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Grant Funding Solutions

The goal of R.O. Anderson’s Grant Funding Solutions blog is to lead the discussion and provide thought leadership regarding grant applications, availability, funding and administration. We believe providing an open forum for discussion about grants and other alternative funding solutions will assist communities, agencies and private sector interests on how to successfully fund and implement their goals and objectives.

Riding the Rollercoaster of Funding Infrastructure Projects

February 17, 2012 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

Anticipation, nausea, trepidation, and excitement!  If I have learned anything, there are no guarantees in grant writing.  This has become even more evident in regards to grant funding amidst the continuing state and federal budget woes.

On February 7th, I attended the Nevada Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting only to learn that yet another funding program has been cut from the federal budget.  In FY 2012 FEMA’s National Pre-disaster Mitigation Fund was reduced from $49.9 Million in FY 2011 to $35.5 Million.  However, the FY 2013 budget proposes to completely eliminate funding for the Pre-disaster Mitigation Program.  While there are other programs that some mitigation activities are eligible under, funding to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to public infrastructure will now only be available through post disaster assistance under a Presidential major disaster declaration. This is a disappointing blow to those committed to breaking the damage/repair cycle to critical public infrastructure caused by natural disasters and their effects.

On the flipside of this rollercoaster, six months earlier than expected the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $500 Million in funding for the National Infrastructure Investments program.  Although not identical to previous TIGER Discretionary Grants, the program will continue to be referred to as TIGER 4.  Pre-applications are due by February 20, 2011 with full applications due March 19, 2011.  The purpose of the TIGER program is to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region.  DOT program goals include providing infrastructure that makes communities more livable and sustainable, strengthening the economy by creating jobs, and providing innovative ways to save on construction costs. This program appears to have picked up momentum and hopefully will provide for greater infrastructure investment for years to come.

As for what’s around the next bend, who knows!  But hold on as I am sure it will be a wild ride!

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Countdown to New Year 2012 Brings Grant Funding

December 21, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

As Christmas approaches and the year rapidly comes to a close, several funding agencies have already announced their application deadlines for the 2012 funding cycle.  So before you punch out for Christmas break, you may want to take look at some of the grant opportunities that will be rapidly approaching after the New Year.

Technical Assistance Workshops for Round Two of the SGC Sustainable Community Planning Grant and Incentive Program

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to receive financial assistance for the development, update, adoption and/or implementation of planning instruments for your community.  The Strategic Growth Council will be holding several workshops around the State of California in order to provide technical assistance to applicants.  R.O. Anderson staff will be attending on behalf of our clients.  Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2012.

Five Star Restoration Grant Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star Restoration Grant Program provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.  Application will be accepted until February 15, 2012, and average grant awards range from $20,000 to $25,000.

Feasibility Studies for Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

The Bureau of Reclamation is accepting applications until February 14, 2012, for the WaterSMART: Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program.  A 50% match is required and the maximum amount of federal funding is $150,000.  The program supports projects that develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply.

California Safe Routes to School Program Has Posted Call for Proposals 

The California Safe Routes to School Program provides reimbursement funding for capital projects that improve safety for children in grades K-12 who walk or bicycle to school.  $45 Million is available in 2012 for pedestrian facilities, traffic calming measures, installation of traffic control devices, construction of bicycle facilities, and public outreach/education/enforcement.  A 10% local match required and the maximum funding amount that can be requested is $450,000, for a total project cost of $500,000.  Proposals will be accepted through March 30, 2012.

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Water Conservation and Water Quality Grants Available

November 30, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

If your agency is in need of water service meters, establishing a baseline monitoring program for routine water quality monitoring, or has other water conservation and water quality needs, please take a look at the funding opportunities available below.

The Bureau of Reclamation is now accepting applications through January 19, 2012, for the WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grant program.  The program supports projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, benefit endangered and threatened species, facilitate water markets, or carry out other activities to address climate-related impacts on water or prevent any water-related crisis or conflict.  Eligible projects include canal lining/piping; municipal metering; irrigation flow measurement; SCADA and automation; groundwater recharge; installation of small-scale hydroelectric, solar-electric, wind energy, geothermal power systems; producing and using biomass or renewable fuels; and retrofitting or modernizing water management facilities or equipment to increase energy efficiency.

The Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) Urban Waters Grant Program will award up to $60,000 per project for research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and local priorities, such as water quality monitoring or mapping trails and other walkways along water bodies to identify gaps or areas where additional connectivity is needed.  Proposals for the Urban Small Waters Grant Program are due by January 23, 2012.  Webinars to assist applicants will be provided by EPA on December 14, 2011, and January 5, 2012.

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$49.7 Million Available for Local Levee Critical Repair and Local Levee Evaluation in California

November 10, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks 2 Comments

The Local Levee Assistance Program (LLAP) is accepting applications for levee evaluations and design and construction for critical levee repairs. Local Levee Critical Repair funding can be used to assist local flood management agencies with the repair of local flood control facilities, including but not limited to critically erosion-damaged levees, levees with unstable slopes, and other unstable facilities. Local Levee Evaluation funding is provided to assist local flood management agencies with the funding necessary to conduct surveys, hydrology and hydraulic studies, and geotechnical evaluations of levees that are at risk of failing. The application deadline is December 8, 2011.

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CA & NV Rural Communities Are Eligible for Solid Waste Management Grant

November 10, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grant Program  has been established to assist communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients. Qualified organizations will receive SWM grant funds to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas, and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.  SWM grants may be used to evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the operation and maintenance of active landfills; provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce the solid waste stream; and, provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development and implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements.  Applications will be accepted from October 1 through December 31 each year.

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Round Two of CA Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Now Open

November 10, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

The Strategic Growth Council is now accepting applications for round two of the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentive Program. Eligible entities include cities, counties, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Joint Powers Authorities, Regional Transportation Planning Agencies, and Councils of Governments. Applicants may receive from $100,000 to $1,000,000 to support development, adoption, and implementation of Sustainable Community planning elements throughout the State of California, including, but not limited to, Climate Action Plans and General Plan amendments. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2012.

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Follow the Funding Trail

October 6, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

California State Parks, Land and Water Conservation Fund , has $1,745,815 available for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities.  Applications will be accepted  through November 1, 2011.  Program priorities include trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, natural areas and cultural areas for recreational use.  Property acquired or developed under the program must be retained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation use.

The USDA Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Research Station has $3.75 million allocated for Applied Science Research in the Lake Tahoe Basin through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Through a competitive grant award program, the Tahoe Science Program  identifies and facilitates funding of research projects which improve the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin.  Proposals are being requested within the following four science themes:  1) Forest Health; 2) Watershed, Water Quality, and Habitat Restoration; 3) Air Quality; and, 4) Integrating Science Theme.  Applications will be accepted through November 14, 2011.

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HUD Sets Deadlines for Planning Grants

July 28, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published NOFA’s today that announced deadlines for two grants within the Sustainable Housing and Communities Program.  The first program, the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program, which we highlighted in our June/July 2011 R.O. Anderson Grant Oopportunities Report, has announced a pre-application deadline of August 25, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.  The full application will be due 30 to 45 days after the pre-application deadline.

The second program is the Community Challenge Planning Grant Program.  This program differs from the previous program in that it focuses on individual jurisdictions and more localized planning instead of regional planning efforts.  The program anticipates award of approximately $28.6 million, of which not less than $3 million will be awarded to eligible applicants with populations of less than 50,000.  Individual awards will range from $100,000 to $3 million and a 20 percent match is required.  Applications are due by September 9, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.  The Community Challenge Planning Grant’s focus is to improve regional planning efforts that integrate housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental infrastructure.

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Sustainable Communities Grant Announced by HUD

July 13, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

Advanced Notice Preps Applicants for HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan recently announced the approaching second round of the HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program for FY2011. The program will invest $67 million in projects that create stronger, more sustainable communities that connect housing to jobs while fostering local innovation and building a clean energy economy.

HUD has posted an advance notice of requirements for the FY2011 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program.  The application cycle has not been opened yet.  However, the purpose of the notification is to allow potential applicants the opportunity to review the requirements and prepare for the application in advance of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFA).

You can read more about the HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program and other open funding opportunities in our June/July 2011 ROA GO Report.

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The Perfect Match

June 15, 2011 By Stephanie Hicks Leave a Comment

Partnerships and collaboration play a large part in many funding programs and in fact are often part of the required selection criterion.  Most federal grant programs assess projects based on involvement of non-federal partners and the use of non-federal funds.  Funding agencies will give priority or higher ranking to projects that receive financial commitments from a broad range of partners including state and local governments, other public entities, and private or non-profit groups.

But before funding agencies will invest their resources in a project, they must have assurance that required match funds will be secured.  Therefore, match commitment letters need to provide a level of detail that ensures the funding agency that the commitment can be met.  In-kind services should be broken down to define the type of services provided, the position or job classification that will be providing the services, hourly compensation for the position or job classification, and the number of hours of work to be performed.  Cash contributions should be documented to provide the cash amount, funding source, and date the funds will be available.

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