2011-01 FundBook January Issue by The FundBook

The FundBook January 2011

In search of

water infrastructure funding p.12

View from the capitol: Wrapping up 2010 p.8

Upcoming grants timeline p.26

By the numbers: Water- related accounts with increasing grant funds p.10

Actionable funding information, visible results.

Articles

Grants news in brief

View from the Capitol Wrapping up 2010

Perspective from the Hill Staff from EPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clean and Drinking Water Program on State Revolving Funds

17 20

Upcoming grant events & conferences On the docket Federal legislation affecting grants

21 22

Grants in Focus: Build America Bonds Expire

Perspective from the Hill Jay Fletcher from USDA discusses water & environmental programs

Editorial By James Alfano

Featured grants:

Rural Innovation Fund Program (p.41) Due: Feb 28, 2011

This program provides support to address the problems of concentrated rural housing distress and community poverty.

January to-do list: Evaluate what federal assistance is available for clean water and drinking water programs Visit our Legislative Desk to determine your next step towards working with your delegation (p.18) Review grants section to see if any current opportunities match your needs (p.26-50)

Features

10 18

By the numbers: No earmarks, but grants increase, Part 2

In search of water infrastructure funding

The Legislative Desk

How to interact with your elected

Timeline of currently available grants for local governments

WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (p.39) Due: Feb 17, 2011

This program promotes projects that save water, improve energy efficiency, address endangered species and other environmental issues, and facilitate transfers to new uses.

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program (p.41) Due: Feb 4, 2011

Funds provided through this program are to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards through pre-emptive activities.

Foreword Dear Reader, We hope that you’ve enjoyed a great holiday season, and have made some productive resolutions for the New Year. While many local governments will continue to face fiscal difficulties in 2011, the beauty of America is the initiative and creative resolve with which we will solve those problems. While tough times will pass, this year is likely to be a trying time for federal assistance to local governments. The Republican takeover of the House of Representatives is expected to lead to trimmed budgets and even some cut grant programs. In 2011 you can expect to see many of the programs local governments make use of — Preserve America, Promise/Choice Neighborhoods, and even formula disbursements — come up on the chopping block. Even if a program is not dissolved, many will likely have reduced funding as the House’s republican majority pushes hard to reduce budget outlays. However, it is our goal to provide you with the information to make effective decisions, and prioritize your efforts to seek federal funding. Our staff has been working and researching tirelessly during the holidays to ensure that the January 2011 issue is the sole source of information you need. In this month’s issue of the FundBook, our staff provides in depth information on how one can pursue assistance for water-related projects. Additionally, in Part 2 of an ongoing By the Numbers series we examine various water-related federally funded programs and how they are likely to change without the presence of earmarks. In addition to actionable water project information, this issue of The Legislative Desk (p. 18), provides you with best practices concerning how to stay in touch with your congressional delegation, and downloadable letter templates which will reduce your own time spent putting communications together. With this overview of what important dates are upcoming, your community will stay abreast of the legislative process and be able to use it to influence those developments more effectively. As always, we provide the latest regarding available grants for the over 40 federal grants currently available to local governments. In addition to analysis of legislative developments affecting national grant programs, we keep you aware of important announcements, conferences, and webinar dates where grant program decisions will be made. We promise that our articles will be clear, concise, and informative, and we look forward to assisting you now and in the future. Cheers to a new year!

Sincerely, Toby Hicks, Editor

The FundBook

Actionable funding information, visible results.

The purpose of The FundBook is to empower Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local governments by increasing their awareness of, and ability to pursue, federal financial assistance for local projects. This is via a monthly publication which describes federal programs that are currently available, how to best pursue available funds, and trends in federal funding for projects relevant to local governments. Our product is designed to be the most user-friendly federal funding awareness resource for all sizes of local government.

â&#x20AC;˘ In-depth articles with analyses and recommendations of how to pursue federal funding for different capital improvement projects. â&#x20AC;˘ A single local governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subscription can be sent monthly to as many full-time staff as requested.

â&#x20AC;˘ Dual focus on both grants and appropriations for expanded options and security. ur e yo h a n c fl e e t le to e n d in g tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s ve h ic n fu en in g F in d g ove r n m l lo c a Dem nom g elop Proje men ct G t rant Proc ess

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of %0 . " %0%2! )1 ( %/ 10! 7?6+ .<3@/8 &/-/8> -2+81/= +D+<. "3>31+>398 ==3=>+8-/ >2+> </.?-/ 9< /63738+>/ >2/ 6981 -977?83>C 2+= ,//8 3./8>303/. !* * !2+@/ %* .! ' chanc 2127.#6+10 &&+6+10#..; * .% +6 #+2 rg $%(Housing ,!0 ! ! 2! " ) ' &(&' " do both offer annually repropriations, your %</ 3=+=>/< "3>31+>398 1<+8>= +</ .! /! "+. . .% ) %*0 //% .+, %*# %/0 -</+>/. + 8/A 538. 9H 2C,<3. :<9 " >9 '>+>/= +8. 69-+6 19@/<8 >/<7 <3=5 >9 =><?->?</= 38=?</. ?8 += 2+@381 ':/-3+6 699. +D+<. and Urban Development !0 * $%( ':2'%65 *9+.. %'46#+0.; be best if your "' curring grant programs. Amount 5#8' %10 ! 61 Available ! "! ) %),.! ( Octes ./=318/. >9 37:6/7/8> + =?=>+38/. ,, 016 will * 0.!+</ +A+<./. !* 38 "(! !*0 1 # 6+07' #6 ! $+..+10 3%(( $100,000,000 1<+7 A23-2 1<+8>= 7/8>= >2<9?12 + :9<>09639 90 0?8. ./< >2/ #+>398+6 699. 8=?<+8-/ </+ + " 9< &" 2+= ,//8 !! 2 # The USDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High appropriations "1( ober 2010 *)(14'%#565 (! *0/Large: 0 /!! bill. #007#..; #0& 6*' Brownfields Cleanup Grants %*# (+ Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grants :</ .3=+=>/< 8+>?<+6 2+D+<. 73>31+ $ 2! $.%*':<9-/== Deadline Deadline %<91<+7 # % 9< 38 +</+= :</@3 3==?/. | Thdelegation / were congressional #+2!. #.!//%+ ( +. 0$! % (!4% * In*+FY10, / )! 7?=> 3> ,/ :+<>3-3:+>381 >2<9?12 381 :<91<+7= >2/ Hazard Mitigathere e Fu (;'#4 +/0/ + -97:/>3>3@/ / / #!0+8. 2#;$#%- 2'4+1& (70&+0) .'8'. +6 4'%'+8'& .!/!*0 >398 :<91<+7 >9 </.?-/ 9@/<+66 <3=5 %( Energy Cost nd bo 0%+ is associated with either 109<7?6+ (! 0+ (+ ( Soon: Oct 15, Soon: 15, 2010 . / (5 +*/,! 9?=6C ./-6+</. :</=3./8>3+6 .3=+=>/< 38 # % >9 2010 /6313,6/ >9 +::6C 09< +6=9 3 tion 51 Grant >2/ Oct Flood * %*# instances of conok ~ ,+.0 four .!, 4#/2.+0) 1( 5*' 2312'35: 5'45 Program 15*'3 581 231)3#/4 *#7' +0#..: )!*0 # 0$! 1, >2<9?12 !.*1?+<+8>//. >9 >2/ :9:?6+>398 +8. =><?->?</= +1*0 *' #4+%4 10 6*'+4 +6; '0 +0 " 9*+%* +0%.7&'& *' #4+%4 0% */ #..=5 the House or Sen p.11 . *0 +79?8>= 09< /+-2 =>+>/ Mitigation Assistance :<91<+7 +</+= %</ 3=+=>/< "3>31+>398 :<9 0?8.381 F 0+) Number of Awards 0! 5%* #+2 (13 %105#/+0#054 #3' /13' (#713 #. #0& 2144+$.: /145 +/2135#05.: !*0 0<97 0?>?</ 2+D+<. /@/8>= A236/ !( '4); %.! '((+%+'0%; /+..+10 1( %1/2'6+ ! 241,'%6 # ( 3180@+'.&4 .'#062 3#054 ate com 3180@+'.&4 '71.7+0) 1#0 60& ""% % %0%2 >2/ Repetitive Flood Claims :<9 1<+7 % " 0?8.381 3= 89> ,9?8. %* +" 0$!%. ! * ((5 Many: 1001( '.'0 #$.: 4%13'& 10 5*'+3 #22.+%#5+104 ,!0 )3#054 %#0 $' 64'& (13 $15* #4 </.?-381 </63+8-/ 98 /./< A3>2 /6313,6/ :<94/->= 9< :6+8= 9< )+.! 6+8' )4#065 Amount Available Amount Available #0& 6*' +6; 2317+&' (60&4 (13 %.'#062 #% 3#054 2317+&'4 +6=9 (60&4 (13 .!/1(00<97 !*0 :<91<+7 1<+7 >2/ Severe Repetitive Loss +) 1%.! 0.+-' 5*' 44'44/'05 3#054 !.!"+. / * 4'44/'05 #0& %.'#062 /B+7:6/ #5 5*' 4#/' !) + >9>+6 +6 0?8.381 +66 90 >2/=/ :<91<+7=E 0/./<+6 ./+.638/= +</ 63=>/. .!- Medium: $11,000,000 Medium: $29,500,000 ( 5+7+5+'4 #5 # 42'%+@+% $3180@+'.& Program provides finan 2127.#6+10 ,.+ 1%#. )18'40/'06 )3#05 3'%+2+'054 51 %#2+5#.+;' # 3' 0<97 0?>?</ .3=+=>/<= +79?8> 7366398 ?: >9 :<91<+7 +8. >2/ Pre-Disaster .!,9H !/ $ . ! #. )/ &'4%3+$'& #$17' .'#062 3#054 % ( 5+/' 3#5*'3 5*#0 4+/2.: 10' 13 5*' Agency 38 >2/ 09669A381 :+1/= >2/ @+<39?= =>+>/= 90>/8 /+1+8. ,.+ 4+5' 180'& $: 5*' #22.+%#05 2!$ rg 6*'0 5''- cial assistance for the 71.7+0) (60& #0& 51 /#-' .1#04 +* * +056#..'& # -9 51.#4 5;5 .'#&'45 k.o /756 mittees on %*#:996 >2/ 09<7?6+ 0% %*#3= 38 *#7' #

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5*' 07+310/'0 6'/ 10 6*'+4 +6; #.. 16*'4 126+105 +( 6*'; appropria7366398 +@+36 %*# Federal 03@/ :<91<+7= 2+@/ ?83;?/ =>+>? ( 3= #+2 Emergency Management Agency Number of Awards $' (6.(+..'& 5*316)* 010 /10'5#3: 8?+6 ,+=3= 09< 2+D+<. 73>31+>398 >2/ </7+38381 Number of Awards www.f (+ 0% 165 #44'44/'05 #0& 13 %.'#062 5+7+5+'4 #3' 816.& *#7' 51 $' *#4' +* 38 A3>2 >2/ =>+>/E= -97 , (+ 1<+8>= 5#. 315'%5+10 )'0%: *#4 generation, transmis#0& 5#8'5 #007 9+5* 61 #7)/'06 6*'+4 tions, or 0%+8. +,6/ 09< >2/ -97:/>3>3@/ >9<C +?>29<3>3/= :<91<+7 </;?3</ @3.?+6 69-+6 19@/<87/8>= >9 ,/ 38-6?./. '!! %1053+$65+104 = :6+88381 +8. >2/ 37:6/7/8>+>398 9H 13 *+)*'3 #4 )3#054 8+.. 015 "1* Medium: 11 Many: 147 0+ #%5+7+5+'4 #5 $3180@+'.& 4+5'4 !0/ =:/8.381 #8#3&'& 17'3 &+45+0%5 3180 + sion, and distribution fa#..; +0 #&&+6+10 61 241(+6 (70&+0) .'8'.5 (14 6*' 981</==398+66C .3</->/. 7/8>= +8. ><311/<= 09< 0?8.381 +66 798 +::63-+>398 09< " +==3=>+8-/ //: 38 738. >2+> A2/8 the relevant subcommit2010 73>31+>398 :<94/->= :<39< >9 + .3=+= $' #8#3&'& 51 %1//60+5+'4 8*+%* ober *0 "(! (+'.&4 .'#062 3#054 51 %1//60+ *' )3#05 +4 4.+)*5.: &+( cilities serving eligible 3>/7= )! 90 >2/ :<91<+7= =2+</ >2/ -97798 69-+6 19@/<87/8> =?,73>= 3>= +::63-+>398 >9 ,/ -98=963.+>/. A3>238 tees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Energy and Water ok | Oct (41/ 5'..+0) 6*' ':%'55 '0'4); '((+%+'0%; 1( >/< >9 </.?-/ 9@/<+66 <3=5 >9 >2/ :9: *#7' 015 &10' #5 .'#45 # *#4' #4 Agency nd bo 5+'4 1( #.. 4+;'4 #%3144 5*' %16053: ('3'05 (31/ 5*' 15*'3 ?6+>398 +8. =><?->?</= > >2/ =+7/ 581 .+45'& rural communities with 6313,6/ +->3@3>3/= 38-6?./ 19+6 90 :<9@3.381 0?8.= >9 Agency </.?-/ + =>+>/E= +::63-+>398 >2/</ 7+C ,/ + ;?/=>398 90 <+85381 9< :<39<3>3 when pursuing EERE '.'%64+%+6; 241&7%'& 6*'+4 $7+.&+0)5 6 6*' e Fu 4'44/'05 Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency ~ Th 13 %.'#062 )3#054 5*' #22.+ *'3' $'%#64' +5 )+7'4 /6%* /13' G +-;?3=3>398 9< </69-+>398 9H 2+D+<. >2/ 69== 90 630/ +8. :<9:/<>C 0<97 home energy costs that D+>398 &+85381 09<-/= >2/ =>+>/ >9 -299=/ A23-2 69-+6 19@/<87/8> funds, or Transportation, *' 0'4); ((+%+'0 ('&'4#. .'8'. 6*'4' #4' :<91<+7 +.7383=><+>9<= +6=9 =//5 >9 p.14 !*+.' (60&4 #3' &'4+)0'& %#054 /645 180 5*' 2312'35: #0& #0& %10531. </.?-/ 51 5*' </63+8-/ 3' :<98/ :<9:/<>C 09< -98@/<=398 >9 8+>?<+6 2+D+<. /@/8>= are over 275 percent of :<94/->= 3> A9?6. 79=> 635/ >9 =// 0?8./. $?> 90 >2/ " (.'9+$+.+5: :<9 Housing and Urban de0?8.381 %; #0& 105'48#6+10 51/' $76 016 /#0; 12 51 98 $' 0/./<+6 .'05 165 51 5*+3& 2#35: %10 /645 *#7' # *#4' #44'44/'05 %+2+'05 045'#& 1( 5*' 0<97 +->?+6 .3=+=>/< ./-6+<+>398= 5*3'' :'#3 9:/8 =:+-/ 38 :/<:/>?3>C 6>29?12 +66 90 >2/=/ :<91<+7= 1<+7= >2/ % " +8. " % :<91<+7= 09<-/ >2/ =>+>/ +::63-+8> >9 the national average. In velopment when pursu53#%5134 )3#05''4 %#0 .1#0 (60&4 FOA # 6+105 #8#+.#$.' $'69''0 .1%- 4#065

the ic D projects energy efficiency Eco ev

FY10 this program consisted of $15.5 million split among 20 awards and will almost certainly be available again in the coming year. The application period closed September 8 this year, so there is some time to plan a competitive grant before the new application cycle begins. The EDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Global Climate Change Mitigation Fund (GCCMF) was established to strengthen the linkages between economic development and environmental quality. One of the project types supported through this program is new construction or renovation that leads to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;green buildingâ&#x20AC;? with an LEEDâ&#x201E;˘ or comparable certification. Projects that are chosen must lead to a net positive outcome in terms of energy, materials, and/or water use efficiency. In FY10 this program consisted of $25 million and will almost certainly be

available again in the coming year. The application period is rolling, so there is as much time as necessary to plan a competitive grant before applying. (See p.11 Demystifying the EDA Grant Process Additionally, one of the most promising resources for local governments looking for this kind of federal funding is through their stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Energy Program (SEP). However, SEPs vary as the Department of Energy emphasizes the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role as decision maker and administrator for SEP activities within each state. Priorities, and the amount available for this project type, are set by the state. To find out if funding is available in

)236/

%1/2.'5'& 8*+%* +0%.6&'4 # 5*13 16)* 7+46#. 4+5' #44'44/'05 #0& #0 '9#/+0#5+10 1( *+4513+%#. &1%6 /'054 #0& +0(13/#5+10 %10%'30+0) 5*' 2312'35: 22.+%#054 5*#5 *#7' %1/2.'5'& # *#4' 13 *+)*'3 #4 4'44/'05 8*+%* +0%.6&'4 4%+'05+(+% p.26 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010

5+/'.+0' #((13&'& 51 5*' 9< AssessG =><?->?<+6 >2/ 79=> :+<> 1<+8>= DHS-11-MT-047-000-99 <+85 =?,+::63-+8>= !9,,C C9?< =>+>/ 9003-/ 09< + 199. <+85381 51 5*'/4'.7'4 51 09< 2'3(13/ %.'#062 +8. 898 =><?->?<+6 </> ment #0& Cleanup :<9>/->381 Programs :?,63- ,?36.381= 9< :<3 <9H3>>381 9H /B3=>381 ,?36.381= +8. #%5+7+5+'4 = 5*' *#4 # (+7' :'#3 2'3+1& 1( p.18 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010 0+-363>3/= 09< A36.H3</ =/3=73- A38. @+>/ </=3./8-/= +</ >2/ +A+<.= 79=> 2'3(13/#0%' &&+5+10#..: H699.A+66 =C=>/7= >2+> +</ ./ 9< H699. 2+D+<.= -69=/6C +==9-3+>/. A3>2 % " )236/ Severe Repetitive Loss Program )3#054 %#0 $' #8#3&'& 62 51 =318/. =:/-3H3-+66C >9 :<9>/-> -<3>3 G 7389< =><?->?<+6 2+D+<. -98><96 >2/ 7+49<3>C 9H :<91<+7 0?8.381 3= FOA # FOA # Deadline /+..+10 &1..#34 3#5*'3 5*#0 %#22'& -+6 0+-363>3/= +8. >2+> .9 89> -98 9< :<9>/->398 :<94/->= >2+> 7+C Not soon: Dec 3, 2010 =:/8> 98 73>31+>398 :<94/->= + :9< EPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-11 EPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-10 .3. >2/C </-/3@/ >23= '&! 1<+8> 38 #5

5*164#0& &1..#34 .+-' 5*' =>3>?>/ + =/->398 9H + 6+<1/< H699. 38-6?./ @/1/>+>398 7+8+1/7/8> >398 9H >2/ 0?8.381 3= =:/8> 98 >2/ ./ $->9,/< ,?> >2/C +6=9 </ -98><96 =C=>/7 =>9<7A+>/< 7+8+1/7/8> 9< '/@/</ &/:/>3>3@/ !9== '&! 1<+8>= @/69:7/8> +8. 37:<9@/7/8> 9H =>+>/ -/3@/. + &/:/>3>3@/ 699. 6+37= Amount Available G 2+D+<. "3>31+>398 %6+88381 =29</638/ 6+8.=63./ =>+,363D+>398 +</ ./=318/. >9 </.?-/ H699. .+7 +8. 69-+6 2+D+<. 73>31+>398 :6+8= 8 1<+8> 09< >29?=+8. 38 /+<6C October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.27 www.fundbook.org www.fundbook.org "+8+1/7/8> 9=>= F Large: $100,000,000 +1/= >9 </=3./8>3+6 :<9:/<>3/= >2+> * 09< 38=>+8-/ :6+88381 1<+8>= G 69-+63D/. H699. -98><96 :<94/->= '/:>/7,/< F =?-2 += -/<>+38 <381 6/@//= +8. 2+@/ /B:/<3/8-/. =/@/</ </:/>3 7+./ ?: +679=> :/<-/8> 9H >9>+6 >3@/ 69==/= ?8./< H699. 38=?<+8-/ 1<+8>= =/6/->/. 09< Number of Awards -9@/<+1/ +8. >2+> A366 </=?6> 38 0?<>2/< </@3/A > PDM Project Grant Selectivity (%) PDM Planning Selectivity (%) Many: 50 >2/ 1</+>/=> =+@381= >9 >2/ # % 3= 37:9<>+8> >9 38 >2/ =29<>/=> :/<39. 9H >37/ 89>/ 29A/@/< 8 >2/ 6+<1/=> '&! 0?8.381 Agency >2+> +->?+6 0?8.381 Department of Homeland Security </-3:3/8>= A/</ !9?3=3+8+ (/B+= +79?8>= 09< :6+8 Federal Emergency Management Agency +8. #/A /<=/C 9A/@/< >2/</ 8381 +</ ;?3>/ 69A +</ 0?8.= 38 9>2/< =>+>/ :<9:9< ?<381 * >398+6 >9 >2/ =>+>/E= 8//.= :6+88381 1<+8> +: 8 /B+7:6/ 90 + '&! 1<+8> :63-+>398= =/6/->/. 0?8./. >23= C/+< 3= 7366398 >9 09< 0?<>2/< </@3/A !3>>6/ +66= # 09< + :<94/-> >2+> >9>+6/. 986C

A366 /6/@+>/ 297/= 9?> 90 >2/ 69 7366398 9?> 9H + >9 FOA # -+6 0699. :6+38 !3>>6/ +66= 3= +8 38 >+6 9H 7366398 DHS-11-MT-110-000-99 >/</=>381 /B+7:6/ ,/-+?=/ 89> 986C % " 3= +8 ?8 * * * ?=?+6 :<91<+7 38 +</ 37:9<>+8> 98/ :<91<+7 =>+8.= 9?> +7981=> >2/ </=> A2/</+= >2/

your state, contact your area State Energy Office.

Other funding mechanisms There are also other funding types available for local government energy efficiency in buildings projects, though most are available at the state, not federal, level. An excellent resource that lists state programs relevant to this project type is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, which can be accessed at goo.gl/h4b6 One federally available option is Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) which can assist financing qualified energy conservation projects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a term that includes energy efficiency capital expenditures for public buildings. QECB funding is available on a state-by-state basis, based on whether the federally issued funds have already been committed. Interested officials should contact their State Energy Office for additional information about availability. >

www.fundbook.org

(2/ +=3-=

PDM Funding (millions)

p.30 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010

www.fundbook.org

Upcoming Grants Timeline Grant descriptions follow

Icon Legend r be

1 er

v No

Now

r be em ec

One Month From Now

{

Housing -

Commerce/Business -

Museums/Art -

Health/Medical -

Green/Environment -

ary

Two Months From Now

Ocean/Coastal -

Disaster

u Jan

Rural Transportation -

Three Months From Now

Nov 10 DOC Grant: MBDA Business Center (MBC) - p.24

October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.31

Nov 22 HUD Grant: HOPE VI Revitalization Grants Program - p.34

Nov 1 NOAA Grant: Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants - p.37 IMLS Grant: Museums for America - p.29

HUD Grant: Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program - p.35

Nov 17

Oct 28 FWS Grant: North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants - p.33

â&#x20AC;˘ Actionable quantitative analyses of current grant opportunities available to local governments.

Nov 18

HRSA Grant: Health Center New Access Points Program - p.25 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program - p.32

Oct 27

Oct 26

Severe Repetitive Loss Program - p.30 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program - p.31

HUD Grant: Choice Neighborhoods Initiative - p.34

Oct 15 EPA Grants:

Brownfields Assessment Grants - p.27 Brownfields Cleanup Grants - p.26 Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grants - p.27

DOT Grants:

FY 2011 High Priority Grant Opportunity - p.28 FY 2011 MCSAP New Entrant Funding - p.28

Dec 3

Repetitive Flood Claims Program - p.32

EPA Grant: Market Based Approaches to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions - p.38

FEMA Grants

Dec 10

NOAA Grant: Regional Ocean Partnership Funding Program - p.37

Nov 16 HUD Grants: Hazards in Housing (1) - p.39

Dec 15 IMLS Grant: Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program - p.29

Dec 22 USDA Grant: Rural Community Development Initiative - p.33

Nov 8 HUD Grants: Hazards in Housing (3) - p.38, 39

Dec 31

USDA Grant: Solid Waste Managment Grant - p.40 MMS Grant: Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) - p.36

p.22 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010

â&#x20AC;˘ According to the Office of Management and Budget, the costs of subscriptions to business professional and technical periodicals are allowable expenses, meaning you can use your federal grants funds for this subscription.

www.fundbook.org

October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.23

â&#x20AC;˘ Timeline of current grant opportunities to ensure that you and your staff stay organized and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss important application deadlines.

Get more information or subscribe today by visiting www.fundbook.org or contacting our office at 202-681-FUND (3863)

Grants news in brief Congress Passes Stormwater Funding Bill Before adjourning, Congress last month passed legislation (S.3481) amending the Clean Water Act to clarify that the federal government must pay stormwater utility fees to local governments. More specifically, the bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (or the Clean Water Act) to provide that reasonable service charges applicable to federal entities for water pollution include the same reasonable fees or assessments for stormwater management applicable to any nongovernmental entity. Previously, federal government refused to pay a new D.C. storm water fee, saying it amounts to a tax the government is precluded from paying even though the proceeds go toward meeting U.S. clean water standards. The federal government

cessful. It also contains recommendations based claimed that it did not on the experience of sevhave to pay stormwater eral ongoing advocacy utility fees to local gov- campaigns. § ernments based on claims of sovereign immunity. FEMA extends lower The new legislation will cost flood insurance remedy this problem and option Beginning January 1, ensure that the federal government pays for the 2011, the Federal Emergency Management pollution it creates. Agency’s (FEMA) NaRefer to the On the Docket section (p.20) for tional Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is offermore information on ing a new insurance ratimportant legislation. § ing option that will allow many property owners Bike-ped advocates to take advantage of lowrelease “How To” er-cost flood insurance guide The League of Ameri- for two years before they can Bicyclists and the are required to pay stanAlliance for Biking and dard rates. The program Walking last month re- will make Preferred Risk leased a report named Policies (PRPs), which Bridging the Gaps in Bi- start at just $129 a year cycling Networks: An and are typically only advocate’s guide to get- available for properties ting bikes on bridges. In in moderate to low-risk their 22-page report, the areas, available for propBike League and the Al- erties that have been liance walk advocates newly mapped into highthrough the most com- risk areas due to a flood mon obstacles to gaining map revision on or after bike-ped access on bridg- October 1, 2008. § es and discusses how other groups have been suc-

p. ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

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New census numbers shift political map The Census Bureau last month announced the reapportionment of the 435 congressional districts, reshaping the political map to be used for the next decade. The announcement coincides with the start of constitutionally-mandated redistricting that will take place in states across the country. Based on the nation’s population data gathered in the 2010 census, Texas will gain four congressional districts and Florida two. In addition to these large gains, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah and Washington all will gain one seat. Among the losers were New York and Ohio, which lost two seats each. Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania all will lose one seat. The average population per congressional district is about 710,000 people. §

HUD launches new website for economic & housing data The Department of Housing and Urban Development last month unveiled a new website that consolidates a wide variety of economic and housing market data at the regional, state, metropolitan area and county levels. Using data from the Census Bureau, Labor Department, State and Local governments, housing industry sources, as well as HUD’s own field economists, the new website employs interactive maps that allow visitors to access a variety of reports – from a regionwide look at employment and housing activity to individual county-level figures on population trends, rental activity and vacancy rates. The site is designed to be helpful to state and local leaders, developers, the real estate industry, and the general public who need the latest available data on their markets. §

place, this often leads to very different practices as to how elected officials disclose which earmark requests they are supporting in the appropriations process. Taxpayers for Common Sense, a D.C. non-profit dedicated to government transparency, in conjunction with two other groups created a FY11 appropriations request database from the disparate data sources. Such databases are useful in a variety of ways, and especially for a local government leader looking for regional partners, or see which kinds of projects nearby congressmen Be sure that you are are likely to support.

Grant requirements lead to lower airfares An oft-lamented aspect of many grants are the requirements and strings that the funding is sometimes shackled to. At the North Central West Virginia Airport, officials found themselves coming up short for the required number of passengers taking flights from their airport. In order to trigger the Federal Aviation Administration grant, which the airport uses for improvements, they announced several different deals incentivizing the extra travellers.

prepared to meet the requirements of grant funding you accept. It’s likely there will be a solution that isn’t obvious. §

FY11 Comprehensive Earmark Request Database Each congressional office in Washington is managed by the elected official. Without any standardized system in

cut. However, this is not a loss to communities as the conversion to digital broadcasting was completed in 2009. President Obama justified the cut saying “Since 2004, the USDA Public Broadcasting Grants program has provided grants to support rural public television stations’ conversion to digital broadcasting. Digital conversion efforts mandated by the Federal Communications Commission are now largely complete, and there is no further need for this program.” It was not cut yet because under a continuing resolution funding levels are typically The database is avail- not altered. (Although no able online at the Tax- funds were provided for payers for Common programs designated to be cut). Sense website. § Broadcasting facility grants may be phased out In last year’s Presidential budget as well as the current YouCut website, certain Broadcasting Facility Grant Programs are prime candidates to be

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Similar to this month’s legislative desk entry, this is why it is important to check the President’s budget request when it is released. Grant programs do not only change funding levels, they can also be phased out completely. §

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.

View from the Capitol Wrapping up 2010

Y11 will be a pivotal year when it comes to government spending. While President Obama may be well on his way towards completing his budget request for FY12, Congress still has not passed a functioning budget for FY11. Political deadlock throughout last year and then Republican resistance in December led to passage of only a temporary measure. This continuing resolution, which will keep the federal government functioning until March, has many drawbacks and was mainly a power play to transfer spending decisions to the now-Republican House of Representatives in the new Congress.

extra money for some programs and makes a number of policy changes. Some of the measure’s policy provisions and exceptions from level funding include a freeze in the pay of federal civilian employees in calendar years 2011 and 2012, funding to maintain a $5,550 ceiling on Pell grants to low-income college students, and increased funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration. As expected, the continuing resolution also extends the authorization for surface transportation programs through March 4th and drops all of the 6,500 earmarks which were in the omnibus.

Last month Congress passed a short-term funding measure (HR 3082) for government operations into the new year. The measure was necessary to keep the government operating because none of the 12 regular FY11 spending bills had been enacted. The previous funding resolution had expired on December 21st. Democrats had hoped to clear a comprehensive FY11 omnibus spending measure before adjourning, but Republicans wanted a shorter stopgap so they would have an early opportunity to shape federal government operations when they take over the House this month. House and Senate appropriators worked for months to pull together an omnibus package including all 12 regular spending bills that would fit under the GOP-demanded cap of $1.108 trillion in regular spending for the year. That package included more than 6,500 earmarks worth more than $8 billion. The continuing resolution sent to President Obama’s desk would fund most of the government at FY10 levels through March 4, 2011, but it provides

This inability includes a 27-year-old program that helps support food pantries and homeless shelters across the country, a pilot program aimed at helping the elderly stay in their homes, and an AIDS drug assistance program that will leave thousands on waiting lists. The resolution also does not account for growth in demand or costs, so it is a cutback for some agencies. In other cases, agencies are hesitant to proceed without knowing precisely how much money they have to work with — particularly with Republicans promising dramatic cuts to discretionary spending when they take control of the House in the 112th Congress. Finally, federal agencies are prohibited from funding some grant programs before a full-year budget is approved.

Drawbacks of the temporary spending bill Congress passes continuing resolution, drops Congress’ passage of only temporary funding has left many agencies unable to proceed with projects. earmarks

p. ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

House republicans unveil new spending rules

Before recessing for the New Year, House Republicans unveiled their draft rules package, which includes provisions intended to make it easier to cut

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spending. Central to the proposed changes is a “deficit reduction lockbox” mechanism under which all appropriations bills must include a “spending reduction” account. This account is where savings from House floor amendments to cut program spending would be transferred so that the money can’t be reallocated to other programs. The GOP plan also eliminates “Gephardt rule” which provides for automatic House adoption of legislation increasing the debt limit, it creates a point of order against legislation that would increase mandatory spending by $5 billion or more in any of the next four decades, and it replaces the Democrats’ “paygo rule” with a new

GOP “cut-go rule” which requires that increases in mandatory spending be offset by other cuts to mandatory spending. Other rules changes include those making it easier to cut highway and mass transit spending in appropriations bills and modifying the rule regarding House consideration of reconciliation legislation to bar use of the process for measures that would result in net increases in direct spending. The rules package also provides for the Budget Committee Chairman to set spending caps for the year and set the stage for GOP efforts to cut domestic spending. §

January

February

January 5th will be the first meeting of the first session of the 112th Congress. While the House is poised to be in session eleven days during the month, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) recently extended the Martin Luther King Jr. Day recess this month by one week, moving the start of recess to January 10 from the previously planned date of January 17. The shift means that senators will be in town for just a few days during the week after New Year’s, for the swearing-in of new members and a few other ceremonial activities. Legislative action will start during the final week of January. A Democratic leadership aide said that the January schedule was updated to give members added time off next month because the lame-duck session continued late into December.

February is normally an important month because the current year’s (FY12) appropriations season is in full swing. However, with the Republican House’s de facto ban on earmarks, this will not be as much of a concern in 2011. But February will still be a busy month because the current FY11 appropriations continuing resolution only funds government through March 4th and will need to be extended. This is a good month to start longer conversations with your delegation as they will have better settled in and likely have more time to work with you. Refer to the Legislative Desk section (p.18) for a template letter inviting your delegation to one of your project sites during one of their district work periods.

31 X

Senate in session

House in session

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X Federal Holiday

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.

By the numbers: No earmarks, but grants increase A look into federal water programs with earmarks absent

ver the last two decades congressionally-directed earmarks have specified projects to be funded out of monies provided for specific grant programs. However, it is looking almost inevitable that, for at least the next two fiscal years, they will only exist in very specialized situations. Continuing last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s By the Numbers investigation, this article will delve into the federal budget and explore the grant programs that will increase in funding by not being earmarked. To tie in with the theme of this issue, we examine specific accounts related to water infrastructure and projects from the annual Energy and Water (E&W) bill and the annual Interior appropriations bill.

State and Tribal Assistance Grants

State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG), distributed through the Environmental Protection Agency and funded through the annual Interior appropriations bill, provide funds to implement environmental laws and regulations at the state and local level. These programs are the main source of water program funds from federal sources. At the state level these funds are disbursed through both the Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, along with other programs. In recent years the amount of funding in the STAG account has increased drastically. In FY08, the funding was only $2.972 billion, while in FY10 the amount was $4.970 billion. The proposed FY11 omnibus that failed to pass this last December held STAG at the similar amount of $4.768 billion of which $145 million would have been specific earmarks. The advantage that a community would have had by successfully securing an earmark in this legislation is that they would not have had to compete for funding through the state-level list of priorities. With the congressional earmark ban, communities no longer have the choice of bypassing their state-level priorities list or other competitive funding programs run by EPA.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Pre-disaster Mitigation Grants

Pre-disaster Mitigation Grants (PDM) are distributed through the Federal Emergency Management p.10 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

Agency (FEMA) and funded through the annual Homeland Security appropriations bill. These grants provide implementation funding for natural hazard mitigation plans that reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on Federal funding from future disasters. Funding is distributed to the Earmarks in the Pre-disa vast majority Earmarks Minimum state a of states, and applications FY09 are submitted to the federal 25% government 50% through a sin25% gle point of contact in each state. PDM is interesting because recently it has been hyFY11 Failed Omnibus bridized to be both competi29% 48% tive and formula by state 22% programs. Each state is guaranteed to receive at least $500,000 distributed among their projects. In FY10, for example, $25 million of $100 million, was required to be distributed equally among the 50 states. The remaining $75 million was available for the competitive grants and earmarked projects regardless of the $500,000 state minimum. Since FY08, PDM funds have had quite a few earmarks which diminish the competitive grant programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pot of money. In the recently failed FY11 omnibus, for example, $19 million of the $85 million total would have been earmarked. In FY10, $24.6 million of the $100 million total was earmarked. Since a continuing resolution for FY11 has been passed, the

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$100 million total will stay the same, $25 million will be formula, but without any earmarks. Thus in FY11, the competitive application funding pool will be 50% percent larger.

Army Corps of Engineers Accounts

Various accounts within the Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Civil Works Program, funded through the annual Energy and Water appropriations bill, provide funds for investigating, developing and maintaining water and related environmental resources. Funding is available aster Mitigation Account for a variety of projects from allocations Competitive funding levee work to ports to beach FY10 projects. Earmarking is in25% tegral to these 50% programs 25% functioning and will not disappear in full. That is because, unlike other federal FY11 Continuing Resolution agencies, the Corps oper29% ates on a list of projects indi71% vidually funded by Congress — via earmark. However, these earmarks are based on study results, and therefore more merit-based than earmarks in other accounts. After a project study is completed and authorized, projects are specifically requested by the President in February, and subsequently funded through the congressional appropriations process. There are several USACE accounts within the Civil Works Program, the most well known of which are the Investigations, Construction, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) accounts. Generally, the Investigations account provides funding to asses and plan for other expenditures of funds; the Construction ac-

count provides funds for the actual projects to be completed; and O&M provides funding for the upkeep of areas where funds had been previously expended. In order to receive funding for any of these areas, the prospective community must first secure authorization language through the Water Resources and Redevelopment Act (WRDA), last passed in 2007. In FY10, $124 million of the $160 million total for Investigations would have been earmarked. Similarly $1.90 billion of the $2.03 billion total for Construction would have been earmarked. And $2.25 billion of the $2.40 billion total for O&M would have been earmarked. These earmarked amounts represent effectively the entire amount provided to USACE.

Bureau of Reclamation

The Bureau of Reclamation, funded through the annual Interior appropriations bill, provides funds to promote water conservation, recycling, and reuse in the Midwest. Like the USACE projects above, the Bureau of Reclamation’s projects are specifically requested by the President in February of each year, and subsequently funded through the congressional appropriations process. Such earmarks for Water and Related Resources funding are typically spread throughout the Water and Energy Management and Development, Land Management and Development, Fish and Wildlife Management and Development , Facility Operations, and Facility Maintenance and Rehabilitation functions. Because of the directed nature of these funds, a pseudoearmarking process will persist in this account. Grant programs like WaterSMART, which is also funded through the Water and Related Resources account, will not increase in size with the earmark ban. §

espite earmarks being banned, some accounts will continue to carry earmarks in FY11, and other accounts are likely to. This is because earmarks are a spending mechanism that cannot be dispensed with in all cases. Most notably the funding for the Army Corps of Engineers will continue to be earmarked because these earmarks do not only designate specific projects, but also fund the personal costs for the Corps members carrying out the projects. Secondly, transportation reauthorization accounts may also continue to carry earmarks because of dissent within the Republican party as to whether a transportation earmark is an earmark.

www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.11

In Search of Water Infrastructure Funding

he national recession has had a huge impact on municipal water and wastewater utilities across the country. Communities, hit hard because of aging infrastructure and more stringent federal regulations regarding clean or drinking water, are increasingly unable to keep up their water systems. When communities write a check for a large infrastructure project, they normally find the funds in one of three places: their current revenues and reserve funds, the private capital market, or public funding programs. Communities with significant investment needs that do not have cash on hand or access to private capital invariably turn to the federal government or their state government for capital funds for water and wastewater infrastructure. While private capital and municipal bond markets can provide much of the lending for domestic infrastructure, many smaller water systems are often underserved by private lenders. Thankfully, there is a clear federal role in ensuring adequate access to infrastructure financing through direct loan and grant allocations by a number of federal agencies. Working together, federal and state agencies — and the communities themselves — can go a long way to help meet local wastewater and drinking water needs and to promote economic development at the same time. Funding programs typically include grants, subsidized loans, or a combination of the two. While there are many federal funding programs available, these programs vary in the type and amount of assistance they provide, the requirements they set for recipients, their application processes, their funding schedules, and their goals. Navigating this network of available federal funding sources can be time consuming, confusing, and overwhelming for water systems, particularly small systems that often need help the most. In an effort to simplify what options are available to your community, this article analyzes five of the most robust federal programs that routinely offer assistance to municipal water systems across the nation. p.12 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

1) EPA State Revolving Funds

As the nation’s guardian of the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the first place communities should look in their search for funding. EPA has several programs that offer financial and technical assistance to help small communities plan, design, and build wastewater treatment systems. EPA’s Office of Water manages two separate but related water programs: the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) for wastewater facilities and the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) for drinking water facilities. EPA allocates annual appropriations for these capitalization grants among the states according to an existing formula detailed in the Clean Water Act. Grants under the Safe Drinking Water Act are allocated to states based on the results of a needs survey conducted by states. Under both SRF programs states must provide 20 percent matching funds in order to receive the federal funds. States combine their matching funds with the federal monies to capitalize their SRFs, which they use to issue low-interest or no-interest loans to finance local water infrastructure projects in communities. Communities receiving funding must repay their loans to the issuing state, repayments that

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are then deposited back into the SRFs to provide capital for issuing new loans. In this sense, the SRFs are intended to be “revolving” and eventually self-sustaining over the long term. Three types of available loans help cities, public water supplies, counties, sanitary districts, or utility management organizations upgrade their water and wastewater systems. A: Planning and Design (P&D) loans are provided at zero percent interest for up to three years to cover the costs of preparing facility plans and project specifications. The loans will be rolled into SRF construction loans or repaid by another source of permanent financing. Many facilities use P&D loans to prepare for applying for grants and other financing as well as for SRF loans. There is no minimum or maximum amount for P&D loans. B: Construction loans are offered at 3 percent interest. Loans durations are generally for 20 years; however extended financing of up to 30 years based on the useful life of the facility is available for all wastewater projects and for disadvantaged communities taking drinking water loans. The minimum loan amount is $50,000, with no maximum amount. C: Source water protection loans are offered at zero percent interest. These loans can help public water supplies acquire land and conservation easements or work with facilities in their wellhead or source water protection areas.

2) EPA Hardship Grants Program

While the CWSRF allows below market interest rates, it does not provide grant funding or loan forgiveness, which are vital to finance replacement or upgrades to some of the smallest community wastewater sys-

Did you know? Almost all water and wastewater are fundamentally local services, provided by cities and towns, rural water supply cooperatives, and even some homeowner’s associations. At present, municipalities own and control roughly 85 percent of the nation’s water systems. Nationwide 53,000 community water systems provide basic drinking water services for 282 million Americans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a “community water system” (CWS) as a public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round. Some 17,000 publicly owned treatment works also process wastewater to our higher “secondary” effluent standards adopted in the 1970s. For most of these utilities, the physical infrastructure has been in place for many decades, and has reached the time for rehabilitation or replacement.

tems. As a result, EPA developed the Hardship Grants Program to assist small, disadvantaged rural communities (less than 3,000 residents) address their wastewater treatment needs. Designed to complement the CWSRF loan program, states identify eligible projects and may commit a portion of their grants for technical assistance depending on the number of rural communities lacking access to centralized water treatment. Eligible communities can qualify for hardship assistance from states program if they have no access to centralized wastewater treatment or collection systems, or need improvements to on-site wastewater treatment systems. Qualifying communities can use the funding to plan, design, and construct a municipal system or onsite treatment system. Communities should first apply for Clean Water SRF funding for their projects. Those that meet the criteria for the hardship grants program may receive a combination SRF loan and hardship grant. To apply for assistance under the hardship grants program, your community will need to contact your state hardship grants program representative to obtain state-specific and national hardship grants program guidelines.

3) State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), dis-

www.fundbook.org

See Water p.16 January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.13

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Perspective from the Hill

Staff from EPA’s Clean and Drinking Water Program discuss water infrastructure funding through State Revolving Funds Q: With Congress still working on finishing up its spending bills for FY11, has the delay in enacting that legislation negatively impacted EPA’s ability to assist communities with water and sewer projects?

disadvantaged or experiencing financial hardship. These states might offer lower or no-interest loans to provide greater subsidies for disadvantaged communities. State priority systems are geared to achieve the public health, A: Each state and Puerto Rico maintain revolving environmental protection and compliance mandates of loan funds to provide the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Waindependent and permater Act, so projects best serve these purposes are nent sources of low-cost most competitive. A delay in award of financing. Funds to esfederal capitalization tablish or capitalize the Q: Do you foresee the agency’s programmatic grant has limited impact funding for water and sewer-related projects inState Revolving Fund [on SRFs] (SRF) programs are procreasing or decreasing in the years ahead? vided through federal A: The President’s FY11 budget requested $2.0 government grants and billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund state matching funds (equal to 20 percent of federal gov- and $1.287 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolvernment grants). Today, all 50 states and Puerto Rico are ing Fund. The President’s FY11 budget did include outoperating successful Clean Water and Drinking Water year budget estimates for the EPA STAG account (which State Revolving Fund programs. The SRFs are to be a covers 26 programs, including the SRFs), but did not continuing source of financing, as loan repayments sup- provide separate estimates for the SRFs. plement capitalization and leveraged funds, thus a delay in award of federal capitalization grant has limited imQ: Are there any future plans to increase EPA’s grant pact. As an example, in 2010, the Clean Water SRF had offerings or efforts to assist communities update or pre$7.0 billion available to fund projects, of which only $2.5 serve their water and sewer systems? billion was from the federal capitalization grant. A: EPA continues to support technical assistance and training in areas including capacity development, asset Q: Is there any advice that you would have for those management, energy management, and effective utilcommunities whose projects typically do not make it ity management. For example, EPA’s Office of Ground onto state revolving fund lists, especially if the option Water and Drinking Water works with State Drinking of targeted congressional funding is no longer Water Programs and on the table? Are there any ways in which loIn 2009, 77 percent of all others to promote cal governments can make their smaller, less exCW SRF loans (23 percent and support efforts to pansive projects more competitive? strengthen the techof funding) were made to A: The State Revolving Loan Fund programs nical, financial, and communities with popula- managerial capabilihave historically funded a wide variety of projtions less than 10,000. ties of water systems, ects, in terms of both size of project and size of reespecially small and cipient communities. States may also customize loan terms to meet the needs of small and disadvantaged disadvantaged systems. Under the DWSRF Program, communities. In 2009, 77 percent of all CW SRF loans states have the option of taking a variety of “Set-Asides” (23 percent of funding) were made to communities with for use in funding State programs to provide training, technical assistance, and project planning support to wapopulations less than 10,000. In addition, some states ter systems. These efforts are closely allied and coordinatprovide specialized assistance for communities that are ed with the Agency focus on sustainable infrastructure. §

“

”

“

”

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January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.15

Water

Continued from p.13

tributes grants directly to the states, which then allocate funds to small cities and non-urban counties. Since 1981, HUD has distributed block grants directly to entitlement communities and to states for distribution to non-entitlement communities, which include cities with populations of fewer than 50,000 and counties with populations of fewer than 200,000. Grants may be used for community and economic development activities, but are primarily used for housing rehabilitation, public infrastructure projects (including wastewater and drinking water facilities) and economic development. Systems have used assistance from block grants to meet state and federal regulations by developing new water sources, improving treatment, replacing distribution system pipes, and taking other actions. Historically, the majority of grant funds must be used for activities that principally benefit

Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) Established by the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the DWSRF provides capitalization grants to states. State DWSRF programs provide low-interest loans or other assistance to public water systems to finance infrastructure projects needed to maintain or achieve compliance with the SDWA. Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) Authorized by the 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA), the CWSRF provides capitalization grants to states. State CWSRF programs provide low-interest loans or other assistance to publicly owned wastewater systems and nonpoint source pollution control and estuary management projects.

low- and moderate-income persons. On average, grants cover 50 percent of project costs, although areas undergoing significant economic distress are eligible for grants of up to 80 percent of their project costs. As most states administer their respective CDBG program, eligibility varies across the nation. To give some perspective on the size and scope of funding available for water infrastructure each year, allocations totaled more than $4.3 billion in FY 2002. Of that funding, Entitlement communities spent about 1.7 percent ($63.7 million) of their FY 2002 block grants on drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, while non-entitlement communities spent about 33.6 percent ($423.9 million) improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

4) USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development administers financial and technical assistance programs to help rural communities develop safe and affordable sewage treatment and waste disposal systems. The programs that target wastewater treatment needs are run by the Water Programs Division of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program provides loans, guaranteed loans, and grants for water, sewer, storm water, and solid See Water p.23 p.16 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

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The Conservation Fund - Inaugural National Green Infrastructure Conference

Shepherdstown, WV ~ February 23-25, 2011

The Conference will bring together policy-makers, practitioners, and on-the-ground implementers of green infrastructure practices and design from around the country to discuss key elements for success and lessons-learned. Featured sessions will include green infrastructure and public health, social equity, transportation, economic development, and climate change. More information at: http://goo.gl/Cpnu9

Department of Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Affairs - Grant writing workshops

Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, New York ~ Jan 6-2 Regional grant-writing workshops focused on the SSVF Program application will take place throughout the month of January. Each workshop will provide attendees with (i) an overview of the SSVF Program, (ii) an overview of the NOFA, and (iii) advice on completing the application. Attendance is free. More info at: http://goo.gl/3WXUU

Grants.gov - Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting

Online ~ January 19, 2011

This is the next Grants.gov quarterly stakeholder webcast. Topics discussed are generally more administrative than related to funding opportunities. More info at: http://goo.gl/SsXeR

Upcoming grant events & conferences

EPA - Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments Webcast (Part Three: Federal Resources and Support for Climate Change Adaptation)

Webcast ~ January 13, 2011 (2:00 - 3:30 p.m. EST)

The third webcast in this series will discuss the role of the federal government in promoting adaptation to climate change in the United States. Presenters will summarize the recent recommendations of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) for creating a national climate change adaptation strategy; next steps for implementing this strategy; and the existing guidance, data, tools, and other resources that state and local governments can access to support their adaptation efforts. More information at: http://goo.gl/YG6B0

e Want to Hear from You! As we have come to learn quite well here at The FundBook, no city or county is created equal. Whether your community is small and rural or large and coastal, you have unique needs that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always be lumped together in one of the traditional categories of capital improvement projects. That is why we are always looking to our readers for information on their ever-changing lists of needs. If you would like to submit information on a particular project or initiative for which your community currently seeks outside funding, we would very much appreciate the opportunity to address such in a future issue. To do so, please contact us at the email below. As it is our mission to stay on top of the most pressing funding issues facing communities like yours, we thank you in advance for your suggestions! Sincerely, The FundBook Team, suggestions@fundbook.org

www.fundbook.org

October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.17 January 2011

The Legislative Desk The Legislative Desk is designed to enhance your community’s advocacy efforts in Washington by providing you with actionable advice corresponding to vital points on the federal legislative calendar. With this overview of what important dates are upcoming, your community will stay abreast of the legislative process and be able to use it to influence those developments more effectively.

Without question, the President’s budget request is the starting point for consideration of all federal funding levels. Even during the toughest times, the President will direct money to the issues and programs that reflect his priorities. Upon release, you should carefully watch which programs the President seeks to cut funding for (which will also be analyzed in The FundBook). Look specifically at how programs that you may be interested in applying to may change. Agencies are preparing to cut some programs. In June 2010, the Office of Management and Budget issued two memoranda directing non-security federal departments and agencies to submit separate plans in their FY12 budget submissions to reduce spending and eliminate low-priority programs. Agencies must identify either entire programs for elimination or “substantial cuts amounting to at least 50 percent of total spending within a program or subprogram.”

gton, DC n i h s a W Trip to treach person ou

Type: Inruary y, early Feb r a u n a J te When: la

te letter to la p m e t a d repDownloa with your g in t e e m a request here: resentative XyVK .gl/C http://goo

et Pr es id en t’s FY 12 Bu dg re qu es t Ty pe : M on ito rin g br ua ry W he n: Fi rs t we ek of Fe

nt’s Read analysis of the Preside h proposed budget in the Marc issue of the FundBook.

Visiting your delegation in Washington is regarded by most municipal lobbyists as a critical step towards any effective advocacy effort. A visit associates a personality with project requests and allows officials to discuss your community’s needs in a less formal, more impactful way. While you shouldn’t expect to get much time with your Representatives or Senators (in many cases you may only meet with congressional staff), do not be dissuaded by what may seem like a snub. Each congressional members’ time is strained and their legislative schedule may prohibit a meeting on the day(s) you are in Washington. It is vitally important that representatives from your community not only meet with congressional offices but also visit those executive branch agencies from which your community will seek funding. Typically local officials should consider visiting Washington at least one time per year, but additional trips may be beneficial in some cases. This year will be a unique congressional session, in that early February is would be right before the FY12 appropriations process begins but will instead be continued consideration of the FY11 budget. Since there will be no earmarks however, it is unnecessary to synchronize your visit with such considerations. While it may seem easier and more cost-effective to combine your visit with a municipal conference trip to Washington, doubling up efforts should be avoided if at all possible. During these conferences, congressional offices are inundated with meetings with locally elected officials and can’t focus on your projects. The National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and National Association of Counties often fall around this time of year so while doubling up is tempting, it is ineffective.

p.18 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

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Congressional members will be back home in the third week of February for a Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day District Work Period. District work periods present the perfect time for you try and set up a site visit for your congressional delegation. Plan early and send a formal letter of invitation to a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s district office (not the Washington, D.C. office). Be sure to include a few dates that would work for a visit, the more flexible you can be in scheduling, the more likely district staff will be able to schedule a visit. While your delegation may not be able to work a site visit into their schedules, continue to invite them for a tour of your community. Having your elected see your projects firsthand will increase your officialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; willingness and ability to assist your community.

112t h Con gre ss con ven es Typ e: Lett er outr each Whe n: Janu ary 5, 2011

Download a template letter to introducing yourself you your representatives here: http://goo.gl/czig6

Schedulin

g a distric

t visit

Type: In-per son outreach W h e n : m id -F e b r u a r y

Download a template lett er to schedule a d istrict visit here: http://goo.g l/vYBMy

A new Congress means a new chance to start fresh with your Congressional delegation. With over 70 new congressional members taking the gavel in the 112th Congress, the coming month presents an invaluable opportunity to introduce (or reintroduce) your community to your congressional delegation. Plan on sending your delegation a letter that congratulates the member if they were just elected/reelected, describes your community, your existing relationship with your congressional delegation, a few of challenges your community is confronting, and what needs resulting from those challenges that you would like to apply for external assistance with. Staying in contact with your member shows that you are aware of what they are doing and can lead to their assistance providing letters of support or pressure on federal agencies if you are being given the cold shoulder.

To build support with your congressional delegation, you must maintain frequent communication with your elected representatives and staff from relevant agencies, as they will be even more effective advocates for your community if they are kept well-informed. It is important to develop strong ties with not only the congressional members themselves, but also their staff. While it is not made widely known, congressional staff can be extremely helpful resources when trying to navigate the maze of the federal government. Although they can rarely guarantee a specific grant outcome, they can help you obtain reliable federal information, order agency forms, avoid common applications errors that local governments make when requesting federal assistance, and inquire on your behalf with federal agency staff. One tried and tested way to keep an office apprised of the developments inside and pressing issues facing your community is to provide them with a short, quarterly newsletter. www.fundbook.org

Quarterly outreach to federal officials Type: Letter/phone outreach When: March

A sample quarterly outreach newsletter will be provided in the February 2011 issue.

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.19

On the docket

Federal legislation affecting federal funding TANF Block Grant Extended

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant (TANF), which was scheduled to expire December 3, got a last minute reprieve from Congress and will now be funded through FY11. The TANF extension was included in the Claims Resolution Act, which the president signed into law December 8, 2010. The extension did not include increased program funding or flexibility, but it did add two new reporting requirements. The first requires information on individuals engaged in activities that do not count as work. The second reporting requirement involves state expenditures that fall under the category of “other services and benefits” that are used to meet the TANF maintenance of effort requirement. The reporting language has a quick first deadline of March 31, 2011, which is of concern to TANF program directors. The second report is due by June 30. The new language also carries a 4 percent penalty for failure to report, but the penalty is rescinded if the first report is filed by June 15 and the second one by September 15.

Senate passes reauthorization of FEMA’s Pre-disaster Mitigation Program

A recent bill passed by the House (H.R. 1746) would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program for three years. It would authorize a total of $580 million from FY11 through FY13 for grants to states and localities for pre-disaster mitigation programs, such as constructing levies, relocating homes from flood-prone areas, and retrofitting buildings in earthquake zones. However, if this bill is not signed into law by the President before the 111th Congress adjourns for the last time at the end of December, this bill will be automatically be “pocket vetoed” through inaction. p.20 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

Before Senate passage by unanimous consent, the bill was modified with a substitute amendment from Joseph I. Lieberman, I-Conn., the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The amendment increased the amount a state would be able to receive each year to $575,000, from $500,000. However, it maintains a stipulation in an earlier House version that each state should receive the lesser of $575,000 or 1 percent of total funding. The Pre-disaster Mitigation program (PL 106-390) was first authorized in 2000. Without it, FEMA cannot provide advance funding for future disasters. The current bill initially passed the House by a vote of 339-56 in April 2010.

Housing Assistance Bills Signed into Law

Last month, President Obama signed into law two measures aimed at promoting the construction of more housing facilities for the elderly and changing certain standards for rental assistance for people with disabilities. The elderly housing assistance bill (S 118) will update existing law (PL 86-372) that governs a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant program for housing assistance for low-income seniors. The legislation will create a national clearinghouse of housing facilities in an effort to ease the search for seniors and their families. It also would provide increased refinancing options for property owners. The measure includes a provision to provide grants for a new category of housing options, “service-enriched housing,” to make health and other supportive services available to residents. Under current law these processes are time-consuming and bureaucratic, often requiring waivers and special permission from HUD.

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See Docket p.24

ocus: F n i s t n a r G pire Bonds Ex a ic r e m A d il Bu

m n of the progra o si n te ex te u a last-min would include nding ss re g n o C at not to extend fu ons th ti ed ic id d ec re d p y e el it p at Des ultim as nce negotiators re fe n co , n m was created o ra ti g la ro is g p le ed x iz ta d d si ly sub in year-en m. The federal ra g g costs ro p ) B A (B s down borrowin Bond e a v ic ri er d m to A 09 d il 20 u for B t Act of restd Reinvestmen an y er v o ec ided a 35% inte R v ro an p ic s B er A m B A s. e re project part of th er infrastructu th o d an ad ro dge, municipalities. ri y b b n o ed su es is ti s li d ca n for lo taxable bo on overnment on g al er than $165 billi d fe re e o th m , m o 09 fr 20 y l d in Apri rate subsi BAB program e accordth d te ar st t unicipal debt, nmen m er v o ew g n l e al th f o ce % Sin about 22 ts accounting for , ld so n arket participan ee m b d n ad o h -b s d al n ip o b ic any mun worth of Department. M ry u as re -exempt bonds T x . ta .S U re e o m th e m su o will is ing to data fr l governments ca lo and d an e at st to occur, states BABs, e t er u o w h at it th w , If at t. that deb expect th tor demand for es v in m at BABs were el th h s w te er ra v o st re ay te m in higher next year and tract buyers -at to s te ra r ei e to raise th cities would hav tructure ation and Infras ent. rt v o re sp p n to ra T ed d se n u inte ing Ho the -FL), the incom (R a ic M the program in n h re Jo o e st v re ti ta ld n u o se w Repre tion that troduce legisla in to s ond program,” n B la a p ic , er an m A rm ai d il ch of the Bu Committee e a reiteration te uld be an ar u g st o d program wo n alm n o ca b “I d . se ss o p re g ro n p o next C man, the to the Congress g in rd ding for roads, o en cc sp A . e d ed u at cl st in y tl at would Mica recen to introduce th s d n te in e h er measure part of a broad e erways. ke control of th at ta w to d ed an s is o ay p w d m an transit, rail stimulus progra e bers. th f o al ic it cr cans on in both cham li ti b si u o p ep p R o h f it if w st But, ill face ns restore BABs w to s re su ea Ways and Mea m se y u o an , H y e ar th u f n o airman House in Ja e incoming ch th , ill” that I) -M (R p e Cam led stimulus b ai av “f D e e v th ti f o ta n c li se Repre ere a re yl the securities w at th id , Senator Jon K sa n io th it n d o m ad st In ” la t. into deb committee, ts going deeper at the en m n er v o g l has projected th d loca e an ic e ff at O st et g ed d iz u d B “subsi ional s. The Congress rn ce n co ar il m ed si deficit. § (R-AZ) has voic n to the federal o li il b 6 $3 d ad ill the program w 10-year cost of

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January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.21

Perspective from the Hill

Jay Fletcher from USDA Public Affairs discusses water & environmental programs Q: What types of water infrastructure projects does full grants. Of course those circumstance vary based on USDA usually assist rural communities in upgrading or the income of the applicant and the types of assistance alreplacing altogether? ready available to them. Some of the other factors taken A: USDA provides loans and grants in four general into consideration are an applicant’s ability to repay the categories: drinking water, sanitary-sewer, solid waste loan, whether or not the applicant is going to raise the wadisposal, and water drainage. These four catter-sewer rates, whether or not those rates are sufficient egories taken collectively are considered as our to repay the loan, and what water and environmental program. Within ...in FY10 USDA spent types of outside funding are these confines, it’s up to the communities to already available to the ap$3.5 billion to help decide what types of projects they want to communities upgrade plicant. So there are many pursue. Our job is to evaluate the strengths and factors involved, that’s why and build water merits of each project application. There really is it’s so important to come to infrastructure. no typical project. USDA early in the process These loans and grants are generally provided so we can help them underto cities and towns under 10,000 in population in stand all of the financials. rural areas and to give some perspective, in FY10 USDA spent $3.5 billion to help communities upgrade and build Q: Are there ever circumstances where USDA will water infrastructure. $1.8 billion of that funding came forgive a loan in full? through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act A: Unfortunately there are circumstances where borof 2009, which funded 854 infrastructure projects. rowers have difficulties repaying their loans. Sometimes loans will be capitalized, but we work with borrowers Q: Is there any advice that you would have for a com- on an individual basis.

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munity that would like to make their project a more likely candidate for USDA funding?

Q: Within USDA, do you see rural water develop-

A: The first and most important thing a community ment growing priority in USDA in the future? should do is to work with our state and local area loan A: Like any federal agency, we receive our direction specialists. Those are the people who know the comfrom congress. I encourage your readers to visit USmunities very well, as they work and live there. That DA’s rural development homepage at www.rurdev. is where the vast majorities begin important for anyone usda.gov, which includes a 2009 progress report on considering a project should go meet with an area office. what we’ve done in our water and waste proI always encourage local gram nationally between 2002-2009 as well It is up to local communirepresentatives to meet as in each state. Our website also has a list ties to tell us what their with USDA representaof state offices, as well as very clear easy to tives at both the local and needs are, we find ways to understand summaries of funding available, state level. Regardless of help them either through eligibility terms and application procedures. where a community is We really encourage people to visit the webloans or grants or loanlocated in any state, there site and of course they’re welcome to call or grant combinations. is always an area office email me with any questions. The critical within reach. Each state message I’d like to make clear is that we work has between 5 and 8 area offices. very closely with local communities. It is up to them

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Q: Does USDA ever offer full grants, or will a rural community always receive a loan-grant mix? A: There are circumstances under which USDA offers

p.22 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

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to tell us what their needs are, we find ways to help them either through loans or grants or loan-grant combinations. §

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On average, EDA grants cover 50 percent of project costs. However, grants of up to 80 percent are available for severely distressed communities. [For more information on Public Works Grants, take a look back to our recent piece “Demystifying EDA’s Grants,” in our October 2010 issue]

Water

Continued from p.16

waste disposal facilities. Cities and counties serving rural areas may be eligible for loans or grants from the water and waste disposal program. The program makes assistance available only to rural areas with 10,000 or fewer people. Small communities with wastewater treatment or disposal needs can apply for loans and grants to construct, repair or modify waste collection and waste disposal facilities. To receive loans small communities must show that they (1) can’t get funds at reasonable rates from commercial sources, (2) have the capacity to borrow and repay loans, and pledge security, and (3) can operate and maintain the affected facilities. Depending on the economic status of the service area, borrowers may receive one of three interest rates: the poverty rate (median household income is below poverty or below 80 percent of the statewide metropolitan median and the project is necessary to meet applicable health or sanitary standards), market rate (where median household income exceeds the statewide non-metropolitan household income), or the intermediate rate.

5) Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works Grants The Department of Commerce’s EDA provides grants to economically distressed areas for public works projects, including water and wastewater facilities. Eligible projects must promote economic development, create longterm jobs, and benefit low- income persons or the long-term unemployed.

The future, proposed legislation ahead

As USDA RD, SRF, and CDBG appropriations are subject to cyclical and political budget pressures that reduce discretionary federal domestic spending, establishing a trust fund to finance water and wastewater infrastructure would remove these budget pressures and move toward stable and adequate financing for the needs of the next century. Congress is considering a proposed water and wastewater national infrastructure bank or trust, but for one to be a viable option, an adequate and equitable dedicated funding source must first be identified. When a trust fund is established, it is important that it ensure access to affordable financing for the smallest and high cost water and sewer utilities. Moving forward, the United States will continue to face infrastructure funding issues. While there is some movement nationally to implement low cost renewal and replacement strategies, local communities are still expected to upgrade their systems in order to meet increasingly rigid federal requirements. Regardless of what new funding mechanisms come to fruition in the years ahead, communities must be vigilant in taking full advantage of all federal assistance currently available to them. §

Editorial

By James Alfano

side from the political hangover, 2011 also brings with it a changed partisan landscape in our nation’s capital. Whereas President Obama was once accompanied by Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, he now faces a newly empowered opposition that has taken control of the House of Representatives. With Republicans having made it no secret that they desire to deny Obama a second term in office, there is every indication that the next two years will be anything but productive. But despite all the predictions of continued partisanship over every conceivable policy issue, those longing for bipartisanship have reason to renew their flagging hopes. Last month, Congress concluded one the most productive lame-duck sessions ever. In the unusually successful twilight of the 111th Congress, Democrats and Republicans joined together (in some instances) to vote to extend tax cuts, ratify the New START treaty and repeal “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” among other items. In the wake of such compromise, there are signs that some lawmakers are looking to continue working across the aisle in order to pass vital legislation. Just the other day, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed hope that the productive lame-duck session represented a potential shift away from the acrimony that marked much of the last two years on Capitol Hill. Schumer said Republicans’ heightened responsibility (by virtue of their control of the House) and lawmakers’ desire to start legislating more would make for a more productive Congress. There’s good reason to

Docket

Continued from p.20 The rental assistance measure (S 1481) would authorize $300 million for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 for certain programs for tenant-based rental assistance for people with disabilities. It would amend p.24 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

think “the next sixth months to a year will be very good — not as partisan as the last two,” Schumer said. In the House, Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who will be minority whip in the 112th Congress, believes that Democrats and Republicans can work together to ensure the solvency of Social Security, improve math and science education, boost scientific research, streamline regulations that affect businesses and reduce discretionary defense spending. The election results “were from a public that wanted us to share responsibility, to find common ground on our common problems — to put forward a domestic agenda that thinks in terms of decades, not election cycles or news cycles,” he said. Even the White House seems to think that there is growing room for agreement on a whole host of domestic issues. Following his signing of the “If there’s any lesson to draw from these past few weeks, it’s that we’re not doomed to endless gridlock.” With Democrats still in control of the Senate and the White House, the political dynamic is not necessarily conducive to large-scale achievements. Despite glaring divisions, though, Democrats and Republicans should be able to reach agreements in the 112th Congress on issues such as rewriting the tax code and cutting the federal deficit. Whether much will get done will depend on everyone’s willingness to compromise. As 2011 begins, the left is seething and conservatives are emboldened. Get ready for a few months of sharp rhetoric, ultimately followed by calm and compromise. § the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (PL 101-625) to establish minimum standards for leases to tenants for the units. It would generally require HUD to provide the assistance through local housing authorities. The bill would also authorize the HUD secretary to use funds to grant technical support to public housing agencies involved in administering the voucher program for people with disabilities.The bill also would direct the secretary to assess how the housing authorities are administering the program’s tenant-based rental assistance. If the authority fails to meet agency guidelines, HUD could retake control of administrative functions. §

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Upcoming Grants Timeline Grant descriptions follow

1 er

D nom Proj ec

ing EDA funds. When naming your project, keep in mind that “energy efficiency” projects are how they are described assi essionally-directed s energy efficiency which were funded for congressionally directed g rstan for local governments, Helping ce pro effifor energy and community liv- the first time through funding and competitive funds while non-profits and distress gram ll acrothe American Recovery grants for equipping lo-niticiency es in localedgovern-s. ability becomes a more universities tend to use ss the com ulate projects. EDAmentstim them and common goal, local govcountry Act of cal buildings with energy the terminology “green makbuildings economi muselvesReinvestment for es lic , loca The CitystraoftegiOakdale,c grow turn 2009 ignited ernments staf are finding a firestorm infr whether building.” l offiefficiency Legacy technology. astr the City of c inve LU) the nati MN, uctu Redor dela off to themselvesglin f,searching of stre interest from Act: Acials are re stmentsth, et rais itylocal on. EDA FETEA-aski e(SA g with to y governments capital llighEqu local lands, CA, theand Township Brownfields Assessment Grants EPA Brownfields Grants two pro por ts, for funding resources interested in ng e C o n g r s s i o n a l l y pert Deadline t mak pub capi ’s the governm falli thesy taxe locaimprov rs e furt - Competitive Grant of Branchburg, NJ, and tal mar activiti gran ng Useeme the een directed equip their government in implementing energy t pro reve funding ral difs, implementa Soon: Oct 15, 2010 ents kets acro Programs Betw her humbles gram es of Health nuesstechnologies. he Environmental Protection your land is potentially a brown- grant program offered called the The Brownfields Assessment sevecuts onef-on the Noble . Thi havefficient The Basics: buildings with energy bill. nt pro acti and strategi s pred e been tion. County e are t of ent’ jects.nities tofor effects ofDepartment s part cutsther Agency (EPA) has three grant fields site is to access the online Targeted Brownfields AssessGrants (BAGs) are the most comtive e of populations ominan ss Fun econ of Caldwell, forc In c e l. Stru ficient options. This type Those with som in Brownfields Assessment Grants seve plan ding ortu bills med ligh omi Congressional funding ed state labl ntia eral governm tly gre the opportunities currently available database of EPA’s previous brown- ment (TBA) which is specifically mon type of brownfields grant. opp ning to reex t of thes Outside of EECBG, c dev h- more is ofte OH were outlofine35,000 jobrecipients Amount Available aid, ntami provide funds to empower states, . iate need of project is not only or s avai is esse and pro supelop dislocat of e met for increasing thetive energy n used local ents ferewere ject ectiv to assist with a local government’s fields grant awards which is avail- made available for communities They provide full federal funding s of com cle willan easeofs, gov should ject it be funded -men grow ne between $400 thousand approac proefficiency Large: $52,400,000 artiernm communities, tribes, and non-profion by to mit currenttax incr even t pro excellent gesture for ent the allocated funding tbyject com t effe of government t-econ mun g ing governm contaminated land. There is a able at goo.gl/7txF. The database is without EPA Brownfields Assessthe flee and has the igatethere are limited hes fisca mos omi again, addr stra l and $1 million in funds ities a suin its to prevent, inventory, assess, with no local cost match to test s. pro bill des g men for c the l environment and the formula, while smaller the essi loca pur D develop to videfor through Besi financin economi were fourth grant program, Job Train- searchable by grant type, state or ment Grants. § ng governto surebuildings grant for this onets thro for d ant. pres THU is difficult each. Three of these clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. whether a site is contaminated or the programs Thinar men ral aid s, the community, butugh oftenfede local governments l aid,cies new unpcomc imcome by, but eofPro through ing Grants, which provides envi- region, and year so it is simple to not. If the site is found to be cont assi Number ofloca Awards . Perh In the s flee rece is ods vehicle , creative project type at the fedfed-iculnot imposstate good EERE and com the petitive and tiveaashostpeted stanthat proacof part aps sense for funds that goveconomic The two sources type of ent’ EDA it grams ronmental training for residents see nearby projects. However, to peti taminated, grantees often apply ted ce towereden of grea cars egies, and ernm ionsible. Many:men 185 t’s gran ue ness ernm eral level. Two of the leve latter was through EDA. this dist logov sect eral loca . of l aven it can l Pub lead toents significant distributedts acro most likely to belic fund- ributes of brownfields communities. for the Cleanup or Revolving search more specifically by numfor -, Ecobynom Fed -ss loca assistana l l y through are thostest most natural candidates stlisgov There were no compafleet is ern-thetan Works the bulk mul tere ion mediumks fundingoverlooked ic Dev from savings.ers Examples of-tipled though n ceenergy Brownfields sites are defined as ber of acres, applicant type, or is Loan Fund Programs available thece Departostate etheir to provide these grants Original e agen are rableand instances inof FY09 Agencylight-, n s s igram elopmen inistrat ject $52,400,000 pro epro ent lead gto city bygram its fund rally pro “real property, the expansion, rede- other values the user may end up through the Environmental Provery differently These funds were ofAdm Energy Econom s, tressedted ty truc l ofte -Energy’s and ment din s adm n g r fices. don fede ernm three - the Environmental ProEnvironmental Agency t Admfun may inbuseProtection enac straRenewcounty illu of John C oted Publicwhich inis Transit com 0 ors.FY08 velopment, or reuse of which may clicking through many previous tection Agency (EPA). ic Adj ing thro tection Agency and the sized citiesson’ illustrate the ascted snapped up quite quickly, Efficiency and inis essentia cal gov ibility ent heavy-du is thei FY1mun robu tration tere ugh the As dicate that this a trend Woisrks d by r of dire a the EECBG s domprojustm and physica A).the be complicated by the presence or awards to find comparable awards. BAG applicants can apply for dilutely function- the poss to feasibility supstplem Energy (EERE) ac- - ities to these program econof own (EDA). (FTable ent Ass estic andcore dolgrants and piec ally Department of Energy -develop l that may revi omicthe City ally enco e of agen sion potential presence of a hazardous is abso proper one hazardous substance assessFor a more in-depth look at a l talizfurther Breakd count in thegres Energy and sinfrastr rated dollars ects at eral any scale: is one of the most comemp ission Fed driv Pres urag da, . loca e, the rpo do not currently provide this pro item owe ucture this coming year, or exp that gres EDA er ident Water Con e busi fortoda about substance, pollutant, or contami- smaller number of projects there ment grant and one petroleum asthro $29,500,000 through to the the inco projectof Bellevue, Con appropriations WA (popumonly inquired disLyn- indu ding ness gram e X, to attr and, and r funding ding ugh $11,000,000 for green buildpro FY10 not only their y j- FTA come 126,000) spen expcongressionalnant.” This includes land that has are many success stories for all of sessment grant at a time. However itsflee upg ments, spends edasfun act pag seekthis bill,cted the Housstria mult titu to whether it willserv ing of can lationurse ever, vehicle esbe esdire s to rede ansi ing projects. However, as a or through on. Wh l/comm ly-directed funding was new indu rade dh on ent ct- rect lars been previously used for industrial brownfields programs available rede inat the combined amount applied for disb lessdire . How de fun ial ing and Urban Developgrap of orig $70,000 per year on funded again. It likely velo velo ernm enev area but erci ula init gran the Department of AgriFTA a lfluke. - gov p exis purposes, certain commercial pur- online at goo.gl/YphU. cannot be larger than $750,000 per ve, al loca often again, er poss stry ally for itscom of pme in ttheable form sion the Program annual loca nt pro Economic Pre-Disaster Mitigation Federal Emergency Agency Hazard Mitigation Programsyear. Hall will but, ment’s mostbe funded 16%econ tDeveltion youting on (USDA) and the are ibleculture expensialso inDeadlineCity in- faci gres utilities poses, or other applications like Assessment periods under If none of these grant opportuject ects not er the s.retro, itsand , inRegardless, sing FOA # chases about Administration s beca s.ifEDA lities Economic s tend spenomicject energy in FY11. (See p.17 No opment eith ding gram s. con spenafter , Hou Development dev encourag www havecompetitive to pursue this type pur that it sis both landfills. Not soon: 3, 2010 years. § nities fit your project type, use they and t (EDA) was proDec elopmen tionEECBG EPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-09 - from if a grants are threeThe forachthere year, FEMA provides first four programs fund projects by such restrictions. Onlythese in the may men ing ed cost rece nt year and fit, thet City of Funding in .fun Basics: dboo account ent pro urseHurst, gran es suchAdministration (EDA) One of the best ways to see if is an additional brownfields nonfunding ap-mot nsporta for t bythroughpro fuelmula-driven. k.org 16% of it ance have Recent Hazard Mitigation Assistance that reduce or eliminate the long- community has been identified Develop ions TraFY11) Housing ula disb 36,000) takichanc(population Additionally, governm petitiveTX ntenchanges Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants are sed in mai riat it ,Transportation, propriations, your ng adv e sustain- do both offer annually reWhile ressive, form Urban ributed and crea created a new of hybrid (HMA) to States and local govern- term risk to structures insured un- as having Special Flood Hazard ding pro0. Development Urban Amount Available approp save $13,500 will certainly not confleet kindtren designed to implement a sustained betodist curring grant programs. imp auWhile expects Octo e Safe andFY1 ) es$300 will be best if your antage n ent der the National Flood Insurance Area (a FHBM or FIRM has been gram, in which grants are awarded ments through a portfolio of fundwill ber UD ecad lobeen , seembill.a full congressional tsannually of e Large: $100,000,000 2010 Brownfields Cleanup Grants Brownfields Revolving Loan FundEve Grants pre-disaster natural hazard mitigaand forecasts tinue at thebi-d $3.2 billionibleappropriations ernm The USDA’s High Deadline Deadline Program (NFIP), or in areas previ- issued) delegation not sio- a (TH nking | The s hava competitive must it be participating through process andmen ing programs: the Hazard Mitigats were Flex l gov FY10, or the tion program to reduce overall risk cost Fun esenthere loca 7.5 year, payback funding level it receivedtion In repr as shri budgets Energy Cost congresperiod is associated with either Soon: Oct 15, Soon: 15, 2010 dbo ok ously declared presidential disaster in NFIP to 2010 eligible to apply for also Finally, through guaranteed formula to a tion to Grant the Oct Flood ards ding bill ountable, sampling of the property test Program, ally City spen otherand twostructures programs have. ent to the population The Basics: The Basics: the upw nsporta four instances of con- the House or Senon their Hall’s en-t in FY10 which ~ p.11 Acc ernm amounts each state ($500,000) tomatic Mitigation Traincluded Number ctedof Awards for contaminants, are more favor- Assistance program, areas, Pre-Disaster Mitigation pro- funding. § govfor and possibly most importantly, gran $454 from Fund future hazard events, while cient of competiefficiency project, million delaying Brownfields Cleanup Grants cal eligible Brownfields Revolving Loan ate comy dire r agor plans. For nallergy the Repetitive Flood Claims program (PDM) funding is not bound inprojects Many:tive 100 more Effi ably scored on their applications. RLF grants be used with for both reliance oncan Federthei Amount Available Amount Available lt as-from provide funds for cleanup acandcom thepeti City of (RLF) Grants provides also fundsreducing for re, program gram,Grants the Severe Repetitive Loss ire Belen,active grants. enta oftotal refo Unlike the Assessment sessment and cleanup example, atresu the same al funding all of theseMedium: programs’$11,000,000 federal deadlines are listed andNM (population Medium: $29,500,000 tivities at a specific brownfield grant recipients to capitalize a re- from future disasters. amount s requ 7,000) Program provides finanLocal government pro of $25 program, s. Theup to ces reploracem described above, Cleanup Grantsand the Pre-Disaster time rather than simply one the$100 gram Agency iclemillion, and in the following pages, the various states often sourand pro site owned by the applicant. volving fund and to make loans g then seek veh cial assistance for the installedtion a 9kw solar sys- leaders must in the formula mittees on ding pool ernhave a 20% cost shareMitigation which can program. Although all have different deadlines prior to these federal deadlines for indiPDM provides funds on an an- million ing isacDepartment of Homeland Security dbook.or rma funmillion and provide subgrants to carry other. However, the assessment Since 2003, the Environmenimprovement of energy tem Emergency on their City Hall other options if they remaining is avail- g info five programs have unique statuappropriating $75loca l gov Federal Management Agency.fun Number of Awards be fulfilled through non-monetary nual basis for hazard mitigation the Number of Awards to be Phase www loca out assessment and/or cleanup tivities are would haveable in with the state’s comtal Protection Agency (EPA) has p generation, transmisfor the competitive grants and tory authorities, program require- vidual local governments to be included and saves $14,400 annu- wish to augment their tions, or ctionin contributions. § planning and the implementation of kee will Medium: 11 Many: 147 activities at brownfield sites. II or higher as RLF grants to not awarded over 587 distinct Browna ts funspending ments, and triggers for funding, all mon application for FEMA assistance. Keep in mind that when sion, and distribution faally in addition to profit funding levels for the the relevant subcommitmitigation projects prior totoa communities disas- Congressionally-directed be awarded which flee ber 2010 fields Cleanup Grants to communiThe RLF grant is slightly dif- overall risk to the pop- items. ment of the programs share the common local government submits its application to be consolidated within cilities serving eligible tees – Energy and Water ter to reduce have not done at least a Phase I asok | Octofrom selling the excess energy efficiency of Agencyof ranking or prioritidbo ties of all sizes across the country. ferent from the otherulation two listed Eligible activities include: goal of providing funds to Agency reduce a state’s application there may be a question rural communities with Fun and structures. when pursuing EERE electricity produced. their buildings. At the sessment.At the same, Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency For cleanup grants the applihere because it gives much more ~ The • acquisition the loss of life and property from zation. Ranking forces the state to choose which local government home energy costs that program administrators to are funds, or Transportation, While also RLFseek funds designed The Energy Efficien- federal level there are p.14or relocation of hazardcants must own the property, and and controlreduce to thereliance reproneconproperty for conversion to natural hazard events. projects it would most like to see funded. Out of the HMAflexibility proare over 275 percent of funding toon be federal lent out to third party Housing and Urban decy and Conservation some, but not many, opmust have a Phase I assessment cipient. threeactual yeardisaster declarations. openfunds space in perpetuity, Although all of these programs grams, the PDM and HMGP programs force the state applicant to Instead of thefrom the national average. In tractors, grantees can loan FOA #(EECBG), tions available between velopment when pursuBlock Grants

the ic D projects energy efficiency Ecoev

elop men t Gra t nt Pr oces s

p.26 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010

timeline afforded to theFor Assess• structural the most part, grants rank subapplicants. Lobby your state office for a good ranking. to themselves to for perform cleanup and non-structural retment and Cleanup protecting Programs,public buildings or prirofitting of existing buildings and activities. § the RLF has a five year period of are the awards most facilities for wildfire, seismic, wind vate residences performance. Additionally, RLF or flood hazards closely associated with PDM. While grants can be awarded to $1 of program funding is • minor structural hazard control theup majority FOA # FOA # Deadline million dollars rather than or protection projects that may Not soon: Dec 3, 2010 spentcapped on mitigation projects, a porEPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-11 did they receive this SRL grantEPA-OSWER-OBLR-10-10 in at $200 thousand dollars include vegetation management, tionlike of thethe funding is spent on the deOctober 2010, but they also restormwater management, or velopment and improvement of state ceived a Repetitive Flood Claims Amount Available shoreline/landslide stabilization and local hazard mitigation plans. In grant for $365 thousand in early October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.27 www.fundbook.org Large: $100,000,000 FY06, for instance, planning grants • localized flood control projects, September. § such as certain ring levees and made up almost 50 percent of total

are important, one program stands out amongst the rest: whereas the

Severe Repetitive Loss Program The Basics:

Now

p.30 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010

Number of Awards

Many: 50 Agency

Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency

FOA #

DHS-11-MT-110-000-99

www.fundbook.org

grants selected for further review. It is important to note, however, that actual funding amounts for planning are quite low. During FY2006, planning grant applications selected for further review totaled only $3.9 million out of a total of $50 million. PDM is an unusual program in

PDM Planning Selectivity (%)

PDM Project Grant Selectivity (%)

DOC Grant: MBDA Business Center (MBC) - p.24

IMLS Grant: Museums for America - p.29

Oct 28 FWS Grant: North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants - p.33

Oct 27

Oct 26

$60

$40

20%

FY10 this program consisted of $15.5 million split among 20 awards and will almost certainly be available again in the coming year. The application period closed September 8 this year, so there is some time to plan a competitive grant before the new application cycle begins. The EDA’s Global Climate Change Mitigation Fund (GCCMF) was established to strengthen the linkages between economic development and environmental quality. One of the project types supported through this program is new construction or renovation that leads to a “green building” with an LEED™ or comparable certification. Projects that are chosen must lead to a net positive outcome in terms of energy, materials, and/or water use efficiency. In FY10 this program consisted of $25 million and will almost certainly be

www.fundbook.org

$20

10%

FY06

FY07

www.fundbook.org

{

Housing -

Commerce/Business -

Museums/Art -

Health/Medical -

Green/Environment -

ary

Two Months From Now

Ocean/Coastal -

Disaster

Rural Transportation -

Three Months From Now

Nov 22 HUD Grant: HOPE VI Revitalization Grants Program - p.34 HUD Grant: Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program - p.35

Nov 17 HRSA Grant: Health Center New Access Points Program - p.25 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program - p.32

FY08

available again in the coming year. The application period is rolling, so there is as much time as necessary to plan a competitive grant before applying. (See p.11 Demystifying the EDA Grant Process Additionally, one of the most promising resources for local governments looking for this kind of federal funding is through their state’s State Energy Program (SEP). However, SEPs vary as the Department of Energy emphasizes the state’s role as decision maker and administrator for SEP activities within each state. Priorities, and the amount available for this project type, are set by the state. To find out if funding is available in

your state, contact your area State Energy Office.

Other funding mechanisms There are also other funding types available for local government energy efficiency in buildings projects, though most are available at the state, not federal, level. An excellent resource that lists state programs relevant to this project type is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, which can be accessed at goo.gl/h4b6 One federally available option is Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) which can assist financing qualified energy conservation projects – a term that includes energy efficiency capital expenditures for public buildings. QECB funding is available on a state-by-state basis, based on whether the federally issued funds have already been committed. Interested officials should contact their State Energy Office for additional information about availability. §

Oct 15 EPA Grants:

Brownfields Assessment Grants - p.27 Brownfields Cleanup Grants - p.26 Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grants - p.27

DOT Grants:

FY 2011 High Priority Grant Opportunity - p.28 FY 2011 MCSAP New Entrant Funding - p.28

Dec 3

Repetitive Flood Claims Program - p.32 Severe Repetitive Loss Program - p.30 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program - p.31

HUD Grant: Choice Neighborhoods Initiative - p.34

$100

$80 40% 30%

Nov 18

EPA Grant: Market Based Approaches to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions - p.38

$120

50%

c De

One Month From Now

NOAA Grant: Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants - p.37

DHS-11-MT-047-000-99

p.18 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010 floodwall systems, that are designed specifically to protect critical facilities and that do not constitute a section of a larger flood control system. • hazard Mitigation Planning & Management Costs §

r be

Nov 10

PDM Funding (millions)

Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) grants are designed to reduce flood damwww.fundbook.org ages to residential properties that have experienced severe repetitive losses under flood insurance coverage and that will result in the greatest savings to the NFIP in the shortest period of time. In 2009 the largest SRL funding recipients were Louisiana, Texas, and New Jersey. However, there are funds in other state proportional to the state’s needs. An example of a SRL grant funded this year is $5.9 million to Little Falls, NJ for a project that will elevate 34 homes out of the local flood plain. Little Falls is an interesting example because not only

Nov 1

While

completed which includes a thorough visual site assessment and an examination of historical documents and information concerning the property. Applicants that have completed a Phase II or higher assessment, which includes scientific

yo u r n ce t e n h a ic le fl e e g to n d in n t’ s ve h e in g fu Fi n d g ove rn m l lo ca

emys tify Funds for a local government building in

Icon Legend r1

FEMA Grants

Dec 10

NOAA Grant: Regional Ocean Partnership Funding Program - p.37

Nov 16 HUD Grants: Hazards in Housing (1) - p.39

Dec 15 IMLS Grant: Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program - p.29

Dec 22 USDA Grant: Rural Community Development Initiative - p.33

Nov 8 HUD Grants: Hazards in Housing (3) - p.38, 39

Dec 31

USDA Grant: Solid Waste Managment Grant - p.40 MMS Grant: Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) - p.36

p.22 ~ The Fundbook | October 2010

www.fundbook.org

October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.23

Stay Organized. Our unique timeline of upcoming grants helps you plan and prepare.

October 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.31

Get more information or to subscribe today by visiting www.fundbook.org or contacting our office at 202-681-FUND (3863) A single local government’s subscription can be sent monthly to as many full-time staff as requested. www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.25

Upcoming Grants Timeline Grant descriptions follow 1 ry

Jan

b Fe

Now Jan 27 Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Funding Assistance Program - p.36

Jan 10

Jan 31

HRSA Grant: Service Area Competitions - p.29 USDA Grant: Section 515 MultiFamily Housing Preservation Revolving Loan Fund (PRLF) - p.34

y ar

Reclamation: Rural Water Supply Program - p.38

Jan 14

1 One Month From Now

Feb 2 NEH Grant: Challenge Grants for Two-Year Colleges - p.31

Feb 3

BJA Grant: Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program - p.42

Jan 3

FEMA Grant: Fire Prevention and Safety Grants - p.41

Feb 11 Reclamation: WaterSMART Feasibility Studies under Title XVI Water Program - p.39

EPA Grant: Clean DieReclamation: Title XVI Water sel FundConstruction Activities - p.40 ing Assistance Jan 18 - p.37 DOT Grant: Value Pricing Program - p.37

USDA Grant: Solid Waste Management Grant - p.44 p.26 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

EAC Grant: Pre-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing & Post-Election Audit Initiative - p.47

Feb 4

HUD Grant: Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities - p.31

Jan 13

Feb 15

Jan 19 HUD Grant: Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program - p.35

Reclamation: Water Conservation Field Services Program - p.40

Feb 17

Reclamation: WaterSMART Water a Energy Efficiency Grants - p.39

Feb 23

HUD Gra (ROSS) S

Feb 24

EPA Gr - p.45

www.fund

Icon Legend

ch ar

{

Housing -

Commerce/Business -

Museums/Art /Educ-

Health/Medical -

Green/Environment -

Ocean/Coastal -

Emergency/Disaster -

Rural -

Water/Wastewater -

Transportation -

il 1

Two Months From Now

r Ap

Three Months From Now

Mar 11 VA Grant: VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program - p.28

Mar 10 EDA Grants: Public Works, Economic Adjustment, and GCCMIF Round 2 - p.32

Feb 28 FWS Grant: Urban Bird Treaty New Cities - p.42

Feb 27 EPA Grant: Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Funding Assistance - p.36

and y

Mar 18 EPA Grant: Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training - p.34

Mar 1 EPA Grant: Woody Biomass Utilization - p.30

Rolling

EDA Grant: Planning and Local Technical Assistance - p.29

ant: Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinators - p.46

rant: Source Reduction Assistance Program

dbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.27

How to use the grants section of The FundBook

roadly, The FundBook is split into two sections; this latter grants half focuses exclusively on currently open grant programs which are of interest to local governments. Grants are chronologically listed on the timeline on the previous page, and their descriptions are grouped together thematically in the following pages. Each program description has three multicolored boxes that are color-coded to indicate the due date, amount of funds to be awarded, and projected number of grants. Favorable attributes are green, less favorable are yellow, and least favorable are red. A caveat is that these colors can be misleading as a “small” (colored red) grant program may

still be exactly what your community is searching for regardless of program size. Additionally, larger programs often draw more applicants, so smaller grant programs may be less competitive. There are links included in many of the grants descriptions and in the index at the end of the grants section. Each link is shortened so that it is easier to type into your web browser. The FundBook uses “goo.gl/XXXX” as the format for these links. Please be aware that the shortened links are case-sensitive. The process of applying for federal grant funding is almost always done through the website www.grants.gov. If your commu-

Supportive Services for Veteran Families The Basics: Funds awarded are to provide supportive services to very low-income veterans and their families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing.

February in many major cities. More information about, and free registration, can be found on the VA website. §

Deadline

Not soon: Mar 11, 2011 Amount Available

Large: $50,000,000

Many: 75 Agency

Department of Veteran’s Affairs

FOA #

VA-SSVF-121710

www.fundbook.org

Number of Awards

The program is in its first year, and as such is an excellent tool to learn about now. Unlike HUD’s related VA programs, it is important to note that this program does not directly provide housing. Additionally while local governments themselves are ineligible to compete for one of these grants, a local non-profits may be encouraged to do so. Grant writing seminars are being held throughout January and

p.28 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

nity does not yet have an account on this site, it is advisable to sign up as soon as it is convenient. The process includes verification steps that can take as little as three business days or up to one month to complete. Please keep in mind that any listed grant program’s attributes are subject to change without warning from The FundBook. Although every effort is made to ensure that details are correct at the time of publishing, be sure to closely monitor deadlines of any upcoming grant(s) your community might pursue. Additionally, grants included in this section are at the discretion of The FundBook. §

Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs Opportunity a Comprehensive Economic Development (CED) plan will allow The Local Technical Assistance the local community to more efProgram helps community leaders fectively pursue additional funds create regional economic developfrom the EDA and other agencies. ment plans in order to stimulate and Total funds will be divided beguide the economic development efforts of a community or region. tween the six regional offices. Subject to the availability of appropriTechnical assistance grants are ations, there will be approximately perfect for smaller communities to 4.5 projects per region. ยง pursue because they can generally demonstrate the greatest need for such technical assistance. A typical project might include figuring out how to better utilize an abandoned facility in the area in keeping with a larger regional strategy. An additional positive aspect of this program is that once created,

The Basics:

Deadline

Soon: Jan 10, 2011 Amount Available

Large: $83,253,000 Number of Awards

Many: 43 Agency

Dept. of Health & Human Services Health Resources & Services Administration

FOA #

HRSA-11-014

Deadline

Rolling

Amount Available

Small: $1,350,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 27 Agency

Economic Development Agency

FOA #

EDA11242010PAT

Service Area Competitions The Basics: Service Area Competition (SAC) Grants provide funds for financial assistance to provide comprehensive primary health care services to the underserved areas or populations specified in the announcement.

This grant program is only relevant to those local governments that operate a health center. Additionally, this is the last of the FY10 SAC grant opportunities available. The SAC program is an annual competition where existing Section 330 grantees (previously known as Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) including Community Health Centers (CHCs), Migrant Health Centers (MHCs), Health Care for the Homeless, and Public www.fundbook.org

Housing Primary Cares (PHPCs) reapply for funding. This is not a single grant program, but rather eight separate competitions with different submission dates based on region. The earliest submission date is October 25, 2010 and the latest is January 10, 2011. If the health center in question is not currently receiving Section 330 funding, then the Health Center New Access Points Program described above is the appropriate choice to apply to. ยง

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.29

Deadline

Two months: Feb 24, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $24,000,000 Number of Awards

Unknown Agency

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

FOA #

FR-5415-N-30

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the Transformation Initiative choices, peer-to-peer training, and regionally and market foThis program is designed to help cused training. These grants are communities better implement meant only to assist previous federal community development, award winners make better use affordable housing, economic development, or special needs federal of the funds they have and fundfunding with assessment tools to ing comes from the Transportabetter make use of those grant funds. tion Initiative Fund. Since this is a new program, data is not yet These grants are intended to available to compare across predisseminate knowledge of housing vious years. Â§ finance, land use planning, economics, energy efficient design, community development, transportation planning, accessible design, and job creation strategies. HUD intends to provide well crafted information, case studies that serve as models and illustrate

The Basics:

Woody Biomass Utilization Grant The Basics: A grant in this program provides funds to further the engineering/planning of woody biomass utilization facilities that produce thermal, electrical, or liquid/gaseous bioenergy.

proposed project. Grant winners will be applicants who have at least performed some preliminary and feasibility assessments. There is a 20 percent cost match required for grant funds. Â§

Not soon: March 1, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $3,700,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 15

This program exists to promote projects that use low-value woody biomass material to create renewable energy by reducing market barriers, reducing inherent costs, or create incentives to use biomass. A grant winner can use the plans resulting from this project to further apply for grants, funds or loans related to the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal. When applying consider that quite a bit of work should have already been done on planning the p.30 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

Deadline

Agency

Department of Agriculture

FOA #

USDA-FS-TMU-2011

www.fundbook.org

Challenge Grants for Two-Year Colleges The Basics: Challenge Grants for Two-year Colleges are capacity-building grants intended to help community colleges (including those owned by local governments) secure long-term improvements in and support for their humanities programs and resources. Administered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), grants not to exceed $500,000 may be used to establish or enhance endowments and onetime capital expenditures (such as construction and renovation, purchase of equipment, and acquisitions) that bring long-term benefits to the institution and to the humanities more broadly. NEH is especially interested in applications for programs that respond Deadline

Soon: Jan 14, 2011 Amount Available

Large: $35,000,000 Number of Awards

Unknown Agency

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

FOA #

FR-5415-N-21

to the new Endowment-wide initiative Bridging Cultures. While only two-year colleges may apply under this initiative, communities can partner with a two-year college or a consortium of two-year colleges. In an effort to further strengthen the humanities by encouraging non-federal sources of support, NEH requires grantees to match every grant dollar with two dollars in new non-federal donations. Eligible institutions have six years in which to raise the required match. In-kind gifts or donated services are eligible only if the material or service provided is clearly related to the nature of the humanities activities being supported. §

Deadline

Soon: Feb 2, 2011 Amount Available

Unknown

Number of Awards

Medium: 10 Agency

National Endowment for the Humanities

FOA #

20110202-CZ

Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program The Basics: The Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program (CFCF), a new program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides public housing authorities funding to construct new facilities, rehabilitate existing structures or purchase facilities that will provide early childhood and adult education, and/or job training programs for public housing residents.

The funding can also be used to revitalize an existing community center that will offer comprehensive integrated services to help public housing residents achieve better educational and economic outcomes www.fundbook.org

resulting in long-term economic self-sufficiency. While use of the facility is primarily for public housing residents, families in the community may utilize and benefit from the new centers and their resources. The maximum grant award is $5 million. Applicants must “leverage” or have financial commitments of at least 5 percent of the grant amount and identify at least one education or training supportive service provider, such as a community college, that will partner with the housing authority to provide the services required. Agencies that are awarded funding are given four years to have an operating facility. §

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.31

Joint Public Works, Economic Adjustment, and GCCMIF Programs Opportunity The Economic Development Administration recently announced that for FY11 it will no longer process applications for its Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and GCCMIF programs on a continuing basis. Instead, the agency will implement a new process under which it considers applications at a set time in roughly quarterly funding cycles. This new process is intended to enhance the competitiveness, transparency, and efficiency of EDA’s grants-making process. EDA will continue to accept applications on a continuing basis, but if an applicant wishes to be considered for a particular funding cycle, EDA must receive a complete application before one of the FY11 funding cycles closes. For FY11, the funding cycle deadlines are as follows: December 15 for funding cycle 1; March 10 for funding cycle 2; June 10 for funding cycle 3; and September 15 for funding cycle 1 of FY12. Applications for financial assistance submitted under EDA’s Planning, Partnership Planning, Local Technical Assistance, University Center, and Research and National Technical Assistance Programs are not subject to same deadlines. Because EDA is currently operating under a continuing resolution that allocates funding based on FY10 funding levels until the enactment of the FY11 appropriations, we are still left to speculate how much funding will be available for the first cycle of the above grant programs. Assuming EDA p.32 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

Deadline

Round 2: Mar 10, 2011

receives FY11 appropriations of Amount Available approximately the same level as in Large: $25,000,000 FY10, EDA expects to use approximately 30 percent of its appropriations for the Public Works, EcoNumber of Awards nomic Adjustment Assistance, and Unknown GCCMIF programs to fund those applications submitted before the publication of its recent announceAgency Economic Development Agency ment. The remaining 70 percent will be used to fund three funding cycles in FY11. During each of the first two funding cycles, EDA expects to fund projects totaling approximately 30 percent of EDA’s FY11 appropriation for the three programs. In the third cycle, if FOA # funds remain, EDA expects to fund EDA10142010EDAP projects with the remaining 10 percent of the agency’s FY11 appropriation and with any funds EDA allocated $133,280,000 for that may become available during the Public Works and Economic the first two funding cycles. Development Facilities Program in FY10. The average size of a Public Works & Economic Development Facilities Program Public Works investment was apEDA will provide strategic Pub- proximately $1.7 million, though lic Works investments to support investments ranged in size from the construction or rehabilitation $500,000 to $2,000,000. of essential public infrastructure and facilities to help communities Economic Adjustment and regions leverage their resourc- Assistance Program Through the Economic Adjustes and strengths to create new and better jobs, drive innovation, be- ment Assistance Program, EDA come centers of competition in provides a wide range of constructhe global economy, and ensure tion and non-construction asresilient economies. For example, sistance, including public works, EDA may provide funding to a technical assistance, strategies, and county to expand a rural economic revolving loan fund (RLF) projects, development center, allowing the in regions experiencing severe ecocenter to increase its capacity to nomic dislocations that may occur provide services to the State’s most suddenly or over time. This prounderserved and vulnerable com- gram is designed to respond flexibly to pressing economic recovmunities and small businesses. www.fundbook.org

ery issues and is well suited to help address challenges faced by U.S. communities and regions. For example, EDA might provide funding to a university or community college to launch a Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) strategy that supports or provides technical assistance to smaller manufacturers to promote the growth of varied industrial clusters, stem job losses in manufacturing businesses as a result of foreign competition, accelerate the commercialization of research, support high-growth entrepreneurship, and promote the successful diversification of the region’s economy. As another example, EDA might provide funding to a city for the construction of a multi-tenant business and industrial facility to house early-stage businesses that successfully graduate from a business incubator that EDA also funded.

EDA allocated $38,620,000 to the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program in FY10. The average size of an Economic Adjustment Assistance investment was approximately $550,000, though investments ranged from $100,000 to $1,250,000.

Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund

EDA allocates funds for the Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive (GCCMIF) to support projects that foster economic competitiveness while advancing the green economy. Grants awarded support projects that create jobs through and increase private capital investment in initiatives to limit the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy efficiency, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural systems. GCCMIF assistance is available to

finance a variety of sustainability focused projects, including renewable energy end-products, the greening of existing manufacturing functions or processes, and the creation of certified green facilities. For example, EDA might provide funding to a non-profit working in cooperation with a county to construct a technology-focused business incubator that achieves platinum status under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and to expand job training opportunities in industrial and green technologies. EDA allocated $25,000,000 in FY10 for the GCCMIF, with investments ranging between $200,000 and $1,500,000. §

Percent of funding allocated to the four FY11 application rounds 30%

www.fundbook.org

1st Cycle (FY 2012) September 15, 2011

3rd Cycle June 10, 2011

2nd Cycle March 10, 2011

10%

1st Cycle December 15, 2010

20%

Pre-Notification Cycle Applications Submitted Before October, 2010

Percent of total FY11 Funding

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.33

Deadline

Not soon: Mar 18, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $4,000,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 13 Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

FOA #

EPA-OSWER-OBLR-11-01

Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants The Basics: The Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) Grants Program supports environmental assessment and cleanup job skills training cooperative agreements that include expanded training in other environmental media outside the traditional scope of just brownfields.

Previously known as the Brownfields Job Training Grants Program, the transition to EWDJT grants expands the grant program’s scope beyond just environmental assessment and cleanup job skills. Proposed projects are expected to take the local community into con-

Section 515 Multi-Family Housing Preservation Revolving Loan Fund (PRLF) The Basics:

sideration when developing the proposed curriculum. In addition to brownfields-standard hazardous and solid waste remediation and health and safety training, additional curricula include innovative and alternative treatment technologies, leaking underground storage tank prevention, and training related to solid waste management or cleanup. In FY10 this program had $78.9 million to award. However, this was an abnormally large amount; in FY09 and FY08 the program had just $6.8 and $2.5 million respectively. This year the program has returned to its usual levels at $4 million which should yield slightly more than ten awards. §

Deadline

Soon: Jan 10, 2011 Amount Available

This program aims to provide revolving loans for the preservation and revitalization of low-income Multi- Family Housing (MFH).

Medium: $14,099,227 Number of Awards

Unknown

Housing that is assisted by this demonstration program must be financed by Rural Development through its MFH loan program under Sections 515, 514 and 516 of the Housing Act of 1949. Revolving loans will provide funds to intermediaries which will in turn serve the occupants of the MFH. §

Agency

Department of Agriculture

FOA # n/a

p.34 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

www.fundbook.org

Emergency Capital Repair Grants for Multifamily Elderly Housing Projects The Basics:

Small: $5,000,000 Number of Awards

Unknown

“Emergency capital repairs” are repairs at a project to correct a situation that presents an immediate threat to the life, health and safety of project tenants. Applications are processed on a firstcome-first-serve basis, so while the closing date for applications is almost a year away, it is best to apply as soon as possible. The maximum grant size is $500,000 with no local cost match requirement. §

Soon: Jan 19, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $15,000,000 Number of Awards

Unknown Agency

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

FOA #

FR-5415-N-19

Not soon: Nov 29, 2011 Amount Available

This program provides funds to make emergency capital repairs to multifamily projects that are designated for occupancy by elderly tenants.

Deadline

Agency

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

FOA #

FR-5415-N-28

Public and Indian Housing Family SelfSufficiency Program The Basics: The purpose of the Public Housing FSS (PH FSS) program is to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate the use of assistance under the Public Housing program to enable participating families to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. Essentially recipient public housing agencies work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and expewww.fundbook.org

rience to enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage. Grants are only to housing authorities and are typically in the range of $35-$70 thousand. Applicants must have an approved PHFSS Action Plan on file with their local HUD field office prior to the application deadline. §

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.35

Diesel Emissions Reduction National Program The Diesel Emissions Reduction National Program (DERA) was authorized in 2005 and first funded in 2008. It aims to award grants and loans that significantly reduce the emissions of all types of diesel vehicles. There are four grants associated with this program, although only two are useful for local government projects. The useful programs are the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program and the Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Funding Assistance Program which are elaborated on below. The two other grants called the Smartway Finance Program and the State Clean Diesel Grant Program are geared towards larger projects where a local government might participate in, but could do

better by focusing on other grant applications. Emissions from older diesel vehicles and equipment can be reduced between 20 and 90 percent with retrofit technology. EPA estimates that, if DERA was fully

Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Funding Assistance Program The Basics: The Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies program funds projects that reduce the amount of diesel pollution using technologies which are not yet verified or certified by EPA or other sources.

cated up to 10% of total appropriated funds. ยง

Deadline

Soon: Jan 27, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $4,000,000 Number of Awards

Few: 8 Agency

Like the National Clean Diesel Funding assistance program described above, this grant reduces diesel pollution. The difference between these two programs however is that this grant funds new technologies that, while promising, have not yet been introduced on a large scale. Among all four DERA programs, this one is allo-

p.36 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

funded, it would reduce particulate matter emissions by 70,000 tons, generate nearly $20 billion in economic benefit, and yield a return on investment of $13 for every $1 invested. ยง

Environmental Protection Agency

FOA #

EPA-OAR-OTAQ-11-02

www.fundbook.org

National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program The Basics: The Clean Diesel Funding Assistance program is designed to reduce the amount of diesel pollution produced, especially in areas with poor air quality.

Soon: Jan 18, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $10,500,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 15 Agency

Department of Transportation

FOA #

DOT-FHWA-VPP-11-001

Soon: Jan 13, 2011

with large cities and population centers, almost all states are represented among the winners. Typical projects are either refitting existing diesel vehicles to make them cleaner, or replacing entire vehicles with cleaner options. ยง

This is the third year this grant program has opened for applications. What makes this program especially appealing is the wide variety of possible projects. The only commonality among the grant winners is that they have a large active fleet. Previous winners include school districts, ports, solid waste districts, and local governments. While the majority grants are concentrated in states

Deadline

Amount Available

Large: $32,000,000 Number of Awards

Many: 50 Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

FOA #

EPA-OAR-OTAQ-11-01

Value Pricing Program en provides an opportunity for a smaller local governments to The Value Pricing Program (VPP) propose a project. Some example encourages implementation and projects include testing parking evaluation of value pricing pidisincentives to discourage daily lot projects to manage congestion on highways through tolling driving, providing alternatives and other pricing mechanisms. to parking, implementing priced lanes to reduce traffic, or encourThis grant program is best-suit- aging carpooling with participaed to local governments that are tion incentives. ยง the center of a transportation hub and/or have congestion trouble. In the last two years, grants have gone to local governments in California, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. While grants have ranged from $25,000 to $3 million, there are vastly more at the highend of the spectrum. However, the fact that such small grants are giv-

The Basics:

www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.37

Bureau of Reclamation Grants The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency in the Department of the Interior tasked with the purpose of conservation, recycling, and reuse in the western states. Reclamation is the largest wholesaler of water in the country, bringing water to 31 million people and over 10 million acres of farmland. While the bureau sponsors larger projects, like the Yuma Project and the Hoover Dam, Reclamation provides significant amounts of funds to communities to leverage local dollars as a match to federal dollars. Two of its most important local programs are its Title XVI and WaterSMART grants which are currently available. Most of the bureau’s programs are increas-

ing in size, which makes them North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oreappealing for applicants. Recla- gon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, mation’s opportunities are only Washington, or Wyoming. § available to applicants located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico,

Rural Water Supply Program The Basics: This program aims to work with small communities in rural areas on a cost-shared basis to assess their potable water supply needs and to identify options to address those needs.

This program provides funds for either an appraisal or feasibility study. Appraisals are a preliminary analysis which is fully funded up to $200,000 and then 50 percent of the excess. A feasibility study comes after an appraisal and examines more in depth how a specific option can be implemented. Feasibility studies can be performed outside of the program and then evaluated by Reclamation, but an appraisal must precede a feasibil-

p.38 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

ity study application. Feasibility studies have 50 percent cost share requirements. Rural is defined as a community of less than 50,000. If you are planning on altering and resubmitting an application which was used last year, be aware that the number of prioritization criteria used to evaluate statements of interest and full proposals was reduced from six to five. §

Deadline

Soon: Jan 31, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $2,700,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 10 Agency

Bureau of Reclamation

FOA #

R11SF80307

www.fundbook.org

WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants The Basics: The program promotes projects that save water, improve energy efficiency, address endangered species and other environmental issues, and facilitate transfers to new uses.

to help serve their population better through conservation efforts. A local cost match of 50 percent is required. §

Deadline

Two months: Feb 11, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $1,200,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 10 Agency

Bureau of Reclamation

FOA #

Two months: Feb 17, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $25,000,000 Number of Awards

Large: 60-75

WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) grants are part of a rapidly expanding water conservation program. Between 2004 and 2010, $73.8 million was awarded through WaterSMART, and in FY11 an additional $27 million will be awarded -- up almost 50 percent from just last year. These grants help entities with entities with water or power delivery authority

Deadline

Agency

Bureau of Reclamation

FOA #

R11SF80303

WaterSMART: Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water The Basics: This program provides funds for the development of a new Title XVI feasibility study.

Title XVI project promote water reuse for urban and irrigation water supplies. Reclaimed water can be used in a variety of ways and is very useful when in a period of short water supply. This grant program allows applicants to develop a Title XVI study and submit it for authorization. After such authorization, construction funding can be sought through other Reclamation grant programs. §

R11SF80310

p.39 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.39

Deadline

Two months: Feb 11, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $20,000,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 15 Agency

Bureau of Reclamation

FOA #

R11SF80311

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Construction Activities The Basics: This program provides construction funding for sponsors of authorized Title XVI projects.

Title XVI project promote water reuse for urban and irrigation water supplies. Reclaimed water can be used in a variety of ways and is very useful during periods of short water supply. This grant is for previously authorized Title XVI projects to go through to gain funding. To become authorized for this Title XVI funding, an applicant must first perform a study. There is another Reclamation grant available to assist with study fees.

Water Conservation Field Services Program The Basics: This grant promotes preparation of written water management/ conservation plans and implementation of activities identified in written water management plans.

for additional agricultural, urban, or environmental need. ยง

Deadline

Amount Available

Number of Awards

Medium: 10 Agency

Bureau of Reclamation

FOA #

R11AF20002

www.fundbook.org

Two months: Feb 15, 2011 Small: $1,000,000

Plans developed through this grant program can improve reliability of existing water supplies, reduce overall operating costs for water users, postpone the need for new or expanded water supplies, storage capacity, treatment works, or drainage remediation, result in higher crop yields, reduce soil erosion and drainage problems, reduce the impacts of drought, or yield conserved water

p.40 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

The local grant winner has a 75 percent cost share requirement. ยง

Rural Innovation Fund Program The Basics: The program provides support to address the problems of concentrated rural housing distress and community poverty.

consideration. All non-tribe applicants should apply to Category 1 of this solicitation. §

Deadline

Soon: Feb 4, 2011 Amount Available

Large: $35,000,000 Number of Awards

Many: 200 Agency

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FOA #

DHS-10-GPD-044-000-02

Two months: Feb 23, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $25,000,000 Number of Awards

This is the first (and possibly only) year for this particular grant program as no funds were requested for FY11. Projects supported under this application are meant to better the quality of life in the entire community, not just a small project area. USDA primarily envisions this happening through creating jobs and expanding the supply of affordable housing in rural areas. Applicants who plan to coordinate this funding with other federal funding are given priority

Deadline

Unknown Agency

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

FOA #

FR-5415-N-35

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) The Basics: Funds provided through this program are to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards through pre-emptive activities.

A large and reliable part of the annual federal budget is the Assistance to Firefighters grants programs. The FP&S program focuses on projects which promote General Education/Awareness, Code Enforcement/Awareness, Fire & Arson Investigation, or National/State/Regional Programs and Studies. General education and awareness can include anything from smoke alarm installations, sprinkler awareness or other pub-

www.fundbook.org

lic education, risk assessments, or training. The amount of funding is similar to last year’s $37 million distributed, and is far above the required $19.5 million the FEMA is legally mandated to award as FP&S funding. Last year’s funding was distributed among around 230 projects with an average value of $160 thousand. Of the projects, 165 were below $100 thousand, and 45 were below just $10 thousand. §

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.41

Deadline

Two months: Feb 28, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $630,000 Number of Awards

Few: 9 Agency

Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

FOA #

FWSR9MB1011NEW

Urban Bird Treaty New Cities The Basics: The Urban Bird Treaty New Cities program provides funds for local governments to protect bird habitats, reduce bird hazards, educate urban residents, and promote outdoor bird-related experiences.

After New Orleans became the first city to join the Urban Bird Treaty in 1999, many more cities from Portland to Anchorage to Philadelphia have joined as well. Many of these cities are positioned along migration routes, but there are other factors that go into selecting participant cities as well. One of the great hallmarks of the program is the flexibility with which grant funds may be used. Many activities satisfy the pro-

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration and further explain how they will unite disparate existing services This program is intended to encourfor them into a more cohesive age cross-system collaboration for whole. individuals with mental illnesses Applicants can either choose to or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders who come pursue a planning grant, a planinto contact with the justice system. ning and implementation grant, or an expansion grant. Local cost Essentially this grant program share is 20 percent. ยง is intended to provide additional support for individuals who both are mentally ill with possible substance abuse problems and come into contact with the justice system through performing a nonviolent offense. Grant funds can be used to begin a new program or continue an existing one. Successful applicants will identify a local subcommunity in need

The Basics:

p.42 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

www.fundbook.org

gram requirements from education programs in schools to bird-related outreach activities at a festival. Even some light infrastructure improvements can be made such as bird deterrents or electrocution-prevention upgrades on exposed power lines. A comprehensive program handbook with many more additional ideas can be found online at http://goo.gl/P8lb0 A separate grant program is funded for existing urban bird cities. ยง

Deadline

One month: Feb 3, 2011 Amount Available

Unknown

Number of Awards

Unknown Agency

Department of Justice

Bureau of Justice Assistance

FOA #

BJA-2011-2861

Crime Evaluation, and Development Project Grants These programs encourage research, development, and evaluation to further understand the causes of crime and violence, methods of crime prevention, and criminal justice system responses to crime and violence. Many of the grants available through this program can be used for limited implementation/evaluation projects at local police departments that aim to enhance their capabilities with regard to the relevant dimensions. However, it should be noted that these are not typical equipment or personnel funding grants; these are designed to explore very specific topics, often in conjunction with another party

-- such as an academic institution. These are an opportunity for a police department to gain in-depth knowledge on a subject and participate in furthering the field of law enforcement while improving their departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practices. This year there are several topic-specific grants available through this program which are listed below and may be useful for certain local governments.

Deadline

One month: Feb 3-14, 2011 Amount Available

Unknown

Number of Awards

Many: 500+ Agency

Department of Justice

National Institute of Justice

FOA #â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

multiple

Electronic Crime and Digital Evidence Recovery Focuses on developing forensic tools for mobile cellular devices, data forensics in the Internet-based (Cloud Computing) environment, forensic tools for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications, and forensic tools for vehicle computer systems. Location and Tracking Technologies for Corrections Applications Focuses on evaluation of tracking devices currently used to monitor the location of offenders under community supervision or used to monitor staff and detainees in correctional institutions. Electronic Surveillance Technologies for Criminal Justice Applications Focuses on electronic surveillance is a vital crime-fighting tool, and includes evaluation projects.

Sensor, Surveillance, and Biometric Technologies for Criminal Justice Applications Focuses on remote detection of concealed handguns, integrated sensor systems, crime scene evidence identification, and biometric technologies authorizing legislation. Performance Management Information Systems for Law Enforcement and Corrections Applications Focuses on evaluation of the efficacy of performance management information systems (PMIS) currently in use with law enforcement agencies, research on how the PMIS currently in use might be improved, and research identifying how PMIS used by law enforcement agencies might be adapted to corrections applications.

www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.43

Deadline

Not soon: Sep 30, 2011 Amount Available

Large: $60,000,000 Number of Awards

Many: 1,000 Agency

Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

FOA #

PARTNERS-11

Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program The Basics: The Partners program provides direct technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and managing fish and wildlife habitats on their own lands. While the prospect may sound cumbersome, wildlife management projects can fit well with many types of land use -- especially farming and ranching. Types of restoration projects vary by state and the types of natural resources present in each region. Projects in the Partners program are typically small, but are a welcome funding aid to for conservation efforts. This annual program is quite reliably funded and as it

Solid Waste Management Program local governments. The remainder goes mainly to either non-profits or Solid Waste Management Grants universities, or sometimes tribes. provide funds to reduce or elimiGrant funds can be used to evalunate pollution of water resources ate if a landfill is threatening water in rural areas and improve the resources, provide technical assisplanning and management of tance/training to enhance the opersolid waste sites in rural areas. atorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skills, provide technical assisThe U.S. population generates tance/training to help communities about 230 million tons of trash per reduce the amount of their solid year, or about 4.6 pounds per per- waste, provide technical assistance/ son per day. Because of this deluge of training to help with closing a landtrash it is common for landfills to fill fill properly. Â§ up quickly, and sometimes contaminate nearby groundwater in the process. This grant program aims to aid rural populations with both of these difficulties. Many of the grants awarded through this program, approximately one third in FY10, go directly to

The Basics:

p.44 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

www.fundbook.org

generates significant local interest and cost-matching. The first step for this program is to contact your local state program coordinator. Â§

Deadline

Soon: Jan 3, 2010 Amount Available

Small: $3,500,000 Number of Awards

Many: 35 Agency

Department of Agriculture

FOA #

RDUP-SWMGRANT-100110-FY11

Coastal Program The Basics: Through the Coastal Grants Program, established by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Act) of 1990, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides matching grants for acquisition, restoration, management or enhancement of coastal wetlands.

Projects can include (1) acquisition of a real property interest in coastal lands or waters from willing sellers or partners for long‐term conservation or (2) restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems. The FWS expects that approximately $16 million will be available for grants in FY11. Awards typically range from $200,000 (there is no specific minimum) to a maximum of

Deadline

Two months: Feb 24, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $1,170,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 20 Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

FOA #

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2011-03

Deadline

$1,000,000, and award announcements are expected in December 2010 or January 2011. Funding for the program originates from excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat engine fuels. Coastal States bordering the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico (minus Louisiana, which has its own program), Pacific and Great Lakes are eligible to apply for this funding. But while only State agencies can apply for and receive grants from this program, FWS encourages partnering with local governments on projects. A state will provide 50 percent of the total costs of the project unless it has established and maintains a special fund for acquiring coastal wetlands, other natural areas or open spaces. In that case, the federal share can be increased to 75 percent. §

Not soon: Sep 30, 2011 Amount Available

Medium: $16,000,000 Number of Awards

Many: 200 Agency

Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

FOA #

COASTAL-11

Source Reduction Assistance Grant $1,170,000, each EPA region will have $130,000 to award. This program supports projApplicants are required to proects that reduce or elimivide a minimum 5 percent costnate pollution at the source. share match to the federal grant Different regions have dif- funds. § ferent priorities, but in general projects should use new, innovative techniques, surveys, studies or use research, investigations, experiments, and/or training promoting source reduction efforts. An ideal project reduces or suppresses the source of some contaminant rather than cleaning up that contaminant. Projects with primarily cleanup and implementation activities will not be considered. While the entire program has

The Basics:

www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.45

Deadline

Two months: Feb 23, 2011 Amount Available

Large: $35,000,000 Number of Awards

Unknown Agency

Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

FOA #

FR-5415-N-20

Resident Opportunity and SelfSufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinators The Basics: The purpose of the ROSS Service Coordinator program is to provide funding to hire and maintain Service Coordinators who will assess the needs of residents of conventional Public Housing or Indian housing and coordinate available resources in the community to meet those needs. ROSS service coordinators are essentially the staff that work to make the PH FSS and HCV FSS programs function. These staff work to develop a local program to improve the lives of public housing residents. The ROSS Service Coordinators program provides three-year funding and requires a 25% match. Grants include admin-

Transit Asset Management (TAM) Pilot The Basics: Successful Transit Asset Management projects are those that introduce proven technology for innovative approaches to asset management to enhance local public transportation providersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to maintain their assets in a state of good repair and/or make more informed resource allocation decisions.

An important aspect of the program is that any solutions proposed should be scalable from the a possibly small recipient to a larger organization once -- and if -- the proposed method has proven viable. Awardees will receive funds to implement their plan to fine-tune their transportation asset management. p.46 ~ The Fundbook | January 2011

Proposed projects will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate innovative approaches to public transportation system, provide a transit capital asset inventory database, demonstrate proven asset inspection methods, provide methodologies to better prioritize reinvestment needs, simplify and improve the integrity of asset condition data collection. Â§

istrative expenses and training as eligible uses of the funds. Local governments are not eligible to be the primary applicant to this program, but they can team up, encourage, or support Public Housing Authorities, non-profits, or Resident Associations to apply for the local community. Â§

Deadline

Soon: Jan 18, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $3,000,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 10 Agency

Department of Transportation

FOA #

FTA-2011-004-TPM

www.fundbook.org

Pre-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing & Post-Election Audit Initiative The Basics: This initiative will provide competitive grants to research, demonstrate, document, and recommend improvements to the elections processes and best practices.

tiatives for communities. While grants can go to many different sizes of local government, the funds predominantly go to larger organizations, like those at the county level. ยง

Local governments can apply for a grant to improve either the pre-election logic and accuracy testing of their voting machines, or their post election audits of the results. It is expected that funding awards will be split between both of these categories. The end goal of the grant is to develop and document processes for increasing the efficiency and minimizing the cost of these ini-

Deadline

Two months: Feb 11, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $5,000,000 Number of Awards

Large: 60 Agency

Department of Agriculture

FOA #

USDA-NRCS-NHQ-11-02

Deadline

Two months: Feb 15, 2011 Amount Available

Small: $2,000,000 Number of Awards

Medium: 15 Agency

Election Assistance Commission

FOA #

EAC-10-002

Conservation Innovation - Greenhouse Gas pro-environmental agendas, however even county-level conThis program is intended to stimulate the development and adoption of servation districts are among the innovative conservation approach- winners. There is a 50 percent cost es and technologies of greenhouse gas reductions on agricultural land. match for this grant. Only half of the local cost match can be in inThe grantee would secure the kind contribution. ยง participation of agricultural producers, determine baseline values of greenhouse gas emissions and/ or carbon sequestration, verify the implementation and maintenance of GHG benefiting practices, and determine GHG benefits so that these benefits can be successfully registered in a commonly recognized carbon registry. The majority of grant recipients are universities and organizations with

The Basics:

www.fundbook.org

January 2011 | The Fundbook ~ p.47

Upcoming Grants Index Grant Name

Page

Link

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

http://goo.gl/oMiRn

Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs Opportunity

http://goo.gl/VmKqH

Service Area Competitions

http://goo.gl/rXOM

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

http://goo.gl/xUwtT

Woody Biomass Utilization Grant

http://goo.gl/zAHFR

Challenge Grants for Two-Year Colleges

http://goo.gl/BcEW

Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program

http://goo.gl/fHnU

Joint Public Works, Economic Adjustment, and GCCMIF Programs

http://goo.gl/vs1t

Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants

http://goo.gl/zHVzr

Section 515 Multi-Family Housing Preservation Revolving Loan Fund

http://goo.gl/GkK0t

Emergency Capital Repair Grants for Multifamily Housing Projects

http://goo.gl/S3R9W

Public and Indian Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program under ROSS

http://goo.gl/axcw

Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Funding Assistance Program

http://goo.gl/FrRys

National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program

http://goo.gl/TRVPT

Value Pricing Program

http://goo.gl/B6JL

Rural Water Supply Program

http://goo.gl/vhXT1

WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants

http://goo.gl/hfyFS

WaterSMART: Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI

http://goo.gl/vorui

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Construction Activities

http://goo.gl/BzNkt

Water Conservation Field Services Program

http://goo.gl/AuTQ0

Rural Innovation Fund Program

http://goo.gl/m4zpd

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S)

http://goo.gl/AHcbO

Urban Bird Treaty New Cities

http://goo.gl/hT3PU

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program

http://goo.gl/LdcxD

Crime Evaluation, and Development Project Grants

On line below

1) http://goo.gl/uggkL 2) http://goo.gl/d4txi 3) http://goo.gl/Mfwol 4) http://goo.gl/1tqKH 5) http://goo.gl/GemTl

Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

http://goo.gl/MwIA

Solid Waste Management Program

http://goo.gl/aaUJ

Coastal Program

http://goo.gl/b1Rr

Source Reduction Assistance Grant

http://goo.gl/U64U5

Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinators

http://goo.gl/uO7l

Transit Asset Management (TAM) Pilot Program

http://goo.gl/KzDNH

Pre-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing & Post-Election Audit Initiative

http://goo.gl/ipUVa

Conservation Innovation - Greenhouse Gas

http://goo.gl/xLZ7W

www.fundbook.org

January 2010 | The Fundbook ~ p.48

The FundBook

This form allows the local government to designate multiple recipients for its subscription. We ask that all recipients be part of your organization, though it is not necessary to provide a company email address for each recipient. This form can be filled in using Adobe Reader. Please email the completed form to distribution@fundbook.org. If you are unable to complete the form on the computer, you may mail the form to: The FundBook Attn: Distribution 1503 30th St. NW, Suite B1 Washington, D.C. 20007

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Last

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Form FAQs Is there any cost to having more recipients? There is no additional cost for designating additional recipients. What if we have more than six Commissioners/Alderman/Council Members/Managers etc? If you wish to have more than six recipients, simply fill out this form twice and submit both copies. When should we expect emails from The FundBook? New issues are published on a monthly basis. You should expect a new issue on the first of each month. On occasion, you may receive unscheduled communication from us regarding funding opportunities that do not fit into the monthly cycle. Will our contact information be distributed to third parties? No.

The FundBook ÂŠ The FundBook 2010 | Washington D.C. www.fundbook.org