Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER

April-May 2018

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:

• 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 North Face Explore Fund (due April 5) provides funding to introduce under-represented communities to outdoor adventures in potentially new and interesting ways, and for projects that protect ecosystems and the ability to enjoy them by thinking creatively about engaging new and diverse communities in environmental work.
• The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) North America Program: Climate Adaptation Fund (pre-proposals due April 6) supports on-the-ground projects that demonstrate effective interventions for wildlife adaptation to climate change.
• NOAA Environmental Literacy Grants (due April 6) support the education of K-12 students and the public for community resilience.
• The NRCS California Conservation Innovation Grant Program (due April 11) seeks to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production, including private forestlands.
• National Environmental Education Foundation Grants (due April 23) provide funding to build the organizational capacity of nonprofit organizations whose mission is focused on serving a public land site (‘Friends of …’ groups).
• The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Walmart Acres for America Grants (pre-proposals due April 26) provide funding to help purchase and conserve lands of national significance, protect critical fish and wildlife habitat, and benefit people and local economies.
• FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response Grants (due April 27) assist local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies, and assure that communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.
• The USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program (due April 30) funds targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas.
• The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (due April 30) provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations.
• Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants (due May 7) provide funding to help develop farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and agritourism activities, as well as providing funding for outreach, training, and technical assistance.
• The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grants (due May 10) fund museums, educational programs, and wildlife/environmental protection programs.
• The National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund Tribal Heritage Grant Program (due May 11) assists federally recognized Indian tribes in protecting and promoting their unique cultural heritage and traditions.
• USDA Community Connect Grants (due May 14) support the provision of broadband internet connections to communities in unserved, lower income, and extremely rural areas.
• The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment: Northern California Environmental Grassroots Fund (due May 15) 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.
• CAL Trans Active Transportation Grants (Call for Projects expected May 16) provide funding to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as walking and biking.
• Clif Bar Family Foundation Small Grants (due June 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 Bella Vista Foundation Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program (applications accepted June 4 – 15) focuses on protecting, restoring, and revitalizing high-priority watershed ecosystems in California, including Truckee River, Yuba/Bear/American, and the North Fork Feather River watersheds.
• The Wildlife Conservation Board’s Riparian Habitat Conservation Program (rolling) provides funding to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance riparian habitat throughout California.

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.

Department of Water Resources (DWR) Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Implementation Grant Timelines: IRWM grants can support a broad range of water and watershed activities. Proposition 1 provided $510 million in grants through this program, the bulk of which is for implementation projects. The new draft Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for Proposition 1 IRWM Implementation Grants is expected to be released by DWR in April, with a 45-day public comment period. The final PSP will be published in the summer, and IRWM grant applications will be due by the end of the year. In order to be eligible for this grant program, projects must be listed in the IRWM Plan for your Region. Contact your local Regional Water Management Group (your County should be able to give you a contact) for more information.

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.

NRCS Invites Proposals for 2018 Conservation Innovation Grants

DAVIS, Calif., Feb. 23, 2018 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Up to $375,000 is available for one- to three-year grants. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $75,000 in FY 2018. Proposals are due by April 17, 2018.

CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. The proposed projects should augment existing NRCS technical tools (planning, assessment and/or delivery) to better facilitate conservation on farms and ranches.

In 2018 NRCS California is prioritizing proposals that improve the “technical toolbox” to address the following on-farm resource concerns: soil and water quality, wildlife habitat, water conservation, forest health, air quality, waste recycling and energy conservation. Applicants are encouraged to explore the full program announcement to better match their proposals to these needs. Please see www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ca/programs/financial/cig/

Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process and in 2018 will not include a pre-proposal process.  Eligible applicants include state and local government, nongovernment organizations, Tribal governments, eligible private business and individuals. Applicants may contact Erik Beardsley at Erik.Beardsley@ca.usda.gov for more information.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on April 17, 2018. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov. In addition, a PDF of the complete application must be emailed to Erik.Beardsley@ca.usda.gov. Both submissions must be received by the submission due date.

Contacts: Anita Brown, Public Affairs Director (530) 792-5644
Alan Forkey, Farm Bill Programs Manager (530) 792-5653

NEWS RELEASE

Upper Feather River Solicitation for Implementation Projects

By the Upper Feather River Integrated Regional Water Management Group

The Upper Feather River Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) has opened a solicitation for its Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan implementation projects. The purpose of the solicitation is to perform periodic updates to the IRWM Plan implementation project list. Projects should address adopted Plan goals and objectives, California Water Plan resource management strategies, and Department of Water Resources’ priorities for projects. Projects developed through this process will undergo a review and selection process for inclusion in the IRWM Plan as implementation projects, which will then be eligible for future Department of Water Resources IRWM grant funding opportunities. Benefits of having a project included in the IRWM Plan also extend to supporting other local and regional efforts to secure competitive statewide grant funding.

Application forms and information are available at (http://featherriver.org/documents/). This is an open solicitation with RWMG review and consideration scheduled to occur quarterly. In order for projects to be eligible for the next Department of Water Resources IRWM implementation grant, projects should be submitted for inclusion in the Plan now. Project applications may be submitted at any time and will be considered for inclusion in the Plan at the next RWMG meeting, which will be posted on the calendar.

The Upper Feather River (IRWM) Plan was updated and accepted by the Department of Water Resources in December 2016 after a two-year process involving extensive input from residents, Tribes, and water managers in the region. The RWMG, which is the governing body responsible for updating and implementing the Plan, is committed to ensuring that the region remains active in the California Water Plan and IRWM Program. Please see our website for further information on the program, news, and upcoming meetings (http://featherriver.org/).

Questions may be directed to Uma Hinman at UFR.contact@gmail.com or (916) 813-0818.

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.