The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) is pleased to announce a Request for Pre-Applications to the Watershed Improvement Program Grant Program, funded through Proposition 1 and Proposition 68, 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 and visit the SNC Website for details on the application process.

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 SNC at grants@sierranevada.ca.gov or (530) 823-4689.

The CA Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Proposition 1 Watershed Restoration Grant Program Solicitation Notice has been released. The due date for the application is June 13, 2018.

The purpose of the Watershed Restoration Grant Program is to build resiliency and address immediate issues from the aftermath of recent wildfires, as well as address long-standing environmental challenges, by supporting water quality, river, and watershed protection and restoration projects of statewide importance outside the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Funds will support planning or implementation projects that address at least one of the following priorities:

• Central Valley salmon resilience and recovery: shovel-ready implementation projects that focus on Central Valley anadromous fish habitat restoration and that benefit salmonids and other native and anadromous fishes
• Large-scale wildfire recovery response: planning and implementation projects in fire-damaged watersheds that will contribute to restoration and recovery of stream and riparian habitats, prevent erosion, protect and improve water quality, and prevent potential future negative ecosystem effects
• Restoration project implementation: shovel-ready implementation projects that contribute to the recovery and conservation of special status species and protect, restore, or enhance important ecosystems identified in the California Water Action Plan (CWAP)

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Installation of fish screens
• Removal of fish barriers and dams
• Prevention of upslope erosion
• Restoration of riparian habitat
• Improvement of water quality for aquatic and riparian species
• Restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems

A workshop for this grant will be held on May 30. For more information see: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants

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.