Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon program                                                                                                                                                             With the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon program you can save your school money and reduce your carbon footprint! The program is focused on helping public high schools, colleges and universities reduce carbon in two ways: 1. Supporting carbon-cutting student-led projects; 2. Improving school building operations and maintenance. Applications will not be accepted after December 15th, 2008.

Students: We want to help you connect with students across the state and give you free technical and financial resources to reduce your energy use at your schools during the next three years. There are funds available now to help you get started, and during the second year of the initiative, school teams will be eligible for grants of up to $20,000 for innovative carbon-cutting projects. Sign up here!

School Administrators: We want to help you cut energy costs in your buildings and have free technical assistance to do so. You will receive free energy assessments to determine your energy efficiency and solutions to lower your usage. During the second year of the initiative, school teams will be eligible for grants of up to $20,000 for innovative carbon-cutting projects. Sign up here!

Building Operators: If your buildings are considered under-performing in terms of energy usage, working on your building's energy efficiency will make substantial reductions greenhouse gas emissions. This program can help you save energy and money! Sign up here!http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/schoolscuttingcarbon/apply

 

N"Demonstration of Integrated Biorefinery Operations" Funding Opportunity Announcement in DOE Biomass Program     Summary: This is a Notice of an Upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement - NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.

This Notice of Intent is to inform the public of an upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), anticipates announcing a notice of availability of funding for financial assistance from the Office of the Biomass Program. DOE intends to publish this FOA within 45 days after the posting of this Notice. The upcoming FOA will be issued under authorization of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005, Section 932. Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 within Title XIII, Energy Policy Tax Incentives cited in EPAct 2005 and Sections 1345 and 1346 (renewable fuel and biodiesel credits) of EPAct 2005 may provide additional impetus and credit enhancements for potential applicants to respond to this announcement. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) codifies the President's "20 in 10" plan with provisions that support the continued development and use of biofuels, including a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The feedstocks proposed for eligibility in this FOA are expected to contribute to the RFS goal of 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuels by 2022.For more information, see the Notice of Intent.  

Photovoltaic Supply Chain and Cross-Cutting Technologies  The purpose of this FOA is to identify and accelerate the development of unique products or processes that are expected to have a large impact on the solar photovoltaics (PV) industry, or a segment of the industry, in support of DOE Solar program goals. Successful applicants will focus on component and/or manufacturing technologies with the potential to have a near-term impact on a substantial segment of the PV industry. Near term is defined as technologies with expected market impacts evident within 2-6 years of award. Responsive applications will either 1) have a high impact on innovative evolutionary improvements that can be supplied across the industry at high volumes and lower costs than conventional technology today, or 2) propose disruptive technologies applicable to a narrow segment of the industry and which can dramatically reduce costs. If successful, either approach will drive future growth of the relevant technology or technologies. There will be two topic areas and three focus areas under each topic area. Topic 1 is a Proof of Concept Technical/Feasibility Assessment (POC/FA). Topic 2 is for Research, Development and Demonstration (RD D). The three focus areas are 1.) PV Module issues 2.) Non-Module PV system issues, and 3.) PV Manufacturing processes and metrologies. Due Jan 07, 2009.  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=18483  

EPA Sustainable Skylines InitiativeThis notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities to compete for financial assistance through the Sustainable Skylines Initiative (SSI). The SSI provides a framework to integrate transportation, energy, land use and air quality planning programs into projects that yield measurable air quality benefits in a relatively short period of time. SSI works with eligible entities to aid their communities to develop locally-led activities to help reduce emissions and promote sustainability with the goal of cleaner and healthier air. This is performed by participants working with EPA and other partners to increase community participation and leverage resources. The long-term goal of SSI is to help communities build self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to achieve positive environmental impacts, livability, and economic development benefits for many generations to come. Due Dec 17^th.  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43229  

Research on the Design of Policies for Pollution Control Using Market Mechanisms, and Data Gathering for Dissertation and Early Career Research on the Pollution Control Aspects of Environmental Economics The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Center for Environmental Economics (NCEE) is soliciting proposals for Federal assistance for (1) conducting research on the “Design of Policies for Pollution Control Using Market Mechanisms” and for (2) research support for “Data Gathering for Dissertation and Early Career Research on the Pollution Control Aspects of Environmental Economics”. Dec 05, 2008.  http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43120  

Fish and Wildlife Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share GrantsThe Midwest Region (Region 3) of the National Wildlife Refuge System manages the Fish and Wildlife Service Challenge Cost Share (CCS) program for the eight states of the region: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The Midwest Region invites the submission of proposals in support of natural resource management, emphasizing the inventory and control of invasive species, habitat restoration, and conservation outreach opportunities. These proposals are done in partnership with a USFWS field office such as a national wildife refuge or Partners for Fish & Wildlife office. Successful joint applicants will have at least 50% of project costs covered by non-federal resources. This is the initial announcement for these funding opportunities. The CCS program is an annual funding source set up on the federal fiscal year schedule; however, partnerships can and should be developed through the year as shared conservation projects are identified. Proposals must be developed in partnership with a Region 3 field office and sent by the partnering USFWS office to the Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share Grant coordinator (contact information below). For more information about this “call for proposals” or for information on local contacts in your area, please contact: Dan Sobieck, Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Coordinator, (612)713-5426(phone)or e-mail at Dan_Sobieck@fws.gov. All projects must be sponsored by a US Fish and Wildlife Service field station and benefit National Wildlife Refuge System programs. Due Nov 28^th.  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43214  

Solid Waste Management Grant Funds may be used to: Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to help associations reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development/implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements. Due Dec 31, 2008.   http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=42996  

National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Fellows confront global warming on their campuses and help to educate and engage the campus community on global warming impacts and solutions. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students working with other members of the faculty, staff, or administration on projects designed to help reverse global warming on campus and beyond. Possible projects include clean energy installation and purchase, and food systems work. Deadlines during the 2008-2009 academic year include: November 14, February 2, and March 31. http://www.nwf.org/campusecology/fellowships/index.cfm

Community-Based Job Training Grants  The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announces the availability of approximately $125 million in grant funds for Community-Based Job Training Grants. Community-Based Job Training Grants will be awarded through a competitive process to support workforce training for high-growth/high-demand industries through the national system of community and technical colleges. Funds will be awarded to individual community and technical colleges, community college districts, state community college systems, and One-Stop Career Centers to support or engage in a combination of capacity building and training activities for the purpose of building the capacity of community colleges to train individuals for careers in high-growth/high-demand industries in the local and/or regional economies. This Solicitation contains an exception for rural areas and other communities that are educationally underserved due to their lack of access to community or technical colleges. In awarding Community-Based Job Training Grants, every effort will be made to fairly distribute grants across rural and urban areas and across the different geographic regions of the United States. It is anticipated that individual awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Eligibility limited to: 1) an individual Community or Technical College, (2) a Community College District, (3) a state Community College System, or (4) a One-Stop Career Center in partnership with its Local Workforce Investment Board. Due Nov 24, 2008 http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43034   

National Science Foundation New Innovator (DP2) Award program   The NIH Directors New Innovator (DP2) Award program was created in 2007 to support a small number of new investigators of exceptional creativity who propose bold and highly innovative new research approaches that have the potential to produce a major impact on broad, important problems in biomedical and behavioral research. The New Innovator Awards complement ongoing efforts by NIH and its Institutes and Centers to fund new investigators through R01 grants, which continue to be the major sources of NIH support for new investigators. The competition for the New Innovator Award in fiscal year 2009 will proceed in two phases. The first phase is a pre-application phase in response to PAR-09-013. Pre-applications will be evaluated by a group of external reviewers, and those investigators whose submissions are judged to be the most outstanding will be notified of the opportunity to submit full applications under this FOA. The 2009 New Innovator Awardees will be selected from this group of applicants. -Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the DP2 grant mechanism. Pre-applications for 2009 New Innovator Awards were solicited under PAR-09-013. Applicants should read both FOAs. -Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Total funding available is approximately $55.7 million for the five-year period. It is anticipated that up to 24 awards will be made in 2009. Due May 27, 2009. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43216  

EPA Tribal Air Grant  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting proposals from federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal consortia located within Region 5 including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin. The CAA Amendments of 1990 established two separate funding mechanisms to assist Tribes in addressing air pollution and prevention activities within their Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved jurisdictional boundaries, Section 103 (short-term projects) and Section 105 (long-term program support). While the assistance agreements activities described in this RFP under Section 105 of the CAA are exempt from the competition under Section 6.c. (1) of EPA’s, “Policy for Competition Under Assistance Agreements” (EPA Order 5700.5A1), the Agency has decided to compete this request for proposals because it expects to receive proposals requesting more funding than is available for these programs this year. Due Nov 21, 2008   . http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=42948   

DOE SBIR/STTR Solicitation Includes Fuel Cell, Hydrogen Topics  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released its Small Business Innovation Research/Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) solicitation, which includes “Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies” as a topic of interest. Phase I grants are up to $100,000 each. Only successful Phase I projects will be eligible to apply for Phase II funding. The deadline for Phase I grant applications is November 20, 2008. (For assistance with SBIR or STTR in Minnesota, please contact Betsy Lulfs, MN’s Small Business program Manager at the Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. Betsy can be reached at Betsy.Lulfs@state.mn.us or 651/259-7441. ) http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/  

NSF Issues 2009 STTR Program Solicitation  The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued its 2009 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program solicitation, which includes a variety of hydrogen and fuel cell sub-topics. STTR Phase I awards are for up to $150,000 for a 12-month project. The program expects to make approximately 35 awards under this solicitation. A Letter of Intent is required and due by January 14, 2009. The deadline for full proposals is February 25, 2009. (For assistance with SBIR or STTR in Minnesota, please contact Betsy Lulfs, MN’s Small Business program Manager at the Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. Betsy can be reached at Betsy.Lulfs@state.mn.us or 651/259-7441. )http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?org=IIP&ods_key=nsf08608  

FY 2009 Request for Proposals from Indian Tribes and Intertribal Consortia for Nonpoint Source Management Grants Under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319   This is a Request for Proposals from Indian Tribes for competitive grants under section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The purpose of this grant program is to provide funding for Tribes to implement their nonpoint source (NPS) management programs developed pursuant to CWA section 319(b). The primary goal of the NPS management program is to control NPS pollution through implementation of management measures and practices to reduce pollutant loadings resulting from each category or subcategory of NPSs identified in the Tribe’s NPS assessment report developed pursuant to CWA section 319(a). EPA has set aside a portion of section 319 funds appropriated by Congress for competitive grant awards to Tribes for the purpose of funding the development and implementation of watershed-based plans and other on-the-ground watershed projects that result in a significant step towards solving NPS impairments on a watershed-wide basis. Due Dec 15, 2008.  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43258  

U.S. Economic Development Administration Regional Innovation Systems Research Project  ‘Regional innovation systems’ is a topic that is rapidly gaining currency in regional development policy discussions. Unfortunately, very little is known about these systems. The critical elements that comprise a highly effective regional innovation system are not well understood. The processes by which a region should identify and select an innovation system designed to best take advantage of its competitive advantages are largely unknown. The role, if any, public policy plays in developing and maintaining regional innovation systems in the context of regional differences is not clear. Providing more insight into the interaction between public policy and the effective creation and maintenance regional innovation systems will help illuminate regional development technique. EDA solicits applications from qualified researchers to begin a research program that will respond to these needs, informing the design of policies that build and sustain innovative regions. Since most developed countries are confronted with essentially the same challenge, EDA anticipates that the study will identify and analyze best practices from throughout the world. Due Nov 17, 2008. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43262  

Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share Grants  The Midwest Region (Region 3) of the National Wildlife Refuge System manages the Fish and Wildlife Service Challenge Cost Share (CCS) program for the eight states of the region: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The Midwest Region invites the submission of proposals in support of natural resource management, emphasizing the inventory and control of invasive species, habitat restoration, and conservation outreach opportunities. These proposals are done in partnership with a USFWS field office such as a national wildife refuge or Partners for Fish & Wildlife office. Successful joint applicants will have at least 50% of project costs covered by non-federal resources. This is the initial announcement for these funding opportunities. Proposals must be developed in partnership with a Region 3 field office and sent by the partnering USFWS office to the Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share Grant coordinator (contact information below). For more information about this “call for proposals” or for information on local contacts in your area, please contact: Dan Sobieck, Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Coordinator, (612)713-5426(phone)or e-mail at Dan_Sobieck@fws.gov. Due Nov 28, 2008.  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43214

USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants Program   Projects supported by the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program will: (1) address a State, regional, national, or international educational need; (2) involve a creative or non-traditional approach toward addressing that need that can serve as a model to others; (3) encourage and facilitate better working relationships in the university science and education community, as well as between universities and the private sector, to enhance program quality and supplement available resources; and (4) result in benefits that will likely transcend the project duration and USDA support. Due Jan 20 2009. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=18501   

U.S. Department of Labor Young Parents Demonstration Program  The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $5 million to fund demonstration grants that target the employment and training needs of young parents. The Young Parents Demonstration program is to provide educational and occupational skills training leading to family economic selfsufficiency to both mothers and fathers, and expectant mothers ages 16 to 24. Projects funded will be encouraged to serve young parents in high-risk categories, including those who are court-involved, in the child welfare orfoster care system, homeless, or victims of child abuse. Due Nov 17^th.  http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43017  

Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will award up to $150,000 for the 2009 Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program. Competitive grants for up to $25,000 are awarded to individuals or groups for on-farm sustainable agriculture research or demonstration projects in Minnesota. The purpose of the Grant Program is to fund practices that promote environmental stewardship and conservation of resources as well as improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas. Eligible recipients include Minnesota farmers, individuals at Minnesota educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and local natural resource agencies.  Due date: January 16, 2009.  http://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/demogrant.htm  

North Central SARE Farmer Rancher Grant  The North Central Region (NCR) SARE program of the USDA has allocated about $400,000 for the 2008 Farmer/Rancher Grant Program. Competitive grants of up to $6,000 are available for individual farmers and ranchers, and grants up to $18,000 are available for groups of three or more farmers from separate operations who are interested in exploring sustainable agriculture. Farmers/Ranchers are invited to submit proposals that test, evaluate, and adapt sustainable agriculture practices for their operations; conduct learning circles, educational events, field days or demonstrations to further disseminate information to farmers/ranchers; develop new technologies; or create or modify equipment. Due date: December 1, 2008. http://www.sare.org/ncrsare/prod.htm  

AgStar Fund for Rural America  The AgStar Fund for Rural America was created to extend our company's commitment to the agricultural community.  This special program underscores our dedication to agriculture and rural communities, and addresses the issues facing rural America.  The trustees established the fund's mission as “Committed to enhancing the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communities.”  Location - We concentrate our giving programs in geographic areas where we have a significant business presence. We are committed to being a leading corporate citizen in the area where we do business. For maximum impact, we will focus our giving program in four major areas: education, environment, technology and Quality of Life. Application - Those who meet our guidelines and criteria are encouraged to apply online between October 1 and November 30. For more information about the AgStar Fund for Rural America, please contact:
Jody Bloemke, Fund Administrator 507-345-5656 jody.bloemke@agstar.com http://www.agstar.com/Default.aspx?pageid=58   

EPA Announces 6^th Annual P3 Awards for Student Sustainability Projects  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its 6^th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity, and the Planet. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based non-profit public or private colleges, universities or other non-profit degree-granting organizations/institutions, to support teams of undergraduate and/or graduate students.  Topics for research include Energy and Materials & Chemicals. Approximately $500,000 is available under this announcement for an estimated 50 Phase I awards of up to $10,000. Successful Phase I projects will be eligible to receive additional Phase II funding. Deadline for applications is December 23, 2008.  http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2009/2009_p3.html

 Aquatic Conservation Programs Funded Worldwide Project AWARE Foundation
The Project AWARE Foundation is committed to the preservation of the aquatic environment and its resources throughout the world through education, advocacy, and action. The Foundation provides grants for the conservation of both marine and freshwater underwater environments, with a focus on coral reefs, shark protection, sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, shoreline cleanups, and aquatic education for children. Grants range up to US $10,000, AU $2,500, or UK £5,000. Requests are reviewed quarterly; the next application deadline is December 15, 2008. Application guidelines are available on the Foundation's website 

Funds Boost Entrepreneurial Success for Veterans   Veterans Corporation: Development Grant Program
The Veterans Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting entrepreneurial programs for veterans, service-disabled veterans, and members of the National Guard and reserve nationwide. The Veterans Corporation's Development Grant Program supports educational and outreach organizations that help veterans pursue business opportunities and careers. The focus is on supporting programs for veterans who are starting or growing a small business. Applications may be submitted throughout the year. Grants of up to $50,000 are provided. Visit the Veterans Corporation website for application guidelines and forms. 

 Assistance for Groups Organizing Against Poverty   Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) focuses its efforts on the empowerment of economically poor and disadvantaged people seeking to change the structures that perpetuate their condition. SDOP currently supports groups in the United States who are oppressed by poverty and social systems and want to take charge of their own lives. Supported projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the groups of people who will directly benefit from them and must address long-term corrections of the conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression. Requests may be submitted at any time. Visit the SDOP website to review the funding guidelines and download the application form. 

Grants Promote a More Secure World  Ploughshares Fund  The Ploughshares Fund supports initiatives to prevent the spread and use of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and other weapons of war, and to prevent conflicts that could lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction. The specific areas of interest include: nuclear weapons, nuclear materials, missiles and space, and conflict prevention and regional security. The Fund invests in a wide range of innovative and practical programs including media projects, behind-the-scenes dialogue, and grassroots organizing and lobbying. Proposals for the Winter 2009 meeting must be submitted via email by November 21, 2008. Visit the website listed above for proposal guidelines.