Federal Grant Opportunities: 6-4-2024

Federal Grant Opportunities: June 4, 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.

Featured Funding Opportunities

New York State Climate Smart Communities Grant Program
- The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant program was established in 2016 to provide grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties of the State of New York for eligible climate change mitigation, adaptation, and planning and assessment projects.
- Funds are available for two broad project categories - implementation and certification. The first project category supports implementation projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (mainly outside the power sector) and climate change adaptation. The second supports planning and assessment projects aligned with Climate Smart Communities certification actions.
- The deadline for the 2024 round is July 31, 2024. Learn More Here!
Green Resiliency Grant (GRG) Program
- Earlier this month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $60 million is available for the inaugural round of the Green Resiliency Grant (GRG) program. The new program will prioritize grants to flood-prone communities and help them undertake innovative green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, green streets, and permeable pavement.
- Applications are due by 5 p.m. on August 16. Learn More Here!
FY 2024 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program - Citizenship and Integration Training Academy
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the opening of the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA), a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.
- CITA, a technical assistance grant, will provide up to $2.6 million in competitive funding to public or nonprofit organizations that have not received previous grant funding from USCIS. Through this grant opportunity, USCIS will provide funding and rigorous training to enable organizations to establish new high-quality citizenship programs.
- All applications must be submitted electronically by July 12, 2024, to be considered.

Home Energy Improvements: EmPower+ and the Inflation Reduction Act

Last week, New York became the first state to offer U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebate Funding. Funds are now available through the State’s EmPower+ Program. EmPower+ helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money toward energy improvements made to their primary residence.
Through EmPower+, eligible New Yorkers can receive:
- No-cost comprehensive home energy assessments to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage.
- No-cost direct install improvements identified during the assessment can be installed by participating program contractors.
- Funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades.
The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households. Click here for the EmPower+ Application! For assistance in applying and navigating home energy upgrades, connect with the Capital Region Clean Energy Hub.

Small Business Resources

Small Business Administration Online Trainings
- The SBA regularly holds online training events. These are for both new and experienced small business owners. A few upcoming events are:
  - MWBE: Get Certified as a New York State Minority or Woman-Owned Contractor
    - Monday, June 10, 2024 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EDT
  - Choose the Business Structure That’s Right for You
    - Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT
  - Small Business Resources for Veterans
    - Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. EDT
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 28,053 businesses, helping them to invest $543,926,495 in the area's economy, and create or save 15,244 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.