Federal Grant Opportunities: 1-9-2024

Federal Grant Opportunities: January 9, 2024 My office is sharing the following information on federal grant opportunities available to you. If you are applying for a grant that accepts Congressional letters of support, or if you are seeking additional information or guidance in your application process, please contact our office. We stand ready to assist you in your application in any way we can. Featured Funding OpportunitiesFiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program The primary goal of AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel. The application period for the 2023 AFG Program period is expected to run January 29, 2024, through March 8, 2024. This year, FEMA is putting an emphasis on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).My office will be hosting a virtual AFG workshop during the application window. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this form.Additionally, FEMA will be conducting application development workshops for the FY 2023 AFG program. Topics will range from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), AFG Fundamentals, Wellness & Fitness, Modification to Facilities, Vehicles, Narrative Development, and specific application details for State Fire Training Academies. The schedule is posted HERE.NYS Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment Grant ProgramThe Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program is a state-funded $25,000,000 competitive grant program that supports the enhancement of the security and safety of the citizens of New York State by providing critical funding to strengthen volunteer fire departments and districts statewide. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,000,000 if proposing projects for construction, renovation, or purchase costs for critical facilities (buildings, training facilities, etc.) that support fire operations, or up to $500,000 if proposing projects for allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve their response capabilities. The application deadline is April 30, 2024, by 5:00 pm. Request for Applications (RFA)Application WorksheetFrequently Asked QuestionsE-Grants TutorialNational Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nation’s arts sector with grant opportunities so that everyone can live more artful lives. The arts are also crucial to helping us make sense of our circumstances from different perspectives as we emerge from the pandemic and plan for the future. Grants for Arts Projects is their largest grants program for organizations, providing comprehensive and expansive funding opportunities for communities.The NEA welcomes applications from a variety of eligible organizations, including first-time applicants; from organizations serving rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities of all sizes; and from organizations with small, medium, or large operating budgets.Applications are due February 15, 2024. Featured Grant AwardTonko Announces $731K+ for Capital Region Heritage OrganizationsToday, I announced the awarding of $731,104 in federal funding to support the humanities in the Capital Region through two local heritage organizations. In this round of competitive Challenge Grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Albany County Historical Association (ACHA) will receive $481,104 to construct a new Education Center through the restoration of two buildings at the historic Ten Broeck Mansion site, and the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region (URHP) will receive $250,000 to fund three components of its new 13,000 square foot Interpretive Center, accommodating increased demand for programming at both organizations.Throughout my career, I’ve been a strong proponent of efforts to preserve and celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of our Capital Region and our nation. Through measures like my National Heritage Area Act, I’ve worked hard to secure a stable foundation of federal support for sites and organizations that provide important educational resources for our communities. Now, I’m thrilled to celebrate these grant awards that will further expand our Capital Region’s cultural offerings, promoting humanities education for residents and visitors to New York’s 20th congressional district. I extend my congratulations to the ACHA and the URHP for securing these highly competitive grants, and I look forward to seeing the results of these crucial federal investments! Federal Newsletters, Webinars, and Guidebooks Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on:income,available resources, andthe type of emergencyIf you have an emergency, you must contact your HEAP Local District Contact for assistance. The Inflation Reduction Act 101The Inflation Reduction Act delivers unmatched investments in clean energy and emerging technologies like offshore wind, advances environmental justice, creates good-paying clean jobs, slashes pollution, and so much more. Several State and Federal Agencies have created online hubs to help all Americans understand and access clean energy tax credits and forthcoming rebates.NYSERDA: NYS Guide to Inflation Reduction Act SavingsThis guide will unpack how IRA incentives work, introduce eligible clean energy technologies, and provide tips for making the most of IRA savings for your home or business.NYS Clean Heat – Heat Pump ProgramNYS Clean Heat rebates can be combined with federal tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Now you can save even more when you make the switch to heat pumps and other clean, efficient solutions.Department of Energy Savings Hub – Energy.gov/SaveSavings for HomeownersSavings for RentersSavings for DriversIRS Tax Credit Updates and Guidance Small Business ResourcesNew York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC)The NYSBDC provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York with the highest quality, confidential business counseling, training, and business research at no cost.The Albany Small Business Development Center serves small businesses in the Capital Region. Since its start in 1984, the expert advisors of the Albany SBDC have worked directly with 26,807 businesses, helping them to invest $495,947,350 in the area's economy, and create or save 14,766 jobs.You can make an appointment for counseling by calling 518-442-7232 or filling out their online form. Federal Funding Announcements This summary includes new or updated opportunities in the following areas. Please click on the topic below to view all grant announcements:Agriculture, Food and NutritionArts, Culture and HistoryBusiness, Jobs and Workforce DevelopmentChildren, Youth, Families, Older Americans and VeteransCommunity DevelopmentCrime Prevention, Justice and Public SafetyEducationEnergy, Environment and WildlifeHealthHousing and HomelessnessInfrastructure, Transportation and WaterInternational DevelopmentScience, Technology and Research This summary has been brought to you by the Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20). Does one of these grants accept Congressional Letters of Support? Please contact our office to find out how Rep. Tonko can support your request. Grant deadlines and guidelines may change. Please check with the awarding agency before applying. Please feel free to share this newsletter with others who may be interested. To join or remove yourself from this mailing list, or if you have specific grant questions, please contact Natalie Lincoln at [email protected] or (518) 465-0700. image widgetimage widgetimage widgetimage widgetimage widgetimage widgetimage widget

Federal Grant Opportunities: January 9, 2024

My office is sharing the following information on federal grant opportunities available to you.

If you are applying for a grant that accepts Congressional letters of support, or if you are seeking additional information or guidance in your application process, please contact our office. We stand ready to assist you in your application in any way we can.

Featured Funding Opportunities

Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program
- The primary goal of AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel.
- The application period for the 2023 AFG Program period is expected to run January 29, 2024, through March 8, 2024. This year, FEMA is putting an emphasis on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- My office will be hosting a virtual AFG workshop during the application window. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this form.
- Additionally, FEMA will be conducting application development workshops for the FY 2023 AFG program. Topics will range from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), AFG Fundamentals, Wellness & Fitness, Modification to Facilities, Vehicles, Narrative Development, and specific application details for State Fire Training Academies. The schedule is posted HERE.

NYS Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment Grant Program
- The Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program is a state-funded $25,000,000 competitive grant program that supports the enhancement of the security and safety of the citizens of New York State by providing critical funding to strengthen volunteer fire departments and districts statewide.
- Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,000,000 if proposing projects for construction, renovation, or purchase costs for critical facilities (buildings, training facilities, etc.) that support fire operations, or up to $500,000 if proposing projects for allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve their response capabilities.
- The application deadline is April 30, 2024, by 5:00 pm.
  - Request for Applications (RFA)
  - Application Worksheet
  - Frequently Asked Questions
  - E-Grants Tutorial
National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects
- The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nation’s arts sector with grant opportunities so that everyone can live more artful lives. The arts are also crucial to helping us make sense of our circumstances from different perspectives as we emerge from the pandemic and plan for the future. Grants for Arts Projects is their largest grants program for organizations, providing comprehensive and expansive funding opportunities for communities.
- The NEA welcomes applications from a variety of eligible organizations, including first-time applicants; from organizations serving rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities of all sizes; and from organizations with small, medium, or large operating budgets.
- Applications are due February 15, 2024.

Featured Grant Award

Tonko Announces $731K+ for Capital Region Heritage Organizations
- Today, I announced the awarding of $731,104 in federal funding to support the humanities in the Capital Region through two local heritage organizations. In this round of competitive Challenge Grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Albany County Historical Association (ACHA) will receive $481,104 to construct a new Education Center through the restoration of two buildings at the historic Ten Broeck Mansion site, and the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region (URHP) will receive $250,000 to fund three components of its new 13,000 square foot Interpretive Center, accommodating increased demand for programming at both organizations.
- Throughout my career, I’ve been a strong proponent of efforts to preserve and celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of our Capital Region and our nation. Through measures like my National Heritage Area Act, I’ve worked hard to secure a stable foundation of federal support for sites and organizations that provide important educational resources for our communities. Now, I’m thrilled to celebrate these grant awards that will further expand our Capital Region’s cultural offerings, promoting humanities education for residents and visitors to New York’s 20^th congressional district. I extend my congratulations to the ACHA and the URHP for securing these highly competitive grants, and I look forward to seeing the results of these crucial federal investments!

Federal Newsletters, Webinars, and Guidebooks

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, the Emergency HEAP Benefit can help you heat your home if you are in a heat or heat related emergency.
- Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on:
  - income,
  - available resources, and
  - the type of emergency
- If you have an emergency, you must contact your HEAP Local District Contact for assistance.

The Inflation Reduction Act 101

The Inflation Reduction Act delivers unmatched investments in clean energy and emerging technologies like offshore wind, advances environmental justice, creates good-paying clean jobs, slashes pollution, and so much more.
Several State and Federal Agencies have created online hubs to help all Americans understand and access clean energy tax credits and forthcoming rebates.
- NYSERDA: NYS Guide to Inflation Reduction Act Savings
  - This guide will unpack how IRA incentives work, introduce eligible clean energy technologies, and provide tips for making the most of IRA savings for your home or business.
- NYS Clean Heat – Heat Pump Program
  - NYS Clean Heat rebates can be combined with federal tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Now you can save even more when you make the switch to heat pumps and other clean, efficient solutions.
- Department of Energy Savings Hub – Energy.gov/Save
  - Savings for Homeowners
  - Savings for Renters
  - Savings for Drivers
- IRS Tax Credit Updates and Guidance

Small Business Resources

New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC)
- The NYSBDC provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York with the highest quality, confidential business counseling, training, and business research at no cost.
- The Albany Small Business Development Center serves small businesses in the Capital Region. Since its start in 1984, the expert advisors of the Albany SBDC have worked directly with 26,807 businesses, helping them to invest $495,947,350 in the area's economy, and create or save 14,766 jobs.
  - You can make an appointment for counseling by calling 518-442-7232 or filling out their online form.

Federal Funding Announcements

This summary includes new or updated opportunities in the following areas. Please click on the topic below to view all grant announcements:

This summary has been brought to you
by the Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20).
Does one of these grants accept Congressional Letters of Support?
Please contact our office to find out how Rep. Tonko can support your request.

Grant deadlines and guidelines may change.
Please check with the awarding agency before applying.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with others who may be interested.
To join or remove yourself from this mailing list, or if you have specific grant questions, please contact Natalie Lincoln at [email protected] or (518) 465-0700.