equipment replacement.

• No change from FY 2009. Equipment eligible for digital television conversion and replacement is updated each year as appropriate in the on-line Digital TV equipment list, and includes studio and field cameras as well as digital television translators.

• No change from FY 2009. Stand-by power generators and UPS units remain on the eligible equipment list for digital conversion and equipment replacement projects.

(3) Effective date for expenditure of local matching funds for digital television conversion projects.

• No change from FY 2009. The Closing Date for receipt of FY 2010 applications will be the effective date after which applicants may expend local matching funds for digital television conversion projects.

(4) Funding levels for television projects.

• No change from FY 2009. Fifty (50) percent Federal funding will be the general presumption for digital television conversion and television equipment replacement projects.

(5) Use of Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) matching funds.

• No change from FY 2009. NTIA has limited the use of CPB funds for the non-federal share of PTFP projects to circumstances of “clear and compelling need.”

(6) Coordination with CPB and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• No change from FY 2009. Applicants must clearly identify in their applications whether they have applied to CPB or RUS for funding, and list the equipment requested from CPB or RUS.

• No change from FY 2009. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that no PTFP funded equipment is also funded by another of these grant programs.

For the FY 2010 grant cycle, NTIA will adopt the following policies regarding digital television conversion and equipment replacement projects.

(1) Subpriorities for digital conversion projects. In order to process applications for digital conversion in an orderly manner and to provide guidance to potential applicants for the FY 2010 Grant Round, NTIA will divide the Broadcast Other category into three Subpriorities. Digital television projects will be placed into Subpriorities A and B because the FCC mandated television’s digital conversion and established deadlines that required digital conversion of full-power television stations. (Digital radio conversion projects will be placed in Subpriority C.) NTIA notes that in the past it has been able to fund applications each year in most if not all of the five traditional broadcast Priorities and the three Broadcast Other Subpriorities and anticipates that it will be able to do the same in FY 2010.

The two Subpriorities for television digital conversion projects are:

Broadcast Other, Subpriority A. Television Digital Transmission Equipment. NTIA will assign the following applications for conversion of public broadcasting facilities to advanced digital technologies at the first subpriority level within the Broadcast Other category. These applications are intended to assist public television stations in (a) constructing digital facilities as a result of the FCC’s digital channel election procedures which were adopted in the Post-Transition DTV Table of Allotments, or (b) meeting the station’s FCC authorizations for a channel change or maximization,
See supra note 9.

Close or (c) restoring service to substantial populations that lost service as a result of the station’s transition to digital. These projects are in the highest subpriority in order to ensure digital public television signals reach the largest number of United States residents.

The following applications will receive equal consideration within Subpriority A:

(a) - An application to convert the analog transmission facilities of a public television station to digital technology to bring the station into compliance with the FCC’s Post-Transition DTV Table of Allotments.

(b) - An application to increase the power of a digital public television station or change its channel. The applications funded will be expected to document how the proposed service change will replicate the station’s comparable analog Grade B coverage, document significant population increase beyond the station’s comparable analog Grade B coverage, or otherwise improve reception and serve a greater number of people than the station’s existing analog service.

NTIA recognizes that applicants may have previously received a PTFP grant for transmission equipment for use on their temporary digital channel. Under PTFP’s legislation, (47 U.S.C. § 392(g)), NTIA retains a ten-year interest in equipment funded by PTFP.
Section 392(g) of the Communications Act states in part that “[i]f, within 10 yearsafter completion of any project for construction of public telecommunications facilities withrespect to which a grant has been made under this section—...(2) such facilities cease to be usedprimarily for the provision of public telecommunications services ... the United States shall beentitled to recover from the applicant or other owner of such facilities the amount bearing thesame ratio to the value of such facilities...as the amount of the Federal participation bore to thecost of construction of such facilities.” 47 U.S.C. § 392(g). The ten-year interest period starts atthe conclusion of the PTFP grant award period.

Applications must clearly identify any equipment proposed to replace PTFP-funded equipment that is within the ten-year interest period. The application must also provide a plan regarding the use or disposition of the equipment to be replaced so the Federal interest may continue to be protected. The applicant’s plan may include (1) the use of the transmission equipment as standby transmission equipment by the applicant, (2) sale of the transmission equipment at fair market value and a return of a portion of the proceeds to PTFP for award to other applicants, or (3) transfer of NTIA’s remaining fiduciary interest to other broadcast equipment not purchased with PTFP funds.

(c) - An application to restore service to substantial populations that lost service as a result of the station’s transition to digital through the activation of either a Distributed Transmission System or a replacement digital television translator service.

NTIA will consider expedited processing of those Subpriority A applications that provide adequate justification and a clear timetable detailing why expedited processing is required to meet any conditions placed on the authorization by the FCC. Applications requesting expedited processing will be subject to the same evaluation and selection process followed for all applications received during the application cycle, although the NTIA Administrator may establish a special timetable for evaluation and selection to permit an appropriately timely decision.

Broadcast Other, Subpriority B. NTIA will assign the following applications at the second subpriority level within the Broadcast Other category.

- Digital Conversion and Replacement of Master Control and Production Equipment. Conversion of a public television station’s master control and production equipment is generally considered the next required step in the transition toward full digital conversion. As stations proceed to construct a digital master control, to acquire studio and field production equipment, and to upgrade a production control room, it is necessary that the equipment and systems be compatible and consistent with the digital progress within each station and with public television standards nationwide.

NTIA believes that many stations must replace obsolete analog equipment to complete their digital conversion projects, address multi-channel and High Definition broadcast distribution, and produce programs in digital Standard Definition and High Definition for national, regional or local distribution.

Some stations may proceed to construct a digital master control separate from the station’s existing master control, while other stations may upgrade their existing analog master control by replacing the analog equipment. The same situation may occur with a digital production studio control room which in some cases may be newly constructed and in other cases may be the replacement of production control room equipment in an existing control room.

For master control, production control, production studio equipment and field production equipment, the most cost-effective strategy for a station is to acquire state-of-the-art digital equipment that represents a continuation of the station’s transition to full digital conversion.

Applications that propose new digital facilities and those that propose the replacement of analog equipment and systems as described above will all be placed in this Subpriority B category under digital conversion and will all receive equal consideration in this category.

Digital conversion of a public television station’s production equipment will improve the station’s ability to provide public service to its community. NTIA will accept digital television production equipment as part of conversion projects and will place these applications in Subpriority B of the Broadcast Other category. In order to be highly competitive, we expect applicants to address how the equipment will be used to produce programming that is widely distributed on a regional or national basis or that will be used for the creation of High Definition programming.

- An application to convert a translator or LPTV station to digital. The FCC has authorized the digital conversion of translators and LPTV stations but has not established a deadline for this conversion. Applications for digital conversion of analog translators and LPTV stations will be placed in this Subpriority B category and will be funded only if the project receives authorization from the FCC. As noted earlier, the activation of a new digital translator or LPTV station will be placed in broadcast Priority 1B, 2, or 4, as appropriate.

(2) Equipment eligible for digital television conversion projects and equipment replacement. For FY 2010, NTIA will support the digital equipment necessary to continue with full digital conversion and with the replacement of analog equipment in master control, production studio control, studio production, and field production. NTIA urges stations to ensure that applications for new digital facilities and for the replacement of analog equipment with digital equipment propose cost-effective projects resulting in equipment and systems that are compatible and consistent with full digital conversion.

NTIA is posting on its Internet site (www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp), a listing of eligible digital equipment. Printed copies of this list are also available from PTFP at the address shown in the Address section of this document. This list takes into consideration all aspects of full digital conversion and includes equipment for transmission, master control, production studio control, studio production, and field production.

All applications for new, digital facilities or for the replacement of analog equipment with digital equipment will receive equal consideration under the Broadcast Other, Subpriority A or B category, as appropriate. Any application which includes equipment replacement as a justification for the urgency criterion should submit documentation of downtime or other evidence in support of the urgency evaluation criterion as contained in § 2301.17 of the PTFP Final Rules. The need to replace existing equipment in order to maintain ongoing services while also incorporating the replacement digital equipment into the station’s comprehensive digital conversion plan is likely to strengthen the urgency criterion of a digital conversion application.

For applications to be competitive in the Subpriority B category, applicants are urged to include a summary of their plan for full digital conversion and how the requested equipment would be compatible and consistent with that plan. This digital conversion plan should be incorporated into the explanation that addresses the technical qualifications criterion in the application. Failure to provide information on the applicant’s full digital conversion plan will place a television application at a competitive disadvantage during the evaluation of the technical qualification criterion as described in § 2301.17 of the PTFP Final Rules.

Replacement of Analog and Other Equipment. NTIA recognizes that stations may require the urgent replacement of equipment that is not part of a station’s digital conversion plan. Applicants may submit Priority 2 (or Priority 4) applications when appropriate for the urgent replacement of items such as towers or microwave equipment necessary to ensure continued service. (Requests for towers or microwave equipment which are part of a station’s digital conversion plan should be requested under Subpriority B, in the Broadcast Other category.)

Stand-by Power Generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. For many years PTFP has funded stand-by power generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units for existing stations when an applicant has documented a pattern of frequent transmitter power outages accompanied by delayed restoration of power. Station activation projects have included stand-by power equipment only if justified by circumstances at the site where the transmitter was to be installed.

PTFP regards stand-by power generators and uninterruptible power supply units as essential equipment when justified as discussed in this section. Applications seeking such equipment will be placed in Priority 2 or Priority 4A, according to the category in which the applicant otherwise qualifies for equipment replacement projects. (Applications requesting UPS or generators should not be included within digital conversion projects submitted under Broadcast Other Subpriorities A, B, or C.) PTFP is prepared to support only the minimum level of equipment required to keep a station’s signal on the air. Stand-by power for STLs may be funded if their inclusion is justified in the same way as transmitters. Emergency power for origination equipment will be considered in addition to transmission equipment when the applicant demonstrates that such equipment is integral to the emergency service it provides. Applicants requesting UPS or generators must specify (1) whether the requested systems are UPS and/or generators and for which locations they are for (e.g,. master control, transmitter, intermediate microwave site), (2) the KVA rating of the requested system, and what loads are being served, and (3) the size of any additional fuel tanks requested and the number of days of extended operation the fuel tanks would support.
Systems requested for master control would be to power technical facilities required tokeep the station master control on air, including air-conditioning limited to those technicalfacilities.

Stand-by generators and UPS units to provide emergency power to entire facilities are not contemplated for PTFP support. .

In order to be highly competitive, an applicant must support the need for stand-by power by documenting one or more of the following conditions—

(1) the station is part of a state/regional system to which the public is referred by local authorities for information during an emergency, such as an evacuation from a storm or other event; or

(2) the station is a relay point for the distribution of emergency information to get it to transmitters beyond its local coverage area; or

(3) the station is the sole source of emergency information in its service area in contrast to a station that is one of many in an area broadcasting the Emergency Alert System; or

(4) the station has experienced a pattern of frequent transmitter power outages accompanied by delayed restoration of power.

Closed Captioning Equipment. For many years, PTFP has included on the list of eligible costs equipment required to add closed captioning to television programming.
Closed captioning permits people with hearing disabilities to receive news,information and entertainment programming via television. In 1990, Congress enacted theTelevision Decoder Circuitry Act, Pub. L. No. 101-431, 104 Stat. 960 (1990) (codified at 47U.S.C. §§ 303(u), 330(b)), which requires that television receivers with picture screens 13 inchesor larger contain built-in decoder circuitry designed to display closed captioned televisiontransmissions. The Act required the FCC to ensure that closed captioning services continued tobe available to consumers as new technology developed. In 1991, the FCC amended its rules toinclude standards for the display of closed captioned text on analog television receivers. See 47CFR § 15.119. In 2000, the FCC updated its rules to includes closed captioned decoderrequirements for digital television receivers and converter boxes. See 47 CFR § 15.122.

The FCC established a series of graduated benchmarks that increase the amount of closed captioned programming stations must broadcast to their viewers. Beginning January 1, 2006, the FCC required that all new programming broadcast by television stations be captioned. See 47 CFR § 79.1(b)(1). “New programming” is defined by the FCC asprogramming prepared for analog television after January 1, 1998, or programming prepared fordigital television after July 1, 2002. See 47 CFR § 79.1(a)(5). An exception of interest to publictelevision stations includes instructional programming that is locally produced by publictelevision stations for use in grades K-12 and post secondary schools (only covers programmingnarrowly distributed to individual educational institutions). See 47 CFR § 79.1(d)(13).

Because of this requirement, public television stations are now required to broadcast almost all programming with closed captions, including locally produced programs.

As a result, PTFP will now regard closed captioning equipment as essential equipment. Applications seeking such equipment will be placed in Priority 2 or Priority 4A, according to the category in which the applicant otherwise qualifies for equipment replacement projects.

(3) Effective date for expenditure of local matching funds for digital television conversion projects.

Applicants will be required to follow Section 2301.6(d) of the PTFP Final Rules, in that applicants will be able to expend their local matching funds only after the Closing Date for this grant round.

Section 2301.6(b)(2) of the PTFP Final Rules permits an applicant to use equipment acquired prior to the Closing Date for receipt of applications “on a case-by-case basis only when clear and compelling justifications are provided to PTFP.” NTIA also notes that, as discussed in paragraph (5) below, funds received from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting can be used as local matching funds only in circumstances of “clear and compelling need” (15 CFR § 2301.6(c)(2)). Applications requesting special assistance pursuant to § 2301.6(b) or (c) of the PTFP Final Rules for digital transmission equipment will be evaluated on the basis of need on a case-by-case basis.

(4) Funding levels for television projects. For FY 2010, NTIA will continue the general presumption of 50 percent Federal funding for television replacement, improvement and augmentation projects, which is in accordance with Section 2301.6(b)(1)(ii) of the PTFP Final Rules.

NTIA recognizes that many small stations, primarily in rural areas, will be unable to raise even a 50 percent local share of the funds required for their PTFP projects. NTIA has long permitted stations to request more than the standard level of Federal support upon a showing of “extraordinary need” per Section 2301.6(b)(1)(ii) of the PTFP Final Rules. NTIA will continue to permit any applicant to provide justification that it has an “extraordinary need” for Federal funding up to the legal limit of 75 percent of eligible project costs. Justification for the increased amount will be evaluated by PTFP.

Because of the emphasis NTIA places on the extension of broadcast services to unserved areas, NTIA has retained the 75 percent level of Federal funding for applications proposing new television facilities in Priority 1 (§ 2301.4(b)(1)) of the PTFP Final Rules.

(5) Use of Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) matching funds. Under the PTFP Rules, NTIA has limited the use of CPB funds for the non-federal share of PTFP projects to circumstances of “clear and compelling need” (15 CFR § 2301.6(c)(2)). NTIA recognizes that it will be difficult for many public television stations to raise the funds required to meet the FCC’s digital broadcasting deadlines. Therefore, NTIA continues its past policy that applicants may submit justification under this section for the use of CPB funds as part of their local match. Any request for the use of CPB funds must be accompanied by a statement regarding any limitations that CPB has placed on the expenditure of those funds.

(6) Coordination with CPB and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), U.S. Department of Agriculture. NTIA is aware that CPB and RUS have grant programs focused on projects to convert public television stations to digital broadcasting. In order to facilitate application processing by the three organizations, applicants for PTFP funds must clearly identify in their application whether they have applied to CPB or RUS for funding and list the equipment requested from CPB or RUS. The submission of an application to CPB or RUS will have no effect on NTIA’s evaluation of the PTFP application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that no PTFP-funded equipment is funded by another of these grant programs.

4. Distance Learning and Nonbroadcast Projects

Since 1979, NTIA has funded nonbroadcast distance learning projects through the Special Applications category as established in § 2301.4(a) of the PTFP Final Rules. NTIA encourages applications for innovative or unique distance learning projects which address demonstrated and substantial community needs. For fiscal year 2009, NTIA awarded $50,142 in funds to one grantee for a distance learning project.

The growth of digital technologies provides new opportunities for distance learning projects using both broadcast and nonbroadcast facilities. NTIA encourages applicants to consider the use of digital technologies in proposing unique or innovative distance learning projects for funding in FY 2010. Examples of innovative digital applications include projects that (1) use broadband technologies for distance learning, (2) distribute educational or informational programming via Direct Broadcast Satellite technologies, (3) provide multi-media content using the digital television transmission infrastructure and delivered through a method that is not a typical broadcast channel, or (4) incorporate video, voice, graphics and data capabilities for online distance learning services. NTIA also encourages applicants to consider broadcast projects which use the multi-channel capacity of digital television to provide innovative distance learning projects.

All PTFP distance learning applications must address substantial and demonstrated needs of the communities being served. NTIA is particularly interested in distance learning projects which benefit traditionally underserved audiences, such as projects serving minorities, people living in rural communities, or those living in disadvantaged areas where distance learning services will provide significant educational opportunities.

NTIA recognizes that, due to the multi-channel capability of digital television broadcast stations, distance learning components may well be a part of a broadcast television digital conversion application. NTIA will, therefore, consider such distance learning proposals under the subpriorities established in the section related to Television Broadcasting and Digital Conversion. If NTIA determines that a broadcast distance learning project is not part of a digital conversion application, NTIA will evaluate the application pursuant to §§ 2301.4(b)(6) and 2301.17 of the PTFP Final Rules.

The November 22, 1991, PTFP Policy Statement (56 FR 59168 (1991)) mentioned in the Application Forms and Regulations section discussed a number of issues of particular relevance to applicants proposing nonbroadcast educational and instructional projects and potential improvement of nonbroadcast facilities. These policies remain in effect and will be available to all PTFP applicants as part of the Guidelines for preparing FY 2010 PTFP applications.

NTIA also calls applicants’ attention to opportunities for funding broadband projects that may qualify for NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) or the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). BTOP will provide grants to fund broadband infrastructure, public computer centers, and sustainable broadband adoption projects. BIP will make loans and grants for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas. Information about these programs and the deadline for filing applications will be found at the following Internet site: www.broadbandusa.gov.

Energy for Sustainability Grants, Deadline March 3

2009-12-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

NSF has released its proposal submittal schedule for 2010. The grants available include the following "Energy for Sustainability" program, to further the development of alternative fuel technologies.

Full Proposal Window: February 1, 2010 - March 3, 2010

SYNOPSIS
The Energy for Sustainability program supports fundamental research and education in energy production, conversion, and storage and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable. Most world energy needs are currently met through the combustion of fossil fuels. With projected increases in global energy needs, more sustainable methods for energy production will need to be developed, and production of greenhouse gases will need to be reduced.

Sources of sustainable energy include:
Sunlight
Wind/Wave
Biomass
Geothermal

Hydrocarbons, alcohols and hydrogen are potential energy carriers that can be derived from renewable sources. Research that generates enabling science and technologies for more efficient hydrogen generation and storage is supported by the program. Potential sources of hydrogen include conversion from biomass and from electrolysis, photolysis or thermolysis of water. Biomass is available from agricultural crop residues, forest products, aquatic plants, and municipal wastes. In addition to hydrogen, biomass can be a source of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and alcohols.

In the long term, fuel cells have the potential to convert fuels such as hydrogen and alcohols to electricity at high efficiencies and should play an increasing role in energy conversion. Critical components of fuel cells requiring additional research include catalysts and electrolytes. Development of these components also requires fundamental research on the reaction and transport mechanisms at the catalyst and membrane electrolyte interface. Advances in these areas are needed to address key challenges in efficiency, durability, power density, and environmental impacts. The engineering aspects of fuel-cell design and operation also require further study in areas such as water and thermal management.

Wind power is a growing source of electrical energy. Increased efficiency requires a fundamental knowledge of the interaction of wind with the blade structure. Understanding the fluid flow, and optimizing blade design are important aspects in developing more efficient wind generators. Photovoltaic devices have the potential to supply a significant fraction of electrical energy to the power grid. Although silicon-based materials have been most widely used, other semiconducting, quantum and organic materials also have potential. New materials and novel fabrication techniques for solar energy conversion are supported by the program.

The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The average annual award size for the program is $100,000. Small equipment proposals of less than $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Due Jan 29

2009-11-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Request for Proposals
Announcement Number: EPA-R5-GL2010-1

This Request For Proposals (RFP) [PDF 583Kb, 79 pages] solicits proposals from eligible entities for grants and cooperative agreements to be awarded pursuant to a portion of the $475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative included in Public Law 111-88, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 which is in furtherance of President Obama’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (the “Initiative”) announced in February 2009.

The President and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with 15 other federal agencies, have made restoring the Great Lakes a national priority. The Initiative builds on the prior efforts of agency, business, public interest, and other leaders which resulted in the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy (GLRC Strategy) and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan now being developed. This RFP represents EPA’s major competitive grant funding opportunity under the Initiative and is one of several funding opportunities described in the Initiative’s Interagency Funding Guide. A portion of the funding will be through the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service. This RFP, in conjunction with other funding opportunities under the Initiative, will be used to competitively provide funding to address the most significant Great Lakes ecosystem problems and efforts in five major focus areas:

Toxic Substances and Areas of Concern
Invasive Species
Nearshore Health and Nonpoint Source Pollution
Habitat and Wildlife Protection and Restoration
Accountability, Education, Monitoring, Evaluation, Communication and Partnerships

Due Date for Submissions: Proposals must be received by EPA by noon Central standard time on January 29, 2010.

$120M Available, 300 Awards Anticipated

Native Plantings, Deadline December 5

2009-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

WAM/Glassen Educational Grant Criteria

Each applicant may request up to $500 in support. The application deadline is December 5, 2009. All applicants will be notified if they are or are not recipients of an award no later than January 30, 2010. Awardees will receive their funds at the Awards Luncheon on Sunday during the Michigan Wildflower Conference at the Kellogg Center on the Michigan State University campus.

A submitted proposal must contain a completed application form, a statement of goals, summary of the project, a detailed description of the project (pictures of the proposed site and a site plan are required if applicable), a budget which includes amount requested and in kind donations if applicable, a description or actual copy of publicity, and letters of support from the target community (i.e. school principal, school superintendent, town or city manager, parks commission chair person etc.).

If the project involves a school, the project description should clearly state how it would be utilized to satisfy State mandated curriculums at their appropriate age/class level.
The proposal should state how the project would be maintained or sustained beyond the initial development period.

The total proposal should be limited to no more than 8 pages, not including plan, pictures and letters of support.

Proposals will principally be assessed as to their impact on educating Michiganders (particularly youth), adherence to the Mission of the Wildflower Association, and the overall feasibility of the project.

Applicants may request no more than $500 for project support. Monies received may be used for site preparation, seeding or planting the site with species of native origin, and for continuing site maintenance and care; or for the enhancement of an existing site with species of native origin. No travel or salaries may be charged to the grant. No overhead monies may be charged to the grant. An accounting of all monies must accompany the final report of the project.
A written progress report of the work done in the spring and fall of the year in which the grant was awarded that includes pictures of that progress is required of all grant recipients. This should be submitted no later than December 1st of that same year to the WAM Grants Coordinator.

A second and final report of the project, with a plant inventory, observations of educational successes, copies of publicity, pictures and a detailed accounting summary of all monies expended, should be submitted to the WAM Grants Coordinator by June 1st of the following year.

All publicity generated for and received by the project must acknowledge the Harold and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation and the Wildflower Association of Michigan; and if applicable how the project helped to fulfill State mandated curriculums.

Please include a self-addressed stamped postal card with the title of the proposal and the name of the applicant. This will be used to acknowledge receipt of the application form.

Trails Funding, Apps Due Dec 15

2009-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

What types of projects will be considered for the 2010 grants?
• Those that have hikers as the primary constituency, though multiple human-powered trail uses are eligible.
• Those that secure trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors and the costs associated with
acquiring conservation easements.
• Projects that will result in visible and substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety and/or avoidance of
environmental damage. Higher preference is often given to projects with volunteer labor.
• Projects that promote constituency building surrounding specific trail projects - including volunteer recruitment
and support.

Award amounts range from $500 to $5,000.
• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and must submit their IRS designation letters.
• Except for land acquisition programs, acceptable projects should be completed in one year. Multi-year projects
will be considered only in exceptional cases.
• Grants will not be awarded to (a) religious organizations for religious purposes, (b) private foundations or (c)
political causes, candidates or legislative lobbying efforts.
• The grantee must complete a final report on the project’s progress, successes and failures, funds dispersal and
what role the grant played in the project, due April 30, 2011.

Applications must be submitted electronically by December 15, contact us for more information!

Watershed Protection Grants Available, Tribal Lands

2009-11-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

There is a Request for Proposals open from Indian Tribes for competitive grants under section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The purpose of this grant program is to provide funding for Tribes to implement their nonpoint source (NPS) management programs developed pursuant to CWA section 319(b). The primary goal of the NPS management program is to control NPS pollution through implementation of management measures and practices to reduce pollutant loadings resulting from each category or subcategory of NPSs identified in the Tribe’s NPS assessment report developed pursuant to CWA section 319(a).

EPA has set aside a portion of section 319 funds appropriated by Congress for competitive grant awards to Tribes for the purpose of funding the development and implementation of watershed-based plans and other on-the-ground watershed projects that result in a significant step towards solving NPS impairments on a watershed-wide basis.

Do Something Grants for Community Service Projects

2009-10-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

American Express and dosomething.org have teamed up to provide youth with seed money to get some great ideas off the ground.

What is a Do Something Grant?

Did you recently create a sustainable community action project, program or organization or have a great idea for helping your community? Do you need $500 to further the growth and success of your program or turn your idea into reality? If you answered, "YES!", you are eligible to apply for a Do Something Grant.

Grant Details
How much?: $500

How many are you giving out?: One a week!

Deadline: None! Apply now! You will be notified withen 2-3 months after submission if you won.

Steps to Apply:
1. Create a Project Posting for your existing project.
2. Check out our Judging Criteria for help with your application
3. Fill out an Online Application
4. Check out the FAQ if you have more questions

Required
A budget detailing how the $500 will be used
A recommendation from a non-family member

Optional (but recommended)
Photos and video of your project
Your project's website

Stream Restoration, NOI by November 16

2009-10-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Embrace-A-Stream (EAS) is the flagship grant program for funding Trout Unlimited's grassroots conservation efforts that advance TU's mission of conserving, protecting, and restoring coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. For the 2010 grant cycle, the EAS program will focus on projects that address the needs of native and wild trout following TU’s Protect, Reconnect, Restore, and Sustain conservation model, while allowing TU chapters to use their judgment and creativity to design projects that have the most impact locally. Maximum grant is $10,000; with equal match required.

Applicants are required to declare their notice of intent to apply to a EAS Committee representative by November 16.

GIS Software/Hardware/Training Grants

2009-10-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

ESRI and Trimble Launch 2009 Mobile Government Grant Program

ESRI, a maker of Geographic Information System software, and Trimble, a provider of Global Positioning System solutions, have launched the 2009 Mobile Government Grant Program. Through the program, packages of hardware, software, and training valued at $89,980 each will be awarded to twenty state and local government agencies in the United States.

The program is designed to foster innovative approaches to solving government problems through the combined use of GIS, GPS, mobile, and server technology. Applicant projects must demonstrate increased efficiencies in collecting data for decision support or increased productivity in delivering government services.

Contact GFA for more information!

Funding for Wildlife Conservation, Deadline Dec 1

2009-10-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Offers Funding for Wildlife Conservation
The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a nonprofit private charitable foundation created by the Worlds of Discovery (SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove) to support wildlife conservation, research, and education around the world.

Since its launch in 2003, the fund has granted a total of $5 million to more than 350 projects in 60 countries. The fund's grantees include global organizations as well as smaller, grassroots organizations. The fund focuses its resources in four strategic areas — Species Research, Habitat Protection, Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Conservation Education.
The fund has no set minimum or maximum grant amount. In the past, the fund has supported projects ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 each for a one-year term. The fund will consider multi-year proposals.

The fund will accept online applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the United States, non-U.S. based nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, accredited universities and research centers, and institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

Grant applications are reviewed once a year with a deadline date of December 1.

Safe Routes Mini Grants, Due Oct 30

2009-10-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Mini-grants encourage student creativity in SafeRoutes to School

The National Center for Safe Routes to School is awarding 20 mini-grants of up to $1,000 each to encourage student creativity in new or existing Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs. The goal of SRTS programs 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.

“Communities across the country have been creative and successful in finding ways to make it safer for children to walk and bicycle to school,” says Lauren Marchetti, Director of the National Center. “We want to use these mini-grants to support young people with good ideas who can help create a culture of walking and bicycling in their communities.”
Successful applications will include one or more of the following: student-led activities, concern for the environment, and/or promotion of physical activity. Funded activities must be part of a new or existing Safe Routes to School program. They must occur at elementary or middle schools and activities must have the potential to have long-term impacts on safe walking or bicycling in the school community.

Mini-grant applications are due October 30, 2009, and award winners will be announced by December 1, 2009. To obtain the mini-grant application, go to www.saferoutesinfo.org/minigrants.

Since its creation in 2006, the National Center for Safe Routes to School has assisted communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bicycle to school. The National Center offers training and resources to assist communities in successful SRTS program development, and funding the mini-grants extends that mission.
The National Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. For additional information about the National Center for Safe Routes to School, go to www.saferoutesinfo.org.

MDEQ Nonpoint Source RFP FY 2010 - NOIs Due Thursday!

2009-09-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Nonpoint Source RFP FY 2010

The Nonpoint Source Program follows a two-step process requiring all applicants interested in funding through this request for proposals (RFP) to electronically submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) form for each proposed project. Full proposals will only be accepted from invited entities identified through the NOI process. The deadline for submittal of a NOI is September 24, 2009.

The deadline for submittal of full applications is October 28, 2009.
Grant awards are contingent upon the sale of Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) general obligation bonds and the enactment of sufficient funding in the FY 2010 DEQ budget to support these grant programs and any other necessary approvals.

This RFP is for water quality grants offered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality utilizing funding from Section 319(h) and 205(j)/604(b) of the federal Clean Water Act, and from the Clean Michigan Initiative Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants. Approximately $3.0 million from federal funding and approximately $2.0 million of CMI funding will be available this grant cycle.

2010 Nonpoint Source Request for Proposals (RFP)
2010 Nonpoint Source RFP Priority Watersheds
Notice of Intent (NOI) Information
Notice of Intent Instructions
Notice of Intent Form: Planning Projects
Notice of Intent Form: Implementation Projects

Mentor Michigan Mini-Grants, Deadline October 23

2009-09-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Mentor Michigan is awarding $15,000 in mini-grants to Michigan mentoring organizations to host mentor recognition or recruitment events or activities during Michigan Mentoring Month January 2010. These funds were raised during the Meijer Gift Card Promotion that was held June 20, 2009. Meijer donated $2 to Mentor Michigan for every $25 or more Meijer gift card that was purchased.

All proposed events or activities must occur during Michigan Mentoring Month January 2010.

GRANT AMOUNTS
Grants from $100 - $1,000 are available.

PURPOSE
Mentor recognition or recruitment events or activities.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTSAll mentoring organizations registered with Mentor Michigan that complete the Wave VII Census are eligible. The deadline to complete the Wave VII Census is October 9, 2009.

APPLICATION
Complete the Application and Budget Worksheet in the format requested. Applications will be accepted by mail, email, or fax. (See attached Application and Budget Worksheet)

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Friday, October 23, 2009 by 5:00 p.m.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Grant recipients must provide Mentor Michigan with a completed Final Report by February 19, 2010. (See attached Final Report)

SELECTION PRIORITIES
Priority will be given to:
Ø Applicants that completed the Mentor Michigan Wave VII Census
Ø Applicants that raise match funds or in-kind donations for this event or activity
Ø New events or activities
Ø Events or activities involving multiple mentoring organizations
Ø Events or activities involving mentors and mentees

NOTIFICATION
All applicants will be notified electronically by Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

QUESTIONS?
Kathie Vasilion Robinson ● Phone: (517) 373-4200 ● Email: vasilionk@michigan.gov

MSHDA Funding Window Open, Sept 14-25

2009-09-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

MSHDA’s Office of Community Development (OCD) has released its 2009 Housing Resource Fund (HRF) Summary in support of Michigan’s local housing initiatives. The HRF Summary discusses the objectives of the Housing Resource Fund, applicant eligibility and program offerings.

As a reminder, the funding windows for Housing Resource Fund applications are:
Window 1 March 23 – April 3, 2009
Window 2 September 14 – 25, 2009

Revisions and deletions are set forth in the 2009 HRF Summary. Briefly, the significant changes are:
• OCD Staff lists and map
• Homebuyer Quickfinder
• Homebuyer – Closing Costs and Other Fee Chart
• Homeowner section
• Small Scale Rental Development – the moratorium has been removed. Review this section with regard to projects of 1 to 24 units of affordable multifamily rental housing to be owned, developed or sponsored by community based nonprofit organizations.
• Rental Rehabilitation section and Quickfinder
• Administration section
• Income Limits
• HOME Program Rent Limits
• Section 203B Loans, Maximum Mortgage Limits
• Complementary Revitalization Programs and Targeted Areas

For the complete guidance document:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mshda_2005_HRF_Master_114626_7.pdf

Migratory Bird Habitat Grants, Due Nov 2

2009-09-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has opened its grant application process for migratory bird habitat conservation. Applications should be geared toward habitat for neotropical migratory birds. These birds include herons, egrets, hawks, plovers, sandpipers, and more. http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NMBCA/BirdList.shtm

What is a neotropical migratory bird?
For the purposes of this program, a neotropical migratory bird is one that breeds in or migrates through the United States, at least to some extent, and spends the non-breeding season in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, or South America. Birds from all taxa are included, so that proposals may benefit land birds, waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and others.

Who may apply?
An individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or other private entity;
An officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, state, municipality, or political subdivision of a state, or of any foreign government;
A state, municipality, or political subdivision of a state;
Any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or of any foreign country; or
An international organization.

Where may a project be located?
Project activities may be carried out in the USA, in Canada, or in any country or territory in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Should projects with activities in the USA coordinate with a Joint Venture?
For projects with activities in the USA, we strongly encourage applicants to contact the Migratory Bird Joint Venture (JV) where the project activities are planned. Proposals with activities that are coordinated with a JV will be more competitive.

Upper Mississippi River/Great Lakes Joint Venture
States: Eastern MN and IA, counties in KS, NE, and IA bordering the Missouri River, all of MI, IL, IN, OH, WI, and northern MO
Barbara Pardo, Joint Venture Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056

Paul Richert, Assistant Joint Venture Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056

Greg Soulliere, Science Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2651 Coolidge Rd., Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48837

Bradly Potter, GIS Technician
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2651 Coolidge Rd., Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48837

What kinds of projects are eligible?
Protection and management of neotropical migratory bird populations;
Maintenance, management, protection, and restoration of neotropical migratory bird habitat;
Research and monitoring;
Law enforcement; and
Community outreach and education.

Can project funds be used for environmental mitigation?
While eligible, a proposal for such work would be considered lower priority. NMBCA is interested in funding new conservation work that results in a net gain for conservation.

What is the duration of a grant?
The funding period is typically two years. A grant project period starts on the date on which the grant is awarded, which typically occurs within 3 months after the selected grants are announced.

What are the match requirements?
Federal funds (i.e., fund from the USA government) requested under the Act must be matched 3:1 by non-Federal funds. That is, for every Federal dollar, a minimum of three non-Federal dollars are required

Agriculture Marketing Grants, Due Nov 30

2009-09-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

Value Added Producer Program

Rural Development has issued their Value Added Producer Grant program for the next fiscal year. Applicants must be an independent producer, agriculture producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture as defined in 7 CFR 4284, subpart A.

The primary objective of this grant program is to help eligible independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities and to help develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities. Eligible agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority controlled producer-based business ventures must limit their proposals to emerging markets. These grants will facilitate greater participation in emerging markets and new markets for value-added products. Grants will only be awarded if projects or ventures are determined to be economically viable and sustainable. No more than 10 percent of the program funds can go to applicants that are majority controlled producer-based business ventures.

Expected Number of Awards: 130
Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,840,000
Award Ceiling: $300,000

Applicants must certify that Matching Funds will be available at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that Matching Funds will be spent in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of grant funds advanced, not less than an equal amount of Matching Funds will have been expended prior to submitting the request for reimbursement. Please note that this certification is a separate requirement from the Verification of Matching Funds requirement. A separate signature is not required.

Watershed-Based Grants Available

2009-08-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Applications Sought for $5 Million in Water Quality Improvements Grants

The Department of Environmental Quality has announced the availability of approximately $5 million of state and federal funding for watershed-based projects. The DEQ is accepting proposals from local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and universities for planning and implementation projects to restore and protect Michigan’s wetlands, lakes, and streams.

The funding opportunities include approximately $2 million in Clean Michigan Initiative – Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants that are anticipated to be available to implement elements of watershed management plans that have been approved by the DEQ as meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) criteria. Proposals must include a minimum of 25 percent local match.

Additionally, approximately $3 million in Federal Clean Water Act funding is anticipated to be available to develop watershed management plans meeting the DEQ and the U.S. EPA criteria, or to implement elements of watershed management plans previously approved as meeting the U.S. EPA criteria. Proposals must include a minimum of 15 percent local match for planning or 25 percent local match for implementation.

Watershed management plans must be approved by the DEQ on or before October 29, 2009, to be eligible for implementation funds. Notices of Intent are due September 24, 2009. Full applications from invited entities are due October 29, 2009.

Grant awards are contingent upon the sale of Clean Michigan Initiative general obligation bonds to support these projects and the appropriation of funding by the Michigan Legislature.

Museum and Nature Center Grants, Deadline Nov 2

2009-08-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

The Museums for America program has released its 2010 funding application.

All types of museums, large and small, are eligible for funding. Eligible museums include aquariums, arboretums and botanical gardens, art museums, youth museums, general museums, historic houses and sites, history museums, nature centers, natural history and anthropology museums, planetariums, science and technology centers, specialized museums, and zoological parks. Federally operated and for-profit museums may not apply for IMLS funds.

An eligible applicant must be: either a unit of state or local government or a private not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code; located in one of the fifty states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated states of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau; and a museum that, using a professional staff, (1) is organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes; (2) owns or uses tangible objects, either animate or inanimate; (3) cares for these objects; and (4) exhibits these objects to the general public on a regular basis through facilities which it owns or operates. An organization uses a professional staff if it employs at least one professional staff member, or the fulltime equivalent, whether paid or unpaid primarily engaged in the acquisition, care, or exhibition to the public of objects owned or used by the institution. An organization “exhibits objects to the general public” if such exhibition is a primary purpose of the institution. Further, an organization which exhibits objects to the general public for at least 120 days a year shall be deemed to exhibit objects to the general public on a regular basis. An organization which exhibits objects by appointment may meet the requirement to exhibit objects to the general public on a regular basis, if it can establish, in light of the facts under all the relevant circumstances, that this method of exhibition does not unreasonably restrict the accessibility of the institution's exhibits to the general public. Please note that an organization which does not have as a primary purpose the exhibition of objects to the general public. but which can demonstrate that it exhibits objects to the general public on a regular basis as a significant, separate, distinct, and continuing portion of its activities, and that it otherwise meets the museum eligibility requirements, may be determined to be eligible as a museum under these guidelines. A museum located within a parent organization that is a state or local government or multipurpose non-profit entity, such as a municipality, university, historical society, foundation, or a cultural center, may apply on its own behalf, if the museum: (1) is able to independently fulfill all the eligibility requirements listed above; (2) functions as a discrete unit within the parent organization; (3) has its own fully segregated and itemized operating budget; and (4) has the authority to make the application on its own. When any of the last three conditions cannot be met, a museum may apply through its parent organization. Prospective applicants that cannot fulfill all of these requirements should contact IMLS to discuss their eligibility before applying. IMLS may require additional supporting documentation from the applicant to determine the museum’s autonomy. Each eligible applicant within a single parent organization should clearly delineate its own programs and operations in the application narrative. A parent organization that controls multiple museums that are not autonomous but which are otherwise eligible may submit only one application per grant program; the application may be submitted by the parent organization on behalf of one or more of the eligible museums.

Grants are awarded in the following categories:
Engaging Communities (Education, Exhibitions, and Interpretation)
Building Institutional Capacity (Management, Policy, and Training)
Collections Stewardship

The application deadline is November 2. Two conference calls are scheduled to answer questions:
Thursday, September 17 at 3:00pm ET
Call-in Number: (800) 603–9527
Conference ID: 27057606

Thursday, October 1 at 3:00pm ET
Call-in Number: (800) 603-9527
Conference ID: 27060256

Building Healthy Communities Grant, Deadline Sept 15

2009-08-25T06:55:00.001-07:00

Building Healthy Communities Grant Program
Home Depot is offering their second cycle of grants for the year through their Building Healthy Communities Grant Program. Grants, up to $2,500, are now available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. who are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase or tools or materials.
Only grants submitted through the online application process will be considered for funding. All unsolicited donation requests received via mail, phone or e-mail will be referred to this online grant program.

All applicants are required to pass an eligibility quiz before applying. Organizations that pass will be considered, but not guaranteed a grant. The Home Depot Foundation receives many worthwhile requests and can not accommodate all of them. Many times, requests that pass the eligibility test and fall within the stated guidelines are not funded.

Once grant applications are reviewed and approved, all applicants will be contacted within the timeframe set forth above. Please do not contact your local store or Customer Care to inquire about the status of your application. Should you have any questions about this grant program, please e-mail.

Guidelines:
Only registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, tax-exempt public schools and tax-exempt public agencies in the U.S. are eligible to apply.
Grants are for community improvement projects that include activities such as construction or refurbishment of affordable or transitional housing, building, rebuilding, painting, refurbishing, increasing energy efficiency or sustainability, landscaping, planting of native trees, community facility improvements and the development and/or improvement of green spaces.

Grants must support work completed by community volunteers in the U.S.
Projects must be completed within six months following notification that the grant has been awarded.
Grants are solely given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools and materials.
Grants are not awarded for recurring funding. We invite grantees to re-apply in subsequent years based on program results, although there are no guarantees of receiving grants in subsequent years.

Organizations who have received a Building Healthy Communities grant must wait 12 months before applying for additional grants through this program. Each approved applicant must complete a Final Report before additional funding requests will be considered.

The Home Depot Foundation does not make grants through this program to support any of the following:
Organizations that are not registered 501(c)(3) charities, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies
Scholarships or other direct support to individuals or families
Fraternal, political, labor, athletic or social organizations, civic clubs, candidates or projects
Religious organizations whose improvement project primarily serves their congregation and not the overall community
Sponsorship of events such as conferences, festivals, dinners, sports competitions, art exhibits, fundraisers(e.g. dinners, walks/runs/relays, golf tournaments and auctions)
Requests for our Kids Workshop kits and/or aprons
Capital campaigns, endowments or endowed chairs
Activities of organizations serving primarily their own membership
Institutional overhead and/or indirect costs
Film, music, television, video or media production projects or broadcast underwriting
Goodwill advertising or marketing

If you pass the eligibility quiz, you will be automatically directed to the Building Healthy Communities grant application. If you do not pass the eligibility quiz, your request does not fall within the guidelines for funding through the Building Healthy Communities grant program.

Click here to take the eligibility quiz

Barn Preservation

2009-08-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

From the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Barn Again program:

Michigan is the lucky home to 21,368 barns built before 1960, 13th most in the nation. A new publication, Historic Barns: Working Assets for Sustainable Farms, is available from the National Trust. Written by Michigan small farmer and author Edward Hoogterp, this publication describes how older and historic barns can provide practical benefits to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing segments of the rural economy – sustainable agriculture. Using several case studies, the publication explains how historic barns can meet important functional, economic and marketing needs of sustainable producers.

Download a free copy here.

Brownfield Assessment Grants, Due Oct 16

2009-08-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

Assessment grants provide funding for developing inventories of brownfields, prioritizing sites, conducting community involvement activities, and conducting site assessments and cleanup planning related to brownfield sites. Assessment grant funds may not be used to conduct cleanups. Assessment grants for individual applicants can be either community-wide or site-specific. Community-wide proposals are appropriate when a specific site is not identified and the applicant plans to spend grant funds on more than one brownfield in its community. Site-specific proposals are appropriate when a specific site has been identified and the applicant plans tospend grant funds on this one site only. The performance period for assessment grants is three years.

Additionally, assessment proposals may be submitted by coalitions of eligible entities to pool their grant funds (see section III.A. for a list of entities eligible to apply for an assessment grant; existing grantees are eligible entities). A coalition is a group of three or more eligible entities that submits one grant proposal under the name of one of the coalition participants who will be the grant recipient, if selected. Coalition members may not have the same jurisdiction (for example, different departments in the same county) unless they are separate legal entities (for example, a city and a redevelopment agency). The grant recipient must administer the grant, be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds, and be the point of contact for the other coalition members. Assessment coalitions may submit only one proposal up to $1,000,000. All coalition assessment grant proposals must be community-wide proposals; therefore, the applicant does not need to respond to the site eligibility threshold criteria in section III.C.3. Site eligibility will be determined after grant award and prior to expending grant funds at any site. Coalitions will be required to assess a minimum of five sites. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) documenting the coalition’s site selection process must be in place prior to the expenditure of any funds that have been awarded to the coalition. The purpose of the MOA is for coalition members to agree internally about the distribution of funds and the mechanisms for implementing the assessment work. MOAs do not need to be included as part of your proposal. Coalition members are not eligible as applicants for additional community-wide or site-specific assessment grants. A coalition member wishing to apply as a separate applicant must withdraw from the coalition to be eligible for individual assessment funds.

The total estimated funding available under the national competition for assessment, cleanup, and RLF grants is estimated at $79.4 million. Separate announcements are posted for the RLF and cleanup competitions. EPA must expend 25 percent of the amount appropriated for brownfields grants on sites contaminated with petroleum. EPA anticipates awarding an estimated 341 grants among all three grant types. Under this announcement, EPA anticipates awarding an estimated 171 assessment grants for approximately $37.3 million. In addition, EPA reserves the right to award additional grants under this competition should additional funding become available. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than six months from the date of the original selection decision. EPA reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no awards under this announcement or make fewer awards than anticipated. In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund proposals by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. To maintain the integrity of the competition and selection process, EPA, if it decides to partially fund a proposal, will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award.

The following information indicates which entities are eligible to apply for an assessment grant. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply for an assessment grant.
• General Purpose Unit of Local Government. (For purposes of the brownfields grant program, EPA defines general purpose unit of local government as a “local government” as defined under 40 CFR Part 31.)
• Land Clearance Authority or other quasi-governmental entity that operates under the supervision and control of, or as an agent of, a general purpose unit of local government.
• Government Entity Created by State Legislature.
• Regional Council or group of General Purpose Units of Local Government.
• Redevelopment Agency that is chartered or otherwise sanctioned by a state.
• State.
• Indian Tribe

Rural Development and Renewable Energy

2009-08-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

A bulletin today from USDA Rural Development:

USDA Rural Development and new Michigan State Director James J. Turner are very interested in using RD loan and grant funding authorities to "GO GREEN" in our rural communities. The state of Michigan's high unemployment rate and decline of the auto and auto related industries necessitate that RD shift priorities somewhat to encourage the use of and develop projects that use renewable and alternative energy technologies. If our rural communities lead the way in using renewable energy sources to heat and power their municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, water and wastewater facilities, we not only help create new Michigan businesses and jobs but homeowners and businesses may well follow suite powering their homes and buildings with renewable energy. Contractors as well will be encouraged to incorporate these technologies in new construction. The demand for solar, wind and bio energy source equipment/devices will create new industries in Michigan not to mention the jobs that can be created in manufacturing the product, supplying the industry and installing them.

A good example is that on April 20th, Mariah Power opened the production line for its Windspire vertical axis wind turbine at a retrofitted auto parts facility in Manistee, Michigan. The opening of the factory means new jobs for many ex-auto industry employees. Almost 98 percent of the components for the Windspire wind turbines will be purchased from local Michigan suppliers, including steel, packing and crating supplies, and inverters. The aluminum airfoils that make up the giromill design of the turbine will be extruded by a Michigan company that currently extrudes aluminum for sun roofs in cars. The unit is 30 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it is distinguished by its sleek propeller-free design and ultra quiet operation. It is designed for powering homes, small businesses, schools, museums, parks, and much more. Wind blows against its vertical airfoils causing them to spin, this power is then converted to AC electricity and is immediately available to power your home grid and all the appliances that draw electricity from it. The Windspire 1.2 kW wind turbine typically costs between $9,000 and $12,000, fully installed. After rebates, the costs can be as low as $3,800. With a 30% federal tax credit average payback can be under 10 years.

The Swift Wind Turbine will be manufactured by Cascade Engineering in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cascade Engineering will be manufacturing all blades worldwide and will do assembly for all turbines sold in the United States. The Swift turbine is mounted on an aluminum mast with a minimum blade-roof clearance of approximately 2 feet. It is usually mounted at the highest point of a roof, in a position which benefits from maximum prevailing wind, but it will work effectively in almost any location. The Swift is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and quiet. The estimated installed cost is about $10,000 - $12,000. Depending on the installed price, cost of electricity, average wind speed, and rebates available the Swift Wind Turbine can pay for itself in as little as 3 to 5 years.

Here are the links to the two companies I was talking about.
http://www.mariahpower.com/
http://swiftwindturbine.com/?r=1

Grant for Non-Profit Humanities Programs, Open Sept 1

2009-08-06T07:16:00.001-07:00

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.

Deadline: Application process begins September 1, 2009. Grants are first come-first served until funding is exhausted.

Questions? Contact Phyllis Rathbun at 517-372-7770.
Forms: Grant Application and Guidelines. [NEW - as of July 29, 2009]. Grantee Final Report Form.

Renewable Energy Direct Cash Reimbursements

2009-07-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Recovery Act Announcement: Energy, Treasury Now Accepting Applications for Funding for Renewable Energy Projects
July 31, 2009

With the goal of expanding development of renewable energy projects throughout the United States and creating new jobs, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced they are now accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities. The two Departments estimate distributing at least $3 billion in financial support to approximately 5,000 biomass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. The funding for this effort is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project’s cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The Energy Department will assist Treasury in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications.

Funding Under the Green Project Reserve

2009-07-27T07:34:00.001-07:00

The current issue of OnTap magazine has an article on the Green Reserve portion of the recovery act allocation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. There are four categories:

1. Green stormwater infrastructure
2. Energy efficiency
3. Water efficiency
4. Innovative environmental projects

There are some exclusions, standard SRF and recovery act regulations apply.

You can access the entire article below:

Green Project Reserve, On Tap Magazine

Related information:

EPA Stormwater PPT

EPA Green Reserve Webcast

ARRA Presentation

Build it Green PPT

Energy Efficiency Block Grant Webinar July 28

2009-07-23T06:24:00.001-07:00

In our blog post of July 13 we highlighted an energy efficiency grant program - next week there is a webinar to review potential uses.

For those non-entitlement communities that cannot attend on dates listed above, the state will hold a one-time webcast with the same agenda as the regional workshops.

Webcast:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
9:00 am - 12:00 am

*Non-entitlement communities are any incorporated city, township or county government that did not receive a federal EECBG allocation under the funding opportunity announcement-DE-FOA-0000013 and is listed in the U.S. Census report of estimated population of MI Cities & Townships by County, 2000-2007.

Register on DLEG's website at:
http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-25676-217150--,00.html

Local Energy Assurance Planning Initiative, Deadline Oct 8

2009-07-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Today's featured grant applies to energy planning:

"A goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), in part, is to: “facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply” and “enhance reliability and quicker repair of outages.” This initiative will create jobs at the local level and allow Cities to have well-developed, standardized energy assurance and resiliency plans that they can rely on during energy emergencies and supply disruptions. City governments will address energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities in their plans to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents have on the economy and the health and safety of citizens.

This initiative, (restricted to U.S. cities) called “Local Energy Assurance Planning” (hereinafter called the LEAP Initiative) focuses on developing new, or refining existing, plans to integrate new energy portfolios (renewables, biofuels, etc) and new applications, such as Smart Grid technology (http://www.oe.energy.gov/smartgrid.htm), into energy assurance and emergency preparedness plans. Better planning efforts will help contribute to the resiliency of the energy sector, including the electricity grid, by focusing on the entire energy supply system, which includes refining, storage, and distribution of fossil and renewable fuels."

City and township governments are eligible to apply, the program anticipates 50 awards between $60,000 and $300,000 each.

NOAA Coastal Grant Programs Announced

2009-07-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

NOAA has released details on several grant programs:

Habitat Restoration - Due Sept. 30
NOAA delivers funding and technical expertise to restore coastal and marine habitats. These habitats support valuable fisheries and protected resources, improve the quality of our water, provide recreational opportunities for the public's use and enjoyment and buffer our coastal communities from the impacts of storms and sea level rise. Partnerships funded through NOAA have strong on-the-ground habitat restoration components that provide social and economic benefits in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements that benefit NOAA trust resources. Through this solicitation, NOAA seeks to openly compete funding available for multi-year national and regional habitat restoration Partnerships. Partnerships will result in implementation of a wide-range of individual habitat restoration projects, from locally-driven, grass-roots projects that emphasize stewardship and hands-on restoration, to mid-scale, watershed level projects that yield significant ecological and socio-economic benefits. NOAA envisions working jointly on such Partnerships through its Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) to identify, evaluate, fund, and administer projects that offer this range of ecological, socio- economic and stewardship benefits to coastal watershed communities. This document describes the types of habitat restoration Partnerships that NOAA envisions establishing, portrays the qualities that NOAA deems desirable in such Partnerships, and describes criteria under which applications will be evaluated for funding consideration. Partnership applications selected through this announcement will be implemented through a multi-year cooperative agreement, and will ultimately involve joint selection of multiple community-based habitat restoration projects funded as sub-awards made through the Partner organization. Funding of approximately $10 million is expected to be available to establish habitat restoration Partnerships in 2010, with annual funding anticipated to maintain them for up to 3 years duration. Requests for funding to establish Partnerships typically exceed the funds available for this purpose and the selection process will be highly competitive. Typical Partnership awards will range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. Funds will be administered by the NOAA Restoration Center within NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation. This is not a request for individual community-based habitat restoration project proposals so municipalities will want to contact current CRPs to request assistance.

Marine Debris Removal Project - Due Oct 31
The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), authorized in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (MDRPR Act, 33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.), provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention, assessment and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources. Projects funded through the MDP have strong on-the-ground habitat components involving the removal of marine debris and derelict fishing gear, as well as activities that provide social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Through this solicitation the MDP identifies marine debris removal projects, strengthens the development and implementation of habitat restoration through the removal of marine debris within communities, and fosters awareness of the effects of marine debris to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats across a wide geographic area. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be implemented through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants in FY 2010.

Economic Impact Model, Renewable Energy

2009-07-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

DOE Webcast July 29 for State and Local Officials: "How to Estimate the Economic Impacts from Renewable Energy"

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a webcast on how to use a DOE-developed tool to estimate the economic impacts from electric power projects, including renewable energy generation.
The presentation will take place Wednesday, July 29, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and is titled "How to Estimate the Economic Impacts from Renewable Energy." The presenters will be Gail Mosey and Eric Lantz from the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Attendees will learn how to use an online economic model—called Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (JEDI)—to predict the economic development impacts of renewable energy in your state. Specifically, participants will learn how to use JEDI to design and run an economic impacts analysis and interpret the results. Finally, attendees will see an example of an analysis that the presenters recently carried out using the JEDI Wind Model.

The webcast is free of charge, but participants must register in advance to obtain a URL for the presentation and call-in phone number. Participants can register online, find information about the presenters, and read background materials and reports on the TAP Webcast section of the DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program Web site.

Community Large Scale Renewable Energy

2009-07-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced plans to provide up to $22 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support the planning and installation of utility-scale community renewable energy projects in up to four communities nationwide. This funding opportunity directly supports the Obama Administration's goals of developing clean, renewable energy supplies, and creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
"American families and businesses are struggling in a recession and an increasingly competitive global economy. The Recovery Act was designed to rescue the economy from the immediate dangers it faces while rebuilding its fundamentals, with an eye toward new industry and opportunity," Secretary Chu said. "To help meet these challenges, the Recovery Act invests significant dollars to put people to work to spur a revolution in clean energy technologies."

The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will provide technical assistance to selected recipients, including concepts, best practices, planning, financial approaches, policy guidance, and recognition to help communities rapidly plan and deploy utility-scale renewable energy systems that provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy supplies for their communities, while creating jobs and new economic development opportunities. The projects will demonstrate how multiple renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal systems, can be deployed at scale to supply clean energy to communities.

DOE anticipates each project will leverage significant investment, including public and private sector investment in renewable energy systems. The projects funded under this Funding Opportunity Announcement are expected to create jobs and avoid 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Up to $22 million in DOE funding is available for these awards in fiscal year 2010. DOE anticipates making up to 4 awards totaling up to $21.45 million, and expects matching funds from public and private investment of $22 million or more.

Successful applicants will be awarded financial assistance to support the implementation of an integrated renewable energy deployment plan for a community, and the construction of renewable energy systems.

Completed applications are due September 3, 2009. DOE will select awardees by the end of November 2009.

Online Class Offered for Wind Energy Siting Guidance

2009-07-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

There is a nice opportunity to learn more about wind energy siting issues without incurring the time and expense of traveling to a class. . .

The Land Policy Institute and Michigan Citizen Planner offered training on Wind Energy Siting and Policy Issues in several Michigan cities in fall 2008 and spring 2009. This workshop series, sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau and Michigan State University, covered a wide variety of issues concerning wind energy, with a focus on wind facility siting and regulation. Training over 1,100 attendees, the workshop provided local officials, farmers and other land owners with the tools and resources necessary to implement a strategic plan for wind energy development in their community. Due to the overwhelming response to the classroom-based workshop series, Michigan Citizen Planner is now offering this workshop online.

Online Course Link

Wind energy has been identified as an important part of Michigan’s plan to develop renewable energy sources. However, many municipalities have not developed clear policies or regulations to address the installation of wind turbines and other necessary equipment. In addition, landowners are seeking resources on how wind business development works and the types of local issues involved in wind energy, such as siting on agricultural lands. To address these issues this workshop will cover:

• The current status and context for wind energy
• Wind energy basics and how wind is harvested
• Wind energy development process
• Michigan policy environment and legislation
• Zoning concepts and local siting issues applied to wind facilities
• Key steps to developing and implementing local zoning regulations
• Zoning sampler: model codes and Michigan examples

This training is presented by:

Wayne R. Beyea, JD, AICP
Statewide Coordinator, Citizen Planner
Associate Director, MSU Land Policy Institute

Chuck McKeown
Renewable Energy Policy Program Manager and Data and Informatics Coordinator, MSU Land Policy Institute

Michigan Citizen Planner is an MSU Extension program within the MSU Land Policy Institute: a partnership that, with the Land Policy Institute Research Team has done extensive research and outreach for wind energy development in Michigan. This presentation shares their knowledge and resources in a format geared toward local officials.

Product includes the 1.5 hour online session and access to presentation materials and handouts

Cost: $69.99

Source: MSU Citizen Planner Program

Energy Efficiency Block Grant Apps Due Aug 10

2009-07-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the City of Charlevoix for taking the Green Community Challenge!

Michigan Green Communities Challenge is part of the an energy efficiency and renewable energy block grant program created through the federal recovery act. The deadline to apply for these funds has been extended to August 10. Funds may be used community-wide for energy efficiency and energy conservation, projects and programs. These can include: building energy audits, codes and enforcement (development and promotion of zoning changes to promote energy efficient development), material conservation programs (recycling), transportation improvements (including bike paths and walkways), renewable energy for municipal buildings, signals and street lighting, and more.

More information on the program's basics is available online:

http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/EECBG_FAQ_4.15.09_275244_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/EECBG_Grant_Program_-_Baily_Zetterberg_281242_7.pdf

While larger urban areas have allocations setaside, smaller communities can also apply under the competitive grant allocation category. Michigan has been designated to receive $19,599,600, with an additional $57M+ allocated for the larger urban areas.

MML also has created a challenge on their website:
All Michigan communities are eligible to complete the Basic Challenge, a program designed to reflect the governing body’s commitment to adopt policies and programs of energy efficiency and conservation. If a community decides to accept the Basic Challenge, its governing board must pass a resolution indicating its desire to participate, and complete Steps 1–6 as outlined in the attached materials.

Details are available on MML's website, a quick summary of the six steps includes:
1. Obtain Organizational Support (Resolution)
2. Assign Responsibility
3. Collect all Energy Data for Governmental Operations
4. Assess Situation and Identify Gaps
5. Develop Goals and Activities: Planning for the Future
6. Measure Performance and Quantify Results

You can apply for these funds whether you are a member of MML or not, however, your community needs to be prepared to complete the steps required by the grant program.

Contact us for more information on making your community more energy efficient!

Should you consider becoming a certified local government?

2009-07-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

If your community is fortunate enough to be home to historic sites, you may want to consider applying for Certified Local Government (CLG) status. Once designated a CLG, you can then access grants and incentives that are not available otherwise. In the recent past these grants have included funds for:

Conducting a survey of historic resources;
Preparing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places for buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts in the community;
Developing design guidelines for local historic districts;
Administering a local historic district ordinance;
Preparing a local preservation plan for managing historic resources;
Planning for the protection or the restoration of national register sites;
Preparing a feasibility study for restoration of a historic structure;
Restoration of national register-listed properties; or
Educating the community on historic preservation through the publication of brochures, a speaker's bureau, or the development of a website.

Currently there are no CLGs in northwest Michigan, although Traverse City, Charlevoix, Cadillac and Boyne City carry a local district designation. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was amended in 1980 to provide for a federal-state-local preservation partnership. Grant funds were made available from the National Park Service through the State Historic Preservation Offices for Certified Local Governments (CLGs) to initiate and support historic preservation activities at the local level.

Since then, nineteen Michigan local governments have become CLGs. Any municipality can become a CLG: a county, a township, a large city or small village, or a town. By meeting a few simple but important standards, a community may receive financial aid and technical assistance that will enhance and promote historic neighborhoods and commercial districts. An active CLG program can become an important planning vehicle for community development by identifying specific preservation projects and applying for grants to carry out the projects. The SHPO provides guidance for all units of government to initiate and develop such programs.

The Benefits of Becoming a CLG
Becoming a CLG makes a community eligible to apply for subgrants available only to CLG communities. At least 10 percent of the annual Historic Preservation Fund grant made to Michigan under the National Historic Preservation Act must be distributed to the CLGs. Becoming a CLG ensures that historic preservation issues are understood and addressed at the local level and are integrated into the local planning and decision-making process at the earliest possible opportunity.

Becoming a CLG can expand a local unit's participation in the historic preservation program through the National Register nomination process and, with qualified staff, other programs such as review of federal undertakings for impact on historic resources under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Participation in the CLG Program promotes a positive image for the community by being a demonstration of commitment on the part of local officials to work with the state and federal government to preserve historic resources.

Obligations and Requirements
To qualify for certification, a local unit of government must have adopted a local historic preservation ordinance that complies with Michigan's Local Historic Districts Act, PA 169 of 1970, as amended, and meets the guidelines set forth in the CLG Manual.

Once certified, a CLG is required to maintain an ongoing system for the survey and inventory of historic resources; must develop four-year historic preservation goals for the community;
is required to provide for adequate public participation in the local historic preservation program; may participate in the process of nominating historic properties to the National Register of Historic Places; and will be monitored every four years to ensure that all responsibilities are being met.

Source: State of Michigan, Historic Preservation

Neighborhood Stabilization Applications Due July 17

2009-07-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) for the purpose of stabilizing communities through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties. NSP1 provides grants to all states and selected local governments on a formula basis. NSP2, funded by the Recovery Act, provides competitive grants to states, local governments, nonprofits and a consortium of nonprofit entities. The Recovery Act also allocates $50 million for Neighborhood Stabilization Program Technical Assistance (NSP-TA) grants to national and local technical assistance providers to support recipients of NSP grants.

Grant Information:
NSP2: HUD will allocate NSP2 Recovery Act funds on a competitive basis. Eligible grantees include states, units of general local government, nonprofit entities, and consortia of nonprofit entities. Any lead applicant may submit a proposal in partnership with one or more for-profit organization. HUD will narrow the field of qualified geographies based on a calculation of need.
NSP-TA: Of the $50 million in competitive NSP-TA grants for technical assistance to HUD development program grantees, $11.5 million is available for local TA activities and the remaining $38.5 million is available for national and regional TA activities. Eligible entities are states, units of general local government, non-profit entities, for-profit entities, and a consortium of organizations. HUD will select NSP-TA providers on the basis of capacity and experience in: 1) undertaking the eligible TA activities;
2) the ability to manage and expend the requested level of funds within the three-year performance period; and
3) leveraging resources by using existing materials and limiting duplicative efforts. Activities eligible for funding must address the following TA priorities for HUD's community development programs grantees and sub recipients:
Designing and implementing NSP activities,
Building capacity,
Developing strategies to serve low-income households,
Adopting green development principles,
Improving performance and reporting techniques on NSP activities,
Developing and delivering Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting (DRGR) system training.

Broadband Grants, Due Aug 14

2009-07-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

A new opportunity for broadband grants was released this week from the US Department of Commerce:

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

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.

Roughly $1.6B has been aside for the program, contact us for more information!

Economic Development Grants

2009-06-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Under this announcement, EDA is seeking applications for the following programs under PWEDA: (i) Public Works; (ii) Planning; (iii) Local Technical Assistance; and (iv) Economic Adjustment Assistance. EDA will provide Public Works investments to support the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, attract private sector capital, and promote regional competitiveness, including investments that expand and upgrade infrastructure to attract new industry, support technology-led development, accelerate new business development, and enhance the ability of regions to capitalize on opportunities presented by free trade. The Planning Program helps support planning organizations, including District Organizations and Indian Tribes, in the development, implementation, revision or replacement of comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDS), and for related short-term planning investments and State plans designed to create and retain higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the nation’s most economically distressed regions. The Local Technical Assistance Program helps fill the knowledge and information gaps that may prevent leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors in economically distressed regions from making optimal decisions on local economic development issues. The Economic Adjustment Assistance Program provides a wide range of technical, planning and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time. This program is designed to respond flexibly to pressing economic recovery issues and is well suited to help address challenges faced by U.S. communities and regions.

Eligible applicants include:
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 Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others

Contact your GFA client rep for more information!

Planning Grants, Due Aug 26

2009-06-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations grants support projects in the humanities that explore stories, ideas, and beliefs that 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.

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 in order to strengthen the humanities content, preliminary audience evaluation, preliminary design of the proposed interpretive formats, beta testing of digital formats, development of complementary programming, research at archives or sites whose resources might be used, or the drafting of interpretive materials.

Planning grants may be used for:

meetings with scholars and other content advisers, program partners, and representatives of target audiences or other key personnel involved in the project;
preliminary audience evaluation and beta testing of digital materials;
travel to archives, collections, sites, or other resources;
drafting of text for program or discussion guides, exhibition labels, brochures, publications, or other interpretive materials;
preliminary design for any of the interpretive formats to be used;
general preparation of the associated programs and materials for dissemination; and
planning for training for docents, discussion coordinators, or other relevant interpretive leaders for the project.

Planning grants may not be used for
single-site temporary exhibitions;
purchase of art, artifacts, or collections;
professional development;
expenses for program venues in foreign countries;
dramatic adaptations of literary works;
projects that will satisfy requirements for educational degrees or formal professional training;
programs primarily for students in formal learning environments;
general operations, renovation, restoration, rehabilitation, or construction;
projects primarily devoted to basic background research on a subject, as opposed to actual refinement of interpretive ideas and formats;
projects for preservation, cataloging, or archiving;
projects that seek to persuade participants of a particular political, philosophical, religious, or ideological point of view;
projects that advocate a particular program of social action; or
print publications that are not an integral part of a larger set of interpretive activities for which funding is being requested.

Grants typically provide 50-60% of project costs.

Source: NEH

Rooftop Greenery

2009-06-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

Noticed any green roofs around you lately? If you haven't, you may need to take a closer look! Green roofs are popping up all over, large and small. The first photo is a recycling center in Grand Haven (photo: Liveroof website) and the second is the Regatta Building on Union Street in Traverse City (photo: Liveroof website). Not only is Michigan a great spot for viewing green roof examples, it is also a great spot for purchasing green roof materials!

Liveroof, based in Spring Lake MI, is an easily accessible source of green roof supplies. They offer many options for green roof aficionados, including a plant catalog.

http://www.liveroof.com/

http://www.liveroof.com/media/LiveRoof_Plant_Catalog.pdf

Global green roofs is another source, a little further downstate in Grand Rapids:

http://www.globalgreenroofs.com/oursystem.html

If you're ready to delve further into the potential of green roofs, the MDEQ has prepared a primer:

www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-p2-p2week-greenroofresources.doc

GFA continually strives to make our business practices as green as possible. Internally employees voluntarily recycle paper, batteries, computer equipment and cell phones - recycling around four 50 gallon bags of paper each week. GFA recently made a sizable donation of computer equipment to the Kingsley Area Schools, providing the schools with more computer capacity and saving the used equipment from a landfill. Other green practices include: outdated and obsolete cell phones are donated to local crisis centers for reuse as 911 phones, printed materials are prepared with an eye toward recycling by the end user.

ORV Trail Grants, Due Aug 1

2009-06-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program

This program provides funding for maintenance of established ORV trails and facilities as part of the designated statewide trail system, development of new trails and facilities, and restoration of natural resources damaged by ORV use.

Applications for trail, route, or area maintenance and/or development must be for facilities that are open to the public. Applications for damage restoration funds must be for lands under public ownership.

Applicant must be a public agency or nonprofit, incorporated club or organization. Individuals are not eligible.

Grant applications are due August 1 of each year.

The time period from grant application to grant award is approximately four months.

Dollar Amount(s) Available:

Maximum allowable is up to 100 percent of cost, not to exceed the actual grant allocation; there is no minimum.

Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail maintenance and restoration needs on public land. New trail, route and scramble area development proposals also will be considered.

A separate application is available for grants to eligible county sheriff departments to enforce ORV regulations. Counties that have either designated ORV trails or abandoned railroad rights-of-way that are being converted into Michigan Trailways are eligible for law enforcement funding.

Contact your GFA client rep for more information!

Source(s) of Funds:

ORV Trail Improvement Fund.

DNR Trust Fund Land Acquisition Grants, Due Aug 3

2009-06-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has been in place since 1976. It provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.

The MNRTF is supported by annual revenues from the development of State-owned mineral resources, largely oil and gas. It is governed by Article 9, Section 35 of the State Constitution and Part 19 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 451 PA 1994, as amended. The program is administered by the MNRTF Board of Trustees and the Grants Management office of the DNR. The MNRTF Board of Trustees meets six times a year and all meetings are open to the public.

MNRTF projects provide for natural resource protection and outdoor recreation. By law, no more than 25 percent of the Trust Fund revenues available for appropriation each year can be used for development, therefore the majority of funding is allocated for acquisition projects. Applications are accepted annually as follows:

April 1 - Land acquisition and recreation development project application deadline. Development project applications must be submitted by April 1.
August 3 - Secondary application deadline for land acquisition projects only.

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

No minimum/maximum limits on land acquisition grants. (Source: MDNR Website)

Fish Passage Grants, Due Sept. 30

2009-06-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing the availability of funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for habitat restoration through the National Fish Passage Program. The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act authorizes the Secretary of Interior to provide technical and financial assistance through the National Fish Passage Program to partners interested in restoring, enhancing, and managing fish and wildlife habitats. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 additional funding is available for habitat restoration through the National Fish passage Program These Recovery Act funds are available for habitat restoration projects that address high priority aquatic habitats. Projects must provide direct benefits to Federal Trust species (i.e., migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, inter-jurisdictional fish, certain marine mammals, and species of international concern).

It is a goal of the program to secure at least 50 percent of project costs from non-Service sources, but this goal applies regionally as a whole, and does not have to be achieved on a project-by-project basis.

Private landowners, Tribal Governments, local governments, state governments, educational institutions and organizations are all eligible to apply.

MPSC Wind Analysis Released Yesterday

2009-06-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

The Wind Energy Resource Zone Board released an analysis of the state's wind energy potential yesterday, naming areas of Benzie, Leelanau, Antrim and Charlevoix as some of the top gust-producing areas in the state. Other areas named included the tip of the thumb and the shoreline of Allegan County. An excerpt of the report's Exhibit 2 Map shows the identified areas.

The board was established in December 2008 pursuant to Public Act 295 of 2008 (PA 295), also known as the "Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act." The 11-member board includes representatives from cities and villages, townships, the state attorney general's office, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), the renewable energy industry, the electric utility industry, independent transmission companies, environmental organizations, alternative energy suppliers, and the public at large. The board is required to issue a report that, among other things, includes a list of regions in the state with the "highest level of wind energy harvest potential."

The board issued its proposed report detailing its findings on June 2, 2009. The proposed report is being provided to the legislative bodes of all the local units of government - cities, villages, townships, and counties - within the regions identified by the board as having the highest wind potential. This comment period will conclude at 3 p.m. on August 4, 2009. At the conclusion of the local government comment period, the Board will continue to accept comments as part of the public hearing process on the proposed report.

See https://janus.pscinc.com/WindEnergyResourceZone/ to provide comments on the board's proposed report.

The board has scheduled two public hearings:
Public Hearing 1 - Thumb Area
11a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2009
Huron County Expo Center

170 West Soper RoadBad Axe, MI 48413

See map or contact the Expo Center at (989) 269-2720.

Public Hearing 2 - West Michigan
11a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2009
West Shore Community College Auditorium in the Administrative and Conference Building

300 North Stiles RoadScottville, MI 49454 https://www.westshore.edu/media/maps/campusmap.pdf

Information credit: Michigan Public Service Commission

http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,1607,7-159-16393_52375---,00.html

Rural Energy for America Grants, Due July 31

2009-06-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Rural Energy for America Program will provide funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems. The Rural Energy for America Program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation’s critical energy needs. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up to 25% of total eligible project costs. Grants are limited to $50,000 for renewable energy feasibility studies.

Eligible applicants are agricultural producers and rural small businesses. All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who gain 50% or more of their gross income from the agricultural operations are eligible. Small businesses that are located in a rural area can also apply. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply. Additional Information on Eligibility: Citizenship - To be eligible, applicants must be individuals or entities at least 51 percent owned by persons who are either: 1) citizens of the United States (U.S.),the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or American Samoa; or 2) legally admitted permanent residents residing in the U.S. Project - The project must be to conduct a feasibility study for a renewable energy system. Eligible technologies include: projects that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. All projects must be located in a rural area and must be owned by the applicant. Legal authority and responsibility - Each applicant must have, or obtain, the legal authority necessary to carry out the purpose of the grant.

Contact GFA for more information!

Organic Farming Grants, Due June 12

2009-05-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T12:46:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-12T07:15:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-11T12:54:00.001-07:00

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!

Rural Cooperative grants, Due June 29

2009-05-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

Rural Cooperative Development grants are made for establishing and operating centers for cooperative development for the primary purpose of improving the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of existing cooperatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture desires to encourage and stimulate the development of effective cooperative organizations in rural America as a part of its total package of rural development efforts.

The maximum award is $200,000, local match of 25% is required, and grants will be awarded on or before September 15. Local match can be cash or in-kind contributions. Projects must be completed in one year's time.

Please contact your GFA client rep if you are interested in applying!

Rural System Energy Audit Grants, Due June 9

2009-05-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assist (REAP/EA/REDA)

This notice announces the request for grant applications from units of State, tribal or local government, land-grant colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher education (including 1994 Land Grant (Tribal Colleges) and 1890 Land Grant Colleges and Historically Black Universities), rural electric cooperatives, and public power entities to provide energy audits and renewable energy development assistance for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Due date is June 9, 2009.

The REAP/EA/REDA Grant Program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. How much are the grants?The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up $100,000. Recipients of an energy audit are required to pay at least 25% of the cost of the audit.

Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible entities include a unit of State, tribal, or local government; institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; or a public power entity. The program is design to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

What types of projects are eligible?
Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance will allow agriculture producers and rural small businesses to become more energy efficient and use renewable technologies.For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible, and must be owned by the applicant.

Contact your GFA client if you are interested in applying by June 9!

MDEQ Pollution Prevention Grants Due June 1

2009-05-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

Michigan Community Pollution Prevention Grant Announcement - application deadline June 1, 2009

GRANT DESCRIPTION: A total of $200,000 in funding is available through the Michigan Community Pollution Prevention (P2) Grant Program to implement P2 at healthcare facilities across the State of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will provide matching grants to hospitals, clinics, local health departments, municipalities, and regional planning agencies to fund P2 at healthcare facilities. The goal of the Community P2 Grant Program is to promote local P2 initiatives that foster partnerships and sustainability. Requests for funding will be accepted from May 01, 2009 - June 01, 2009.

The Community P2 Grant Program seeks to bring local government, businesses, planning agencies, and residents together to create change through P2. This grant seeks to address waste reduction in healthcare.
Preference will be given to projects that include community-based coalitions. Projects should be transferable, and act as models to be shared by other institutions across the state.

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT: Michigan has a long history of effectively providing sound protection of its natural resources through the development and implementation of environmental programs. There are many P2 opportunities available at healthcare facilities. This grant request will focus on the following P2 opportunities:
Handling of solid, hazardous and universal waste;
Janitorial and food services;
Laundry operations;
Purchasing;
Handling of surgical and pharmaceutical wastes;
Electronic waste disposal;
Composting;
Heating and cooling;
Energy and water usage; and
Environmentally Preferred Purchasing - Purchasing environmentally friendly medical supplies, cleaners, office supplies, and building materials.

A P2 healthcare form will also be developed to help grantees and the MDEQ track waste reductions. Completion of a P2 reporting form is a requirement of the Community P2 Grant Program. The P2 reporting forms will be due quarterly.
Preventing pollution carries a wide array of benefits to both healthcare providers and the communities they are located. Cost savings and improved public and environmental health are among those key benefits.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS: Hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, local health departments, municipalities, and regional planning agencies are eligible to receive funding.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES: The proposal should outline how your organization will implement P2 practices including:
Pharmaceutical waste collections;
Environmentally Preferred Purchasing - Purchasing environmentally friendly cleaners, office supplies, and building materials;
Solid Waste Reduction - Waste handling, recycling, and reuse;
Medical, Hazardous and Universal Waste Reductions;
Electronic Waste Reduction;
Energy Conservation - Use of energy efficient lighting, appliances, and etc.;
House Keeping P2 - Reduction of hazardous cleaning products; and
Water Conservation - Implementation of water conservation practices.
The applicant must review the proposal with the MDEQ, Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance (OPPCA), Field Services Unit staff, prior to submitting the proposal.

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: A total of $200,000 in funding is available. The match requirement, of at least 25 percent, has been established by law. 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 $24,900; however, local match expenditures can bring total grant expenditures over the $24,900 limit (state grant, $24,900 + local match, $8,300 = $33,200. Project contracts can run for one or two years and will be on a cost-reimbursement basis. Requests for funding will be accepted from May 01, 2009 - June 01, 2009.

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS: Organizations receiving grants are required to match total project costs by at least 25 percent. Grantee contributions may include dollars, in-kind goods and services, and/or third party contributions.

DUE DATE: Proposals are due no later than June 01, 2009.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Mr. Michael Young, 989-894-6238, or you can download the Request for Proposal from the Internet at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oppca-communityp2-2009-rfp_276104_7.pdf

Information courtesy of MDEQ website

Upcoming funding opportunities for alternative fuel projects

2009-05-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

$480 Million Solicitation for Integrated Pilot- and Demonstration-Scale Biorefineries
Projects selected under this Funding Opportunity Announcement will work to validate integrated biorefinery technologies that produce advanced biofuels, bioproducts, and heat and power in an integrated system, thus enabling private financing of commercial-scale replications.
DOE anticipates making 10 to 20 awards for refineries at various scales and designs, all to be operational in the next three years. The DOE funding ceiling is $25 million for pilot-scale projects and $50 million for demonstration scale projects.
These integrated biorefineries will reduce dependence on petroleum-based transportation fuels and chemicals. They will also facilitate the development of an "advanced biofuels" industry to meet the federal Renewable Fuel Standards.

Demonstration of Integrated Biorefinery Operations, Application Deadline May 29.

Advanced Water Power, Deadline June 4
The three Topic Areas are: 1. Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion Device or Component Design and Development 2. Marine and Hydrokinetic Site-specific Environmental Studies/Information 3. Advanced Water Power Market Acceleration Projects/Analysis and Assessments In addition a parallel Program Announcement (PA) directed at Department of Energy Laboratories to address technical challenges in water power development, as well as market acceptance barriers has been issued.

Biomass Research and Development Initiative, Application Deadline June 11
The purpose of the Initiative is to competitively award grants to eligible entities to carry out research on and development and demonstration of
(A): biofuels and biobased products; and
(B) the methods, practices and technologies, for the production of biofuels and biobased products. Project Description DOE and USDA/CSREES are, therefore, seeking pre-applications to address the Technical Areas as set out in Section 9008 of the FCEA. The Technical Areas defined in the FCEA are the only eligible topic areas under this FOA.

The Technical Areas are: (A) FEEDSTOCKS DEVELOPMENT Research, development, and demonstration activities regarding feedstocks genetic, and feedstock logistics (including the harvest, handling, transport, preprocessing, and storage) relevant to production of raw materials for conversion to biofuels and biobased products.
(B) BIOFUELS AND BIOBASED PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT. Research, development, and demonstration activities to support (i) the development of diverse cost-effective technologies for the use of cellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels and biobased products; and (ii) product diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of biobased products (including chemicals, animal feeds, and cogenerated power) that potentially can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a biorefinery.
(C) BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS.
(i) STRATEGIC GUIDANCE. Development of analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of renewable biomass technologies to improve sustainability and environmental quality, cost effectiveness, security, and rural economic development.
(ii) ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Development of systematic evaluations of the impact of expanded biofuel production on the environment (including forest land) and on the food supply for humans and animals, including the improvement and development of tools for life cycle analysis of current and potential biofuels.
(iii) ASSESSMENT OF FEDERAL LAND. Assessments of the potential of Federal land resources to increase the production of feedstocks for biofuels and biobased products, consistent with the integrity of soil and water resources and with other environmental considerations. Detailed descriptions and desired outcomes of each topic are found in Appendix C. Research, Development, or Demonstration projects will be considered for all Technical Areas.

Contact your GFA client rep for more information on preparing applications for these grant programs!

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings

2009-05-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

According to a post in the Environmental Leader yesterday, Energy Star-qualified commercial building designs have increased by 60%, as 75 new commercial building design projects became Energy Star qualified.

One of the projects, the Lenox Hotel in Boston implemented multiple measures to achieve qualification, including:

610+ low energy windows
Super-efficient boilers and heat pumps
ENERGY STAR office equipment, and televisions
Motion sensors for lighting in intermittent or low-traffic areas
An ozone laundry system, avoiding the use of hot water and cleaning chemicals
Thousands of Compact and Fluorescent bulbs (saves 58,000 kilowatts each year)
Motion sensors on vending machines (saves an additional 21,000 kilowatts per year).

Note: the last two initiatives alone remove 52 tons of CO2 from of the atmosphere each year!

Saunders Hotel Group is now evaluating solar hot water technology for their Comfort Inn & Suites property - if it is feasible and effective.

How the ROI of the Upgrades

Motion sensors in storage areas/closets, Approx. $500, Payback 1 year, In Engineering budget
Compact Fluorescent Chandelier Bulbs, $5,000, Payback 8 months, In Engineering budget
Separate meter for cooling tower, N/A, Payback 1-3 years, Financed in combination of water utility and Engineering budget

A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $.60 per square foot can be taken for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems. These tax deductions are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2013.
Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge to find the best opportunities for energy savings, set goals for improvement, and achieve superior energy efficiency.

IRS Notice 2006-52 (6/2/2006) provides guidance on deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings.
IRS Notice 2008-40 (4/7/2008) - Amplification of Notice 2006-52
Qualified Software for Calculating Energy Savings
Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition
For More Information:
Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP)
Energy Policy Act of 2005
IRS Guidance on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (June 2006)
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ("the Bailout Bill")
Signed October 3, 2008 by President Bush
Relevant sections are in DIVISION B, Sections 106 (25D) and 302 (25C)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Stimulus Bill")
Signed February 17, 2009 by President Obama
Relevant Sections are: DIVISION B, Sections 1103, 1121 (25C) and 1122 (25D)
Department of Energy Web site on Tax Incentives

Commercial Building Design Goals
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_bldg_design.new_bldg_design

Developing a Green Building Policy
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=green_buildings.green_buildings_index

Grants, School Food Service Equipment, Due May 29

2009-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

The stimulus funding has many different elements, including a provision for additional foodservice equipment for schools. Priority is given to schools in which 50% or more students are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications must be submitted through MEGS by May 29!

Please see the links below for more information:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Policy-Memos/2009/SP_24-2009_os.pdf
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/ARRA_Equipment_Assistance_Grants_Superintendent_Memo_Announcement_03_23_09_271890_7.pdf

Phragmites

2009-05-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

This invasive species is rapidly gaining a foothold along our shorelines, and is already overpowering the Saginaw Bay area. GFA's mapping specialists are available to work with species identification experts to help you prepare an accurate and comprehensive map of any current infestations along your shorelines. As a surveying contractor for the US Army Corps of Engineers, GFA also has the experience to assist you in preparing survey and mapping information that may be required by USACE permits.

Beaver Island has put together a very good video on the topic, which you may view here:
http://www.peaine.org/environment/phragmites/video/

The MDEQ website has a page on phragmites control and management:
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3677_8314-178183--,00.html
If you are planning on chemical treatment, applications are due August 15.

A MDEQ workshop is scheduled for June 6 in Traverse City. If you are interested in GFA's phragmites mapping services, please contact Heather Brady, hhbrady@gourdiefraser.com.

Community Broadband Grants Due June 19

2009-05-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Attention Grant Seekers ~ Rural Development's Community Connect program is now accepting applications!

The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide currently unserved areas, on a "community-oriented connectivity" basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Rural Utilities Service will give priority to rural areas that it believes have the greatest need for broadband transmission services.

Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance:
a. An incorporated organization,
b. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(b) and (c),
c. A state or local unit of government,
d. A cooperative, private corporation or limited liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.

Individuals are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance directly.
Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and operate the broadband facilities as proposed in its application, to enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations.

Please contact your client rep for more information about preparing an application!