Suzette's Funding Letter March 11, 2016

FUNDING

Strategic Economic and Community Development

Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) is a new provision from the 2014 Farm Bill that prioritizes projects which support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional plans whose long-term community and economic growth strategies reflect stakeholder collaboration and the unique strengths of rural communities. SECD sets aside up to 10 percent of program funds in Rural Development’s Community Facilities, Water and Environmental Programs, Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans, and Rural Business Development Grants for these purposes.

The New Rural: Innovations in Rural Health Award.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust is now taking submissions for the 2016 The New Rural: Innovations in Rural Health Award. In the spirit of the Trust's long history of leading and supporting rural health innovation, we want to encourage and recognize promising work that has the potential to improve the health status of people living in rural communities throughout the state and across the country.  We’re looking for original, innovative solutions to drive health improvement in rural communities. These don't have to be finalized projects - we encourage submissions from around the country that highlight new ideas and emerging innovations. Individuals, for-profits, nonprofits and government agencies are welcome to apply. Finalists will receive a $7,500 award and one innovative and inspiring idea will win the New Rural Award and a total of $25,000. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 29, 2016. For more information about the award, visit our information page.  If you have any questions about the award, please contact Erin Barlow, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more about how you can help with our efforts to market the award, please contact the Trust’s Communications Director Nora Ferrell, nThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Application Deadline: March 15, 2016 – Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE)

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeks applications for the Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE). FDPNE grants provide funds for nutrition education projects to Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies (SAs) that have a direct agreement with FNS to administer the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. The FY 2016 SNAP Education Plan Guidance is the basis for FDPNE nutrition, gardening, and physical activities. FNS selects components of this guidance for development of FDPNE project requirements. Additional information, including guidance on how to submit an application, is available at Grants.gov.

Application Deadline: March 14, 2016 – Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Sustainable Communities Project

NIFA requests applications for the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Sustainable Community Projects (CYFAR SCP) for fiscal year (FY) 2016 to marshal resources of the Land-grant and Cooperative Extension Systems so that, in collaboration with other organizations, they can develop and deliver educational programs that equip youth who are at-risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives. While 1994-designated Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) are not eligible to directly apply at this time, eligible applicants can gain 5 points on their peer review through a real collaboration with a 1994 and an additional 2 points for projects in persistent poverty communities (see Request For Applications, page 31). Example: In 2014, Montana State University partnered with Two Eagle River School on the Flathead Indian Reservation to provide students with training on how to use GPS units, mapping, geocaching, aerial photography, and how to identify invasive plant species from photographs and computer software (2014 Annual Report). Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov.

Application Deadlines: April 6, 2016 – Administration for Children and Families, Administration for Native Americans is seeking applications for 5 funding opportunities

• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance

Program Information ǀ Application

• Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance – Esther Martinez Immersion

Program Information ǀ Application

• Social and Economic Development Strategies

Program Information ǀ Application

• Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska

Program Information ǀ Application

• Sustainable Employment and Economic Development Strategies (SEEDS)

Program Information ǀ Application

Application Deadline: April 8, 2016 – Environmental Education Grants (Environmental Protection Agency)

The application period for the 2016 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program is open. Approximately $2.7 million of funding is available to support locally-focused EE projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate EE practices, methods, or techniques. Through the EE Local Grants Request for Proposals (also known as a solicitation notice), EPA is looking to support locally-focused EE projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. Projects should promote environmental stewardship and help develop informed, knowledgeable and responsible citizens in the community(ies) in which the project is located. Find background on the EE Grants Program and resources for applicants here

Application Deadline: May 4, 2016 – AmeriCorps Indian Tribes Grants

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is announcing the availability of AmeriCorps Indian Tribes grant funding that will place AmeriCorps members on the ground to help tackle the unique challenges facing Native American communities. The AmeriCorps funding opportunity for federally-recognized Indian Tribes is designed to target resources on a core set of challenges: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Successful applicants will be notified in July 2016.

USDA Offers Webinars for Local Food Systems Grant Applicants, $26 Million Now Available in Grant Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is making over $26 million in grant funding available to strengthen local and regional food systems through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, and hosting a series of webinars to help farmers markets, producers groups, and other potential applicants with the grant process. Administered by AMS, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program provides a combined total of over $26 million in competitive grants, divided equally between the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP).  FMPP grants support direct producer-to-consumer marketing projects such as farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, roadside stands, and agritourism.  LFPP funding supports projects that develop, improve, and expand local and regional food business intermediary supply chain activities, including processing, distribution, aggregation, and storage of locally- or regionally-produced food products.

Stakeholder Announcement $62 Million in Grant Funding Available to Assist the Specialty Crop Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is making more than $62 million in grant funding available to support specialty crop producers through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).  SCBGP grants are allocated to U.S. states and territories for projects that help support specialty crop growers, including locally grown fruits and vegetables, through research and other programs to increase demand. Those interested in applying should do so directly through their state departments of agriculture, which administer a competitive grant process.  A listing of the SCBGP’s state contacts, and how to apply with state application due dates, can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.  State departments of agriculture must submit their applications to AMS by July 6, 2016.

IRS Accepting Applications for Part-Year Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grants in Identified Underserved Areas

The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applications for a part-year Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) matching grant from qualified organizations, in certain identified geographic areas, to provide representation to low income taxpayers and education about taxpayer rights and responsibilities to individuals who speak English as a second language.

The supplemental application period will close on April 1, 2016.

View the IRS Press Release.

View the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grant Announcement.

U.S. Department of Justice | Second Chance Act Technology-Based Career Training Program for Incarcerated Adults and Juveniles FY 2016 Competitive Grant Announcement

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applicants for funding under the Second Chance Act to provide mentoring grants to nonprofit organizations and Indian tribes. This program furthers the Department’s mission by providing services and programs to help facilitate the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals as they return to their communities.

This solicitation is aimed at promoting more effective and successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals through the utilization of comprehensive, evidence-based wrap-around reentry plans that address the identified needs of the individuals and are supported by trained mentors. These needs are often related to housing, employment, substance abuse, and mental health.

Deadline: April 12, 2016

U.S. Department of Justice | Second Chance Act Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors FY 2016 Competitive Grant Announcement

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applicants for funding under the Second Chance Act to provide mentoring grants to nonprofit organizations and Indian tribes. This program furthers the Department’s mission by providing services and programs to help facilitate the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals as they return to their communities.

This solicitation is aimed at promoting more effective and successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals through the utilization of comprehensive, evidence-based wrap-around reentry plans that address the identified needs of the individuals and are supported by trained mentors. These needs are often related to housing, employment, substance abuse, and mental health.

A core component of programs supported under this solicitation is the utilization of trained mentors who are assigned to program participants. The assigned mentors then support the individuals’ preparations for release and help to link them to programs and services in the community that address their identified needs. In addition, mentors provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals returning from incarceration, hold them accountable throughout the treatment process and play active roles in promoting positive behavioral changes.

Deadline: April 12, 2016

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Initiative Projects

This FOA has been modified to update the closing date listed on Grants.gov. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will award up to $9.5 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) for community-based efforts to improve the economic and physical health of people in areas designated as food deserts. OCS seeks to fund projects that implement strategies to increase healthy food access, foster self-sufficiency for low-income families, and create sustained employment opportunities in low-income communities. To do this, the CED-HFFI program will provide technical and financial assistance for healthy food ventures designed to: (1) improve access to, and purchase and consumption of healthy, affordable foods; and (2) address the economic needs of individuals and families with low-income through the creation of employment and business opportunities in low-income communities.

Deadline: April 27, 2016

View the CED- HFFI Funding Opportunity Announcement.

More information is available on the HHS website.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Community Economic Development Projects

This FOA has been modified to update the closing date listed on Grants.gov. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Community and Economic Development (CED) program, administered by the Office of Community Services (OCS) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), will provide up to $17.7 million in grants ($800,000 maximum per project) to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) for projects designed to address the economic needs of individuals and families with low-income through the creation of employment and business opportunities.

For more information, please refer to pages 51 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Deadline: April 27, 2016

View the CED Funding Opportunity Announcement.

More information is available on the HHS website.

Suzette's Funding Letter, March 4, 2016

FUNDING

Strategic Economic and Community Development

Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) is a new provision from the 2014 Farm Bill that prioritizes projects which support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional plans whose long-term community and economic growth strategies reflectstakeholder collaboration and the unique strengths of rural communities. SECD sets aside up to 10 percent of program funds in Rural Development’s Community Facilities, Water and Environmental Programs, Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans, and Rural Business Development Grants for these purposes.

First Nations Development Institute

Native Youth and Culture Fund is providing grants of $5,000 to $20,000 for projects that focus on youth and incorporate Native culture and tradition to address issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, mental health, and other social issues. Funded projects should address one or more of the following priority areas: preserving cultural or spiritual practices, beliefs, and values; engaging both youth and elders in activities that demonstrate methods for documenting traditional knowledge, practices, or beliefs; increasing youth's capacity to lead through integrated educational or mentoring programs; and increasing access to cultural customs and beliefs through the use of appropriate technologies as a means of preserving tribal language, arts, history, etc. Deadline:  Online Phase One proposals must be submitted by March 9, 2016. Visit the First Nations’ website to review the funding guidelines.

The Laura Jane Musser Fundis accepting applications for the Rural Arts and Environmental Initiative grants programs.

The Fund’s Rural Arts Program assists arts organizations in targeted states that offer artistic opportunities for adults and children in the areas of literary, visual, music, and performing arts. Grants of up to $10,000 are provided to organizations in rural communities with a population of 20,000 or under throughout Colorado, Hawaii, and Wyoming, as well as rural communities in selected counties in Michigan and Minnesota. The Fund’s Environmental Initiative Program supports projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community's quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy ecosystems. Organizations in Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wyoming are eligible to apply for grants of up to $35,000. Deadlines: applications for the Environmental Initiative Program must be submitted online by March 10, 2016; applications for the Rural Arts Program must be submitted by March 17, 2016. Visit the Fund’s website to review the application guidelines.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program

USDA is offering grants through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program to state and local governmental entities, Federally-recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for profit businesses, and consortia of eligible entities to help rural communities use telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. For example, this program can link teachers and medical service providers in one area to students and patients in another. Deadline: March 14, 2016. Visit the USDA website to review funding guidelines.

USDA Housing Preservation Grant Program

USDA Rural Development is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents, and has extended the deadline to March 15, 2016. The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant Program. Visit the USDA website to review funding guidelines.

TheCommunity Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fundhas opened the fiscal year (FY) 2016 funding round for the Capital Magnet Fund.

The Capital Magnet Fund is a competitive grant program through which CDFIs and qualified nonprofit housing organizations receive awards to finance affordable housing and economic development activities in underserved areas. The CDFI Fund estimates that about $80 million will be available through the Capital Magnet Fund’s FY 2016 round. Deadline: March 6, 2016 for submissions through www.grants.gov; March 30, 2016 for submissions through the CDFI Fund’s Award Management Information System (AMIS). Visit the CDFI website for application details.

CommunitWINS Grant Program

U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS and WELLS FARGO are offering grants through the CommunityWINS grant program. Launched in 2015, the CommunityWINS program includes a $3 million investment by the Wells Fargo Foundation over three years to support neighborhood revitalization, economic development and job creation in local municipalities. Deadline: March 18, 2016. Visit the CommunityWINS website for additional information.

HHS Drug-Free Communities Support Program

HHSis offering funding through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program to community-based coalitions addressing youth substance abuse. Deadline: March 18, 2016. View the program guidelines.

HUD Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Department's Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017 Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant Program

HUD has announced the availability of $40 million to directly support housing counseling services that help low- and moderate-income families improve their housing conditions. Grant winners can use the money to help homebuyers evaluate if they are ready to buy a house, understand their financing and down payment options and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult process. Grantees also help families find affordable rental housing and offer financial literacy training to help struggling families repair credit problems. Deadline: April 4, 2016. Review the application guidelines and apply.

Department of Justice

Department of Justiceis offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies to provide comprehensive wrap-around services/programs which incorporate the use of trained mentors to promote the safe and successful reintegration into the community of adults who have been incarcerated. Deadline: April 12, 2016. View funding guidelines and to get an application.

The Sparkplug Foundation

The Sparkplug Foundationprovides grants to start-up nonprofit organizations or new projects of established nonprofits that are addressing the fields of music, education, and community organizing. In the Music category, the Foundation supports emerging professional musicians or music-development programs. In the Education and Teaching category, the Foundation funds projects that deal with "the whole student" and with learning as a community activity. In the Grassroots Organizing category, the Foundation encourages activist strategies for addressing institutional injustices and for building a reasoned, just society. The current focus is on ground-level community organizing at the intersection of utilities/energy infrastructure, housing/community resources, and racial justice. Deadlines: online questionnaires must be completed by April 15, 2016; letters of intent are due April 22,2016; and the deadline for final applications is May 13, 2016. Visit the Foundation’s website to review its mission and funding guidelines as well as the online application instructions.

Supportive Service Demonstration for Elderly Households in HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing

HUD has announced the availability of $15 MM in funds for the Supportive Service Demonstration for Elderly Households in HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing. Owners of elderly Section 202, Section 8, Section 515/Section 8 properties with at least 50 units are encouraged to apply. This demonstration will provide funding for a full-time on-site Enhanced Service Coordinator and/or a part-time Wellness Nurse to assist seniors aging in place. HUD is encouraging multiple applications from the same city or state, in order to produce evidence about the impact of supportive services models in existing assisted senior developments. Deadline: April 18, 2016. Review the application guidelines.

CDFI Fund

CDFI Fundis offering grants for financial assistance and technical assistance to improve low-income communities through economic development, affordable housing and other community development financial services. To assist potential applicants, the CDFI Fund has provided three guidance documents—a Quick Start Guide, an Application Evaluation Document, and the FY 2016 Frequently Asked Questions for the CDFI Program and NACA Program application—on its website. Deadline: April 18, 2016. Visit the website for application guidelines.

Newman’s Own, Fisher House Foundation and Military Times have joined together to offer grants to recognize volunteer and nonprofit organizations supporting military families.

Eligible applicants to the Newman’s Own Awards Program must be comprised primarily of volunteers or be a nonprofit organization, and be working with the families of Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve units, or veterans. Applying organizations will be evaluated on their innovative plans for improving the quality of life for members of the military and their families. Deadline: April 28, 2016. Visit the program’s website to submit an online application.

Retirement Research Foundation

The Retirement Research Foundation is accepting applications for projects that improve lives of aging Americans. Deadline: May 2, 2016. View funding guidelines and get an application.

The Home Depot Foundation

Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities. Proposals for the following community improvement activities will be considered: repairs, refurbishments, and modifications to low-income or transitional veteran’s housing or community facilities (schools, community centers, senior centers, etc.); weatherizing or increasing energy efficiency of low-income or transitional veteran’s housing or community facilities; engaging veterans as volunteers to help other veterans in their community through service projects focusing on the renovation, repair, and improvement of homes and other properties serving veterans; and planting trees or community gardens or landscaping community facilities that serve veterans. Requests will be accepted through December 31, 2016. Visit the Foundation’s website to submit an online application.

The New Rural: Innovations in Rural Health Award.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust is now taking submissions for the 2016 The New Rural: Innovations in Rural Health Award. In the spirit of the Trust's long history of leading and supporting rural health innovation, we want to encourage and recognize promising work that has the potential to improve the health status of people living in rural communities throughout the state and across the country.  We’re looking for original, innovative solutions to drive health improvement in rural communities. These don't have to be finalized projects - we encourage submissions from around the country that highlight new ideas and emerging innovations. Individuals, for-profits, nonprofits and government agencies are welcome to apply. Finalists will receive a $7,500 award and one innovative and inspiring idea will win the New Rural Award and a total of $25,000. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 29, 2016. For more information about the award, visit our information page.  If you have any questions about the award, please contact Erin Barlow, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more about how you can help with our efforts to market the award, please contact the Trust’s Communications Director Nora Ferrell, nThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Suzette's Funding Letter, February 19, 2016

FUNDING

Strategic Economic and Community Development

Section 6025 of the 2014 Farm Bill enables the Secretary of Agriculture to provide priority to projects that support strategic economic and community development plans. The result of that is a provision called Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD). The purpose of SECD is to advance projects which support long-term community and economic growth strategies that reflect both multi-jurisdictional stakeholder collaboration and capitalize upon the unique strengths of the rural area. Through this provision, USDA Rural Development is empowered to work further with rural communities to align resources with long-range and multi-jurisdictional challenges and needs by leveraging federal, state, local, or private funding.

Hillman Foundation Accepting Proposals for Innovations in Care Program

The mission of the Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation is to improve the lives of patients and their families through nursing-driven innovation. To that end, the foundation cultivates nurse leaders, supports nursing research, and disseminates new models of care that are critical to making the United States healthcare system more patient-centered, accessible, equitable, and affordable. The foundation is accepting proposals for creative, patient- and family-centered approaches that challenge conventional strategies, improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, lower costs, and enhance the patient and family caregiver experience. The foundation is particularly interested in the areas of maternal and child health, care of older adults, and chronic illness management. Two grants of up to $600,000 will be awarded in 2016. Eligible applicants include institutions and care settings from across the spectrum of care, as well as practitioners representing a diverse range of backgrounds. The foundation will hold informational webinars on February 24 and March 21.

System of Care Expansion and Sustainability Cooperative Agreements
Supports the operation, expansion, and integration of Systems of Care intended to increase the provision and availability of mental health services to children and youth with emotional disturbances.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 25, 2016
Sponsor: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

School Grants for Healthy Kids
Awards funding to support school breakfast and physical activity programs.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 1, 2016
Sponsor: Action for Healthy Kids

Social and Economic Development Strategies Program (SEDS)
Grants for tribal community-based organizations, tribes, and village governments for social and economic infrastructure development.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 6, 2016
Sponsor: Administration for Native Americans

CDFI Fund Opens FY 2016 Funding Round for CDFI Program and NACA Program

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) opened the fiscal year (FY) 2016 funding round for the Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI Program) and Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA Program).

Congress appropriated the CDFI Fund $190.5 million in FY 2016 in Financial Assistance (FA) and Technical Assistance (TA) awards to be divided as follows: $153 million for CDFI Program awards; $22 million for Healthy Food Financing Initiative Financial Assistance (HFFI-FA) awards; and $15.5 million for NACA Program awards.

The awards will support Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) providing affordable financing and related services to low-income communities and populations that lack access to credit, capital, and financial services.

Deadlines

• The deadline for submission of the SF-424 is Friday, March 18, 2016 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET). All Applicants must submit their SF-424s electronically through Grants.gov.
• The deadline for submission of the CDFI Program and NACA Program applications in AMIS is Monday, April 18, 2016 at 11:59 pm ET.
• The CDFI Fund strongly encourages all materials to be submitted at least three days before each corresponding deadline (Grants.gov and AMIS). The last day the CDFI Fund will be answering questions about the FY 2016 application round is Friday, April 15, 2016 at 5:00 pm ET.

Suzette's Funding Letter February 12, 2016

FUNDING

Blue Meridian Partners Established to Assist Disadvantaged Youth

The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation has announced it is joining with nine other donors to launch Blue Meridian Partners, a new funders collaborative that aims to invest $1 billion in high-performance nonprofits poised to have national impact for economically disadvantaged children and youth. Incubated at the McConnell Clark Foundation and chaired by philanthropist Stanley Druckenmiller, the venture has secured $750 million toward its initial fundraising goal, including commitments of at least $50 million from its general partners — the Ballmer Group, EMCF, Stanley and Fiona Druckenmiller, the Duke Endowment (with a focus on North and South Carolina), the George Kaiser Family Foundation (with a focus on Tulsa, Oklahoma), and the Samberg Family Foundation.

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
Provides loan repayment funding to primary healthcare professionals who agree to serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 5, 2016
Sponsor: National Health Service Corps

US DOE Channels over $10M to Microgrids for Grid R&D

Microgrids Knowledge reports that within a $220M effort to modernize the US energy grid, the Department of Energy is allocating more than $10M for microgrid funding.

Telehealth Network Grant Program (TNGP)
Funding to demonstrate how telehealth programs and networks can improve access to quality health care services in rural, frontier and underserved communities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 8, 2016
Sponsor: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Repair Housing in Rural Communities, Deadline Extended

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents, and has extended the deadline to March 15, 2016. The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant Program.

This program are intended to help rural homeowners and rental housing owners repair and improve their properties. Funds may be used to resolve health or safety issues, make accessibility modifications for people with disabilities, or make energy efficiency improvements to reduce utility costs.

USDA, NFL, Fuel Up to Play 60 Partner to Award $35 Million to Help Schools Serve Healthier Meals, Strengthen Childhood Nutrition

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, and Paul Rovey, dairy farmer and leader of the National Dairy Council (NDC), announced the availability of $35 million in grants to help schools upgrade their kitchen equipment and infrastructure in order to offer students better access to nutritious foods. Schools can apply for USDA funding through their state, or for funds from Fuel Up directly through the organization's website. In both cases, funding will support the purchase of new equipment and/or the renovation/replacement of equipment. Equipment may include large and small items including utility carts, utensils, large-capacity food processors, industrial scales, steamers, freezers etc. Infrastructure elements may include building needs related to physical space, electricity, plumbing, ventilation and other remodeling needs.

Update for Capital Magnet Fund Applicants: Electronic Application Now Available

The electronic application for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 round of the Capital Magnet Fund is now available in the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)’s Awards Management Information System (AMIS) and in Grants.gov.  All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and AMIS to apply for funding. Organizations should confirm that their AMIS accounts are up-to-date as soon as possible in order to avoid potential application submission problems.  New potential applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process now.  Registration guidance for Grants.gov and SAM.gov can be found on the websites for those systems.  Guidance on using AMIS (including registration) can be found at https://amis.cdfifund.gov/. The CDFI Fund strongly recommends that the instructions and application timelines are reviewed closely by both first-time and repeat applicants and that applicants give themselves adequate time to submit their applications using AMIS. To assist potential applicants, the CDFI Fund has provided application guidance and frequently asked questions on its website, www.cdfifund.gov/cmf, under Step 2: Apply. There, applicants can also find information about upcoming live webinars about the FY 2016 Capital Magnet Fund application and AMIS application submission process.

First Nations Development Institute Accepting Proposals for 2016 Native Youth & Culture Fund

POSTED: February 3, 2016
DEADLINE: March 9, 2016

Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to projects focused on youth and incorporating culture and tradition to address social issues in Native communities....

Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Invites Applications for 2016 Artists Fellowships

POSTED: January 30, 2016
DEADLINE: March 21, 2016

Grants of $20,000 will be awarded in recognition of the creativity and expression of exceptional Native artists who have had significant impact in their field....

Rasmuson Foundation Accepting Applications for Nonprofit Leader Sabbatical Program

POSTED: February 1, 2016
DEADLINE: October 1, 2016

Awards of up to $40,000 are available to executives from Alaska tribes and nonprofits for sabbaticals of two to six months....

Newman's Own Award
Offers grants to organizations working to improve the quality of life for military members and their families, including job training, housing, caregiver support, and mental health programs.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Application Deadline: Apr 28, 2016
Sponsor: Fisher House Foundation Community Impact Grants Program
Funding for nonprofit organizations, public schools, and public service agencies in the United States that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities.
Geographic coverage: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor: Home Depot Foundation