FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRAMS, and EVENTS: May 2011
May 20, 2011
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
University Center Economic Development Program Competition
Award Ceiling: $200K
Deadline: June 30, 2011
The U.S. Economic Development Administration is seeking applications that will create and nurture regional economic ecosystems through applied research and development, technology commercialization, and targeted activities that cultivate entrepreneurship.
Community Energy Strategic Planning Academy
Deadline: May 28, 2011
The Community Energy Strategic Planning Academy is a free resource provided by the U.S. Department of Energy to communities that wish to develop Community Energy Strategic Plans. The Academy helps identify processes & strategies for developing lasting energy programs at the local level, providing technical assistance and facilitated workshops. An application and letters of support are required to determine eligibility for the Academy.
Community Development Block Grant and Brownfield Development Training
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is hosting a series of training events on the Michigan Brownfield and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. CDBG provides grants to local units of government for economic development, downtown development, blight elimination and planning. The Brownfield Redevelopment Program helps redevelop properties that are contaminated, blighted or functionally obsolete.
2011 Michigan Citizen Planner Advanced Academy
Thursday, June 16, 2011
MSU Kellog Center, East Lansing, MI
This training event provides is designed exclusively for local planning and zoning decision makers and offers skill-building sessions and tools in three tracks: Redevelopment, Placemaking and the Green Economy. This year, the Academy will provide important land use case law and legislative updates. The Academy is available to all Michigan Citizen Planner alumni, local officials and citizens engaged in creating vibrant communities that will succeed in the global New
Economy.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Healthy Homes Production Program
Funding Ceiling: $2M
Deadline: June 9, 2011
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program will fund projects that integrate healthy homes principles and practices into existing housing rehabilitation, property maintenance, weatherization, energy efficiency improvements, and other housing improvement programs, as well as strong community participation.
Asthma Interventions in Public and Assisted Multifamily Housing
Funding Ceiling: $500K
Deadline: June 9, 2011
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) is making available grant funds for activities to improve asthma control among asthmatic children and other residents of federally assisted multifamily housing. HUD is seeking applications that form strategic partnerships with local clinics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Asthma Control Program, and include community participation.
NATURAL RESOURCES and ENVIRONMENT
Urban and Community Forestry, Brownfield Restoration and Emerald Ash Borer Habitat Restoration
Total Program Funding: $3.38M
Deadline: July 15, 2011
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking proposals for the following:
Utilizing existing management plans and tree cover assessment tools to target tree planting activities to improve ecosystem and stream health and restore wildlife habit
Forest habitat restoration in areas impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer
Reduction of toxic substances in brownfield sites by planting trees and vegetation
Payments for Ecosystem Services
Total Program Funding: $220,000
Deadline: July 15, 2011
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking proposals from municipalities and NGOs engaged in local-level initiatives that compensate private individuals and entities for exceptional land stewardship resulting in carbon storage, water, and/or biodiversity benefits.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Biomass Research and Development Initiative
Total program funding (2011): $30M
Deadlines: Preapplication: May 31, 2011; Full Application: October 4, 2011
The USDA and U.S. DOE have released a joint effort FOA for fiscal year (FY) 2011 BRDI, which requires that funded projects integrate all three legislatively mandated technical areas. These areas include feedstocks development, biofuels and biobased products, and biofuels and biobased products development analysis.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
Total Program Funding: $13M
Deadline: July 14, 2011
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting applications from researchers, educators, nonprofits, and extension organizations for research and education, professional development, and testing of innovative farming practices. Projects should address crop and livestock production and marketing, stewardship of soil and other natural resources, economics and quality of life.
KBS BLOG: Natural Spaces - An Important Part of our Communities
May 19, 2011
I spent Arbor Day with the largest trees on earth at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park, California. To be able to stand at the base of one of these ancient giants is awe-inspiring. These trees are not only massive and beautiful, they are resilient – their bark is so thick that it can withstand the forest fires that affect the region every summer. In fact, forest fires are critical to survival of the species. Heat from forest fires causes their pinecones to open, allowing their seeds to scatter and an opportunity for new sequoias to take root.
While at Yosemite, I couldn’t help but think about Michigan’s incredible and diverse array of natural resources, environmental features, and recreation opportunities. We have our own nationally recognized treasures, like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes. We have an incredible state park system that includes such treasures as Tahquamenon Falls and Hartwick Pines. At any point in the Lower Peninsula, we are no more than 1.5 hours away from a Great Lake. And we have a multitude of opportunities to fish, camp, hunt, hike, swim and enjoy the great outdoors.
Because leaders like John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt worked to protect the amazing natural features at Yosemite National Park, an incredible and critical ecosystem has been protected. What’s more, people flock from all over the world to witness our incredible National Parks, learning about its history and connecting with our natural heritage.
Leaders in Michigan also create innovative ways to preserve, improve and enhance our natural features and communities. KBS client Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy helps its members protect the most important lands in our state, often preserving critical connectors to state parks and trail systems. KBS is now assisting communities in their efforts to provide increased outdoor recreation activities by helping them seek grant funds from sources like the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Recreation Passport Program. Using these funds, communities can attract visitors and new residents by improving and developing trails, boat launches, and other recreational areas.
Natural and recreational spaces are what make our state and our communities great places – it’s not enough to have a place to work and a place to live. These beautiful and unique places and the recreational opportunities they provide enhance or lives, improve our health, and give us the opportunity to pass on our love of the outdoors to future generations.
KBS BLOG: The Right Time to Do this Work in Michigan
May 6, 2011
Bruce Katz, Vice President at The Brookings Institution and founding Director of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program gave the keynote address at the Michigan Land and Prosperity Summit held in April. On a day largely dedicated to civic engagement, Katz’ address provided an important economic context to the conversations had at the conference. As I sat in the audience and watched this speech, I was both sobered by the sheer amount of work ahead of us all as we rebuild our state and national economy, and simultaneously encouraged to know that KBS and our clients play an important role in the ideal growth model outlined by Katz and Brookings.
Katz opened his talk by framing up our current economic position,
“There is no going back. The economy that preceded the recession was wasteful, speculative, and characterized by consumption and debt. We must move to a different growth model in this country and in Michigan.”
He outlined that Brookings understands this growth model to, among other things, be powered by low carbon, will take place largely in our cities and metropolitan areas, and be made possible by unleashing Michigan’s entrepreneurial dynamism.
Aside from simply being honored to be in the same room as so many Michigan leaders, I also felt proud that KBS and clients are working at the foundation of much of the change Katz and Brookings are calling for. We too at KBS believe that now is the right time to do this work in Michigan, and are proud to be a trusted resource for businesses, universities, nonprofit organizations, and communities leading the way as we begin to transition in to this new economy.
Low Carbon
Katz argued that everything is about to change. Not just here in the States, but across the world the dominant shift will be toward a greater, more eclectic mix of renewable energies. The products we buy and create will shift from gas-guzzlers to sustainable goods with a low carbon focus and an emphasis on local production. Katz went on to suggest that a low carbon society must also have a first-rate transportation infrastructure.
KBS is dedicated to supporting clients whose work is at the forefront of discovering, improving, and commercializing the suite of low carbon energy and smart transportation options necessary for our future. From helping protect agricultural land, necessary for growing ethanol and biodiesel, to supporting grant applications to implement wind energy technologies, KBS is well positioned to drive support for more than just our clients, but for the greater low carbon revolution.
Built Environmental Shift
Katz discussed that the “sprawling decentralized mess” that is the state of our built environment must also change as we shift in to a new economy. A sharp focus on concentrated, denser, more efficient communities and metropolitan areas are not just critical for the sake of our economy, but an absolute necessity if we want to maintain any semblance of environmental sanity.
With natural resource protection at the core of what we do, KBS supports clients that permanently protect our important natural resources, as well as develop informed plans and access to funding opportunities to create sustainable, efficient communities. KBS operates with an intimate understanding of the importance of green infrastructure, open space, and the environmental benefits of our natural resources as they intersect with important economic development and energy security.
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Dynamism
Katz also reminded us that innovation always drives economic progress. Prioritizing innovation in Michigan means more than being the ones to create cool new gadgets. More importantly, innovating new technologies creates jobs and attracts creative people to towns and metropolitan areas.
We at KBS support community and economic development efforts that create space for innovators, entrepreneurs, and workers to be attracted to Michigan. KBS supports the smart and intentional work of developing both small communities and large metropolitan areas where Michigan can build our economy through innovation, and be environmentally responsible, hand-in-hand.
Katz’s talk was both cautionary, and hopeful, highlighting that Michigan has the assets to be successful in this new economy. We have a base of production, innovation, and talent in this state. Above all else, we have possibility. As Michigan signals to the world that we are willing and focused to be at vanguard of global exchange, the clean energy revolution, and innovation, we at KBS are both honored and humbled to be behind many of the important efforts working to achieve these goals. We’re ready to help and proud to be part of redefining Michigan’s economy and future.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: April 2011
May 2, 2011
KBS works with nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities to seek grants related to sustainable initiatives. Following are several current funding opportunities that might be of interest.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FY 2011 University Center Economic Development Program Competition
Award Ceiling: $200K
Deadline: June 30, 2011
The EDA is seeking applications that will create and nurture regional economic ecosystems through applied research and development, technology commercialization, and targeted activities that cultivate entrepreneurship.
2011 University Technology Acceleration
RFI Deadline: May 13, 2011
The Michigan Strategic Fund is issuing a Request for Information (“RFI”) in order to seek information and ideas on programs designed to accelerate the commercialization of competitive edge technologies from Michigan’s institutions of higher education. Based on the responses to this RFI, it is expected that the MSF will establish a program and related guidelines.
RECREATION TRAILS
“Connecting Michigan” Grant Program
Total program funding: $20K
Deadline: May 16, 2011
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance will award small grants to projects resulting in acquisition, construction, improvement, or linkage to any Michigan multi-use trailway. Eligible uses include the development of brochures and educational material, planning and design efforts, public opinion surveys, legal assistance, and ecological assessments.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport Local Grant Program
Grant Request Amounts: $7,500 - $30,000
Deadline: May 1, 2011
The Recreation Passport Grant Program provides funding assistance for local public recreation needs through the development of public recreation facilities, emphasizing applications for parks and recreation infrastructure renovations and major repairs.
ENVIRONMENTAL and PUBLIC HEALTH
Healthy Homes Production Program
Funding Ceiling: $2M
Deadline: June 9, 2011
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program will fund projects that integrate healthy homes principles and practices into existing housing rehabilitation, property maintenance, weatherization, energy efficiency improvements, and other housing improvement programs, as well as strong community participation.
Asthma Interventions in Public and Assisted Multifamily Housing
Deadline: June 9, 2011
Funding Ceiling: $500K
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) is making available grant funds for activities to improve asthma control among asthmatic children and other residents of federally assisted multifamily housing. HUD is seeking applications that form strategic partnerships with local clinics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Asthma Control Program, and include community participation.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Biomass Research and Development Initiative
Total program funding (2011): $30M
Deadlines: Preapplication: May 31, 2011; Full Application: October 4, 2011
The USDA and U.S. DOE have released a joint effort FOA for fiscal year (FY) 2011 BRDI, which requires that funded projects integrate all three legislatively mandated technical areas. These areas include (A) Feedstocks development, (B) Biofuels and biobased products, and (C) Biofuels and biobased products development analysis.
Extreme Balance of System Hardware Cost Reductions (BOS-X)
Total program funding (2011): $20M
Deadlines: Letter of Intent: May 9, 2011; Full applications: June 9, 2011
The U.S. DOE SETP program is requesting applications for research, development, and demonstration of new components and system designs or the development of new building code language to overcome scientific, technological, and engineering barriers to achieving safe, very low cost, and high reliability balance of system hardware.
Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F-PACE)
Total Program Funding: $39M
Deadlines: Concept Papers: May 9, 2011; Full Applications June 23, 2011
The Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F-PACE) will identify and fund solar device physics and photovoltaic technology research and development that will improve PV cell performance and reduce module cost for grid-scale commercial applications. Projects are intended to address identified cost and efficiency barriers.
Great Lakes Wind Power-Making it Wildlife-Friendly
Award Ceiling: $50K
Deadline: May 6, 2011
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will award grants addressing two data gaps in assessing the impact of wind power on migratory birds and bats by monitoring migratory bird and/or bat use of selected Great Lakes islands, and digitization of datasets from migration surveys.
DOE’s SunShot Initiative has four funding opportunities open: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx
Transformational PV Science and Technology: Next Generation
Funding will support research into technologies with potential for much higher efficiency, lower cost, more reliable performance than existing and near-commercial photovoltaics.
Extreme Balance of System Hardware Cost Reductions
Funding will support research, development, and demonstration of new components and system designs or the development of new building code language to overcome barriers to achieving safe, very low cost, and high reliability balance-of-system hardware.
Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency
Funding supports projects that address identified cost and efficiency barriers through advances in the PV science knowledge base, improved materials and processes for PV cell components, and innovative approaches for closing the gap between production cell efficiency and laboratory cell efficiency, and between laboratory cell efficiency and the theoretical maximum.
Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems - Advanced Concept
Applications are sought that address either smart grid functionality or using power electronics to address balance-of-system costs for photovoltaic technology.