Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER

September-October 2018

 Funding Research Memos for fuel reduction, parks and trails, habitat preservation, environmental education, and other program areas are available on the SNC funding opportunities webpage. This is a great way to find funding opportunities for your projects!

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:

• 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 Wildlife Conservation Board’s Streamflow Enhancement Program (due September 4) 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.
• The Wildlife Conservation Board’s Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant (due September 14) supports fish and wildlife habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement that will help local public and nonprofit agencies implement Natural Community Conservation Plans in California.
• 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.
• The FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) & Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs (Notices of Intent due September 24) provide funding for a variety of disaster prevention and mitigation activities, including fuel reduction on private and public (non-federal) lands and hazard mitigation planning. (See details below.)
• The CA Resources Agency River Parkway Grant Program (concept proposals due September 27) supports the acquisition, restoration, protection, and development of river parkways – outdoor areas adjacent to a river or stream which afford public access to open space, low impact recreational activities, and/or wildlife habitat.
• National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF): Every Day Event Program (due September 28) provides mini-grants to support restoration and resilience-focused volunteer events on public lands.
• The US Fish and Wildlife Service Tribal Wildlife Grant Program (due September 29) funds programs that benefit wildlife and their habitat, particularly species of tribal cultural or traditional importance.
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Project Learning Tree: GreenWorks! Grants (due September 30) provide up to $1,000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental service-learning projects that link classroom learning to the real world.
• The CA Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund grants (due October 1) 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.
• 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 FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (Notices of Intent due October 5) provides funding for a variety of disaster prevention and mitigation activities, including fuel reduction on private and public (non-federal) lands and hazard mitigation planning. (See details below.)
• The Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program (due October 9) supports activities and events that connect communities to forests.
• The Whole Foods Foundation School Garden Grants (due October 15) provide modest grants to support new or existing edible gardens at schools or nonprofit organizations.
• S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants Program (due October 19) funds protection, restoration, and/or enhancement projects for wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.
• Satterberg Foundation Core Support Grants (letters of interest due October 22) provide multi-year general operating support for nonprofit organizations that work to strengthen communities by creating a just society and a sustainable environment.
• The Conservation Alliance grants (due November 1) support grassroots campaigns to protect threatened wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational values.
• Annie’s Homegrown Grants for Gardens (due November 1) provide modest grants to support edible school gardens.
• The Institute for Museum and Library Services’ ‘Inspire’ Grants for Small Museums (due November 1) encourage small museums to implement priority projects in the areas of Lifelong Learning, Community Anchors and Catalysts, and Collections Stewardship and Public Access.
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Environmental Enhancement Fund grants (due November 16) support environmental enhancement projects located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state.
• The Hind Foundation (rolling) supports community-based projects that make visible impacts, including land conservation and plant/wildlife protection.

Interested in cleaning up contamination to re-use an industrial site? The EPA Brownfields program has a variety of grants for assessment and clean-up of contamination on sites. This is often the first step to redeveloping the site for industrial or other uses. Last year’s deadline for the assessment and clean-up grants was mid-November and this year’s solicitation is likely to be released in September or October. Current grant solicitations have not yet been released, but upcoming changes to EPA’s Brownfields Program can be found here. You can also contact the EPA Region 9 staff for more information about the types of assistance provided.

FEMA Disaster Mitigation Grant Programs – The Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation grant programs are upcoming sources of disaster prevention funding, including fuel reduction on private property. Post-fire reforestation is also a fundable activity. Activities cannot take place on federal lands. Local government and special districts (including Resource Conservation Districts) are eligible applicants. Funding is also available for generators to power critical disaster response facilities such as clinics, emergency operations, and shelters. Communities interested in trying out biomass generators for on-going as well as emergency power might consider this source of funding.

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. Upcoming workshops are scheduled in Shasta and Amador counties, and additional workshops can be scheduled upon request.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Sacramento District California In-Lieu Fee Program (ILF Program) is currently seeking proposals for aquatic resource restoration projects in the following Priority Service Areas:

• Bear/Yuba Rivers
• Cache/Putah Rivers
• Calaveras/Stanislaus Rivers
• Carson/Walker Rivers
• Feather River
• Kaweah/Tule River
• Merced/Tuolumne River
• Northeast Sacramento River
• Northwest Sacramento River
• Pit River

NFWF intends to partner with public, private, and non-profit organizations to help fund and implement on-the-ground wetland and/or waters restoration (re-establishment or rehabilitation), establishment (creation), and/or enhancement projects.  Projects may be stand-alone proposals or may be an identifiable component of a larger project.

In each case, the restoration benefits provided by the project must be clearly demonstrated and must meet all applicable requirements set forth in the 2008 Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources Final Rule (the “2008 Rule”).  These requirements are set forth in the 2008 Rule at 33 CFR Part 332.8(j) and 33 CFR Part 332.4(c)(2)-(14); and 40 CFR Part 230.98(j) and 40 CFR Part 230.94(c)(2)-(14).

For additional information on the ILF Program and how to apply for funding, please see the attached Request for Proposals or visit our webpage:

http://www.nfwf.org/ilf/Pages/fall2018rfp.aspx

Pre-Proposal applications are due September 28, 2018.  For more information or questions about this Request for Proposals, please contact:

Eligible rural communities and water districts can apply online for funding to maintain, modernize or build water and wastewater systems. They can visit the interactive RD Apply tool, or they can apply through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.

USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ALERT

Proposition 68 Opportunity

The River Parkways grant program has been refunded with Proposition 68 dollars. Concept proposals for this first round of funding will be due September 27, 2018. Technical Assistance Workshops are scheduled for August 14 (Sacramento or webcast) and August 16 (Azusa).

The purpose of this program is to support the acquisition, restoration, protection, and development of river parkways. River Parkways are defined as outdoor areas adjacent to a river or stream, set apart to conserve scenic, natural, open space or recreational values to afford public access to open space, low impact recreational activities, and/or wildlife habitat. Projects must involve natural creeks, streams, and/or rivers, even if they flow only during the rainy season, or channelized or culverted creeks, streams, and/or rivers. Projects must provide public access or be a component of a larger parkway plan that provides public access. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount and no match required, though projects that leverage funding are more competitive.

Eligible projects include:

• Creation or expansion of trails for walking, bicycling, and/or equestrian activities that are compatible with other conservation objectives
• Improvement of existing river parkways by providing amenities such as picnic and rest areas or shade ramadas
• Conversion of channelized streams or rivers to a more historical flow pattern that will promote the structure, function, and dynamics of riparian and riverine habitat
• Acquisition of land that will be managed to increase the size and quality of existing riparian habitat
• Expansion of existing river parkway by acquiring adjacent lands to accommodate periodic flooding
• Restoration of land to natural floodplain forms, including wetland areas that will accommodate periodic flooding
• Conversion of riverfront land from industrial use into public multiuse areas, such as floodplains, wetlands, public trails, etc.
• Revitalization of urban neighborhoods by removing abandoned structures along the riverfront to provide open space river access for the public
• Construction of an overlook area for a restored wetland with interpretive signage, where the public can observe the project benefits
• Construction of a boardwalk adjacent to sensitive habitat to allow public viewing without disturbing flora or fauna

Sierra Nevada Conservancy
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER
August-September 2018

Funding Research Memos for fuel reduction, parks and trails, habitat preservation, environmental education, and other program areas are available on the SNC funding opportunities webpage. This is a great way to find funding opportunities for your projects!

Upcoming Grants that Might be of Interest:

• The Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program Agricultural Conservation Easement and Strategy and Outcome grant programs (due August 1) provide resources for agricultural land conservation.
• Glide Foundation Grants (due August 15) provide funding for animal protection, land and wildlife conservation, and wetland preservation.
• The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment: California Watershed Protection Fund (due August 17) supports projects designed to benefit the water quality of many of California’s watersheds and their ecosystems.
• BLM Youth Opportunities on Public Lands (no website, search for title on grants.gov – due August 17) funds qualified Youth Conservation Corps to provide hands-on youth learning opportunities in the fields of natural resources management, conservation, preservation, and protection.
• The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is accepting research concepts from the general public (due August 24). Submitted concepts will be reviewed to inform which projects may be funded in the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
• California Fire Safe Council’s Fire Prevention Grants (due August 30) focus on fire risk reduction activities by landowners and residents in at-risk communities to restore and maintain resilient landscapes and create fire-adapted communities.
• 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.
• 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 Wildlife Conservation Board’s Streamflow Enhancement Program (due September 4) 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.
• 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.
• The US Fish and Wildlife Service Tribal Wildlife Grant Program (due September 29) funds programs that benefit wildlife and their habitat, particularly species of tribal cultural or traditional importance.
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Project Learning Tree: GreenWorks! Grants (due September 30) provide up to $1,000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental service-learning projects that link classroom learning to the real world.
• The CA Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund grants (due October 1) 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.
• 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.
• S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants Program (due October 19) funds protection, restoration, and/or enhancement projects for wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.
• The Patagonia Foundation (rolling) funds small, grassroots, activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect the environment.

Is your project a part of your local Integrated Regional Water Management Plan? This could be important, not just to get IRWM funding, but to get advances on the newly passed Prop 68-funded grants. Section 80150 of the CA Public Resources Code states that projects included and implemented in an IRWM Plan may be eligible for advance payment of any Prop 68 grant awards if the project proponent is a nonprofit organization and the grant is for less than $1 million. Advance payment of grant funds is rare and can be very helpful in managing cash flow, so this is worth pursuing.  Contact your local Regional Water Management Group (your County should be able to give you a contact) for more information, or contact the IRWM Regional Office nearest to you.

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. Upcoming workshops are scheduled in Shasta and Amador counties, and additional workshops can be scheduled upon request.

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.