GRANT NEWS AND INFORMATION

December 23, 2011:

RE: Recreational Trails Program

On October 26th the NJDEP sent out a Recreational Trails Program grant invitation letter and application package for the 2012 funding round. State, County and local governments are eligible for these grants as well as non-profit agencies. The deadline for the grant program is February 15th, 2012. For more information or to get a grant application for 2012 please visit www.trails.nj.gov.

Click here for a PDF with more information.

December 7, 2011:

RE: 3 Upcoming EPA Funding Opportunities & NEA’s Our Town Grants

The announcement for the EPA Brownfields Multi-Purpose grant is expected sometime this month or January 2012.  This grant will fund both assessment and cleanup in one grant award, eliminating the need for a separate grant application for each phase.

The Workforce Development grant announcement is expected sometime in January or February 2012.  This grant replaces the Brownfield Job Training grant and expands the scope of eligible training that may be funded.

The Brownfields Area-wide Planning grant announcement is expected sometime in February or March 2012.  This grant will fund reuse planning for Brownfield sites in a defined area.

Additionally, the National Endowment for the Arts has posted the guidelines for 2012 Our Town grants.  Now in its second year, Our Town supports creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable places with the arts at their score. Our Town will invest in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, seek to: Improve their quality of life; encourage creative activity; create community identity and a sense of place and revitalize local economies.                            

Pending availability of funding, grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000. Projects may include planning, design, and arts engagement activities that reflect a systemic approach to civic development and a persuasive vision for enhanced community vibrancy.    Visit http://arts.gov/grants/apply/OurTown/index.html.  Inquires may email ot@arts.gov to schedule a call with NEA staff.  NEA staff will be conducting Our Town webinars on Wednesday, January 11 and Tuesday, February 7, 2012 to answer questions and walk applicants through this year's guidelines. Schedule and registration details will be posted on the Our Town guidelines webpage next week.        

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, March 1, 2012     

GRANT AMOUNTS:  $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, or $150,000            

PERIOD OF SUPPORT: September 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014                

ELIGIBILITY: A partnership between a local government entity and a nonprofit cultural institution is required; additional partners are encouraged.

December 1, 2011:

RE: Green Acres Funding Reminder

Interested municipalities and counties may apply for Green Acres funds to acquire or develop land for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes.  Available funding represents the balance of the voter-approved 2009 Green Acres bond referendum, as well as supplemental funding from project cancellations and withdrawals. 

Green Acres will accept applications until February 15, 2012.  Funding is extremely limited, and we anticipate that competition will be intense.  As a result, only funding requests from new applicants or applicants who have completed or are making significant progress on previously approved projects will be considered. 

Eligible land acquisition projects include the purchase of natural areas, historic sites, conservation areas, water bodies, and open space for active or passive recreation. Eligible recreational projects include facilities that provide boating, fishing, swimming, outdoor games and sports, biking, picnicking, camping, or nature interpretation.  Related costs incurred as part of the acquisition or development project also may be eligible for reimbursement. More detailed information about funding categories is provided in the enclosed attachment.

Application

ROSI Excel Spreadsheet

November 23, 2011:

The Siemens Sustainable Community Awards program provides a national platform for recognizing small, medium and large size communities which have improved the quality of life for their residents, become responsible stewards of the environment, and increased the ability to sustain a successful community for generations to come.

Deadline for nominations is January 13, 2012.

Click here for more information.

November 23, 2011:

RE: EPA Requests Proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects to award between $1.8 to
$3.8 million in funding for projects across the country to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. The funding is part of EPA's Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, recreational and employment opportunities in nearby communities.

The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants program is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents. Examples of projects eligible for funding include:

• Education and training for water quality improvement or green
  infrastructure jobs
• Public education about ways to reduce water pollution
• Local water quality monitoring programs
• Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop local watershed plans
• Innovative projects that promote local water quality and
  community revitalization goals

Information about Urban Waters Small Grants including the Request for Proposal (RFP) and registration links for the webinars is available at www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding.  EPA expects to award the grants
in Summer 2012.

Note to Applicants: In accordance with EPA's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy (EPA Order 5700.5A1), EPA staff will not meet with individual applicants to discuss draft proposals, provide informal comments on draft proposals, or provide advice to applicants on how to respond to ranking criteria. Applicants are responsible for the contents of their proposals.  However, consistent with the provisions in the announcement, EPA will respond to questions from individual applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification about the announcement. Questions must be submitted in writing via e-mail to urbanwaters@epa.gov and must be received by the Agency Contact, Ji-Sun Yi, by January 16, 2012 and written responses will be posted on EPA's website at www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding.

Dates to Remember:
Deadline for submitting proposals: January 23, 2012
Two webinars about this funding opportunity:

December 14, 2011 and January 5, 2012.
Deadline for submitting questions: January 16, 2012

For more information on EPA's Urban Waters program, visit
www.epa.gov/urbanwaters.

October 26, 2011:

RE: 2012 Recreational Trails Program

The DEP has announced the availability of grant funding to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail facilities.  The application below provides a summary of permissible uses and projects, program requirements, and factors used to evaluate and select the projects for funding.  The deadline for submitting applications to the Green Acres Program is February 15, 2012.

The DEP anticipates that this program will receive approximately $1 million to be distributed Statewide for trail related projects, and anticipates that competition for funding will be intense.

Please direct questions to John Flynn of the Green Acres Program at 609-984-0628 or john.flynn@dep.state.nj.us.  Additional information can be found at: www.trails.nj.gov.

Application Package    

Application Package

October 6, 2011:

Request for Proposals: Animals in the Community Pilot Program

In partnership with Sustainable Jersey, The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a pilot community to implement this best practices model for the delivery of municipal animal services.

Addressing public health and safety, fiscal efficiency, responsible pet ownership, conflict resolution and the protection of wildlife and habitat, the “Animals in the Community” actions in Sustainable Jersey include a Companion Animal Management Plan. To support the development of best practices for Companion Animal Management, IFAW partnered with Sustainable Jersey to convene a team representing state agencies, conservation and animal welfare non-profits, Boards of Health, Animal Control Officers, educators and law enforcement to identify models of good practice and develop this RFP. The result is a model for local governments that will not only improve the provision of animal services but also generate revenue by replicating successful enterprises from NJ and beyond. Implementing the model will engage the community and enable local entities to provide valued services through education, enhanced operations, and the creation of legal frameworks that support improved outcomes.

Proposals are due Friday, December 2, 2011. Visit Sustainable Jersey’s website for details and updates: http://sustainablejersey.com/about.php?sec_num=10.

Click here to view a PDF of the RFP

September 15, 2011:

RE: Grants - NJDEP

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres has created a special category of funding to assist towns and counties in acquiring flood prone lands.  Green Acres will provide up to a 25% matching grant, depending on the matching grant ratio provided by FEMA.  This is a pilot program; therefore funding caps will be established per applicant to allow acquisitions to be accomplished by a maximum number of local governments.  The Passaic River Basin region has been identified as the focus of this pilot program.  

Requests for funding under this Local Blue Acres category will compete only against other similar requests.  This will not affect any other pending or ongoing Green Acres project you may be sponsoring.

Click here for NJDEP's letter and application.

Applications are due by October 31, 2011. 

Funding decisions will be made by December 1, 2011.

July 28, 2011:

Re: New Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant Availability

The National League of Cities wanted us to let you know that, on June 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new grant opportunity for rural communities across the country. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program is a great opportunity for rural communities to leverage federal funds for local transportation projects. You can view Transportation Secretary LaHood’s announcement at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot7611.html.

NLC is partnering with Smart Growth America, the American Public Transportation Association, the National Association of Development Organizations, PolicyLink, Reconnecting America, Rural Assembly, and Transportation for America to help communities to submit superior applications for these very competitive grants.

If you plan to apply for this year’s round of TIGER grants or want to learn more about the program and the application process, join us for a webinar on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 2:00 PM EDT. The webinar will feature an overview of TIGER by Beth Osborne, Deputy Assistant Secretary at USDOT, as well as a discussion of innovative rural transportation projects by Alia Anderson, Program and Policy Associate at Reconnecting America. In addition, Courtney Payne, a Government Services Specialist at the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, will showcase a successful rural project from an earlier TIGER grant cycle. 

This webinar is the first in a two-part series aimed at helping prospective TIGER applicants from rural communities. The second webinar will take place later in August and will focus on forming interdisciplinary, regional partnerships and on successful grant writing.

If you have questions about this event, contact Garett Ballard-Rosa at gballardrosa@smartgrowthamerica.org or 202-207-3355 x142.

July 21, 2011:

RE: EPA Grant Writing Workshops

The EPA recommends that those intending to apply for Brownfield grant funds attend one of their upcoming EPA writing workshops.

Additional information on the EPA Brownfield Grants is found at www.epa.gov/brownfields/grant_info/index.htm.

The next two workshops are :

Monday, July 25, 2011 and Tuesday, July 26, 2011.

Click here to view Flyer

July 5, 2011:

RE: TIGER Grants

The US Department of Transportation has released the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFRA) for Round 3 of the very popular TIGER grants.  Initially authorized as part of the Recovery Act, Congress has continued to fund the discretionary grant program.  TIGER III includes $527 million for innovative transportation projects that have a regional impact.   

This Round includes a $140 million set aside for rural communities which is defined in Section V of the NOFA.  The grants will be for capital investments only, not planning or project design and applicants will have to provide at least a 20 percent match.    

In general, this round is similar to last year, with a few significant differences:  

1. Unlike the FY 2010 Appropriations Act, the FY 2011 Continuing Appropriations Act does not provide any funding for projects solely for the planning, preparation, or design of capital projects ("TIGER Planning Grants"); however, these activities may be eligible to the extent that they are part of an overall construction project that receives TIGER Discretionary Grants funding;
   

2. Any applicant that is applying for a TIGER TIFIA Payment must also submit a TIFIA letter of interest along with their application.
   
   

3. Eligible applicants may submit, as a lead applicant, no more than three applications for consideration.

Applicants are required to submit a "pre-application" prior to submitting a final application.  The pre-application system will open on August 22, 2011.  All pre-applications should be submitted by October 3, 2011 at 5 PM EST.  Final applications will be due on or before October 31, 2011.   

USDOT will host a half day seminar and webcast providing information and guidance on the TIGER application process July 18th from 1 to 4 PM.    

Secretary LaHood Announces $527 Million in Funding for New Round of Popular TIGER Grant Program

Competitively Chosen Projects Will Create Jobs, Lay Foundation for Growth

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that $527 million will be available for a third round of the highly successful TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) competitive grant program, which funds innovative transportation projects that will create jobs and have a significant impact on the nation, a region or a metropolitan area. 

“Through the TIGER program, we can build transportation projects that are critical to America’s economic success and help complete those that might not move forward without this infusion of funding,” said Secretary LaHood.  “This competition empowers local communities to create jobs and build the transportation networks they need in order to win the future.” 

In the FY11 budget President Obama signed in April, $527 million was directed to the Department of Transportation for critical investments in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. States, cities, local governments, and other partnerships and groups will have until this fall to prepare their applications for the popular TIGER program, which has funded high-impact projects including roads, bridges, freight rail, transit buses and streetcars, ports, and bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The previous two rounds of the TIGER grant program provided $2.1 billion to 126 transportation projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Demand for the program has been overwhelming, and during the previous two rounds, the Department of Transportation received more than 2,500 applications requesting more than $79 billion for transportation projects across the country. 

Projects will be selected based on their ability to contribute to the long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, improve energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities and improve the quality of living and working environments of communities through increased transportation choices and connections.  The Department will also focus on projects that are expected to quickly create and preserve jobs and spur rapid increases in economic activity.

For more information, please visit http://www.dot.gov/tiger/.

June 27, 2011:

RE: Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program 

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that HUD will be investing an additional $67 million the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program. 

HUD provided advance notice today that the second round of Regional Planning grants will soon be made available through a Notice of Funding Availability. The grants will be awarded competitively to multi-jurisdictional and multi-sector partnerships as well as regional consortia consisting of state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), educational institutions, non-profit organizations and philanthropic organizations.

This year’s funding was approved by Congress in HUD’s 2011 budget, as part of $100 million devoted to the agency's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities.  This year’s Regional Planning Grant program will encourage grantees to support regional planning efforts that integrate housing, land-use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure developments in a manner that empowers regions to consider how all of these factors work together to bring economic competitiveness and revitalization to a community. The program will place a priority on partnerships, including the collaboration of arts and culture, philanthropy, and innovative ideas to the regional planning process. 

Recognizing that areas are in different stages of achieving sustainability, HUD will establish two funding categories for the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program.

• Category 1 Funds: Can be used to support the preparation of Regional Plans for sustainable development.
  
  
• Category 2 Funds: Can be used to support efforts to modify existing regional plans so that they are in accordance with the Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ six Livability Principles. Category 2 Funds also may be used to prepare more detailed execution plans for an adopted regional plan for sustainable development and limit predevelopment planning activities for catalytic projects.  

To read the full text of HUD's advance funding announcement, visit http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail.

March 31, 2011:

RE: Department of Justice Announces Multiple Crime Prevention Grant Solicitations

The U.S. Department of Justice recently invited local governments to apply for several grant opportunities supporting innovative crime reduction programs. Grant programs currently open for solicitations include the Smart Policing Initiative, the Field-Initiated Programs Competitive Grant Program, the Second Chance Act Juvenile Mentoring Initiative, and the Community-Based Violence Prevention Demonstration Program.

The Smart Policing Initiative and Field-Initiated Programs Competitive Grant both seek to build upon data-driven, evidence-based, innovative approaches to reducing crime. Both of these grants will be open until April 21. The Second Chance Act Juvenile Mentoring Initiative, which provides funds for mentoring and other transitional services essential to reintegrating juvenile offenders into the community, will be open until May 2.

Finally, the Community-Based Violence Prevention Demonstration Program is a new initiative that builds and maintains programs like the ones adopted by municipalities through NLC's Institute for Youth, Education, and Families' California Cities Gang Prevention Network. These communities have adopted multi-strategy, multi-disciplinary approaches to reducing the violence that has adversely affected youth, families, and neighborhoods across America. Cities interested in receiving grant funding for similar programs may apply for this demonstration program through May 23.

Details about these and other criminal justice grants can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm and www.grants.gov.

March 23, 2011:

Re: Risk Reduction Projects - Mitigation Grant Deadline Approaching

As a result of the December 2010 snow storm event, the State of New Jersey received a Presidential Disaster Declaration.  This has created the opportunity for Counties and Municipalities to apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant Funds (HMGP) under DR-1954-NJ.   The eligibility requirements are that the jurisdiction has an approved Hazard Mitigation plan. Any eligible jurisdiction in New Jersey that is interested in applying for an HMGP project grant should submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the State Hazard Mitigation Office by April 8, 2011.  Those counties that are submitting or have submitted Hazard Mitigation plans to NJOEM recently should also submit LOI's, due to potential opportunities resulting from the disaster.

Any questions prior to the submission deadline should be directed to SFC Robert Little, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, at 609-963-6963, or little.robert@gw.njsp.org.

February 28, 2011:

RE: Our Town Grant Available for Creative Placemaking

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is offering grant funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for projects that incorporate the arts and creative placemaking. The Our Town grant will invest in “creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable places with the arts at their core.” Projects should work to improve a community’s quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity and a sense of place and revitalize local economies. The grant requires an arts-based partnership with committed governmental leadership and the philanthropic sector.

These partnerships must involve at least two organizations: a nonprofit design or cultural organization and a government entity. In addition, each project must have a systemic approach to civic development with a persuasive vision for change; clearly defined civic development goals and objectives that recognize and enhance the role the arts play at the center of community life; an action plan aligned with the project vision; and a funding plan that is appropriate, feasible, indicates strong community support and includes a well-conceived sustainability strategy.

To apply, you must submit a statement of interest by March 1st. The invitation to apply will be issued March 25th and the final application is due April 25th. For instructions and information visit www.arts.gov/grants/apply/OurTown/index.html.

February 24, 2011:

RE: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding

Mayors Chris Bollwage of Elizabeth and Art Ondish of Mount Arlington, the Co-Chairs of our new Committee to Save CDBG Funding, are looking for support from Mayors all around our Garden State, in this effort to maintain current levels of this vital federal economic development/redevelopment assistance. Continued funding has never been more crucial, than now, when cuts could further slow our sluggish recovery.

Accordingly, we have posted a model letter to be sent to U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, detailing the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and urging that it must remain fully funded.

The House of Representatives has already voted on a 62.5% cut of the CDBG Program; therefore I am also requesting that you contact your Congressional representatives in an advisory capacity, and convey how essential CDBG is to your community, our state and nation.

I strongly suggest that you emphasize the critical nature of this program and the devastating effects that will result if it is reduced or eliminated. Since numerous community organizations are directly impacted by the CDBG program, it would also be beneficial if the end users of this Program could also reach out to your legislators to highlighting the positive impact and benefits of the CDBG program.  Please send the League copies of your correspondence and any other information you believe our Co-Chairs would find of interest. 

Letters may be addressed to Senator Frank R. Lautenberg at: One Gateway Center, 23rd Floor, Newark, NJ 07012 and Senator Robert Menendez at: One Gateway Center, 11th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102. 

Thank you for your attention in the matter. If you have any questions, contact Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121 or jmoran@njslom.com.

Very truly yours,

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director

February 16, 2011:

RE: Transitional Aid of Localities Application Process

The following is a note from the NJDCA:

Dear Municipal Clerk:

Attached to this email is Local Finance Notice 2011-7, CY 2011/SFY 2012 Transitional Aid Application. Also attached is the Transitional Aid Application form for Calendar Year municipalities.

Regardless of Fiscal Year, any municipality considering applying for the program must read the Finance Notice to understand the rigorous application process. Actions will have to be taken within the next few weeks for both CY and SFY municipalities intending to apply for Transitional Aid.

This is being sent to Municipal Clerks and Chief Financial Officers. It is strongly suggested that they share this with appropriate local officials as soon as possible.

Thank you for your cooperation and attention.

Attachments: Program Information; Application

Applications are due on March 11, 2011. 

February 16, 2011:

The Department of Health and Senior Services' Has Announced Availability of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) Funding - called Take Control of Your Health in NJ

Letters of intent to apply for CDSMP funding are due at the Division on March 1, 2011. 
For details and contact information visit:

• Notice of Grant Award for Implementation of CDSMP
• Scope of Service Summary for CDSMP Grant Applications

February 15, 2011:

ATTENTION MAYORS WHO APPLIED FOR: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding.

PLEASE NOTE:  In order to officially approve assignment of your funds, NJ Clean Energy Program must receive a signed Scope(s) of Work by no later than February 25, 2011. You may send the signed documentation by e-mail to NJARRABLOCKGRANTS@trcsolutions.com or by mail or fax using the contact information at the bottom of this letter. If your Direct Install participating contractor has not completed your on-site energy assessment, you must arrange for that part of the process immediately so that the proposed energy efficiency measures can be identified in your work scope.

The U.S. Department of Energy timelines associated with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants require that the ARRA funds be committed for approved projects as specified in your signed Scope of Work. If we do not receive this completed documentation by the deadline, your block grant will be canceled and the funds made available for other projects throughout the state.

If you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to assist you in moving forward, please contact Roger Kliemisch, Program Manager, TRC Energy Services at Toll Free 866-433-4479 or 732-855-0033.

February 1, 2011:

Re: Phase II Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) 

At the request of Lee A. Solomon, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, I am forwarding important information to you regarding Phase II of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG). The text of President Solomon’s letter follows: 

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.  The Board of Public Utilties has begun administering Phase II of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG). Phase II consists of the remaining EECGB funds that were not spent in 2010, and are now available to any of the 512 eligible entities. Funds are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.  Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received, until the funds are expended.    

The 2011 grants will provide up to $50,000.  When used in conjunction with the Direct Install Program, local governments can invest up to $125,000 in energy efficiency measures ($75,000 from Direct Install plus $50,000 from EECBG). Again, the EECBG is available with NO MATCH to qualifying counties and municipalities. 

However, the grants are available on a first come, first serve basis while funding remains. Updated information is available on the Clean Energy Program’s website at NJCleanEnergy.com/EECBG (including the 2011 application). To speak with a program representative, call 866-NJSMART, ext. 4.   

We applaud those local government leaders who took advantage of the grants available in 2010. We look forward to working with you to ensure successful completion of the project installations.   

January 31, 2011:

EPA is initiating a Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant round.  Applications are due by March 22, 2011.  It is a program for the public to understand and reduce toxic risks from various sources.  See link at:  http://www.smartgrowth.org/engine/index.php/resources/2011/01/20/epa-seeks-applications-for-environmental

January 31, 2011:

Grants for Traditional Folk Artists Available
State Arts Council Announces Grant Opportunities and Application Workshops

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts announces the availability of guidelines and applications for its Fiscal Year 2012 Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program. The application deadline is April 6, 2011 and workshops conducted by Arts Council staff will be offered in various locations around the state for individuals and teams seeking assistance with the application process. (See schedule below).

Folk Arts Apprenticeship grants support the traditional arts and crafts of New Jersey's many different cultural communities, helping talented apprentice artists further hone their skills by working directly with a master artist of a shared community. “Support for these artists has widespread impact on New Jersey's communities helping to strengthen group ties, promote cross-cultural understanding and sustain important cultural traditions that have been practiced here and around the world for generations,” said Arts Council Chair Sharon Burton Turner. "The Council has long recognized how important it is that these unique customs and ways of life get passed forward authentically and consistently."

Over the last 14 years, the Council's Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program has assisted hundreds of artists who make up a fascinating spectrum of traditional arts and crafts. Some of these apprenticeships have included art forms from the Filipino, Native American, Ukrainian, NJ Pinelands region, Japanese, African American, Puerto Rican and many other cultures and communities. Apprentices may request up to $3,000 to support an intensive regimen of study with a master artist for up to 12 months. The application process requires that each interested folk arts apprentice apply with a master artist as a team by providing artistic work samples, comprehensive, detailed information of their shared artistic cultural backgrounds and their planned scope of work together.

The application workshop schedule is as follows:

• February 17, 2011, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
  Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, NJ

• February 25, 2011, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
  Down Jersey Folklife Center, Millville, NJ

• March 12, 2011, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
  Jersey Shore Regional Folklife Center, Tuckerton, NJ

• March 20, 2011, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
  East Jersey Olde Towne Village, Piscataway Township, NJ

• April 1, 2011, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  NJ State Council on the Arts, Trenton, NJ

To reserve a space at a workshop, contact Kim Nguyen at kim.nguyen@sos.state.nj.us or 609.292.6130 (NJ Relay 711). All workshops will be held at accessible sites. Those in need of special assistance should call the Council office two weeks prior to the workshop date at 609.292.6130 or NJ Relay 711.

January 31, 2011:

Reprinted fromt he 2011 League of California Cities' November 2010 issue of Western City magazine:

What City Officials Need to Know About Pursuing Federal Grant Funding

January 18, 2011:

EPA Grants Continue to Protect Beachgoers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing almost $10 million in grants to 37 states, territories and tribes to help protect swimmers and beachgoers at America’s beaches. The grants will help local authorities monitor beach water quality and notify the public of conditions that may be unsafe for swimming. The grants have enabled states and territories to more than double the number of beaches they monitor since 2003. This continues EPA’s efforts to help beach managers provide consistent public health protection and up-to-date information about local beach conditions.

“EPA’s grants are helping states monitor their beaches and providing beachgoers with information to make healthy decisions,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “Increased public information about beach water quality also serves as a motivator for people to identify sources of contamination and to take action.”

Each swimming season, state and local health and environmental protection agencies monitor the quality of water at the nation’s beaches. When bacteria levels in the water are too high, these agencies notify the public by posting beach warnings or closing the beach.In 2007, an estimated 96 million people made at least one visit to a U.S. ocean beach, spending a total of 1.4 billion days at ocean beaches.

This is the 11th year that EPA is providing beach grant funds, bringing the total amount EPA has made available to nearly $102 million since Congress passed the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act of 2000. Through this funding, the number of monitored beaches has almost quadrupled from about 1,000 in 1997 to more than 3,800 in 2009.

More information: http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/beachgrants/index.cfm

September 8, 2010:

RE: EECBG Workshops

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, municipalities are eligible to apply for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.  There is $20,000 reserved for each eligible municipality but you MUST apply by December 31, 2010 to ensure that the money is set aside for your municipality.   There is no monetary match required.

Free weekly interactive webinars have been scheduled for EECBG application assistance. The webinars are conducted on Thursday mornings, beginning at 10:00 AM. Sessions are expected to last approximately one hour.

The webinar will be accessible at https://www.webmeeting.att.com. First-time users should log in early, or even a few days in advance, so there is ample time to download the program. The meeting number is 866-208-4552 and the code is 9057198.

Dial-in to the conference by calling 866 208-4552. Enter the access code number 9057198. The meeting number and code are the same for the webinar and the conference call.

For more information visit NJCleanEnergy.com/EECBG or click here to view their PDF flyer.

August 30, 2010:

RE: FY2011 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grant

The EPA has released the FY2011 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grant Guidelines - Request for Proposals.

From the EPA web site: These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Opportunities for funding are as follows: Brownfields Assessment Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; coalitions are funded up to $1,000,000 over three years), Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants (each funded up to $1,000,000 over five years) and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years). The proposal deadline is October 15, 2010.

Complete information is found at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm.

June 30, 2010:

Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program &

TIGERII/Community Challenge Planning Grant (CCPG) Funding Available

June 17, 2010:

Several Funding Opportunities Available to Support Climate & Energy Initiatives

June 17, 2010:

Customized and Literacy Training Grant Program

May 13, 2010:

Announcement of 2010 Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program

December 1, 2009:

RE: EPA Accepting Applications for Environmental Education Grant Funding

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for a total of $3.4 million in funding for environmental education projects and programs. EPA expects to award approximately 100 grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 and will accept applications until December 15, 2009.

The purpose of the Environmental Education Grant Program is to promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers and citizens. The grants provide financial support for innovative projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques. Projects should involve environmental education activities that go beyond disseminating information.

The Environmental Education Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies, state education or environmental agencies, colleges or universities, not-for-profit organizations, or noncommercial educational broadcasting entities. Tribal education agencies, which are controlled by an Indian tribe, band or nation, may also apply, including a school or community college.

Since the program began, EPA has provided more than $45 million in funding to more than 3,000 agencies and organizations.

More information on eligibility and application materials: www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html

August 18, 2009:

NJ Department of Agriculture and Community Affairs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds available

August 13, 2009:

EPA has announced the availability of their FY2010 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants. These grants have been used very successfully in New Jersey and we encourage you to consider applying them to your brownfield remediation and reuse projects.

The Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Opportunities for funding are as follows: Brownfields Assessment Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; coalitions are funded up to $1,000,000 over three years), Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants (each funded up to $1,000,000 over five years) and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years). The proposal deadline is October 16, 2009.

The EPA announcement and further information may be found at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm.

June 18, 2009:

RE: GRANT PROGRAM HELPS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING

The Department of Environmental Protection has launched a new grant program to help local government agencies and schools identify and implement plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in their communities, marking a milestone in the Garden State's fight against climate change.

The DEP is now accepting pre-applications from municipal and county governments, public school districts, county colleges and other local government agencies such as municipal utilities authorities for $2.5 million available in the first round of funding under the Local Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant program. The program is funded by a portion of the proceeds from the auction of carbon dioxide allowances through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative's cap-and-trade program that is working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in the Northeast and Middle Atlantic regions.

The deadline for pre-applications is July 31. The DEP expects applicants to demonstrate that proposed projects will result in measurable reductions of greenhouse gases. The DEP's Office of Planning and Sustainable Communities will contact government agencies that qualify to submit a full application.

Eligible projects may include those that help local government agencies calculate and reduce their carbon footprints as well as land-use and transportation planning efforts that reduce the need to drive. Vehicle exhaust contributes a significant portion of the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

The DEP will also consider projects that spur development of green infrastructure such as green buildings or rooftop gardens, programs that foster resource conservation such as better management of trees, efforts to strengthen local economies through marketing of locally grown food, and outreach programs that promote public involvement in sustainability efforts.

Local governments that have joined the Sustainable Jersey partnership will be given priority for greenhouse gas reduction grants. This partnership involving the DEP, New Jersey State League of Municipalities, Rutgers University and The College of New Jersey promotes sustainability projects and greenhouse-gas reduction initiatives. Priority will also be given projects that promote pilot transportation initiatives, such as infrastructure that supports electric or alternative-fuel vehicles.

For information on the grant program and a downloadable copy of the pre-application, go to: http://www.nj.gov/dep/opsc/.

June 9, 2009:

RE: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant samples

NJ BPU has provided a sample application package and sample resolution for the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program.

Posted May 19, 2009:

A Guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Posted May 6, 2009:

Re: Governor Corzine Announces List of Environmental Projects Eligible for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding

Posted May 6, 2009:

Re: Stimulus Funding News Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grants Available from US HUD

Posted April 30, 2009:

Re:  Important Federal Recovery Act Grant Application Changes

http://www.njslom.org/ml043009_recovery_act.html

Posted April 8, 2009:

RE: NJ DOT Funding Opportunity

You should soon be receiving a letter from New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Steven Dilts, inviting you to apply for Transportation Enhancement Program grants, which are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

Through this program, NJDOT will provide $19.5 million in funding for non-traditional transportation projects that enhance the cultural, aesthetic, historic, and environmental aspects of the State’s transportation system.

For further information on the program and the application process, pending the Commissioner’s letter to you, visit the Department’s website at www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2009/040809.shtm.

April 8, 2009:

RE: NJ DEP funding program

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Brownfield Reuse has informed us that the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program was discussed during their Quarterly Brownfields Roundtable on Monday.  This program may be a valuable resource to those promoting responsible green development on brownfield sites.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated $3.2 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.  This Program provides federal grants to local government, Indian tribes, states, and territories to reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency nationwide.  The EECBG Program is administered by the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Grant recipients may use this funding to support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.  Other activities eligible for use of grant funds include transportation programs that conserve energy, projects to reduce and capture methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, renewable energy installations on government buildings, energy efficient traffic signals and street lights, deployment of Combined Heat and Power and district heating and cooling systems, and others.

The application due date for cities, counties, and Indian tribes eligible for direct formula grants from the DOE is June 25, 2009 at 8:00:00 PM Eastern Time.  Further information on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, including past grant recipients, may be found at www.eecbg.energy.gov.

March 25, 2009:

All US Justice Department Stimulus Grant Info Posted

March 20, 2009:

Articles related to Library Funding posted on the NJLM website

March 20, 2009:

2009 Brownfield Development Area (BDA) Application - deadline is March 31, 2009

March 17, 2009:

RE: Funding oppurtunities - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

A listing of the grant opportunities that will become available as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is available on the New Jersey Recovery and Reinvestment website at www.recovery.nj.gov/grant/.  The listing on this this site will be updated as additional information becomes available.

February 20, 2009:

Federal Funding Availability (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants)

February 5, 2009:

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and are under the purview of the Grant Programs Directorate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards.  The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury.  Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs. In fiscal year 2005, Congress reauthorized funding for FP&S and expanded the eligible uses of funds to include Firefighter Safety Research and Development.

The application period for this grant program is now open, click here to go to their website>>>

Posted November 12, 2008:

RE: Local Government Energy Audit Grant Program Announced

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has announced the launch of a new program aimed at assisting local governments in identifying opportunities for energy efficiency. The Local Government Energy Audit Program is open to public buildings owned by local government agencies and will provide funding for investment-grade energy audits from one of five pre-qualified energy auditing firms. All local governments located within the service territory of at least one of New Jersey's public utility companies are eligible. Details and examples outlining the incentive payment process are provided on the New Jersey Clean Energy Program Web site at www.NJCleanEnergy.com/ssb.

Posted April 1, 2008:

Triad Associates - Staying Compliant with COAH

Posted July 9, 2007:

The Department of Community Affairs is now offering an email listserve to notify subscribers of event and grant oppurtunities available from the DCA.  Click here to subscribe to their Grant Oppurtunity Digest.

Posted April 23, 2007:

County or municipal government agencies may qualify for Records Disaster and Recovery Triage (Records DIRECT) emergency grant funds for disaster recovery for damaged records.  To qualify, applicants should immediately contact the Records DIRECT Grants Coordinator in the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) after records have sustained damage caused by fire, water, man-made or natural phenomena where immediate response is necessary to prevent the irretrievable loss of vital, permanent or archival records.  Regulations for the Records DIRECT grant program can be found on the Division of Archives and Records Management website at www.njarchives.org/links/regulations.html (See NJAC 15:3 subchapter 8).

Posted March 8, 2007:

On March 12, to make it easier for prospective borrowers to apply for assistance, the NJEDA will launch its new online application for financial assistance at http://www.njeda.com/online.

EDA assistance is designed to spur urban revitalization, encourage development of technology companies, bridge financing gaps and increase access to capital for small and mid-sized businesses and nonprofit borrowers.

Those interested in applying for financial assistance are strongly encouraged to speak to an EDA finance officer prior to completing an application.  Any organization interested in exploring EDA resources can call the EDA Customer Care line at (609) 777-4898 or email CustomerCare@njeda.com.

Posted April 17, 2006:

Telemarketing fraud tips - beware of claims of "free government grants".  Please read information from the National Consumer's League for more information.

Posted January 24, 2006:

The League, in conjunction with GrantStation, is offering a new email service that will provide subscribers with weekly updates on grant industry news, information on upcoming conferences, links to funding oppurtunities, updates and federal deadlines.  When you sign-up for this service, you are signing up to have pertinent grant information delivered directly to your mailbox each week.  The email addresses provided to this service are strictly confidential, and will not be used for any reason other than to receive the above mentioned emails.  To subscribe to this list click here.

Posted January 6, 2006:

Courtesy of NJDEP, suggestions given by Larry D'Andrea, EPA Region 2 Brownfields Office, at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's EPA grant writing workshop on October 17, 2005 have been posted in our Grant Seeker's Toolkit at http://www.njslom.org/EPAGrantApplications.html.

Posted June 29, 2005:

The Department of Community Affairs has annouced the launching of its new New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency's Web site.  Visit http://www.state.nj.us/dca/hmfa/biz/gov/local/ for local government funding oppurtunities and housing programs.

Posted June 20, 2005:

Grants administered to the Department of Community Affairs through their new SAGE program (a new electronic grant administration system recently implemented by the DCA) can only be submitted electronically.  This new system will allow municipalities to track their application/grant status through all stages of the award process; from the very beginning of the application process (municipalities can view the status of their applications online), up until their last grant payment.  To view grant announcements available through SAGE visit https://njdcasage.state.nj.us/Portal.asp.  For more information on the SAGE system, contact the Department of Community Affairs’ Help Desk at helpdesk@dca.state.nj.us or via phone at (609) 292-8134.

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