Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER

February-March 2018

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:

• The CA Department of Parks and Recreation Recreational Boating Facility grants (due February 1) assist with the development and improvement of marinas and boat launching facilities and associated parking areas, restrooms, and lighting.
• The Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation grant program (due February 1) includes a category for Environment and Health, which encourages regional planning integrating economic and social goals with sound environmental policies.
• The CA State Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund (due February 5) supports the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians.
• State Water Resources Control Board Nonpoint Source Grants (due February 8) can fund projects to minimize degradation of water quality in areas that have been impacted by 2017 fires. Also included are riparian fuel management, fuel reduction and/or post fire rehabilitation.
• The Bureau of Reclamation Water SMART program (due February 13) supports projects that increase the reliability of water supplies; improve water management; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought.
• Strong Foundation grants (due February 15) fund environmental and conservation efforts, eco-spirituality, grassroots action, environmental education, capacity building, citizen participation, collaborative efforts, land acquisition, planning and training.
• The Rose Foundation California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (due February 15) provides funding to grassroots conservation organizations advocating for the permanent protection of intact wildlands to help preserve California’s wilderness and native biological diversity.
• CALFIRE CA Climate Investments: Forest Health Program (pre-applications due February 21) fund a variety of practices such as fuel reduction, reforestation, etc. which increase the carbon stored in living trees, and protect forests, fish and wildlife habitats, native plant species, and water across California
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): North America Wetlands Conservation Act Standard or Small Grants Program (due February 23) provides funding for long-term protection, restoration, or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds.
• The National Wildlife Federation Trees for Wildlife grant (due February 23) provides native tree seedlings for restoration projects or community tree giveaway events.
• The USDA Conservation Innovation Grants National Program (due February 26) supports pilot projects, field testing, and on-farm research and demonstration, evaluation, or implementation of approaches to incentivizing conservation adoption and conservation technologies, practices, and systems.
• The Joseph & Vera Long Foundation grants (due February 26) fund projects that conserve the natural environment of Northern California, with a focus on habitat preservation, access to public lands, environmental education, and scientific research.
• The Access Fund Climbing Preservation Grant Program (due March 1) funds projects that preserve or enhance climbing access and opportunities, and conserve the climbing environment throughout the United States.
• The Central Valley Project Conservation Program and CVPIA Habitat Restoration Programs (due March 16) seek to improve habitats for species impacted by the Central Valley Project.
• The North American Native Fishes Association Gerald C. Corcoran Educational Grants (due March 31) fund projects to educate the general public about native North American fishes and their environment.
• The Hind Foundation (rolling) provides grants in the areas of plant and wildlife protection, land conservation, and ecosystem conservation.
• The Wildlife Conservation Board’s Forest Conservation Program (rolling) supports the conservation, preservation, and restoration of productive managed forest lands, forest reserve areas, redwood forests, and other forest types, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitat for native fish, wildlife, and plants found on these lands.

Interested in other funding for fuel reduction, parks and trails, habitat preservation, or environmental education? Grant Research Memos on a variety of topics are available on the SNC funding opportunities webpage.

Your SNC Area Representative can help you set up an individual consultation with the SNC Funding Team to get advice about specific funding opportunities or general fund development strategies. To take advantage of this resource, contact your Area Representative.

Congratulations to the Maidu Summit Consortium and Conservancy for their Watershed Restoration planning grant from the Department of Fish and Wildlife to restore Tásmam Kojóm – Big Meadow.

Grant Writing Workshops are available to help build the capacity of organizations that serve the Sierra Nevada Region. If you are interested in organizing or attending a workshop, contact your Area Representative.

The Conservancy announces a new Proposition 1 Grant Solicitation, applications are due Oct 31, 2017.  Conservancy Proposition 1 grants fund multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects. Priority project types include: water sustainability improvements, anadromous fish habitat enhancement, wetland restoration and urban greening. The grant application has two parts: a cover sheet and a project description.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER

August – September 2017

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:

• The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment: Northern California Environmental Grassroots Fund (due August 1) provides modest general support grants to small grassroots organizations that address tough environmental problems such as sustainable agriculture, climate change, environmental degradation of rivers and wild places, and environmental health.
• The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (due August 1) seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by making strategic investments that will protect agricultural lands from conversion to residential development.
• The Wildlife Conservation Board’s Streamflow Enhancement Program (due August 31) funds projects that enhance the amount, timing and/or quality of water available for anadromous fish, and special status species; or provide resilience to climate change.
• Schwemm Family Foundation Grants (due August 31) seek to sustain and protect resilient, local ecosystems and related biodiversity by focusing on proactive conservation, comprehensive restoration, and related education efforts.
• Sierra Nevada Conservancy Watershed Improvement Program grants (pre-proposals due September 1) support forest health projects that result in multiple watershed benefits.
• The Wildlife Conservation Board’s Public Access Grant Program (due September 15) provides funding for projects that improve access to hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities, such as fishing piers, trails, interpretive signage, parking and restrooms, etc.
• The CA State Parks Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program (due September 1) helps fund outdoor environmental education facilities, such as public outdoor structures and exhibits.
• The US Fish and Wildlife Service Tribal Wildlife Grant Program (due September 1) funds programs that benefit wildlife and their habitat, particularly species of tribal cultural or traditional importance.
• The Polaris Industries R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program (due September 1) assists national, state, and local organizations in the United States in ensuring the future of ATV riding.
• The National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town Program: Arts Engagement, Cultural Planning, and Design Projects” (due September 11) supports creative placemaking projects that contribute towards the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core.
• Strong Foundation Grants (due September 15) support environmental and conservation efforts, eco-spirituality, grassroots action, environmental education, capacity building, citizen participation, collaborative efforts, planning and training.
• Clif Bar Family Foundation Small Grants (due October 1) support efforts to protect the Earth’s beauty and bounty, create a robust and healthy food system, increase opportunities for outdoor activity, reduce environmental health hazards, and build stronger communities.
• The CA Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund grants (due October 2) fund nature interpretation programs that bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, projects that protect various plant and animal species, and acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails.
• The CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund (SRAFPF) and Tree Mortality (TM) grant program (expected to become active in September or October) funds the removal hazardous trees that pose a threat to public health and safety.

Your SNC Area Representative can help you set up an individual consultation with the SNC Funding Team to get advice about specific funding opportunities or general fund development strategies. To take advantage of this resource, contact your Area Representative.

Congratulations to the California recipients of this year’s USFS Wood Innovation grants, including the Camptonville Community Partnership, the Plumas Unified School District, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes, all of which received funding for bioenergy project planning and development.

Grant Writing Workshops are available to help build the capacity of organizations that serve the Sierra Nevada Region. If you are interested in organizing or attending a workshop, contact your Area Representative.

Grant Research Memos on a variety of topics are available on the SNC website under Other Funding Opportunities.

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals through its Proposition 1 Grant Program to support forest health projects that result in multiple watershed benefits. Please read SNC’s Grant Guidelines for a complete description of Grant Program requirements.

All applicants must submit a Pre-Application through SNC’s online portal between now and September 1, 2017.

SNC strongly encourages applicants to meet with their Area Representative to discuss projects prior to preparing their Pre-Application. For general questions regarding the Grant Program, please contact us at grants@sierranevada.ca.gov or (530) 823-4689. Please visit www.sierranevada.ca.gov for further information.

CAL FIRE Grant

Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER

June – July 2017

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:

• The California Conservation Innovation Grant program (due June 7) provides funds to demonstrate innovative conservation approaches and technologies on private agricultural lands.
• Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Grants (due June 21) fund the acquisition or enhancement of resource lands to mitigate the loss or detriment to resource lands associated with transportation improvements.
• The National Forest Foundation Matching Awards Program (due June 26) provides funds for direct on-the-ground projects benefiting America’s National Forests and Grasslands.
• The National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Grant (due June 30) provides facilitation and planning assistance for parks, trails, and outdoor recreation projects.
• The Museum Assessment Program (due July 1) provides technical assistance to small and mid-size museums, including historical sites, to assess their strengths and weaknesses and to prepare for the future.
• North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA): U.S. Standard Grants (due July 14) fund projects which increase bird populations and wetland habitat while supporting local economies and American traditions, such as hunting, fishing, birdwatching, family farming, and cattle ranching.
• US FWS Recovery Implementation Grants (due July 31) support conservation projects that will help prevent extinction, improve the recovery status, or lead to the delisting of a species.
• The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment: Northern California Environmental Grassroots Fund (due August 1) provides modest general support grants to small grassroots organizations that address tough environmental problems such as toxic pollution, sustainable agriculture, climate change, environmental degradation of rivers and wild places, and the environmental health of communities.
• The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (due August 1) seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by making strategic investments that will protect agricultural lands from conversion to urban or rural residential development.
• Cabela’s Outdoor Fund (due August 2) supports efforts that focus on the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters, anglers, campers, and recreational shooters.
• The Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program (due September 1) supports the development of outdoor environmental education facilities, such as public outdoor structures and exhibits.
• The California Wildlife Board’s Rangeland, Grazing Land, and Grasslands Protection Program (rolling) protects California’s rangeland, grazing land, and grassland through the use of conservation easements.
• The California Wildlife Board’s Forest Conservation Program (rolling) supports the conservation, preservation, and restoration of productive managed forest lands and forest reserve areas, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitat for native fish, wildlife, and plants found on these lands.

Your SNC Area Representative can help you set up an individual consultation with the SNC Funding Team to get advice about specific funding opportunities or general fund development strategies. To take advantage of this resource, contact your Area Representative.

Grant Writing Workshops are available to help build the capacity of organizations that serve the Sierra Nevada Region. If you are interested in organizing or attending a workshop, contact your Area Representative.

California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) will begin accepting applications for its competitive application process for 2017 wildfire prevention grants on April 3, 2017. The application deadline is May 12, 2017 at 5 p.m. PST. The grants will support the following areas of wildfire prevention:

• Hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal land
• Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and other planning or assessment documents
• Prevention and mitigation education and outreach opportunities for landowners and residents in at-risk communities

CFSC has approximately $2 million available for 2017 wildfire prevention projects. Grant amounts cannot exceed $200,000 per application. There is a dollar for dollar or 50% cost share/match, which means the federal funding can account for up to 50% of the project’s cost. The remaining 50% must come from non-federal sources and can include cash and/or third-party in-kind. The maximum grant award is $200,000 and the duration is 24 months.

Three training workshops and a webinar will be held in April. It is strongly recommended that all applicants, new and returning, attend one of the workshops. More workshop information and registration can be found on the CFSC Grant Program website.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER
April – May 2017

Recently Updated: The Riparian and Wetland Grant Research memo was recently updated. It provides funding sources for stream, wetland, and meadow restoration projects. Grant research memos are available on the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Other Funding Opportunities web page.

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:
• The North Face Explore Fund (due April 5) makes grants to nonprofit organizations that provide their participants with meaningful outdoor experiences, specifically those which instill an enduring appreciation of the outdoors, promote positive personal or societal change, or demonstrate environmental stewardship principles and practices.
• The Walmart/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Acres for America program (pre-proposals due April 13) conserves important large-scale habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants through land acquisitions and perpetual conservation easements.
• Patagonia Foundation Environmental Grants (due April 30) support small, grassroots, activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect the environment.
• Every Day Capacity Building Grants (due May 2) are exclusively for ‘Friends of…’ groups to help build their organizational capacity to serve public lands.
• National Endowment for the Arts Art Works Creativity Connects Grants (due May 4) support collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships between the arts and non-arts sectors, including agriculture, community development, and the environment.
• California Fire Safe Council Wildfire Prevention Grants (due May 12) provide funding for hazardous fuel reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands, Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and education and outreach activities.
• The Federal Lands Access Program (due May 12) develops transportation and infrastructure projects (roads, parking, bike trails, etc.) that provide access to federal public lands, particularly those with high recreation use. Note change in due date.
• The Pacific Gas and Electric Company Resilient Communities Grant Program (due May 12) supports local climate resilience initiatives that will build healthy and resilient forests and watersheds to help communities prevent and prepare for increasing wildfire risk.
• The Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion Grant (due May 22) funds community-based projects for Native American language preservation and maintenance. It is open to both federally-recognized and non-federally recognized tribes.
• The National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Grant (June 30) provides facilitation and planning assistance for parks, trails, and outdoor recreation projects.
• The Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program (due September 1) supports the development of outdoor environmental education facilities, such as public outdoor structures and exhibits.

Your SNC Area Representative can help you set up an individual consultation with the SNC Funding Team to get advice about specific funding opportunities or general fund development strategies. To take advantage of this resource, contact your Area Representative.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— In 2016 alone, more than 5,700 wildfires burned across the state of California according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. And despite record rain this winter, climate change is expected to increase the number of large wildfires as well as the length of the wildfire season in California. To help Californian communities meet this challenge, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) launched its Better Together Resilient Communities grant program today.

Through the program, PG&E will invest $1 million over five years – or $200,000 per year – in shareholder-funded grants to help communities better prepare for, withstand, and recover from extreme events and other risks related to climate change. This year, the company is calling for proposals that will build healthy and resilient forests and watersheds to help communities prevent and prepare for increasing wildfire risk.

“At PG&E, we believe adapting to the reality of climate change must include helping our communities to become more resilient to its many potential effects, such as the risk of wildfires. One way to do that is to work closely with our local partners, as well as those at the state and federal level, to support the best and most innovative ideas — with a particular focus on those who live in highly vulnerable areas,” said Geisha Williams, CEO and President of PG&E Corporation.

PG&E will award two grants of $100,000 through a competitive process. A panel of community and sustainability leaders, including the League of California Cities and members of PG&E’s Sustainability Advisory Council will play an advisory role with the program.

Strategies and solutions resulting from the grants will be made publicly available to help all communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships.

“Climate change is having extreme effects on our planet, and the state of California is facing increasing weather-related risks, including more frequent and more intense wildfires. I applaud PG&E for partnering with vulnerable communities on this science-based climate change resilience initiative. This new grant program will help Californians prepare for a future with more wildfires and other impacts from a changing climate,” said Dr. Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences and member of PG&E’s Sustainability Advisory Council.

“We’re delighted to see PG&E taking this leadership role in helping protect California’s communities from wildfire.  As we work to ensure a safe, sustainable environment for our firefighters, their families, and our communities, it is essential to gain a better understanding of how to reduce the risks climate change and wildfires pose to lives and property,” said Lou Paulson, President, California Professional Firefighters.

“Extreme weather and climate change are threatening the safety of communities across central and northern California. With wildfire and other risks increasing to historic levels, we must generate innovative, collaborative solutions to succeed. We applaud PG&E for offering a program that focuses on these risks and encourages the collaboration needed to keep our communities safe now and in the years to come,” said Tom Trott, general manager of Twain Harte Community Services District.

Grant Criteria and Eligibility

Grant proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Partnerships: the extent to which the proposal reflects a collaborative effort among multiple organizations

• Replicability: the extent to which the proposal identifies how others can learn from and adopt the resulting strategies and solutions

• Assistance to disadvantaged communities: the extent to which the proposal addresses the identified needs of disadvantaged communities

• Measurable impact: the extent to which the proposal includes practical, measurable and innovative ways to address community needs and climate risks

To be eligible, applicants must be a governmental organization, educational institution or 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All applicants must include a local government within PG&E’s service area as a partner.

Learn more about the grants and how to apply at pge.com/resiliencegrants.