Current Funding Opportunities

The funding opportunities in the fields of energy and the environment on this page are regularly updated and generously shared by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security. The opportunities are listed by the proposal due date. If you need more information, it can almost always be found by following the link provided for each funding opportunity. Good luck! Updated July 3, 2008

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.

ON-GOING

Minnesota Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water Rebate Programs
Both programs are open to all residential property owners in Minnesota. Funds are now available for both programs and will be awarded on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Because hiring a renewable energy contractor is one of the requirements for both rebates, the Minnesota Office of Energy Security’s Web site also includes a list of questions to ask a renewable energy contractor and a list of solar energy contractors in Minnesota.
Link to more info

MN Community Growth Options (U-CGO) 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.
Link to more info

Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program
The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services is proud to announce a Feasibility Study Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to fund feasibility studies that may result in economic development for rural areas in AgStar’s service area. The AgStar Fund for Rural America was created to demonstrate our support for agriculture and the rural communities within our service area. The trustees established the fund’s mission as “Committed to enhancing the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communities.” This special program underscores our dedication to rural communities and helps address one of the issues facing rural America. Through this grant program and the other programs of the AgStar Fund, we are helping to ensure a strong future of rural America. Purpose of the Program: The Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program is designed to provide funding to determine the feasibility of a project or to plan for a project located in rural areas of AgStar’s territory. Such projects will need to meet an economic development or sustainability objective and, if implemented, will create new permanent jobs that result in the economic development of a rural area.
Link to more info

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. Visit the website listed above for grant program details and application guidelines.
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Economic and Environmental Justice Programs Funded – CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy
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.
Link to more info

Grants Address Complex Problems Worldwide – Ford Foundation
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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Grants Encourage the Protection of Local Habitats Worldwide – Patagonia Environmental Grant Program
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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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. The DOE will accept entries to the 60-watt incandescent and PAR 38 product categories beginning May 28, 2008.
Link to more info

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.
Link to more info

McKnight Foundation
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.
Link to more info

Citizen partnership grants available for MN cities and counties
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites applications from cities and counties for projects that will strengthen and encourage partnerships between citizens and local government in reducing community greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Only City and County governments are invited to submit applications under this category.
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US DOC Economic Development Assistance
The U.S. Department of Commerce seeks proposals for the Economic Development Assistance Programs. Under this announcement these programs include: 1) Public Works 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, 2) Planning, 3) Local Technical Assistance, and 4) Economic Adjustment Assistance. $249.1 million expected to be available. Responses accepted on a continual basis. You can contact Jamie Lipsey with questions at jlipsey@eda.doc.gov. Refer to Sol# EDA021908.
Link to more info

Climate Change and the National Flood Insurance Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announces its intent to seek a contractor to conduct studies on the impact of climate change on the National Flood Insurance Program and to determine whether policies and methodologies for mapping coastal special flood hazard areas should be revised. The RFP will be released on or about 5/1/08. For more info, contact Beverly Howell at beverly.howell1@dhs.gov. Refer to Sol# HSFEHQ-08-R-0082.
Link to more info

Energy Foundation Offers 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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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.
Link to more info

AUGUST

Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship
The Skoll Foundation’s mission is to advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting, and celebrating social entrepreneurs. The Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship support social entrepreneurs whose work has the potential for large-scale influence on critical challenges of our time: environmental sustainability, health, tolerance and human rights, institutional responsibility, economic and social equity, and peace and security. Within these issues, special consideration will be given to social entrepreneurs working in five critical sub-issue areas that threaten the survival of humanity: climate change, nuclear proliferation, global pandemics, conflict in the Middle East, and water scarcity. Skoll Awards provide later-stage funding, which is generally structured as a $1 million award paid out over three years. Programs submitted for consideration should have a track record of at least three years. The remaining application deadlines for 2008 are August 5 and November 4.
Link to more info

Cost-Effective Approaches to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy, and Corporate Greenhouse Gas Management
This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals to advance energy efficiency and clean energy programming and policies, including corporate greenhouse gas management, through cost-effective strategies. Proposals should demonstrate the potential to create lasting change in the market for energy efficient and clean generation products, services, and best practices. Proposed activities should address one or more of the following concerns. Due Aug 06, 2008. Link to more info

Improving energy performance in the residential and/or commercial/government market through increased use of high-efficiency products
Increasing supply/market share for high efficiency products through retail, e-tail, and other sales outlets
Delivering improved energy performance to existing commercial buildings (e.g., offices, schools, hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, datacenters, etc.) through technology or practice
Promoting improved energy performance in the commercial new construction market
Increasing knowledge of CHP or waste energy applications and design principles among engineers, architects, or within the sustainable design community
Improving quantification and management of greenhouse gas emissions, reductions, and energy use across the lifecycle of products (e.g., electronics) and industry sectors, such as manufacturing
Providing information and technical support on greenhouse gas management in the public and private sectors
Increasing demand/market penetration for green power products and on-site renewables
Fostering the removal of barriers for the development and use of clean energy and renewable energy technologies, through the development of effective programs of policies.
Providing information and/or technical support about policies that have been effective at the state or regional level in encouraging recognition of the full range of benefits of energy efficiency in the utility and public sectors.

Region 5 Wetland Program Development Grants FY 08
Projects must be performed within one or more of the states of EPA Region 5, specifically, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, to be eligible to apply for funding. Inter-jurisdictional watershed projects must be primarily implemented in EPA Region 5. Applicants need not be located within the boundaries of the EPA regional office to be eligible to apply for funding. See Section III of the announcement for additional eligibility information. Due Aug15.
Link to more info

Hiking Trail Enhancements Supported
American Hiking Society: National Trails Fund. The National Trails Fund, sponsored by the American Hiking Society, provides support to grassroots nonprofit organizations working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America. Grants help give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to protect America’s public trails. Support is provided for projects that increase trail lands, including the cost associated with the acquisition of trails, trail corridors, and conservation easements. In addition, projects that will result in visible and substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety, and/or avoidance of environmental damage are considered. Higher preference is often given to projects with volunteer labor. The application deadline is August 15, 2008. Visit the American Hiking Society website to download the grant guidelines and submit an online application.
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Budweiser Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation Research Prize
The prize will recognize and support a single innovative project that advances new technologies or practices that contribute to making renewable energy a practical energy alternative. The $100,000 total prize will be awarded in consideration of a project’s ability to develop or evaluate new cost-effective renewable energy technologies for industrial application while demonstrating the measurable benefits such practices can have in advancing wildlife conservation. Consideration will be given to the degree of innovation, cost-effectiveness, and transferability of the practice. Projects that demonstrate additional financial commitment in the form of cash or in-kind matching funds at a ratio equal to 1:1 are strongly encouraged. Eligibility for the research prize is open to accredited postsecondary academic institutions, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations working collaboratively on advancing renewable energy and wildlife conservation research. Funds may be used for items such as salaries and benefits, student stipends, travel, publication expenses, and supplies. Deadline: August 15, 2008.
Link to more info

Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation Research Price – Anheuser-Busch National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Anheuser-Busch and NFWF jointly invite applications for the Budweiser Renewable Energy and
Wildlife Conservation Research Prize. This funding opportunity seeks to advance new technologies or practices that contribute to making renewable energy a more practical energy alternative. The $100,000 prize will be awarded to one project that best demonstrates collaborative research to advance the use of renewable energy for industrial applications while demonstrating the measurable benefits such practices have in advancing wildlife conservation. Funds may be used for items such as salaries and benefits, student stipends, travel, publication expenses, and supplies. Eligibility is open to accredited postsecondary academic institutions, public agencies and nonprofit organizations working collaboratively on advancing renewable energy and wildlife conservation research. Applications are due Aug. 15, 2008. For more information, visit:
Link to more info

LCCMR 2009 Request for Proposals (RFP)
Phase 1 is a request to specific existing, ongoing Trust Fund projects that were identified as potentially benefitting from additional funding. Phase 2 will be a request open to everyone with a proposal consistent with targeted issue areas to be determined July 2008.

On June 11, the LCCMR adopted Phase 1 of its 2009 RFP. A selection of specific individual projects were chosen as priorities for the LCCMR to consider for additional funding and those specific projects are being asked to submit a proposal, if they choose, outlining how additional funds could extend, accelerate, and/or enhance their existing project’s efforts. Proposals from projects and organizations not specifically identifed in the Phase 1 Funding Priorities will not be accepted or considered as part of the Phase 1 RFP process. Application Due MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2008, POSTMARKED BY OR RECEIVED AT THE LCCMR OFFICE BY 4:30 PM. Link to more info
A Phase 2 Request for Proposal (RFP) will be open to everyone for all proposals consistent with the funding priorities identified for Phase 2. Phase 2 funding priorities will be determined in July 2008 and a Phase 2 RFP is expected to be issued on July 30, 2008. Projects and organizations not specifically identified and requested to submit a proposal for Phase 1 should review the Phase 2 priorities and, if appropriate, consider submitting a proposal in response to the Phase 2 RFP. Check back to www.lccmr.leg.mn for application after July 30, 2008.

Development and Use of Fuel Cells for Automotive, Stationary, and Portable Power
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $130 million over three years, subject to Congressional appropriations, to advance the development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary, and portable power applications. In addition to seeking proposals for R&D projects in the areas of transportation, stationary, and portable power, DOE is also seeking proposals to demonstrate fuel cells in distributed energy systems and to support market transformation that provide real-world operation data. The Department anticipates making up to 50 awards through this competitive funding opportunity, which is open to industry, universities, and national laboratories. With a minimum 20 percent private sector cost share for the R&D projects and a minimum 50 percent applicant cost share for the demonstration projects, the total DOE and private sector investment in advanced hydrogen fuel cell. technologies under this funding opportunity may exceed $170 million. Applications for the fuel cell funding opportunity are due on or before August 27, 2008, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress. Additional information for industry, academia, and other interested parties is offered through grants.gov funding opportunity. Additional information for national laboratories is offered through IIPS funding opportunity.
Link to more info

SEPTEMBER

Bird Habitat Conservation in the U.S. and Canada Supported
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation Migratory Bird Program. The ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation Migratory Bird Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, provides grants for migratory bird habitat conservation projects in areas where ConocoPhillips has an operating presence. Priority will be given to projects in the following regions: Western Canada; Gulf of Mexico states, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas; Prairie states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming; and Delaware Bay. International projects will be considered in selected geographic areas. A total of $600,000 will be distributed with a minimum grant size of $25,000. Preproposals are due September 1, 2008; invited full proposals must be submitted by November 1, 2008. Program details and application instructions are available on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website.
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NSF Instrument Development for Biological Research
NSF is soliciting proposals for the Instrument Development for Biological Research Program. This program supports the development of novel instrumentation or instrumentation that has been improved by an order of magnitude or more in some aspects. Examples of such instrumentation include analytical instruments, sensors, microscopes of various types, and related devices for detection or measurement of biological molecules, structures or phenomena at any level, from individual molecules to whole ecosystems. Supported instruments should have a significant impact on the study of biological systems at any level. Approximately $4 million is expected to be available for 15 grants having a project period of up to four years. Eligible are U.S. academic institutions; U.S. nonprofit research organizations, including museums, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; and consortia of these organizations. Proposals are due Sept. 5, 2008.
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National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, along with its partners, recognizes the important role refuge Friends organizations play in building critical community support for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System. As such, we are requesting proposals for projects that assist organizations to be effective co-stewards of our Nation’s important natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This program provides competitive seed grants ($1,500 – $5,000) to creative and innovative proposals that seek to increase the number and effectiveness of organizations interested in assisting the Refuge System nationwide. Deadline: September 5, 2008
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Targeted Watersheds Grants for Water Quality Trading or Other Market-Based Projects to Reduce the Hypoxic Zone in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals from eligible entities for the development of market-based water quality programs to improve water quality by reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment loadings, or pollutant loadings that cause low Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in local waters that enter the Mississippi River system and are ultimately discharged into the Northern Gulf of Mexico. EPA will accept proposals for the following two Priorities: (I) Market Feasibility Assessment; and (II) Program Design and/or Program Implementation. Proposals submitted under this announcement must be for projects located within at least one of the three Mississippi River sub-basins characterized by the U.S. Geologic Survey’s (USGS) eight digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) that start with the numbers 05, 07, or 08 (the Ohio River sub-basin, the Upper Mississippi River sub-basin, or the Lower Mississippi River sub-basin, respectively). Due Sept 9.
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Rio Tinto Alcan Prize for Sustainability Open for Entries
Rio Tinto Alcan and the International Business Leaders Forum have announced that the $1 million Rio Tinto Alcan Prize for Sustainability (formerly known as the Alcan Prize for Sustainability) is now open for entries.The prize is open to all not-for-profit, nongovernmental, and civil society organizations based anywhere in the world that are working to advance the goals of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The prize was created to recognize the not-for-profit sector for its contributions to global sustainability both in the community and more widely by influencing policy. In addition to the $1 million prize, nine grants worth $15,000 each will be awarded to the shortlisted NGOs to invest in one of the following three approved courses: the postgraduate certificate in cross-sector partnership at Cambridge University, the LEAD Fellows training program, or the postgraduate certificate in sustainable development from the University of London. Complete program guidelines are available at the prize program’s Web site. Deadline: September 12, 2008.
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Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED)
FRED invites applications for its Technology Grants for Rural Schools program. This program was created to help meet the growing need for innovative technology in the classroom. Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded to public schools that are working to enhance learning by increasing the use of such technology, including adding new programs and curriculum for technology education and purchasing new equipment. All projects must be implemented and purchases must be made during the 2008-09 school year. Eligible are public K-12 schools located in the service area of an OPASTCO telephone company. A letter of nomination and support from the local telephone company must accompany all applications, which are due Sept. 13, 2008.
Link to more info.

NSF Process and Reaction Engineering program
This program supports fundamental and applied research research in chemical and biochemical reaction engineering, process design and control, and reactive polymer processing. The duration of unsolicited awards is generally 1-3 years. The average annual award size for the program is $85,000. Proposals may be submitted between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 of 2008.
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NSF Chemical and Biological Separations program
This program supports fundamental research on novel methods and materials for separation processes, which are central to the chemical, biochemical, materials, energy and pharmaceutical industries. Areas of emphasis include separation of biological molecules and separations that lead to environmentally benign processing. The duration of unsolicited awards is generally 1-3 years. The average annual award size for the program is $80,000. Small equipment proposals of up to $100,000 also will be considered. Proposals may be submitted between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 of 2008.
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NSF Energy for Sustainability
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Energy for Sustainability Program. This program supports fundamental 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. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Trung Nguyen at tnguyen@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-7644.
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NSF Environmental Sustainability
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Environmental Sustainability Program. This program supports engineering 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. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Bruce Hamilton at bhamilto@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-7643.
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NSF Environmental Technologies
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Environmental Implications of Emerging Technologies. This program supports research to establish and understand outcomes as a result of the implementation of new technologies, including biotechnologies, and the development and the refinement of sensors and sensor network technologies. Innovative production processes, waste reduction, recycling, and industrial ecology technologies are of particular interest. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Cynthia Ekstein at cekstein@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-1179.
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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. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Clark Liu at ccliu@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-1440.
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NSF Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering. This initiative supports research that addresses problems involved in economic processing and manufacturing of products of economic importance by effectively utilizing renewable resources of biological origin and bio-informatics originating from genomic and proteomic information. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Frederick Heineken at fheineke@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-1491.
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Lake and Stream Conservation Partnership Grants
This grant program for members or affiliates of Minnesota Waters provides funding assistance for innovative lake and river groups across the state carrying out shoreland habitat improvement and restoration projects, aquatic invasive species management, and/or lake and river inventorying and assessment projects to guide water resource improvement, restoration and management. A minimum 1:1 match with cash or in-kind services is required. Funded projects – approximately seven – will be short-term (12 months) in duration to demonstrate quick, tangible results and proposals must be $5,000 or less. Applications due September 26, 2008.
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CreativeIT
National Science Foundation’s CreativeIT Program solicits proposals for projects that explore synergistic cross disciplinary research in creativity and computer science and information technology. Information technology is playing an increasing role in extending the capability of human creative thinking and problem solving. The study of creativity and computing as a way to advance computer science and information technology, cognitive science, engineering, education, or science can lead to new models of creative computational processes, innovative approaches to education that encourage creativity, innovative modes of research that include creative professionals, and new technology to support human creativity. Sep 26, 2008.
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The Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation
Our mission is to support educators in developing environmental curricula that integrate field activities and classroom teaching and that incorporate basic ecological principles and problem solving. SEND 4 COPIES OF YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION POSTMARKED BY SEPTEMBER 27, 2008.
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Investments in the Future of Rural America
The CHS Foundation invests in the future of agriculture and rural America through a strong commitment to education and leadership development. Funding is program-orientated and your request should fall into one of the five program areas: University PartnershipsRural Youth, Leadership Development, Returning Value to Rural Communities, Cooperative Education, Farm and Agricultural Safety. Applications must be submitted through the online application form. As of Jan. 1, 2007, all requests must be completed online. All applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with the exception the Cooperative Education Grants, which must be submitted by Sept. 30. This is a competitive grants program and must also be completed through an online application process.
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NOAA Climate Change Research
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration requests proposals for the FY08 Broad Agency Announcement. The purpose of this BAA is to encourage research, education, outreach, innovative projects, or sponsorships that are not addressed through competitive discretionary programs. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, climate variability and climate change. Presently no funds have been appropriated for this BAA. Responses accepted through 9/30/09. Refer to Sol# NFA-NFAPO-2008-2001388.
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OCTOBER

LCCMR ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND 2009 PHASE 2 RFP
Targeted issue areas include: Land and Habitat, Water Quality, Invasive Species, Energy. In the Energy Category the foci are Renewable Energy Life Cycle Costs and Impacts and Residential Energy Conservation. PHASE 2 PROPOSAL DEADLINE Wednesday Oct. 1, 2008 @ 4:30 PM. This is a firm deadline. Electronic submissions due by 4:30 PM. Hard copies must be postmarked by or received at LCCMR office by 4:30 PM. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION REQUESTED
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Energy Frontier Research Centers
The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies for the 21st century. The EFRCs will pursue the fundamental understanding necessary to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical energy. Through this initiative, DOE seeks to bring together the skills and talents of multiple investigators to enable fundamental research of a scope and complexity that would not be possible with the standard individual investigator or small group research project. $500 million expected to be available, up to 50 awards anticipated. Responses due 10/1/08. Contact Emiela Bradford at emiela.bradford@ch.doe.gov. Refer to Sol# DE-PS02-08ER15944.
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CISE Cross-Cutting Programs: FY 2009 and FY 2010
This solicitation seeks proposals in cross-cutting areas that are scientifically timely, and that benefit from the intellectual contributions of researchers with expertise in a number of computing fields and/or sub-fields. The cross-cutting programs for FY 2009 and 2010 are: Data-intensive Computing; Network Science and Engineering; and Trustworthy Computing. The full descriptions of these programs can be found in the II. Program Description section of this solicitation. CISE expects that over time, these cross-cutting programs will evolve or be absorbed into the core programs, and that new cross-cutting programs will be introduced. The directorate anticipates receiving proposals in the Data-intensive Computing, Network Science and Engineering, and Trustworthy Computing programs at least through the FY 2010 competition (i.e. receiving proposals through December 2009). Proposers are invited to submit proposals in three project classes, which are defined as follows: Small Projects – up to $500,000 total budget with durations up to three years; Medium Projects – $500,001 to $1,200,000 total budget with durations up to four years; and Large Projects – $1,200,001 to $3,000,000 total budget with durations up to five years. Due at various times beginning in October.
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NSF Materials Processing and Manufacturing
The National Science Foundation’s MPM program supports fundamental research on the interrelationship of materials processing, structure, performance and process control.?? Analytical, experimental, and numerical studies are supported covering processing methods such as molding, forging, casting, welding, hydroforming, composite layup, and other materials processing approaches.?? Emphasis is placed on environmentally benign manufacturing and virtual manufacturing.?? Research leading to the development of novel processes and novel hybrid processing techniques to achieve net shape products and complex multi-scale, multi-functional products with superior quality and performance is also supported. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Structural Materials and Mechanics
The SMM program supports fundamental research on the behavior of civil infrastructure materials and the mechanics of structural components in the built environment. Of particular interest is research on structural components consisting of natural and synthetic materials, their response to mechanical, hydrothermal and time-dependent loads, and their impact on life-cycle performance and sustainable development of the civil infrastructure. Applications Due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Dynamical Systems
The DS program supports research on the theory, analysis, modeling, simulation, design, and application of dynamical systems. Examples of application areas include acoustics and vibration analysis, and noise and vibration control technologies.??Of interest are multi-scale, multi-physics, and large-scale interconnected and complex dynamical systems, nonlinear, hybrid, time-varying, multi-energy domain and distributed dynamic systems, as well as biological systems, and micro and nano-scale systems. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Manufacturing Enterprise Systems
The MES program supports research on design, planning, and control of operations in manufacturing enterprises. Research is supported that impacts the analytical and computational techniques relevant to extended enterprise operations and that offer the prospect of implementable solutions. Topics of interest include analytical and computational tools for planning, monitoring, control, and scheduling of manufacturing and distribution operations, and development of methods for optimization of manufacturing enterprises in the presence of a high degree of uncertainty and risk. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Manufacturing and Construction Machines and Equipment
The MCME program supports fundamental research leading to improved machines and applications for both manufacturing and construction. Key goals are to advance the transition of these industries from skill-based to knowledge-based activities and to develop them as activities with minimal environmental and societal impact. To accomplish these goals the program emphasizes research leading to a fundamental understanding of the relevant physical processes resulting in better predictive models and improved manufacturing and construction decision making. The program also supports research on solid freeform fabrication encompassing scales from microns to meters (nanometer scale additive manufacturing is supported under the Nanomanufacturing program). Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Engineering Design and Innovation
The EDI program supports research leading to design theory and to tools and methods that enable implementation of the principles of design theory in the practice of design across the full spectrum of engineered products. The program focus is on gaining an understanding of the basic processes and phenomena underlying a holistic, life-cycle view of design. The program funds advances in basic design theory, tools and software to implement design theory, and new design methods that span multiple domains, such as design for the environment and for manufacturability. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Service Enterprise Systems
The SES program supports research on strategic decision making, design, planning and operation of commercial, nonprofit, and institutional service enterprises with the goal of improving their overall effectiveness and cost reduction. The program has a particular focus on healthcare and other similar public service institutions, and emphasizes research topics leading to more effective systems modeling and analysis as a means to improved planning, resource allocation, and policy development. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Civil Infrastructure Systems
The CIS program supports research leading to the intelligent engineering of distributed infrastructure systems.?? Areas of interest include intra- and inter-dependencies in infrastructure design and operation for resilience and sustainability, infrastructure protection, and advanced information technologies for health monitoring, condition assessment, deterioration and asset management.?? Special emphasis is on risk analysis, life-cycle frameworks, cyber-enabled simulation, and technologies for design, construction and operation of resilient and sustainable infrastructure networks. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Mechanics of Materials
The MOM program supports fundamental research on solid mechanics including theoretical, analytical, and computational approaches, model-based simulation, and the development of constitutive models. It also supports research to link the nanostructure and microstructure mechanical behavior of materials across time and length scales, including experimental and analytical research on deformation, fatigue, and fracture, and the underlying molecular and microstructural states. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Nano and Bio Mechanics
The NBM program supports fundamental research in biomechanics and nanomechanics. Research on biomechanics focuses on the mechanical properties and behavior of biological materials and structures, including cells, tissue, muscles, bones, and prosthetic implants. Research on nanomechanics focuses on the unique properties of nano-scale particles and microstructural features and their effects on the macroscopic mechanics and properties of materials, surfaces, and structures that contain them. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Materials and Surface Engineering
The MSE program supports fundamental research leading to a better understanding of the effect of microstructure, surfaces and coatings on the properties and performance of engineering materials, and the ultimate control of these properties through material design.?? Of particular interest is materials service under conditions such as impact, temperature extremes, corrosion, oxidation, and friction.?? The program also supports research leading to biomedical applications of materials. ??Funded research includes both experimental and theoretical approaches. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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Climate Change and Allergic Airway Disease
Some awards may involve or relate to geospatial information. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing research on the impact of global change on the development and severity of allergic airway disease from exposure to pollen, mold, and other plant-derived allergens. Due Oct 1, 2008.
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DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers
The Department of Energy s Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences announces the initiation of Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies for the 21st century. The EFRCs will pursue the fundamental understanding necessary to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical energy. The Office of Basic Energy Sciences is seeking applications for the establishment of EFRCs that will bring together the skills and talents of multiple investigators to enable fundamental research of a scope and complexity that would not be possible with the standard individual investigator or small group research project. As such, the EFRCs will strengthen and complement the existing portfolio of the single Principal Investigator and small group research projects currently supported within BES core research areas. The EFRC awards are expected to be in the $2 5 million range annually for an initial five-year project period. It is anticipated that approximately $100 million will be available annually for multiple EFRC awards starting in FY 2009. Due Oct 1.
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Coal Power Technologies with GHG Capture and Storage
This Funding Opportunity Announcement for Restructured FutureGen solicits cost-shared applications to advance coal-based power generation technologies that capture and store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). The Restructured FutureGen program is a cost-shared collaboration between the Government and industry to accelerate commercial deployment of very low, or near-zero, emissions Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) or other advanced clean coal-based power generation technology with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Under the Restructured FutureGen criteria, a demonstration unit must be designed, constructed, and operated, on an annual average basis, with at least 50 percent of the energy output used to produce electricity. A gasification-based project must produce at least 300 megawatts of gross electricity output and at least 250 megawatts of net electricity output, while a non-gasification project must be at a commercially viable size. In addition, the projects must be designed to achieve approximately 90 percent capture of carbon content in the syngas or flue gas and must achieve a minimum capture rate of 81 percent. Oct 8,2008.
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NOVEMBER

Sophie Prize Invites Nominations of Individuals and Organizations Working for Sustainable Development
Administered by the Oslo-based Sophie Foundation, the Sophie Prize is an international award of $100,000 presented annually in the field of environment and sustainable development. The Sophie Prize was established in 1997 by the Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder and his wife Siri Dannevig to inspire people working towards a sustainable future. Voluntary organizations, independent research institutions, and individuals worldwide with knowledge or interest in environment and/or sustainable development or other closely related topics can nominate candidates for the prize. Candidates nominated by themselves, by their staff, or by honorary officers will not be taken into consideration. The prize is awarded to one or several persons or an organization who/which has created awareness of alternatives to modern-day development and/or initiated such alternatives in a pioneering or particularly inventive manner. Annual deadline for nomination is November 1st.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for metals research
Metals research encompasses the broad areas of physical and mechanical metallurgy. This initiative seeks to increase understanding and predictive capabilities for relating synthesis, processing, alloy chemistry, and microstructure of metals to their physical and structural properties and performance in various applications and environments. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for basic research and education in ceramics
Ceramics include oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides) and diamond and inorganic carbon-based materials. This program seeks to increase fundamental understanding and develop predictive capabilities for relating synthesis, processing and microstructure of these materials to their properties and ultimate performance in various environments and applications. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems competition
This competition promotes quantitative, interdisciplinary analyses of relevant human and natural system processes and complex interactions among human and natural systems at diverse scales. Approximately $9 million is expected to be available for 7-12 awards having a project period of up to five years. Awards ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million may be made. Proposals are due Nov. 18, 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for basic research and education on polymeric materials
Areas addressed by this funding opportunity include synthesis, molecular assembly, characterization, phase behavior, structure, morphology and properties. Particular focus is on new materials, or materials with novel or superior properties, and on fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for fundamental, experimental and combined experiment and theory projects on the physics of solid, liquid and amorphous systems
Phenomena of interest include phase transitions; localization; electronic, magnetic and lattice structure; superconductivity; elementary excitations, including electronic, magnetic, plasma and lattice; transport, magnetic and optical properties; and nonlinear dynamics. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for enhanced international collaborations in materials research and education
This program provides support for (1) international materials institutes, (2) international collaborative research and education projects with funding organizations in Europe and the Americas, and (3) Research Experiences for Undergraduates sites and Research Experiences for Teachers. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for the Biomaterials program
This program focuses on the study of biologically related materials and phenomena, including biological pathways to new materials. Awards will be in the general areas of biological condensed matter physics and chemistry and biologically related materials science. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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Organic Farming Research and Education and Outreach Grants
The Organic Farming Research Foundation requests proposals for Research and Education and Outreach Grants. Research Grants support research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to the greater agricultural community. Average grant $13K. Education and Outreach Grants support the development of educational opportunities and materials that are pertinent to organic agricultural production or marketing and are aimed at organic producers and/or those considering making the transition to organic certification. Average grants generally $8.8K. Responses due 7/15/08 and 11/17/08.
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DECEMBER

National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA)
NCIIA invites applications for grants to support and strengthen invention, innovation and entrepreneurship education through curricular development and the work of advanced e-teams. Three major categories of grants are described below. Only faculty and staff from current NCIIA member institutions are eligible to apply; NCIIA membership is available to U.S. colleges and universities. Applications deadlines are Dec. 1, 2008, unless noted otherwise.
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Conferences, Workshops & Meetings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Broad Agency Announcement for Conferences, Workshops, and/or Meetings. Through this BAA, EPA seeks proposals for planning, arranging, administering and/or conducting conferences, workshops, and/or meetings that focus on research to protect human health and safeguard the environment. Subject areas include, but are not limited to: Economics and sustainability; and air and global climate change. $500K expected to be available, up to 15 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/5/08 and 12/9/08. Contact Bernice Smith at smith.bernicel@epa.gov. Refer to Sol# EPA-C2008-BAA-C1 to C5.
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NSF & DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering program
The NSF/DOE Partnership funds research in the fundamental physics of plasmas. Types of phenomena investigated include transport in plasmas in confined magnetic structures, non-neutral plasmas in traps, dusty plasmas in laboratory configurations, and high-field laser-plasma interactions. Both theoretical and experimental research is included. Proposals are due Dec. 10, 2008.
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DOE to Guarantee $10 Billion in Loans for Efficiency, Renewables
DOE is offering $10 billion in loan guarantees for projects involving energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced transmission and distribution. The agency is seeking projects relating to biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind energy, as well as projects involving hydropower, alternative fuel vehicles, and energy efficiency. In addition to general energy efficiency projects, the solicitation specifically requests projects relating to energy efficient building technologies and efficient electricity transmission, distribution, and storage. DOE intends to issue loan guarantees for stand-alone projects, as well as projects relating to manufacturing technologies and the large-scale integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technologies into the electrical grid. The agency issued a solicitation on Monday for the loan guarantees, along with two solicitations for nuclear power that increase the total loan guarantee package to $30.5 billion.
DOE’s Loan Guarantee Program was established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and is intended only for projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions and employ “new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States.” A technology is considered to be commercialized if it has been installed in three or more commercial projects in the United States and has been in service for at least 5 years. The solicitation includes an illustrative list of technologies, but does not restrict applications to technologies on that list. The guarantees can be issued for loans of up to 80% of a project’s total cost. Applications are due on December 31.
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2009

February – Plasma Science Centers
The Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (OFES) of the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announces its interest in receiving cooperative agreement applications for Plasma Science Centers with a research focus in plasma science. The duration of the Center cooperative agreement will be five years, with the possibility of a one time renewal for five more years… The development of new investigative techniques and research tools presents a window of opportunity for fundamental advances in the understanding of plasma science. Many of the issues in plasma science are sufficiently complex that significant progress requires closely interacting, critical-mass groups of scientists with a broad mix of skills and backgrounds. There is also a need to strengthen the connection between the fusion research community and the broader scientific community. The objective of this initiative is to fund one or two university-based Plasma Science Centers (PSC), which will focus on fundamental issues in plasma science. The PSC will be supported to perform plasma science research in areas of such wide scope and complexity that it would not be feasible for individual investigators or small groups to make progress. For example, understanding the dynamics of plasma turbulence and transport requires the development of appropriate physical models, computational algorithms for treating disparate space and times scales, as well as complex magnetic geometries, efficient programming on massively parallel computing platforms, and an understanding of nonlinear physics. A well coordinated collaboration of a team of scientists is more likely to have the breadth of knowledge and skills required to tackle such large and complex problems successfully. Due Feb 2009.
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April – Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships
Organization Limit: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Preliminary proposals and invited full proposals may be submitted by U.S. academic institutions that have research and degree-granting education programs in any area of research supported by NSF. The lead institution is expected to develop multi-institutional partnerships or arrangements with other universities/colleges, national laboratories, research museums, private sector research laboratories, state and local government laboratories, and international collaborations that enable the Center to attain its strategic goals. Partner institutions invest intellectual resources in Center activities and work collaboratively with the lead institution and NSF to ensure integration of the research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer activities of the Center and to attain the performance goals of the Center. The lead institution has ultimate responsibility for planning, operating, and managing all Center activities, including institutional resources provided by the partners. NSF will not provide funds to non-U.S. partner institutions. Due April 30, 2009.
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Clean Energy Resource Teams