Clean Energy Resource Teams

Updated August 7, 2009

Most of the clean energy funding opportunities on this page are shared by the MN Office of Energy Security, listed by application deadline when they exist, and in alpha order when they are on-going. More information can always be found by following the link provided for each funding opportunity. Good luck!

It is a good idea to keep up with the State of Minnesota’s MN Grants Web site, where they provide links to any current grants from state agencies. A number of the categories they list are relevant to community energy.

You can also keep up to date on funding highlights with CERTs Blog Financing Posts.

Proposals Due: August | September | October | November | December | 2010 and beyond | On-going

AUGUST

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NSF Advances in Biological Informatics
The Advances in Biological Informatics (ABI) program seeks to encourage new approaches to the analysis and dissemination of biological knowledge for the benefit of both the scientific community and the broader public. The ABI program is especially interested in the development of informatics tools and resources that have the potential to advance, or transform, research in biology supported by the Directorate for Biological Sciences at the National Science Foundation. Due Aug 11, 2009.
Link to more info

Administration State Labor Market Information Improvement – US Dept. Labor, Employment and Training
ETA announces the availability of approximately $50 million in grant funds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act), Public Law 111-5, 123 Stat. 115, Division A, Title VIII, for the Workforce Agencies of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories, or a consortium of such agencies, to collect, analyze, and disseminate labor market information, and to enhance the labor exchange infrastructure for careers within the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries described in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part B of this SGA. The eligible applicant for this grant solicitation is the State Workforce Agency, as States are expected to use workforce and labor market information and data as the foundation on which to build and implement effective workforce development strategies. This SGA encourages collaborative approaches, whereby multiple States apply as a consortium to conduct research that may potentially have a multi-State or national impact. Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 08-17. The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is August 14, 2009.
Link to more info

EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Great Lakes National Program Office(GLNPO) brings together Federal, state, tribal, local, and industry partners in an integrated, ecosystem approach to protect, maintain, and restore the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of the Great Lakes. Under this Request for Applications (PDF 233Kb, 22 pages), EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office expects to make funding available for the management and operation of the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) from October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2014, and for potential additional special studies and enhancements to IADN. EPA is requesting that applicants submit applications for up to $760,000 for Year 1, followed by four more years of funding, adjusted roughly for inflation, for an estimated total of up to $5 million over five years. State pollution control agencies, interstate agencies, and other public or non-profit private agencies, institutions, and organizations are eligible; “for-profit” organizations are not. Colleges and universities which are subject to 40 CFR 30 or 31 are eligible. August 17, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Climate Program Office for FY 2010
NOAA’s Climate Mission is to understand climate variability and change to enhance society’s ability to plan and respond. The long-term climate efforts of NOAA are designed to develop a predictive understanding of variability and change in the global climate system, and to advance the application of this information in climate-sensitive sectors through a suite of process research, observations and modeling, and application and assessment activities. The NOAA Climate Program Office coordinates climate activities across all NOAA in fulfillment of NOAA’s Climate Mission. The Program partners with Federal, academic, private, and international research institutions; the Program is also a key contributing element of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP). Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Atmospheric Composition and Climate (ACC)
ACC Program is soliciting proposals for research in the following areas: 1) Participation in the proposed CalNex field campaign in California in 2010 and 2) Innovative research pertaining to the improvement of understanding of aerosol direct and indirect (aerosol-cloud) forcings, through studies targeting processes or measurements related to atmospheric composition or studies aimed at improving the capability of climate models to simulate the influence of aerosol effects on the Earth’s radiative balance. Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Climate Change Data and Detection (CCDD)
In FY 2010, the CCDD Program is soliciting proposals for research in the following areas: 1) Development of climate reference data sets and analyses of these data sets to identify variability and trends; 2) Climate change detection and attribution studies, in joint sponsorship with the Department of Energy’s Climate Change Prediction Program; and 3) Paleoclimate studies, with an emphasis on high-resolution, multiproxy reconstructions of key climate variables for the period of the Holocene to support the interpretation of the modern climate record. Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Climate Prediction Program for the Americas (CPPA)
In FY2010, CPPA is soliciting proposals for research in the following areas: 1) Climate predictability and process studies; 2) Modeling and prediction studies; and 3) Climate-based application development.
Climate Test Bed (CTB) Research Program. In FY 2010, the CTB Research Program is soliciting proposals for research in the following areas: 1) Climate Forecast System Improvements; 2) Evaluation of Multi-Model Ensembles; and 3) Drought Forecast Products with an emphasis on support of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Climate Variability and Predictability (CVP)
For FY 2010, in consideration of the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment, the CVP Program is soliciting proposals that aim to advance our understanding of decadal climate predictability, with a particular focus on coupled ocean-atmosphere interactions in the Atlantic and Pacific sectors that influence North American climate. Priority will be given to those proposals that have the greatest likelihood to contribute directly to NOAA’s goal of developing a decadal climate prediction system. Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Global Carbon Cycle (GCC)
In FY 2010 the GCC Program is soliciting proposals for research in the following areas: 1) better understanding of key processes and sources of uncertainty for projections of future greenhouse gas concentrations; 2) Specific improvements on how key processes or parts of the carbon cycle are represented in climate or earth system models so that the models are not limited to the present day; and 3) Novel ways to measure biogeochemical variables crucial for the global carbon cycle in the ocean or the atmosphere, which would drastically reduce the cost per measurement and enable much higher spatial and temporal resolution than what is feasible today. Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA)
The Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) program supports integrated, place-based research across a range of social, natural, and physical science disciplines to expand decision makers’ options in the face of climate change and variability at the regional level. For FY 2010, the RISA program is soliciting proposals to fund one RISA team per region in up to 6 regions of the U.S. A region is defined as 2 or more adjacent states, a state plus adjacent islands, or a basin that crosses more than one state. . Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Sector Applications and Research Program (SARP)
The Sector Applications Research Program (SARP) is designed to catalyze and support interdisciplinary applied research, outreach and education activities that enhance the capacity of key socio-economic sectors and systems to respond to and plan for climate variability and change through the use of climate information and related decision support resources. In FY 2010, the SARP Program is soliciting proposals in the following sectors/areas: 1) Coasts; 2) Water. Due August 31, 2009.
Link to more info

SEPTEMBER

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Recovery Act: Training Program Development for Commercial Building Equipment Technicians, Building Operators, and Energy Commissioning Agents/Auditors
The Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), on behalf of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE’s) Building Technologies Program (BTP), is seeking applications for projects that focus on developing training programs for various building specialists. The programs shall use existing curricula or develop new training curricula for their course content. To achieve the full potential of energy efficient (and eventual net zero-energy) buildings, our Nation needs commercial building equipment technicians, operators, and energy commissioning agents/auditors who know how to properly run and tune building systems. The combination of efficient operations and advanced design will improve the internal built environment: its energy use, comfort, safety, and environmental impact. All organizations involved in development of energy efficiency best practices in building operation and design, such as professional development associations, trade training/development associations (including those with certification programs), universities, community colleges, technical trade schools, and apprenticeship programs are strongly encouraged to partner and apply. Due Sept 1, 2009.
Link to more info

2010 SG/Regional Team Climate Engagement
Office of Program Planning and Integration anticipate making available up to $200,000 to support projects that advance priority climate engagement strategies throughout NOAA. The climate engagement mini-grants will be awarded only to proposals endorsed jointly by the NOAA Regional Collaboration Team Lead and the Sea Grant Liaison to the NOAA Regional Collaboration Team (selected among the Sea Grant Directors programs in the region). Awards will be made as interoffice transfers to NOAA entities and cooperative agreements to non-Federal entities, or a combination of interoffice transfers and cooperative agreements for projects that support both NOAA and non- Federal entities. Although other federal, state, tribal, Native Hawaiian, other native cultures, academic and non-profit or non- governmental organizations can act as partners, the Project Principal Investigator of the grant must be a NOAA Federal employee or a Sea Grant employee. Due Sep 1, 2009.
Link to more info

Minnesota Small Cities Development Grant Program
All SCDP funded projects are intended to support community development activities that at a minimum provide evidence of meeting one of the following Federal Objectives: (1) Benefit low and moderate income (LMI) persons/households. LMI is defined as households whose total income from all members does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size as determined by HUD annually. (2) Prevent or eliminate slum and blight conditions; or (3) Alleviate urgent community development needs caused by conditions which pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community, where other financial resources are not available. Support a mix of rehabilitation, conversion and construction activities that preserve and increase affordable housing, both for renters and owners. Pre and short form applications due: September 3, 2009 4:30 PM.
Link to more info

Recovery Act: Community Renewable Energy Deployment
This FOA supports implementation of the Recovery Act by creating jobs, promoting economic recovery, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure. Projects should address the technical, economic, and policy barriers to implementing a combination of renewable energy technologies into one integrated solution for a community to reduce its carbon footprint. Projects should support and enable the deployment goals across the portfolio of EERE¿s renewable energy programs, with the intent of creating examples that can be further replicated by other communities, nationally and internationally. Eligible renewable energy technologies for purposes of this FOA include but are not limited to, electric or thermal energy generated from solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), geothermal, or new hydroelectric generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of new capacity at an existing hydroelectric project, as defined in EPAct 2005.Eligibility limited to State governments, County governments , City or township governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Due Sept 3, 2009.
Link to more info

Science-Related Film Projects Invited for 2010 Sundance
Institute/Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant. Up to $25,000 and other support will be given to a screenwriter developing a science- or technology-related film that is neither a documentary nor a piece of science fiction that is at an early stage of development, such as full treatment or early screenplay draft.. Screenwriters with any level of experience may apply. To be eligible, projects must have science or technology as a major theme or scientists as major characters. Deadline: September 8, 2009.
Link to more info

Recovery Act – Systems Level Technology Development, Integration, and Demonstration for Efficient Class 8 Trucks (SuperTruck) and Advanced Technology Powertrains for Light-Duty Vehicles
The goal of Area of Interest 1 is to develop and demonstrate a 50% improvement in overall freight efficiency on a heavy-duty Class 8 tractor-trailer measured in ton-miles per gallon. This improvement will be achieved through the application of advanced vehicle system technologies and advanced engine technologies. At least 20% of the improvement will be through the development of an engine capable of achieving 50% Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE). The goal of Area of Interest 2 is to accelerate the development of cost-competitive engine and powertrain systems for light-duty vehicles capable of attaining breakthrough thermal efficiencies while meeting future emissions standards. Development of the engine and powertrain system can include improvements to in-cylinder combustion, engine mechanics, waste heat recovery, friction reduction, emission control, fuels, materials, electrification, and reduced ancillary load requirements. The engine system can be designed to accommodate a hybrid system, CVT or other advanced transmission. Due Sept 9, 2009.
Link to more info

Recovery Act: Development of Algal/Advanced Biofuels Consortia
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable (EERE) Energy through the Office of Biomass Program announces a notice of availability of funding for establishing Consortia for two primary topic areas ¿ development of Algae Based Biofuels, and development of Advanced Cellulosic Biofuels. The intended purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to serve three primary goals of EERE: 1) increase the viability and deployment of renewable energy technologies, 2) spur the creation of a domestic bio-industry, and 3) dramatically reduce dependence on imported oil. Due Sept 14, 2009.
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EPA: Indoor Environments: Reducing Public Exposure to Indoor Pollutants
This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals from eligible entities for demonstration, training, outreach and/or education cooperative agreements that will have a national scale impact to reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants and yield measurable environmental outcomes. Proposals will be accepted from states, local governments, territories, Indian tribes, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private non-profit institutions. Due Sept 14, 2009.
Link to more info

The Department of Defense (DoD) Fiscal Year 2010 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program
The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP), a part of the University Research Initiative (URI). DURIP is designed to improve the capabilities of U.S. institutions of higher education (hereafter referred to as “universities”) to conduct research and to educate scientists and engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition of research equipment. This announcement seeks proposals to purchase instrumentation in support of research areas of interest to the DoD, including areas of research supported by the administering agencies. Due Sept 15, 2009.
Link 1 to more info
Link 2 to more info

Grants Promote Sustainable Native Communities in the U.S. and Canada – Honor the Earth
The mission of Honor the Earth is to create awareness and support for Native environmental issues and to develop needed financial and political resources for the survival of sustainable Native communities. Grants are provided to Native organizations in the U.S. and Canada that are controlled by indigenous peoples. For the fall 2009 funding cycle, Honor the Earth will provide grants through the Building Resilience in Indigenous Communities initiative. This initiative supports organizations working in two areas: Funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy grants will be provided to organizations that improve weatherization and efficiency in buildings in Native communities and/or develop renewable energy projects that are contextualized within an ongoing program that preserves culture. Funding for Traditional Food Economies grants will be provided to organizations that utilize Indigenous wisdom and traditional methods to implement sustainable local food production systems. The application deadline is September 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON TOPIC SOLICATION FOR FY 2011 EMERGING FRONTIERS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
The purpose of this letter is to invite the research community to submit suggestions for topics to be considered for the FY 2011 Program Solicitation of the Office of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI). This is not a request for submission of a single research proposal idea but rather of an emerging transformational area of research and innovation. You may submit your ideas by accessing the following website – http://www.nsf.gov/eng/efri/efri2011 – and submitting your candidate topic idea along with a one-page description. Please follow the instructions provided. The deadline for submission is September 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering. This program supports research that advances the fundamental knowledge base of cellular and biomolecular processes, and eventually to the development of generic enabling technology and practical application. Average individual awards $120K. Responses due September 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Environmental Sustainability
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Environmental Sustainability Program. This program supports research with the goal of promoting sustainable engineered systems that support human well-being and natural systems. General areas of research include: Industrial Ecology, Green Engineering, Ecological Engineering, and Earth Systems Engineering. Average individual awards $100K. Responses due September 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Energy for Sustainability
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Energy for Sustainability Program. This program supports research and education in energy production, conversion, and storage, and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable, including solar, wind and biomass. Average individual awards $100K. Responses due September 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Thermal Transport Processes
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Thermal Transport Processes Program, for engineering research aimed at gaining a basic understanding of the microscopic and macroscopic levels of thermal transport phenomena (heat and mass transfer) underlying energy conversion and conservation, the synthesis and processing of materials, cooling and heating of infrastructure and equipment, and more. An active understanding of thermal transport in energy conversion and conservation processes is vital to reduce the nation’s dependence on petroleum. Awards NTE $100K. Responses due September 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Environmental Engineering
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Environmental Engineering Program. This program supports research and educational activities, with the goal of applying engineering principles to understand and reduce adverse effects of solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges into land, inland and coastal waters, and air that result from human activity and that impair the ecological and economic value of those resources. Average individual awards $100K. Responses due September 15, 2009.
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NSF Science of Science and Innovation Policy
The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) aims to foster the development of the knowledge, theories, data, tools, and human capital needed to cultivate a new Science of Science and Innovation Policy (SciSIP). Characterizing the dynamics of discovery and innovation is important for developing valid metrics, for predicting future returns on investments, for constructing fruitful policies, and for developing new forms of workforce education and training. The FY 2009 competition includes three emphasis areas: Analytical Tools, Model Building, and Data Development and Augmentation. The emergent body of research will develop and utilize techniques for retrospective and prospective analyses. In addition, research will provide insight into factors that propagate new ideas at levels from the molecular functioning of the human brain to the organizational, state, national and international levels as well as advances the analysis and visualization of datasets describing complex social relationships and networks. In addition to these three emphasis areas, the FY 2009 competition particularly encourages the submission of proposals that demonstrate the viability of collecting and analyzing data on knowledge generation and innovation in organizations. In addition to providing innovative and scientifically based ways of describing and analyzing knowledge generation and innovation in organizations, these demonstration projects should address three specific aspects of the data collection approach: scalability and sustainability; protection of the confidentiality of respondents in computerized, widely accessible databases; and evaluation and assessment of the project’s progress towards its scientific goals. Due Sep 16, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Biosensing
The Biosensing program primarily supports innovative fundamental and applied research with applications to the biomedical, food safety, energy, environmental, and security needs: New paradigms in the identification and detection of existing or emerging pathogenic micro-organisms, unknown toxins, and viral threat agents Highly sensitive and discriminative biosensing New approaches in integrated sensor systems, probe development, and actuators Novel robust and easy to operate sensor systems with a highly selective response to multiple analytes under variable conditions, with significantly reduced false positives and false negative responses and increased sensitivity. Due Sep 17, 2009.
Link to more info

NSF Climate Process Modeling Team
The key aim of the Climate Process Modeling Team (CPT) concept is to speed development of global coupled climate models and reduce uncertainties in climate models by bringing together theoreticians, field observationalists, process modelers and the large modeling centers to concentrate on the scientific problems facing climate models today. Due Sep 24, 2009.
Link 1 to more info
Link 2 to more info

NASA: DELIVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Education is releasing a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) for proposals for NASA K-12 Cooperative Agreements Notice (K-12 CAN). The K-12 CAN effort seeks proposals that incorporate innovative approaches for development and delivery of instructional materials, creates experiences that capture the interest of learners, and actively involves participants in relevant, NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content applications. The instructional materials and experiences of the proposal should support secondary level teaching and learning, with a particular emphasis on high school education. Upon its anticipated release date of July 30, 2009, this CAN will be available electronically through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) (http://nspires.nasaprs.com ). Due Sept 25, 2009.
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Pathways Out of Poverty – US Dept. Labor Employment and Training Administration
The Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department) announces the availability of approximately $150 million in grant funds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act) for projects that provide training and placement services to provide pathways out of poverty and into employment within the industries described in the Supplementary Information, Part B of this SGA. Grantees selected from two separate types of applicants will be funded through this solicitation: (1) National nonprofit entities with networks of local affiliates, coalition members, or other established partners; and (2) local entities. $150 million; application deadline: September 29, 2009.
Link to more info

Economic Development Assistance Programs
U.S. Dept of Commerce EDA solicits applications for the following programs under PWEDA: (i) Public Works; (ii) Planning; (iii) Local Technical Assistance; and (iv) Economic Adjustment Assistance. EDA will provide Public Works investments to support the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, attract private sector capital, and promote regional competitiveness, including investments that expand and upgrade infrastructure to attract new industry, support technology-led development, accelerate new business development, and enhance the ability of regions to capitalize on opportunities presented by free trade. Application can be sent in on Sep 30, 2009. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis and processed as received.
Link to more info

US DOE Office of Science
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, announces its continuing interest in receiving proposals in areas including, but not limited to: Basic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, and workforce development for teachers and scientists. Proposals accepted through September 30, 2009.
Link to more info

OCTOBER

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Grants and Loans to Grassroots Groups – RESIST
RESIST provides grants and loans to grassroots groups throughout the U.S. that are engaged in activist organizing and educational work within movements for social change. RESIST supports strategies that build community, encourage collaborations with other organizations, increase skills and access to resources, and produce leadership from the constituency being most directly affected. High priority is given to groups that fall outside of mainstream funding sources. A sample of RESIST’s interests include: community organizing and anti-racism projects, economic and environmental justice, civil rights, progressive media, and peace/anti-militarism. The remaining 2009 application deadlines for general support grants, accessibility grants, and loans are August 7 and October 2.
Link to more info

Recovery Act: Local Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) Initiative
A goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), in part, is to: “facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply” and “enhance reliability and quicker repair of outages.” This initiative will create jobs at the local level and allow Cities to have well-developed, standardized energy assurance and resiliency plans that they can rely on during energy emergencies and supply disruptions. City governments will address energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities in their plans to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents have on the economy and the health and safety of citizens. This initiative, (restricted to U.S. cities) called “Local Energy Assurance Planning” (hereinafter called the LEAP Initiative) focuses on developing new, or refining existing, plans to integrate new energy portfolios (renewables, biofuels, etc) and new applications, such as Smart Grid technology (http://www.oe.energy.gov/smartgrid.htm), into energy assurance and emergency preparedness plans. Better planning efforts will help contribute to the resiliency of the energy sector, including the electricity grid, by focusing on the entire energy supply system, which includes refining, storage, and distribution of fossil and renewable fuels. Eligible applicants are City or township governments. Due Oct 8, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA: Sea Level Rise
The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA is soliciting research proposals for projects of 3 to 5 years in duration for development of modeling and mapping tools to better understand and predict the impacts of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems, including ecologically and economically valuable natural resources, to support proactive coastal management and mitigation decisions. The area of interest includes the coastal ecosystems in the northern Gulf of Mexico, ranging from the eastern boundary of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve to the western extent of the Mississippi coast. Projects should be interdisciplinary, multiple investigator, and well integrated studies designed to develop capabilities for understanding, predicting, and mitigating the effects of long term sea level rise. Due Oct 14, 2009.
Link to more info

Funds Target Rural Efforts in Selected States – Laura Jane Musser Fund: Rural Initiative Program
The Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Rural Initiative Program encourages collaborative efforts among citizens in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions. This program supports projects in rural regions of Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, and Wyoming that target a number of civic areas including economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. The applicant community must have a population of 10,000 or fewer and must be able to demonstrate the rural characteristics of its location. Planning grants of up to $5,000 and implementation grants of up to $25,000 are provided. The application deadline is October 15, 2009.
Link to more info

Baseload Concentrating Solar Power Generation
The objective of this Announcement is to develop and evaluate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) components and/or systems that will lead to solar power plants with a capacity to generate electricity at costs competitive to fossil-fired generators. The announcement includes two topic areas: 1. Research and development of concepts and components that can be part of a CSP baseload system and 2. Evaluation of the feasibility of a complete CSP baseload system and development of a prototype system that can be implemented in the field. The projects will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will involve conducting system feasibility and preliminary design work. Phase 2 will involve performing engineering design. Phase 3 will focus on detailed engineering design and prototype testing/evaluation. Due Oct 15, 2009.
Link to more info

Solar America Cities – Technical Outreach
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a funding opportunity for up to $10.5 million to increase the ability of local governments to accelerate solar energy adoption and workforce development. Funding for the five-year awards is subject to annual appropriations. DOE has encouraged local governments to take a comprehensive approach to solar energy adoption; one that includes workforce development and green jobs training, economic development through support for a local solar industry, and financial incentive programs that help citizens make investments in solar energy. By facilitating peer-to-peer information sharing, DOE will empower local governments to integrate solar energy into their communities. Applications are due by October 15, 2009, and DOE anticipates announcing selections no later than December 15, 2009.
Link to more info

NOAA Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) Program
The CSTAR Program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a cost-effective transition from basic and applied research to operations and services through collaborative research between operational forecasters and academic institutions that have expertise in the environmental sciences. These activities will engage researchers and students in applied research of interest to the operational meteorological community and will improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings of environmental hazards by applying scientific knowledge and information to operational products and services. Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education and federally funded educational institutions. Due Oct 16, 2009.
Link to more info

Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) and Training Grants – US Dept. Labor Employment and Training Administration
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA); Notice of Availability of Funds and Solicitation for Grant Applications for State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) and Training Grants. Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY-08-20. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 17.275. Applications must be received at the address below no later than 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). A pre-recorded Webinar will be available online at: http://www.workforce3one.org and available for viewing. In order to highlight the important role States play in building a national green economy, the Department is investing in workforce sector strategies that target energy efficiency and renewable energy industries described in section 171(e)(1)(B) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and other green industries. DOL encourages a strategic planning process that aligns the Governor’s overall workforce vision, State energy policies, and local and regional training activities that lead to employment in targeted industry sectors. This strategic planning process is an opportunity to develop a statewide energy sector strategy through a comprehensive partnership and development of a Sector Plan. If an energy sector strategy is currently in place, that strategy should be reviewed and evaluated to address the requirements of this funding opportunity. The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is October 20, 2009.
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NSF Partnerships for Innovation
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Partnerships for Innovation Program. This program seeks to stimulate the transformation of knowledge into innovations that create new wealth; build strong local, regional and national economies; and improve the national well-being; broaden participation in activities to meet the diverse workforce needs; and catalyze or enhance enabling infrastructure that is necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term. $9.5 million expected to be available, up to 15 awards anticipated. Letters of Intent due October 31, 2009, final proposals due December 31, 2009.
Link to more info

NOVEMBER

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NSF Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms
The Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanisms Program supports basic, transformative experimental and theoretical research directed toward elucidating electronic and molecular structure, structure-activity relationships, dynamic interactions at the molecular level and chemical reaction mechanisms. The program is particularly interested in hypothesis-driven or exploratory research projects that address grand challenges in the field of chemistry including, for example, understanding the principles of chemical reactivity in homogeneous, heterogeneous and interfacial systems and the use of advanced computational and spectroscopic techniques to address chemical systems at the limits of temporal and spatial resolution. Due Nov 30, 2009.
Link to more info

DECEMBER

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Grants for National Organizations for Preservation of the Environment & Women’s Issues – The Streisand Foundation
The Streisand Foundation primarily provides support to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are working on a national level. The Foundation’s national grantmaking interests include the preservation of the environment; women’s issues, including reproductive choice and health-related concerns; civil liberties and civil rights; and AIDS research, advocacy, service, and litigation. (Local Los Angeles, CA organizations may request support for projects providing educational and extracurricular programs for disadvantaged children and youth.) Grants generally range from $1,000 to $25,000, with an average of $5,000 to $10,000. Letters of inquiry will be accepted between September 1 and December 1, 2009.
Link to more info

Solar America Showcase General Projects
Funding: Technical Assistance Only (Up to $500,000 per award). . Funding Number: DE-PS36-09GO99021. Solar America Showcases help facilitate large-scale installations that involve cutting-edge solar technologies, novel applications of solar, high visibility sites, and/or high likelihood of replicability. Solar America Showcase is a Notice of Opportunity for Technical Assistance (NOTA) for proposed installations more than 250 kW and does not include direct federal funding for any recipient. Instead, showcase projects include technical assistance through teams of DOE-funded solar experts from national laboratories. Due December 31, 2009.
Link to more info

2010 and beyond

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Clean and Efficient Transit Investments – ARRA
(FTA-09005-TIGGER-TRI). The U.S Department of Transportation requests proposals for Recovery Act Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction. Through this initiative, DOT will provide grants to public transit agencies for capital investments that will assist in reducing the energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions of their public transit agencies. $100 million expected to be available, up to 30 awards anticipated. Due March 10, 2010.
Link to more info

Tribal Transit Program – ARRA
The U.S Department of Transportation requests proposals for the Recovery Act Tribal Transit Program. Through this program, DOT will provide grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes for public transportation capital projects for use in public transportation. $17 million expected to be available. Responses due March 10, 2010.
Link to more info

Defense: Active Cooling Modules (ACM)
(DARPA-BAA-09-44). DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals in the area of active cooling modules. DoD systems are driving conflicting needs for high performance as well as reduced size and weight. DARPA makes many investments in new technologies that can improve performance or reduce size and weight. Unfortunately, in many cases, the power consumption of these systems increases with each improvement. As a result, the performance of heat rejection technology remains a key limitation in many applications. The primary goal of this program is the development and demonstration of ideas based on novel materials and structures that can provide tens of degrees of cooling for 100W devices in cm-scale cooling modules with coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 or better. Due April 22, 2010.
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DARPA – Defense Sciences Office: Low-Cost Lightweight Portable Photovoltaics
DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals in the area of photovoltaic power sources that excel in efficiency, portability, flexibility, durability, and ease of manufacture .See attached DARPA-BAA-09-45. Due May 21, 2010.
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American Recovery Program – ARRA
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) requests proposals for the EDA American Recovery Program, for projects that advance economic growth by assisting communities and regions experiencing chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to create an environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts increased private capital investment. Priority consideration will be given to regions that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring. Applicants may apply for the following programs: 1) Public Works and Economic Development Facilities Program, and 2) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. Responses due June 30, 2010.
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US Army Research Office – Basic and Applied Scientific Research
U.S. Army Research Office has issued a Broad Agency Announcement for Basic and Applied Scientific Research in areas including, but not limited to: Mechanical ,environmental and materials sciences, physics, and chemistry. Proposals accepted through September 30, 2011.
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AgStar – Fund for Rural America
The AgStar Fund supports direct delivery of services rather than research, planning or public awareness campaigns. Also, we will align the grants with the company’s broader business interests and community involvement. The grant process provides an opportunity for applicants to apply for funding in one of the four major areas: (1) Education – Educating young, beginning or future farmers; (2) Environment – Maintaining or improving the quality of the rural environment; (3) Technology – Supporting the advancement and utilization of technology for the benefit of farmers and rural communities; (4) Quality of Life – Programs or initiatives that enhance the quality of life for farmers and rural communities. The grants are discretionary and restricted to a specific purpose. The AgStar Fund does not allow awarded funds to be used for indirect costs. All awarded funds must be used for direct project or program costs. Funding is limited to $10,000 per organization per year. AgStar Fund for Rural America grants are restricted to the following uses: (1) Project or program support; (2) Technical assistance
General operating support; (3) Equipment.
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Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation – Community Improvement Programs
The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and Canada that improve communities and positively impact lives. The grantmaking emphasis is on programs that help children and families, animals, or the environment. The Foundation’s grants range between $1,000 and $10,000 with an average grant of approximately $2,500. Requests are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed quarterly. Online applications may be submitted through the website listed above.
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CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy – Economic and Environmental Justice Programs Funded
The CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy are private foundations that are linked by common interests and boards of directors. The Foundations are dedicated to preserving biodiversity, defending democracy, preventing the commodification of life, and protecting human and environmental health throughout the world. The Foundations’ grant categories include Economic Globalization, Food Sovereignty, Civil Liberties, and Emerging Technologies. Proposals to the CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy are considered together. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. For 2008 only, the fall funding cycle deadline for invited proposals is July 28. Visit the website listed above for a full description of each of the Foundations’ grant categories as well as letter of inquiry guidelines.
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CURA – Community Growth Options Program
This new program provides applied research and technical assistance to help growing communities on the edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area manage growth patterns in ways that make development more sustainable, more environmentally responsive, and more economically efficient. It was created by The University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, in partnership with 1000 Friends of Minnesota and The McKnight Foundation. Eligible communities define a research project, submit an application, and if accepted on a rolling basis, are matched with appropriate University of Minnesota student or faculty resources to carry out the research. Soft deadlines: March 30 (summer semester assistance—early June through August); July 15 (fall semester assistance—early September to mid-January); October 30 (spring semester assistance—mid-January through May).
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Do Something – Youth Activist Projects
Do Something is a website community where young people learn, listen, speak, vote, volunteer, ask, and take action to make the world a better place. Do Something’s Plum Youth Grants are available to individuals, age 25 or under, who want to further the growth and success of their existing community action projects. Grants of $500 are given out each week to young community activists in the U.S. and Canada. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and stay active for consideration for three months after submission. Visit the website listed above to create a project profile and submit an online application.
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Energy Foundation – Funding for Policy Programs to Address Energy Problems
The Energy Foundation is a partnership of major donors interested in solving the world’s energy problems. The foundation’s mission is to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy — essential components of a clean energy future. The foundation’s primary role is as a grantmaker, providing resources to the institutions that most effectively leverage change. The foundation also takes direct action, such as commissioning papers or convening meetings, to address unmet needs. The foundation’s geographic focus is the United States and China, with special emphasis on regional initiatives. The foundation makes grants in the areas of Power, Building, Transportation, and Climate. Deadlines: The foundation’s Board of Directors meets three times a year (the first week of March, the third week of June, and the first week of November). We accept proposals on a continuous basis. There are no specific deadlines. However, in order to consider a proposal for inclusion in a specific docket, we need to receive proposals approximately twelve weeks in advance of the next board meeting. Please keep in mind that it takes approximately four weeks to review proposals and inquiries and to contact you with a response.
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F.B. Heron Foundation – Funds Target Wealth-Creation Strategies
The F.B. Heron Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that help low-income people to create wealth and take control of their lives. Grants are provided to programs in urban and rural communities engaged in the following wealth-creation strategies: increasing access to capital, supporting enterprise development, advancing home ownership, reducing the barriers to full participation in the economy by providing quality childcare, and employing comprehensive community development approaches with a strong focus on wealth-creation strategies. Priority is given to direct-service, community-based organizations and enterprises. The Foundation concentrates the majority of grants in 12 specific geographic areas (Appalachia, California, Chicago, Kansas City, Michigan, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Mississippi Delta, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, DC). In addition, support is provided to national and regional organizations that address the Foundation’s mission. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time.
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Ford Foundation – Grants Address Complex Problems Worldwide
The goals of the Ford Foundation are to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement throughout the world. The Foundation works mainly by making grants or loans through three major program areas: Asset Building and Community Development; Peace and Social Justice; and Knowledge, Creativity, and Freedom. Support is generally directed to activities that are likely to have wide effect rather than local programs with limited scope. Letters of inquiry are considered throughout the year. For a detailed description of the Foundation’s program areas and funding policies, visit the website listed above.
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National Forest Foundation – Local Forest Partnerships, Conservation, and Capacity Building
The National Forest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization established by Congress to support the USDA Forest Service in its management of the nation’s forests and grasslands. The Foundation’s Community Assistance Program promotes the creation of locally-based collaborative forest partnerships that seek to build environmental and community sustainability. The program provides “start-up” grants in the $5,000 to $15,000 range to newly forming or significantly re-organizing organizations that intend to proactively engage local community stakeholders in forest management and conservation issues on and around National Forests and Grasslands. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The Request for Proposals may be downloaded from the website listed above.
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HP Labs Opens Research Opportunities to Academia Through HP Labs Innovation Research Program
HP has announced a new program to allow colleges, universities, and research institutions worldwide to participate in joint research with HP Labs, the company’s central research facility, through an open and competitive process. The new HP Labs Innovation Research Program invites the worldwide academic community to submit proposals related to current research in the areas of information explosion, dynamic cloud services, content transformation, intelligent infrastructure, and sustainability. Universities are invited to address specific research topics as assigned to a number of regional groupings, based on HP Labs worldwide locations.The program is the first offering of the HP Labs Open Innovation Office, which was established earlier this year as part of HP Labs’ new approach to research. The office is responsible for deepening HP Labs’ strategic collaborations with academia, the government, and the commercial sector to produce mutually beneficial, high-impact research. To be eligible for an award under this program, an applicant’s institution must accept the HP Labs Innovation Research Program Collaborative Research Agreement as part of the proposal submission process. Key provisions of the CRA specify university and HP intellectual property rights in the project and secure other important aspects of the collaboration. Awards will consist of cash support for one year in the range of $50,000 to $75,000 each. A key element of each award will be on-campus support for one graduate-student researcher. Larger or partial awards may be made, and awards may be renewed up to a total of three years. Program guidelines, information on specific research topics by geographic region, and the online submission tool are available at the HP Web site.
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Kresge Foundation – Challenge Grant Program
The Kresge Foundation is broadening the reach of its Challenge Grant Program to better support nonprofit organizations that are working to address society’s pressing issues in six fields of interest: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development.
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Kresge Foundation – Environment Program
Environmental conservation is one of The Kresge Foundation’s nine overarching values. We believe the effects of climate change on the natural world is among the paramount concerns of our time, one that presents formidable challenges and risks as well as opportunities for innovation. Our Environment Program works in partnership with like-minded organizations to protect the planet and promote its long-term sustainability for future generations… Grantmaking strategies within the Environment Program will take shape over the next year. Our work at this time is focused in three broad areas of relevance to climate change.
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Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation – Grassroots Local Projects
The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation is dedicated to improving the communities the company serves through support of public education, community improvement projects, and home safety initiatives. Support is provided to grassroots projects located in communities where Lowe’s operates stores and distribution centers. Priority is given to projects that can utilize Lowe’s volunteers. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the website listed above to take the eligibility test and submit an online application.
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McKnight Foundation – Environment Grant Program
The goals of our environment program are to maintain and, where necessary, restore a healthy environment in the Mississippi River basin, and to slow the pace of global warming by helping the Upper Midwest contribute to the nation’s renewable energy supply.
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Minnesota Office of Energy Security – Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program
Of the $3.4 million available for solar programs, $400,000 is now available for the Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program. Below is a summary of the program. Eligibility: The subject property must be within Minnesota borders. Both grid-connected and off-grid systems are eligible. For residential applications, only primary residences are eligible. The applicant need not be the primary resident, however. (i.e. apartments and rental property are eligible if at least one tenant occupies the property as a primary residence.) Small businesses with 20 or fewer full time equivalent employees are eligible. Others may inquire with energy.info@state.mn.us regarding funding opportunities for schools, local governments, commercial, industrial, and non-profit organizations. Program participants from a past Minnesota solar electric rebate program are not eligible for the current program. We will review the appropriateness of this criterion next year. (Check to see if there are other solar rebates or tax credits that might apply at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at: http://www.dsireusa.org ) Maximum eligible system sizes: Residential: 5 kW; Small Business: 10 kW.
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Minnesota Office of Energy Security – Rural Wind Energy Development Revolving Loan Fund
The purpose of the Rural Wind Energy Development Revolving Loan program is to provide financial assistance to owners of eligible community-based wind energy projects for wind studies and transmission interconnection studies. Loan proceeds must be used to fund wind studies and transmission interconnection studies only.
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National Geographic Society/Waitt Grants Program
Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to researchers in the United States and abroad working to improve environmental and cultural conservation through geographic exploration and scientific research…. The National Geographic Society/Waitt Grants Program funds projects that require venture capital, supporting exceptional projects while foregoing a time-consuming peer-review process. NGS/Waitt grants are designed to fund “proof of concept” research for applicants at an earlier stage in their careers than other NGS grant programs. Special emphasis is placed on expedited grant processing and turnaround. The selection committee endeavors to have funding decisions made within eight weeks of application submission.
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NSF – Atmospheric Chemistry
Supports research to measure and model the concentration and distribution of gases and aerosols in the lower and middle atmosphere. Also supports research on the chemical reactions among atmospheric species; the sources and sinks of important trace gases and aerosols; the aqueous-phase atmospheric chemistry; the transport of gases and aerosols throughout the atmosphere; and the improved methods for measuring the concentrations of trace species and their fluxes into and out of the atmosphere. No specific date.
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NSF – Climate Research
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Climate and Large-Scale Dynamics. Research topics include theoretical, observational and modeling studies in areas including, but not limited to: Processes that govern climate; the causes of climate variability and change; and methods to predict climate variations. Proposals accepted on a continual basis.
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NSF – Physical and Dynamic Meteorology
Physical and Dynamic Meteorology supports research involving studies of cloud physics; atmospheric electricity; radiation; boundary layer and turbulence; the initiation, growth, and propagation of gravity waves; all aspects of mesoscale meteorological phenomena, including their morphological, thermodynamic, and kinematic structure; development of mesoscale systems and precipitation processes; and transfer of energy between scales. The program also sponsors the development of new techniques and devices for atmospheric measurements. Proposals accepted anytime.
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NSF – Solar Terrestrial
Supports research on the processes by which energy in diverse forms is generated by the Sun, transported to the Earth, and ultimately deposited in the terrestrial environment. Major topics include space weather impacts, helioseismology, the solar dynamo, the solar activity cycle, magnetic flux emergence, solar flares and eruptive activity, coronal mass ejections, solar wind heating, solar energetic particles, interactions with cosmic rays, and solar wind/magnetosphere boundary problems. Proposals accepted anytime.
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Patagonia Environmental Grant Program – Grants Encourage the Protection of Local Habitats Worldwide
The Patagonia Environmental Grant Program provides support to small, grassroots activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to protect the environment. Patagonia primarily funds local groups working to protect local habitats in the United States, as well as in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Proposals are accepted through the Patagonia website during the months of April and August each year, and must be submitted by April 30 or August 31. (Applications are accepted year-round at local retail Patagonia stores.) Visit the website listed above for program details and application information.
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Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People – Assistance for Groups Organizing Against Poverty
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) focuses its efforts on the empowerment of economically poor and disadvantaged people seeking to change the structures that perpetuate their condition. SDOP currently supports groups in the United States who are oppressed by poverty and social systems and want to take charge of their own lives. Supported projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the groups of people who will directly benefit from them and must address long-term corrections of the conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression. Requests may be submitted at any time. Visit the SDOP website to review the funding guidelines and download the application form.
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Rockefeller Foundation – Grants Address Global Issues
The Rockefeller Foundation works around the world to promote the well-being of humanity by addressing the root causes of serious problems. The Foundation attempts to harness the creative forces of globalization, supporting breakthrough solutions to 21st century challenges. The Foundation’s initiatives are largely focused in a small group of areas: global health, agricultural productivity, innovation for development, and economic resilience and urban life. Support is provided for high-impact ideas that have the potential to make a difference in the lives of large numbers of poor or vulnerable people. The Foundation requires that some results from such ideas be measurable within three to five years. Inquiry forms outlining innovative ideas are accepted at any time through the Foundation’s website.
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US DOE – L Prize for Lighting Technologies
On May 28, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced details on the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize competition. The L Prize™ is the first government-sponsored technology competition designed to spur lighting manufacturers to develop high quality, high efficiency solid-state lighting products to replace the common light bulb. The competition will award cash prizes, and may also lead to opportunities for federal purchasing agreements, utility programs, and other incentives for winning products. The L Prize will continue DOE’s lighting research and development efforts by aiming to radically accelerate America’s shift from inefficient, dated lighting products to innovative, high-performance products. Two product categories are offered in this release:• 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp; • PAR 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp. To participate in the L Prize competition, interested manufacturers must provide a letter of intent to submit. Competition requirements updated June 26, 2009.
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Wells Fargo – Community and Economic Development, Education
Wells Fargo is committed to improving the bank’s local communities in 23 states through grants and volunteer activities. The funding priorities of the Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program vary from state to state; however, the bank generally supports the following areas of interest: community development, including housing, job training, economic development, and programs for small businesses and farms; education, including K-12 education with an emphasis on math/science and financial literacy programs; human services, including childcare, healthcare, and basic needs; and arts, culture, and civic projects. Visit the website listed above and click on your state in order to review the local funding guidelines and application procedures.
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