March 2013
Vol. 27, #3
Information
on available
state, federal
and private
grants
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER
Look
inside for:
-
Grants to address exposure of communities to environmental harms and risks
-
Solicitation to promote lenders to provide low-interest loans for green jobs and green energy projects
-
Grants to support Superfund research projects and training programs
-
Funding to promote undergraduate teams to build test vehicles to be launched by NASA
-
Grants for K-12 educators to provide innovative teaching methods that will positively influence students
-
Funding to support the preservation of endangered languages
-
Grant writing classes
Questions?
Contact:
Grants Action News
New York State Assembly
Alfred E. Smith Building
80 S. Swan St.
Suite 1710
Albany, NY 12248
grants@assembly.state.ny.us
On the state level...
N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation
The Department of Environmental Conservation will provide state assistance funding through the Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants and the Green Gems Grants to community-based organizations for projects that address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks. Projects proposed for the Community Impact Grant funding must address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks, must be located within the community served by the applicant organization, and must include research that will be used to expand the knowledge or understanding of the affected community. The Green Gems Grant will provide funding for smaller scale projects with a research and educational component that will be used to expand the knowledge or understanding of the affected community. Eligible projects must involve education, stewardship, or monitoring activities related to parks, open space, community gardens or green infrastructure.
-
Eligibility:
Applicants for both grants must be a community-based organization or a partnership of multiple community-based organizations; have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS; must focus on addressing the environmental and/or public health problems of the residents of the community that is impacted by the multiple environmental harms and risks that are the focus of the project; have a history of serving the residents of the affected community; have its primary office located in the affected community; have more than 50% of its members or the people served by the organization living in the affected community; and the applicant must declare that it has not caused or contributed to the environmental harms or risks that are to be the subject of the project.
-
Funding:
Community Impact Grant awards range from $10,000 to $50,000 and Green Gems Grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000.
-
Deadline: April 5, 2013
-
Contact:
Office of Environmental Justice
625 Broadway, 14th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-1500
Phone: (518) 402-8556
Website: www.dec.ny.gov/public/31226.html
N.Y.S. Energy, Research and Development Authority
The New York State Energy, Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) invites lenders to partner with NYSERDA to offer Green Jobs/Green New York (GJGNY) financing products for small businesses and not-for-profits who seek low-interest rate financing to implement recommended energy efficiency improvements. Participating lenders will be able to offer participating customers one of two low-interest financing products:
1)An On-Bill Recovery (OBR) Loan, in which the lender originates a loan not to exceed $50,000 at a set interest rate of 2.5% on behalf of NYSERDA using NYSERDA’s underwriting criteria. The loan term will be a fixed term not greater than 10 years; and
2)A Participation Loan, in which NYSERDA and a lender participate in providing the principal for a loan. NYSERDA’s share of the loan will be 50% of the Eligible Loan Amount, up to a maximum of $50,000, at 0% interest. The lender’s share will be the remaining portion of the Eligible Loan Amount at market rate. Loan terms cannot exceed 10 years.
Lenders can choose to offer one or both financing products. The terms and conditions for each product are a part of each agreement. NYSERDA will use these agreements to establish a list of lenders willing to provide GJGNY loans. The list will be posted on the NYSERDA website.
-
Eligibility:
GJGNY financing products are available to small business and not-for-profit customers across New York State that meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible to participate, the small business or not-for-profit must own a non-residential structure; or lease or manage all or part of a non-residential structure; and have the authority to make improvements; and have obtained a release from the owner of the non-residential structure to seek program financing. Also, applicants must have an energy audit from a NYSERDA program, a utility-contracted entity or its subcontractor through an energy efficiency program, or from other qualified energy auditors defined by NYSERDA.
-
Funding:
NYSERDA anticipates making multiple awards under this solicitation. It may award funding based on initial applications without discussion, or following limited discussion or negotiations.
-
Deadline:
June 30, 2014, or until funds are fully committed
On the federal level...
National Institutes of Health
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is announcing the continuation of the Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program, referred to as Superfund Research Program (SRP) Centers. SRP Center grants will support problem-based, solution-oriented research centers that consist of multiple, integrated projects representing both the biomedical and environmental science disciplines as well as cores tasked with administrative, community engagement, research translation, research support and training functions. The scope of the SRP Centers is taken directly from the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and includes: (1) advanced techniques for the detection, assessment, and evaluation of the effect on human health of hazardous substances; (2) methods to assess the risks to human health presented by hazardous substances; (3) methods and technologies to detect hazardous substances in the environment; and (4) basic biological, chemical, and physical methods to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazardous substances.
-
Eligibility:
Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education as well as private institutions of higher education.
-
Funding: The NIEHS intends to commit $10,000,000 in FY 2014 to fund up to five SRP grants, subject to the availability of funds.
-
Deadline: April 10, 2013
-
Contact:
Danielle Carlin, Ph.D., DABT
National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences
Telephone: (919) 541-1409
Email: danielle.carlin@nih.gov
Heather Henry, Ph.D.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Telephone: (919) 541-5330
Email: henryh@niehs.nih.gov
William Suk, Ph.D., MPH
National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences
Telephone: (919) 541-0797
Email: suk@niehs.nih.gov
Website: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-13-001.html
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters
The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is issuing this Undergraduate Student Instrument Project (USIP) Educational Flight Opportunity (EFO) for the purpose of soliciting proposals for U.S. university undergraduate student teams to design, build, test and fly a science payload on a NASA suborbital vehicle, such as a sounding rocket, balloon, aircraft or commercial suborbital reusable launch vehicle. The goals and objectives of the USIP flow down from the 2011 NASA Strategic Plan which states: “Establish and maintain a workforce that possesses state-of-the-art technical and business management competencies. Improve retention of students in STEM disciplines and provide NASA experiences that inspire student interest and achievement in STEM disciplines.” SMD recognizes the vital role that suborbital carriers have and currently play in training the country’s future science and technology leaders. This EFO is intended to expand current research opportunities by specifically offering undergraduate students an exciting student-led, hands-on suborbital flight project to develop and fly a science payload on a NASA suborbital vehicle. In formulating the student team, universities are encouraged to involve students across its many schools, (e.g., science, engineering, and humanities).
-
Eligibility:
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity)
-
Funding:
The maximum funding available from SMD for a proposed project, including the design, development and testing of the science payload, is $50,000. The university contribution is determined strictly by the university based on the university’s capabilities and the project’s needs. SMD expects to select approximately 15-20 projects, subject to available funding.
-
Deadline: April 5, 2013
-
Contact:David Pierce
Science Mission Directorate
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, DC 20546-0001
Email: david.l.pierce@nasa.gov
Phone: (202) 358-3808
Website: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitations.do?method=open&stack=push
On the private level...
ING Unsung Heroes
The ING Unsung Heroes awards program annually recognizes K-12 educators in the United States for their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to positively influence the children they teach. ING Unsung Heroes began in 1995 as a way for ING U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to the education community. Grants are given to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes grant by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its:
-
Innovative method
-
Creativity
-
Ability to positively influence the students
Educators are invited to submit grant applications describing class projects they have initiated or would like to pursue.
-
Eligibility:
All K-12 education professionals, whether or not they are clients of ING, are eligible. Individuals must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States and must be full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff with effective projects that improve student learning.
-
Funding:
Each of the 100 finalists will receive an award of $2,000. At least one award will be granted in each of the 50 United States, provided one or more qualified applications are received from each state. Of the 100 finalists, three will be selected for additional financial awards. First place will receive $25,000; second place will receive $10,000, and the third place winner will receive $5,000.
-
Deadline: April 30, 2013
-
Contact: ING Unsung Heroes Awards Program
c/o Scholarship America
One Scholarship Way
P.O. Box 297, St. Peter, MN 56082
Email: ing@scholarshipamerica.org
Phone: (507) 931-1682
Website: www.unsungheroes.com
The Endangered Language Fund
The Endangered Language Fund (ELF) was founded in 1996 with the goal of supporting language preservation and documentation projects. The Endangered Language Fund provides grants for language maintenance and linguistic field work. The work most likely to be funded is that which serves both the native community and the field of linguistics. Work which has immediate applicability to one group and more distant application to the other will also be considered. Publishing subventions are a low priority, although they will be considered. Proposals can originate in any country. The language involved must be in danger of disappearing within a generation or two. Endangerment is a continuum, and the location on the continuum is one factor considered in funding decisions.
-
Eligibility:
Researchers and language activists are encouraged to apply. Awards can be made to institutions as well.
-
Funding:
ELF grants can be applied for a variety of expenses, including consultant fees, tapes, films and travel, but not overhead. Grants, which average $2,000, are normally awarded for a one-year period, but extensions will be considered through the application process.
Grant writing
The Foundation Center
The Foundation Center has scheduled the following free training classes in
New York City during April 2013.
Grant-seeking Basics: April 6
Attendees will learn how the Center’s resources help make them more effective grantseekers. For beginners, this introduction to the library provides instruction in foundation research and identification of potential funders. A tour of the library will follow.
Introduction to Finding Funders: April 6, 17
This class provides a hands-on introduction on how to use the center’s comprehensive online database – The Foundation Directory Online – to research and identify potential funders. The Foundation Directory Online contains over 100,000 profiles of grant-making institutions.
Proposal Writing Basics: April 9, 25
Attendees will learn about the basics of writing a proposal for their nonprofit organization.
Proposal Budgeting Basics:April 9, 25
Attendees will learn how to prepare and present a budget in a grant proposal. This session is geared toward novice grantseekers.
How to Approach a Foundation:April 30
Attendees will learn how to initiate contact with potential donors, plan calls and meetings, and build partnerships with sponsors. This class is intended for fundraisers who have some experience but are not experts.
In addition:
Classes are held at The Foundation Center, located at:
New York Library
79 Fifth Ave. 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10003
Space is limited, so register as soon as possible.
For additional training opportunities, to register, or for more information, call 212-620-4230 or visit
www.foundationcenter.org.
If you receive Grants Action News by mail...
Please help us save costs and ensure more timely delivery of Grants Action News (up to 10
days quicker!) by signing up to receive this publication via e-mail. Simply print
and mail this form to: Grants Action News, New York State Assembly, Alfred E. Smith Building,
80 S. Swan Street, Suite 1710, Albany, NY 12248, and we will update your information. Thank you.
Please send future Grants Action News to (e-mail address/es):
If you prefer to receive the newsletter by mail, please help us prevent waste by letting us know
if you’re getting duplicate copies or if your address has changed. To correct mailing list
problems, please send an e-mail to
grants@assembly.state.ny.us or write to
us at the above address. To request an address change, please include the old and new addresses.
Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE: Grants Action News will not release, sell or give
away a subscriber’s email address, name or any other information provided without express
permission from the subscriber.