Grants and Donations

January 19, 2010: Round 2 for ARRA Broadband Funding Announced 

The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced availability of $4.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption in America. This is the second funding round for the agencies’ broadband programs.   

NTIA and RUS also announced the rules for applying in this funding round, which have been modified to make the application process easier for applicants and better target program resources. The rules are presented in two separate but complementary Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) that promote each agency’s distinct objectives.   

The agencies plan to accept applications from February 16, 2010, to March 15, 2010, and announce all awards by September 30, 2010.   

To view the Round 2 NOFAs, visit: 

NTIA BTOP NOFA (116 pages)http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2010/FR_BTOPNOFA_100115.pdf  

RUS BIP (68 pages)

http://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/RUS%20Round%20Two%20NOFA%20Final.pdf  

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that communities interested in applying for grants through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support outdoor recreation development have until April 1, 2010 to submit their applications. 

The LWCF is a federal program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Michigan.  The program provides matching grants to local units of government for developing public outdoor recreation facilities, such as trails, fishing piers and playgrounds. This assistance is directed at creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities and to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high quality recreation areas and facilities and to stimulate non-federal investments in the protection and maintenance of recreation resources across the United States.

Successful grantees are required to provide 50 percent of the project’s cost through local, non-federal funds.  Approximately $1 million in LWCF assistance is available annually.  Funding for the LWCF is generated through revenues from off-shore oil and gas production.

Grant application materials can be obtained from the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants; click on “Grant Programs,” “Land and Water Conservation Fund” and “Forms and Publications.”

Interested individuals also may call Grants Management at 517-373-9125, or write to: Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909-7925.

Contacts: Jim Wood 517-335-4050 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

January 14, 2010:  Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Applications Now Available

The MNRTF provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. This assistance is directed at creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities and providing protection to valuable natural resources. Both local units of government and the DNR may compete for MNRTF assistance.

MNRTF-assisted land acquisitions provide public access to natural resources and help protect unique natural features. Development projects eligible under the MNRTF include waterfront parks, non-motorized trails and riverwalks, fishing and boating access sites, shooting ranges and other public outdoor recreation facilities. The MNRTF is supported by revenues from the development of state-owned mineral resources, in particular oil and gas. Typically, $25-$35 million in MNRTF assistance is available annually.

Grant application materials can be obtained from the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants; click on “Grant Programs,”

“Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund” and “Forms and Publications.”

Interested individuals also may call Grants Management at 517-373-9125, or write to: Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909-7925.

Contacts: Deborah Apostol 517-335-3046 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Requests Proposals for Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is inviting all interested and eligible entities to submit proposals, including those for basin-wide or large scale regional projects, for the restoration of Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources, to be funded under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) (See article below).  Supported in part by President Obama’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a total of $8 million will be available to support projects this fiscal year.  This represents the largest amount appropriated for this effort since the grants program began in 1998. 

The Service will accept proposals through January 22, 2010 for funding consideration under the GLFWRA.  States, Federally recognized Tribal Governments, Native American Treaty Organizations, local governments, non-governmental organizations, universities, and conservation organizations within the Great Lakes basin are eligible to apply.  Successful applicants are required to provide 25 percent in matching funding.

Details of the application process can be found at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/glfwra-grants.html