Technical Assistance Grants

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is continuously accepting applications for Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs). TAGs are a citizen participation tool available to eligible community groups to increase public awareness and understanding of remedial activities taking place in their community. TAGs, in the form of State Assistance Contracts (SACs), are available to eligible community groups for the purpose of obtaining independent technical assistance in interpreting existing environmental information about an eligible "significant threat" site being remediated in the State Superfund Program or Brownfield Cleanup Program. Technical assistance is intended to help the grant recipient and the community it represents understand existing environmental data developed about the site, comment on site remedial activities and proposals, and share this information with the public.
ELIGIBILITY:  Community groups must be non-responsible parties incorporated as not-for-profit corporations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. An eligible community group must certify that its membership represents the interest of the community affected by the site, and that its members’ health, economic well-being or enjoyment of the environment are potentially threatened by the site.
FUNDING:  Eligible community groups may apply to receive grants for up to $50,000 per eligible site. There is no matching contribution required on the part of the grant recipient.
DEADLINE:  Applications are accepted continuously.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Write or call the TAG Coordinator, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Remediation, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-7012, (518) 402-9711.

Environmental Protection Act Funds and Federal Land and Water Conservation

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announces that organizations with an ownership interest in the property may apply for funds under Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 for the acquisition, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas. In addition, municipalities may apply for funds under the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund for acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities.
ELIGIBILITY:   Municipalities and non-profit organizations with an ownership interest in parks, historic properties, and heritage areas.
FUNDING:  This is a matching grant program, therefore grant recipients are expected to provide a 50 percent match.
DEADLINE:  June 29, 2007
FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Visit http://www.nysparks.com/grants or contact T. Kevin Burns, Chief of Grants, Bureau of Grants Management, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 1, 16th Floor, Albany, NY 12238; phone (518) 474-0427; fax (518) 486-7377.

Waste Reduction, Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Programs

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

NYSDEC administers statewide and municipality-specific state assistance programs for waste reduction, recycling and household hazardous waste (HHW) programs. This investment leverages local funding in these program areas.

Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program (MWR&R): Capital Projects (since 1993) - DEC is authorized to provide State assistance for projects that enhance municipal recycling infrastructure through purchasing of equipment or construction of facilities. Some communities used funding to construct materials recycling facilities and others are constructing state-of-the-art composting facilities. Other communities have been able to purchase recycling containers and new recycling vehicles with their MWR&R funding.

Recycling Coordinators (since July 2000) - DEC is authorized to provide State assistance for Recycling Coordinator salaries and public education programs to municipalities to expand local recycling and waste reduction programs and increase participation in those programs.

Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance Program (HHWSAP) (since 1995) - HHWSAP is an Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) program administered by DEC. The HHWSAP provides State assistance for HHW collection days, and construction of permanent HHW collection facilities in order to provide a safe alternative for recycling or disposal of household hazardous materials.

Environmental Services Unit

New York State Department of Economic Development

Through the Environmental Investment Program (EIP), the New York State Department of Economic Development (DED) and its Environmental Services Unit (ESU) support projects that lead to measurable pollution prevention and economic development results. EIP awards are made on a competitive basis. Projects with a strong likelihood of creating results in a timely fashion receive more favorable reviews.
ELIGIBILITY:  Eligible applicants include qualified small and medium-sized New York State businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities on behalf of New York State businesses.
FUNDING:  Funding varies with the projects.
DEADLINE:  Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:   Contact the New York State Department of Economic Development Environmental Services Unit, 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12245; email: environment@empire.state.ny.us; phone: (518)292-5340.

. . . On the Federal Level

STAR Research Program

Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing development and evaluation of innovative approaches to quantitatively detect pathogens or toxigenic cyanobacteria or the identified high priority cyanotoxins: microcystins, anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsins, in drinking water. The purpose of this request for applications is to improve the suite of available detection methods for known and emerging microbial drinking water contaminants including freshwater algae or its toxins. Any proposed method should be applicable to source water, treated water, and/or water in the distribution system.
ELIGIBILITY:  Private institutions of higher education, nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, county governments, state governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), city or township governments.
FUNDING:  Expected number of awards: 6; Estimated total program funding: $3,600,000; Award ceiling: $600,000.
DEADLINE:  July 10, 2007
FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Visit http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=13091

. . . Grant Writing

Grantsmanship Center

The Grantsmanship Training Program is coming to New York: New York City, April 16-20, 2007, hosted by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and East Farmingdale, June 4-8, 2007, hosted by Molloy College.

The classes will be conducted by The Grantsmanship Center and are kept at a maximum of 30 participants. The cost is $825, which includes one-year enrollment in the TGCI Membership Program. A limited number of half-tuition scholarships are available to agencies with annual budgets of less than $300,000.

To register, or to apply for a scholarship, contact TGCI at (800) 421-9512 or visit www.tgci.com.

For local information for the New York City Event, Contact: Banghee Chi at (212) 594-7741, x201; or by e-mail at banghee@cicatelli.org

Foundation Center

The Foundation Center has scheduled the following free training opportunities during April 2007:

Grantseeking Basics: Attendees will learn how the Center’s resources can 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. April 17, April 26 and May 5.

Proposal Writing Basics: Attendees will learn about the basics of writing a proposal for their nonprofit organizations. May 3.

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online: This session provides a hands-on introduction to the Center’s comprehensive Web subscription database. April 26, May 2 and May 5.

How to Approach a Foundation: Attendees will learn how to initiate contact with potential funders; plan calls and meetings; and build partnerships with donors. This class is intended for fundraisers with some experience, though not necessarily with foundations. April 18 and May 17.

Classes are held at The Foundation Center, New York Library, 79 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor in New York City. Space is limited and you can register online at www.fdncenter.org, in person, or by calling (212) 620-4230. You may also visit the Web site for information on other training opportunities available through the Center.