Illinois Ethanol Fueling Facility Funds

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich recently announced the availability of $500,000 to establish new E85 facilities at retail gasoline outlets throughout the state. E85 is a blend of gasoline with 70 to 85 percent ethanol for use in flexible fuel vehicles, which are designed to burn E85, unleaded gasoline, or any combination of the two fuels. Illinois' E85 program, run by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will provide up to $2,000 to convert an existing refueling facility to E85 operation, or up to $40,000 for the construction of a new E85 refueling facility.

USDA Conservation Security Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that its Conservation Security Program (CSP) will start accepting sign-ups from farmer and ranchers on March 28, 2004. Although the program is primarily meant to support ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands, this year's program sign-up includes a renewable energy and energy efficiency component. Eligible producers will receive compensation for conducting energy audits, for cutting their energy use, for converting to renewable energy fuels (such as biodiesel or ethanol), and for implementing renewable energy production, including methane production as well as wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal energy.

2006 Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellowships

Inspired by Aldo Leopold's plain-spoken yet science-based approach to conservation, the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program trains environmental scientists to communicate their work effectively to a variety of lay audiences. The call for applications for the program is now open. Each year up to 20 academic environmental scientists are selected to receive intensive experiential training, expert consultation, and peer networking. Leopold Leadership Fellows hone skills to better communicate the science associated with complex environmental issues to the media, policy makers, business leaders and other non-scientists. Applications are due April 25, 2005.

Alcan Sustainability Prize

The $1-million Alcan Prize for Sustainability recognizes not-for-profit, civil society, and non-governmental organizations for their contributions to economic, environmental and/or social sustainability. Created in 2004 in association with the International Business Leaders Forum, this sustainability prize is one of the world's most significant, privately-funded awards. Prize recipients are selected based on an evaluation by an independent, high-level, international panel of distinguished judges. Applications are due March 31, 2005.

Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative

Bank of America Charitable Investments has designated $17 million for its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. The initiative consists of three distinct programs – Neighborhood Buildners, Local Heroes, and Student Leaders - and is designed to recognize, nurture, and reward organizations, local heroes, and student leaders helping to rebuild and revitalize communities where Bank of America does business. Applicants must address their local market’s priority needs through their work in order to be eligible for grant funding. Applications are due by 8:00 p.m. ET on June 30, 2005.

EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant Program

The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program is a relatively new EPA program designed to encourage successful community-based approaches and management techniques to protect and restore the nation's waters. The grants are awarded to watershed organizations and coalitions that are in the best position to make on-the-ground improvements to water quality. EPA is calling on the Nation's governors and tribal leaders to submit nominations for projects to compete for a share of $10 million in Targeted Watersheds Grants. Grant awards will range from $600,000 to $900,000, and a 25% non-federal match is required. The deadline for submitting nomination proposals is May 19, 2005.

Environmental Justice Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests applications for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. This program provides assistance to community based organizations that are working on local solutions to local environmental and/or public health problems. Proposals are due April 4, 2005.

Market-based Approaches to Reducing GHG Emissions through Building Energy Efficiency

The EPA has issued a request for proposals for Market-based Approaches to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Energy Efficiency in Homes and Buildings. This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals to advance national, regional, and local energy efficiency programming by utilizing market-based approaches to program design and delivery. Proposals submitted for consideration should: (1) identify unique constituencies and approaches or channels for working with stakeholders; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the technologies and market structure for delivery of the technologies, or best practices, to end users; (3) identify market barriers to greater adoption of energy efficient technologies, or best practices; and (4) delineate strategies for overcoming barriers identified. Estimated total program funding is $1.35 million. Proposals must be received by 4:00 p.m. EST on May 27, 2005.

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs

The National Science Foundation requests R&D applications from small businesses for the Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR/STTR). Project proposals should either result in commercial application, greatly enhance the ability of scientists and engineers to conduct fundamental or applied research, or meet an important social need. Some $17.5 million isexpected to be available, with 150 awards anticipated. Responses are due June 8, 2005.

Green Power Partnership Funding

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Renewable Energy Trust has issued a $25 million request for renewable energy project proposals. The program provides long-term funding commitments to purchase renewable energy certificates and other price supports that are critical to for clean energy projects seeking permanent financing to build new clean power plants such as wind, hydroelectric power and biomass. This is the second round of funding from the Trust’s Massachusetts Green Power Partnership. Proposals are due March 18, 2005.

EPA Region 7 Earth Day Grants

EPA Region 7 is accepting proposals from local agencies, state agencies, environmental groups and not-for-profit organizations for financial assistance to help communities celebrate Earth Day 2005 and fund activities throughout the year. Proposals should range from $500 to $2,500, for activities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Proposals are due March 18.

Awards for Reporting on the Environment

The Society of Environmental Journalists requests entries for its Awards for Reporting on the Environment. Reporters who cover health, politics, science, energy, local government, or any other beat are encouraged to enter work on an environmental subject. The contest honors outstanding work appearing in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and online services, as well as from radio and television. Work is honored in nine categories, each with a $1,000 prize. Submitted work must have been aired or published between March 1, 2004, and February 28, 2005. Responses are due April 2005.

EPA Region 8 Indoor Air Quality Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 is soliciting Proposals for the following indoor air quality (IAQ) program areas: to implement EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools Program, to implement asthma education and awareness projects, and to promote awareness of the dangers of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). All proposals must be postmarked or delivered to EPA Region 8 by April 25, 2005.

Industrial Plant Assessment Funds

The U.S. Department of Energy DOE has announced that $1 million in new funds are available to help industrial plants find ways to save energy. The new solicitation offers up to $100,000 per facility to carry out a plant-wide assessment to examine energy-intensive processes, determine which plant systems offer the greatest energy savings potential, and identify specific actions to achieve those savings. Proposals are due by May 3, 2005.

USDA Value-Added Producer Grants, Priority for Bioenergy Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service has announced the availability of $14.3 million in grants that will support the development of value-added agriculture business ventures. Priority consideration will be given to those grant applications that have at least 51 percent of project costs dedicated to activities for a bio-energy project. RBS requests proposals from eligible independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures interested in a competitively-awarded grant to fund one of the following two activities: (1) Planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product (e.g. conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan); or (2) acquire working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. ET on May 6, 2005.

Michigan Cool Cities Grant Program

Michigan's Cool Cities program has issued a Request for Proposals for four programs: Cool Cities Neighborhoods in Progress, Cool Cities Michigan Main Street, Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Downtowns, and Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Neighborhoods. Various programs are open to eligible municipalities, local governments or nonprofits. Selected applicants will receive technical assistance, matching funds, or grants of $100,000 under one program. A notice of intent to apply for any of the four programas is due online by March 11, 2005.

PATH Grants

The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Partnership for Advancing Technologies in Housing (PATH). PATH's mission is to advance technology innovation in the homebuilding industry in order to improve housing value and performance. Areas of interest are: 1) Construction Management and Production; 2) Structural Design and Materials; 3) Building Enclosures, Energy, and Indoor Air Quality; 4) Community and Economic Impacts of Housing Technology; and 5) Systems Interactions and Whole House Approaches. Proposals are due April 19, 2005.

Fannie Mae Foundation Affordable Housing Competitive Grants

The Fannie Mae Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that: produce and preserve homes that working families can afford in cities, states, and larger regions of the United States; give people the information and skills they need to become - and to remain - homeowners; and shape the public discussion of affordable housing so policymakers understand that affordable homes beautify neighborhoods, stabilize communities, and energize local economies. The foundation is accepting competitive grant proposals through March 31, 2005.

Million Solar Roofs Initiative Grants for State and Local Partnerships

DOE is soliciting grant applications from state and local partnerships of its Million Solar Roofs program. The funding will assist the partnerships in developing and implementing programs to further the use of solar energy on buildings and eliminate barriers. Applications are due April 13, 2005.

Social and Economic Development Strategies for Native Americans

The Administration for Native Americans, within the Administration for Children and Families, announces the availability of fiscal year 2005 funds for new community-based projects under ANA's Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) for Native Americans program. ANA's FY 2005 SEDS goals and areas of interest are focused on strengthening Children, Families, and communities through community-based organizations, tribes, and Village governments. ANA's policy is based on three interrelated goals: economic development, social development and governance. Among the numerous program areas of interest for this funding are feasibility studies for renewable energy, and projects to develop and enhance subsistence activities that retain, or re-establish Native traditional foods and or byproducts of natural resources for local and commercial markets. Applications are due April 19, 2005.

The Nature of Learning Environmental Education Grants Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Conservation Training Center, The Keystone Center, and National Wildlife Refuge Association, is pleased to solicit applications from organizations interested in initiating or expanding The Nature of Learning in their communities. The Nature of Learning is the National Wildlife Refuge System’s new community-based environmental education initiative that seeks to: use National Wildlife Refuges as outdoor classrooms to promote a greater understanding of local conservation issues; encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning that seeks to enhance student academic achievement; utilize field experiences and student-led stewardship projects to connect classroom lessons to real world issues; and involve a partnership among local schools, community groups, natural resource professionals and local businesses.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to support start-up expenses associated with new programs. In addition, grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to provide continued support to existing Nature of Learning programs. Applications must be postmarked by June 15, 2005.

A+ for Energy Grant Program

The 2005 A+ for Energy grant program awards $2 million in grants and scholarships to California K-12 teachers to implement creative and innovative educational programs to teach students about energy and energy conservation. The grants are presented directly to teachers who submit creative classroom, after-school, extra-curricular or summer activities focused on energy education and/or energy conservation, in increments of $5,000 or $10,000. Any K-12 teacher currently teaching in a California public or private school is eligible to submit an application. Deadline for submissions is April 4, 2005.

Grainger Challenge Prize for Sustainability

The National Academy of Engineering is offering the Grainger Challenge Prize for Sustainability—$1 million to the individual or individuals who design(s) and create(s) a workable, sustainable, economical, point-of-use water treatment system for arsenic-contaminated groundwater in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and other developing countries. The Grainger Challenge Prize will be awarded in February 2007.

Ford and National Geographic Radical Renovation School Edition

Ford Motor Company is joining forces with National Geographic to challenge American grade schoolers to get "green." Ford's Radical Renovation: School Edition initiative launches today and asks students how they'd make their school more environmentally friendly. Ford is calling on elementary school students to develop a fun plan to make their campus more environmentally responsible. The winning class will receive $100,000 from Ford to make its vision a reality. Entries are due April 7, 2005.

Dept. of Education FLAP Program

The U.S. Department of Education's Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) provides grants to State educational agencies for innovative model programs providing for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of foreign language study for elementary and secondary school students. A State educational agency that receives a grant under this program must use the funds to support programs that promote systemic approaches to improving foreign language learning in the State. For FY05, priority will be given to applications describing programs that are carried out through a consortium comprised of the agency receiving the grant and an elementary or secondary school. Estimated total program funding is $2 million. Applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by February 28, 2005. Final applications are due by March 25, 2005.

Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service announces the availability of grant funds and requests applications for the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) for fiscal year (FY) 2005 1) to support the development of Community Food Projects (termed Community Food Projects) with a one-time infusion of Federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining and 2) for projects that provide Training and Technical Assistance on a nationwide or regional basis to entities interested in developing new Community Food Projects or assisting current grantees.  The primary objectives of the program are to increase the food self-reliance of communities; promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues; develop innovative linkages between the public, for-profit, and nonprofit food sectors; and encourage long-term planning activities and comprehensive multi-agency approaches.  Community Food Projects are intended to bring together stakeholders from the distinct parts of the food system. Deadline for applications is March 30, 2005.

Food Quality Protection Act Grant Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests applications for the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Grant Program. The FQPA Program supports transition efforts by growers to more environmentally sound pest-management practices. Special emphasis will be on sustainable agriculture farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. Responses are due March 4, 2005.

FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program Solicitation

The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for technology development projects and Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) Centers of Excellence. The goal of the technology development is to further the efficiency of internal combustion engines, while meeting emissions regulations, through R&D of low temperature combustion regimes such as homogeneous charge compression ignition; emission control devices; technologies to enhance engine efficiency; and advanced fuel formulations. The goal of GATE is to overcome technology barriers preventing the development and production of cost effective, high efficiency vehicles for the U.S. market by training a future workforce of automotive engineering professionals. Some $7.5 million expected to be available, with up to 16 awards anticipated. Proposals are due March 10, 2005.

Conservation Innovation Grants -- Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces the availability of up to $5 million for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  This funding is in addition to the $15 million announced on Jan. 11, 2005, for the CIG nationwide competition for fiscal year 2005. The CCC will accept applications for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, submitted to NRCS from eligible entities, including Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, State and local governments, and non-governmental organizations and individuals.  The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals or guides, or to the private sector. Applications are due March 28, 2005.

National Center for Smart Growth Doctoral Research Assistantships

The National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland is offering one or more research assistantships for incoming doctoral students in Urban Studies and Planning, Public Policy or Community Health, who have interests in one or more of the following areas: public health, urban form/built environment, land use and travel behavior. The students will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of faculty and students on a multi-year study examining connections between the physical environment and levels of physical activity in adolescents. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and should possess or be willing to develop skills in GIS and statistical methods. For additional information and questions, please contact Kelly Clifton kclifton@umd.edu.

Truck Stop CO2 Reduction Funding

The Climate Trust requests proposals for truck stop electrified parking projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions from idling by diesel trucks at truck stops in Oregon and Washington. The Climate Trust's intent is to purchase the carbon dioxide emission reductions generated from the projects. Proposals must be submitted by the intended owner of the truck stop electrified parking technology and the technology must be located at truck stops in Oregon or Washington to be eligible for funding. Responses are due February 16, 2005.

Environmental Justice and Air Permitting Workshops

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests proposals for work that includes but is not limited to developing and delivering a training workshop that increases the awareness within environmental justice communities of permitting programs that affect air quality. Some $80K expected to be available, with one award anticipated. More information is available at the above website. Refer to Sol# OAR-OAQPS-ITPID-05-02. Proposals are due March 1, 2005.

Florida Urban and Community Forestry Grants

As part of the federal government’s Urban and Community Forestry Matching Grant Program, funds will be available to organizations to develop or enhance urban and community forestry programs. Awards will be made as 50-50 matching grants (50 percent federal, 50 percent applicant) to local governments, educational institutions, Native-American tribal governments, and legally organized nonprofit (volunteer) organizations. Proposals are due by March 1, 2005.

Community Fire Management Plan Funding for the Northwest

Federal multi-agency Community Assistance Grant program funds are available for the Pacific Northwest under the National Fire Plan (NFP). This grant combines four funding programs into one process. The four combined programs are: 1) Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fuels Treatments Projects; 2) WUI Community Risk Assessment and Fire Protection Planning; 3) WUI Prevention & Education Projects; and 4) Fuels Utilization and Marketing Projects. Eligible projects include development of strategic community fire risk and mitigation plans; planning and implementation of fuels treatments in the wildland-urban interface; small diameter and biomass utilization and marketing demonstrations; and fire prevention and education activities. Counties, cities, state and local government agencies, federally recognized Tribes, universities, colleges, and state-chartered non-profit organizations in Oregon and Washington. Applications are due February 11, 2005. All applicants must apply through the Pacific Northwest NFP Web site.

USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants

This annual U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program seeks to strengthen institutional capacities to improve teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences or in rural economic, community, and business development. Funding is available for promoting healthier food choices and lifestyles, preparing academic leadership for sustainable change and reshaping curricula for a changing agricultural system, and field-based internships.Approximately $5.5 million is expected to be available for awards ranging up to $400,000. One-to-one dollar matching required. Applications are due February 3, 2005.

State Energy Program Special Projects Funds

The U.S. Department of Energy announces its intent to request proposals for State Energy Program (SEP) Special Projects. The goal Special Projects is to assist States, D.C., and the Territories to accelerate deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies; facilitate the acceptance of emerging and underutilized energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies; and increase the responsiveness of Federally funded technology development efforts to private sector needs. Applications must be submitted by the State or Territorial Energy Office responsible for administering the State Energy Program formula grant. The RFP is scheduled to open in early February 2005 and will be available at the above link. Proposals are due April 22, 2005.

Pollution Prevention Grant Program, EPA Region 2

Projects funded under this program must seek to reduce sources of pollution or eliminate waste across all environmental media--air, land and water. This program is focused on institutionalizing multimedia pollution prevention as an environmental management priority, establishing prevention goals, providing direct technical assistance to businesses, conducting outreach, and collecting and analyzing data. States, agencies, universities and tribes are eligible to apply for grants up to $100,000. Matching funds are required. Proposals are due by March 15, 2005.

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Grants

Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting grant applications for watershed protection through the state’s Growing Greener Program. Growing Greener funds are distributed between four state agencies; over the life of the program, DEP will allocate more than $545 million in grants for watershed restoration and protection, abandoned mine reclamation, and abandoned oil and gas well plugging projects. These projects can include: watershed assessments and development of watershed restoration or protection plans; implementation of watershed restoration or protection projects (stormwater management wetlands, riparian buffer fencing and planting, streambank restoration (especially FGM), agricultural BMPs); construction of mine drainage remediation systems; reclamation of previously mined lands; and demonstration/education projects and outreach activities. Grants are also available for technical assistance and for new and innovative technologies. These grants will support local projects to clean up non-point sources of pollution throughout Pennsylvania. Proposals are due by March 4, 2005.

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

The Natural Resources Conservation Service, on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation and using its authorities, requests proposals from federally recognized Indian tribes, States, units of local government, and nongovernmental organizations to cooperate in the acquisition of conservation easements on farms and ranches. Eligible land includes farm and ranch land that has prime, unique, or other productive soil, or that contains historical or archaeological resources. These lands must also be subject to a pending offer from eligible entities for the purpose of protecting topsoil by limiting conversion of that land to nonagricultural uses. Over $78 million in FRPP funds is available to purchase conservation easements in fiscal year 2005. Proposals must be received in the NRCS State Office by April 5, 2005.

Concept Studies for Distributed Wind Technologies

DOE intends to provide financial support for the development of small wind turbine technology. The low wind speed, small wind turbine development activities are planned as grants to industry, and guided by several principles: 1) supporting industry in the innovation of small wind technology; 2) aligning DOE's Wind Program research and testing activities to support small turbine research; 3) continuous coordination of the resulting projects and related supporting research to guide program portfolio planning and technology transfer; and 4) use of regular project reviews and analytical metrics for assessing performance, continued applicability of the research, and funding. DOE is soliciting applications for small wind turbine concept studies that demonstrate the potential for improvements in cost, reliability, and performance in grid-connected applications at low wind speed regimes. Applications are due March 2, 2005.

Portland Green Investment Fund

The City of Portland requests proposals for innovative, high performance green building strategies. Funded through the City of Portland’s Green Investment Fund (GIF), this grant program is designed to help offset incremental the costs of demonstration commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use building projects that achieve a high level of environmental performance through multi-faceted design, progressive technologies, and best practices. The Green Investment Fund is a partnership between the City of Portland's Office of Sustainable Development, Bureaus of Water and Environmental Services and the Energy Trust of Oregon. Proposals are due February 15, 2005.

EPA New England 2005 Water Quality Cooperative Agreements

EPA will fund projects relating to water quality, including "research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the cause, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution." Water Quality Cooperative Agreement funds are for innovation, not ongoing operation of programs, systems, equipment or construction of infrastructure, except to a limited degree to demonstrate innovative prevention or removal of pollution. Applications are due February 28, 2005.

Industrial Efficiency Funds

The Bonneville Power Administration seeks offers for contract services to promote the development and implementation of conservation projects, which include but are not limited to energy audits, feasibility studies, plant assessments, conservation project identification and implementation, and measurement and verification. While the major focus of this effort will be on electrical energy conservation in industrial facilities, Bonneville may also take advantage of the contractor's full range of resources and expertise in commercial and agricultural facilities. Responses are due January 7, 2005.

Impact of Climate Change & Variability on Human Health Research Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Research and National Center for Environmental Assessment, in cooperation with the EPA Global Change Research Program, announces an extramural funding competition supporting research on the consequences for human health of global change - including climate, climate variability, land-use, economic development, and technology. Under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, the United States Climate Change Science Program (USCCSP) is required to undertake scientific assessments of the potential consequences of global change for the United States. EPA is interested in the analysis of health outcomes that may be affected by future global changes and a better understanding of the consequences of global change for human health. The two priority research areas for this solicitation are: 1) heat- and cold-related illnesses; and 2) waterborne diseases.

EPA Wetland Program Development Grants for Region 2

The Wetland Program Development Grants provide states, tribes, local governments, and others an opportunity to develop and refine wetlands programs. This solicitation seeks proposals that support the development of a comprehensive wetland monitoring and assessment program. EPA encourages the submission of proposals that will develop and demonstrate the use of wetland monitoring surveys to evaluate and report trends in wetland area and condition for specific watersheds and other local planning areas. Eligible applicants in EPA Region 2 are invited to apply. Proposals are due February 14, 2005.

US-Mexico Border 2012 Program

USDA-DOE Biomass Research and Development Initiative

California Energy Innovations Small Grant Program

Green Communities Initiative Grant Guidelines

A new low-interest loan program is designed to help Minnesota interested in growing short-rotation woody crops such as poplar trees for harvest. The Agroforestry Advance Loan Fund was created by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and several partners to deliver the environmental and economic benefits of poplar trees and other perennial cover crops or alternative crops. The loans offer a low 4-percent interest rate. Approximately $219,000 is initially available through the program, and organizers hope to add more loan capacity over time. The first signup period runs from December 1, 2004, to February 1, 2005.

NOFA: Community Development Financial Institutions Program

This NOFA is issued in connection with the FY 2005 funding round of the Financial Assistance (FA) Component of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. Through the FA Component, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (the Fund) provides FA awards and technical assistance (TA) grants to CDFIs that have Comprehensive Business Plans for creating demonstrable community development impact through the deployment of capital within their respective Target Markets for community development purposes. Through this NOFA, the Fund makes funding available to Applicants that meet the requirements of either of two categories: (i) Category I/Small and Emerging CDFI Assistance (SECA), and (ii) Category II/Core & Sustainable CDFI Assistance (Core). Applications are due on February 24, 2005.

National Network for Environmental Management Studies Fellowship Program

The Environmental Protection Agency established the National Network for Environmental Management Studies (NNEMS) Fellowship program in 1986 to foster a growing interest among higher education students in environmental careers. The NNEMS program is a comprehensive fellowship program that provides students an opportunity to participate in a fellowship project that is directly related to their field of study. The NNEMS program is sponsored by EPA’s Office of Environmental Education (OEE). Applications are January 15, 2005.

2005 Alaska Coastal Conservation Grants RFP

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Alaska Region Coastal Program is soliciting proposals for cooperative coastal projects with an emphasis on the watersheds of south-central and southeast Alaska. Projects may involve habitat protection, restoration, assessment, applied research, habitat focused outreach education, or other work benefiting coastal ecosystems. We will give priority to projects which best meet the Coastal Program's mission to protect, restore, and promote sustainable public stewardship of coastal ecosystems for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people. The program seeks to catalyze broad, innovative conservation partnerships. Applications are due February 15, 2005.

Solid Waste and Emergency Response Innovation Pilots

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests applications for Solid Waste and Emergency Response Innovation Pilots. Areas of interest include testing innovative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling, restoring contaminated sites, and homeland security related to chemical emergency, preparedness, and response that may be replicated across various sectors, industries, communities, and regions. Responses are due January 14, 2005.

Community Forestry Research Fellowships

The U.S. Community Forestry Research Fellowship (CFRF) Program provides fellowships to graduate students to support their field work in communities in the United States. The fellowship program is open to all students enrolled in degree-granting programs in the social sciences or related natural resource sciences at any institution of higher learning. The graduate program provides three types of fellowships: (1) M.A. – up to $7,000 for 3 to 6 months of field work in a U.S. community; (2) Predissertation – $2,000 to support summer visits to potential field sites; (3) Dissertation – up to $15,000 for 9 to 12 months of field work in a U.S. community. Field work must be participatory. Fellows must work actively with members of the community in which they are conducting research to engage them in the research process. Applications are due February 1, 2005.

National Forest Foundation Grants

The National Forest Foundation is committed to facilitating grassroots participation in forest stewardship and the rebuilding of sustainable regional economies. The foundation has several grant programs, including Matching Awards Program, Community Assistance Program, and Wilderness Stewardship Challenge. Deadlines vary by program. See the website above for details.

Funding to Evaluate High-Performance Hospitals

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance seeks professional services to evaluate its High-Performance Hospitals Partnership being conducted under the Commercial Sector Initiative. Responses are due December 9, 2004.

EPA Region 10 Indoor Air Grants RFP

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 is soliciting Initial Proposals from organizations to fund indoor air quality (IAQ) projects that address any of the five grant program priority areas: implementation of EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools program; indoor asthma trigger education and exposure reduction; environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) education and exposure reduction; general IAQ training, education, and outreach; and multi-priority IAQ projects (i.e., projects that address more than one of these priority areas). Approximately $200,000 in funding is available. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 8, 2005.

Tribal Clean Air Act Grant Program: 2005 Request for Proposals

The purpose of this grant program is to provide funding for tribal air pollution control programs and projects which support tribal air quality assessment and the development of tribal air program capacity. Funds are available for tribal air grants under Sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). All grant activities must be related to air pollution and/or air pollution control. In addition, the goal of these grants is to assist tribes in developing the capacity to manage their own air quality programs in accordance with their individual needs. Proposals are due January 25, 2005.

Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests applications for the Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program. Project proposals should focus on the achievement of pollution prevention through purchasing policies and practices and/or through the integration of pollution prevention concepts into state, regional, or tribal regulatory programs, e.g. air, water, hazardous waste programs. Responses are due December 15, 2004.

North Gulf Coast Initiative

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is accepting proposals for projects that will benefit living marine resources throughout the North Gulf Coast Region. The North Gulf Coast Initiative (NGCI) is a new program to encourage community-based restoration projects that will benefit living marine resources throughout the North Gulf Coast Region extending from Apalachicola Bay (FL) across the Mississippi Sound (MS, LA), with an initial focus on Mobile Bay. NGCI community-based restoration projects will develop priority projects by leveraging public dollars and bringing together local resources to support restoration projects to benefit marine and anadromous species and marine and coastal habitats. Project pre-proposals are due January 7, 2005.

USGBC Greenbuild International Conference & Expo RFP

The U.S. Green Building Council is requesting bids from qualified parties to develop and manage the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo educational program. In 2004, the conference and expo was held in Portland, OR with over 8,000 registered attendees and 500 exhibits. It is anticipated that at least 10,000 people will attend the event scheduled for November 9-11, 2005 in Atlanta. Future locations will also strive to emphasize local partners active in green buildings, as well conference centers which demonstrate resource-sensitive practices such as on-site recycling and water conserving options for hotel guests. Deadline for submission is December 10, 2004.

Tribal College Research Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests applications from Tribal Colleges to conduct agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal, national, or multi-state significance. Eligible institutions may propose projects in any discipline of the food and agricultural sciences. There are no limits on the specific subject matter/emphasis areas to be supported. Responses are due December 10, 2004.

Water and Wastewater Project Revolving Loan Fund

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests applications for establishing a revolving loan fund for: 1) Pre-development costs associated with proposed water and wastewater projects or with existing water and wastewater systems; and 2) Short-term costs incurred for replacement equipment, small-scale extension of services, or other small capital projects that are not part of the regular operations and maintenance activities of existing water and wastewater systems. Responses are due December 6, 2004.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants

The purpose of the 1989 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), as amended, is to promote long-term conservation of North American wetland ecosystems, and the waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish and wildlife that depend upon such habitat. Principal conservation actions supported by NAWCA are acquisition, establishment, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and wetland-associated uplands. In conjunction with the Standard Grants program, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) has created a Small Grants program. The objective is to promote long-term wetlands conservation activities through encouraging participation by new grantees and partners who otherwise may not be able to compete in the Standard Grants program. For 2005 the Council is establishing a $2 million Small Grants funding goal for high quality proposals. To be considered for funding in 2005, proposals must have a grant request no greater than $50,000. Proposals are due by December 3, 2004.

2005 National Scenic Byways Program

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued the FY 2005 solicitation for proposals under the National Scenic Byways Program. Under this program, the Secretary of Transportation may make grants to States to implement projects on roads designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads, or as State scenic byways. The Secretary may also make grants to States to plan, design, and develop a State scenic byway program. Eligible projects must be from one of the eight eligible activities: State Programs, Corridor Management Plans, Safety Improvements, Byway Facilities, Access to Recreation, Resource Protection, Interpretive Information, or Marketing. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate the relationship of the project to the byway, benefit the byway traveler, and leverage funds from multiple funding sources. The Federal share of the byway project grant is generally 80 percent. Federal agencies, tribal governments, local units of government, and nonprofit organizations may apply to this program, but must coordinate their applications with their State Departments of Transportation (DOT).

Santa Barbara Solar Loan Program

The Santa Barbara County (California) Federal Credit Union has developed a new solar loan program to help its members install solar energy systems on their homes. Loans can be as much as $15,000. For more information, call the credit union at 805-682-3357.

California Urban Stream Restoration Program

The Urban Streams Restoration Program administered by the California Department of Water Resources assists communities in reducing damages from stream bank and watershed instability and floods while restoring the environmental and aesthetic values of streams, and encourages stewardship and maintenance of streams by the community. The Urban Streams Program will be making applications available for $4.5 million in Proposition 40 funding in November 2004.

StEPP Foundation

The StEPP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides funding for energy-efficiency and pollution-prevention projects. The Foundation is dedicated to helping organizations realize their vision of a clean and safe environment by nationally matching projects with funders. The StEPP Foundation provides project oversight to enhance the success of projects increasing the number of energy efficiency, clean energy ,and pollution prevention projects implemented at the local, state and national levels for the benefit of the public. Website lists current funding opportunities.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Solar Rebates

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) is offering rebates on residential solar energy systems. The rebates will lower the cost of the systems by approximately half. CCEF has $1.8 million available for solar power rebates, which can go as high as $25,000 per home.

Pacific Gas & Electric Residential Rebate Program

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of the largest utilities in California, announced that it has reopened its popular program of energy efficiency rebates for residences. The utility has an additional $6.5 million in funds to keep the rebates flowing until the end of the year. PG&E closed the program in early July for lack of funds, but recently earned approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to redirect some unspent funds toward the rebate program.

Minnesota Time-Sensitive Environmental Assistance Grants

The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) has set aside funds for time sensitive projects for FY2005. Grant requests must be less than $10,000. The grant request must not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the project. The OEA has a minimum of $120,000 available to award for time sensitive grants. Projects must be measurable and address one of the priority project areas, which relate to pollution prevention, sustainable resource use, and various other environmental goals. Applications for a time sensitive grant should not be submitted without prior discussion with OEA staff, as indicated in the grant application. Projects will be evaluated and awarded on an ongoing, first come basis, until all funds have been expended.