Grants and Donations

EPA Soliciting Applications for Environmental Justice Grant Funding

September 22, 2009: Second round of broadband internet access grants coming soon 

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) are expected to begin the process of soliciting applications by the end of the year for the second round of their respective stimulus-funded broadband initiatives. A total of $4.7 billion for broadband grants is available through NTIA's Broadband Technology Program, while an additional $2.5 billion will be awarded by RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program as grants and loans in Rounds One and Two. 

The clock is ticking for local governments as the federal funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), referred to as the federal stimulus package, for broadband push forward. With the window for Round One applications now closed (award announcements are pending), the State of Michigan is urging local government officials to actively engage in the effort to bring broadband connectivity to their  communities. 

It’s not too late to champion your community but you must engage now.

1) Review Round One applications at www.michigan.gov/broadband. Click on "MI’s Collaborative Effort" and "Summary of Round 1 Applications." Note:  Round one award announcements are expected to be released in December 2009.

2) Is your community covered by any of the proposed plans?

IF NO: Reach out to providers with plans from neighboring communities (see Plan for Round Two below)

IF YES: Partner with that provider NOW (the State can help):

• Invite the provider to the table along with community anchor institutions with strong interests in broadband (schools, libraries, medical facilities, etc.)
• Discuss proposed coverage, remaining needs, plan for implementation (if awarded), and permitting needs
• Stay engaged!

3) Plan for Round Two

The Round Two application window is expected in January 2010. (It is not confirmed whether there will be a Round Three.)

• Mobilize community anchor institutions  and identify needs for broadband coverage
• Seek out providers willing to service your area (the State can help)
• Identify available assets for providers such as water towers and antennas
• Work now on plans to streamline process for permits and licenses
• Build a “shovel ready” plan with your provider
• Solicit / provide endorsements for the application

4) Communicate with the State

• Visit www.michigan.gov/broadband and sign-up for email updates on the ARRA funding programs and requirements
• Contact the atate via email (broadband@michigan.gov) with questions or requests for assistance  

Grant Resources

Grant Resources and Responsibilities for Townships (.pdf)
Michigan Township News, October 2002

Federal
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
The Web portal for all federal grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance

Alphabetic list of federal grants at USA.gov

Grants.gov
All federal agencies are required to post competitive grants to Grants.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency Grants (FEMA)

U.S. Fire Administration Grants and Funding

GrantsNet
Health and Human Services Department Grants Portal

Homeland Security Department Grants

Community Development Block Grants (HUD)

Rural Development Community Connect Grants (USDA)

Michigan
Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Forestry Assistance grants for Conservation Districts

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Scrap Tire Web page (including Grant information) (DEQ)

Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program (DEQ) 

Water quality and water resource grants (DEQ)
Information on grant writing (for both DEQ and other types of grants)
Michigan Community Pollution Prevention (P2) Grants

Department of Economic Growth (DLEG)
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Community Development Block Grants

RFP Centers for Regional Excellence (.pdf)

Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Recreation and resource protection grants
Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans (.pdf) (DNR)

Department of State Police
(Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division)
Homeland Security Grants

Department of Transportation (MDOT)
MDOT Economic Development Fund grant programs


Other Links
The Grant Institute
Grant writing training

The Foundation Center
Guide to private foundation grants

Michigan Nonprofit Association
Funding resources and grant writing links

eCivis, LLC

Grants research, tracking and compliance support for elected officials and non-profits 

Michigan State University Library
Links to grants, grant writing information, and related resources

National Grants Management Association (NGMA)
Membership association for grants professionals

Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
List of grants for geographic information systems