Federal Grant Opportunities: 7-17-2024

Federal Grant Opportunities: July 17, 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 Opportunities2024 Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) ProgramThe RCP Program focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals. Funding for this fiscal year is a combined allocation of FY 2024, 2025, and 2026.The RCP NOFO solicits grant applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot discretionary grant program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) USDOT offers two grant types: Capital Construction To fund both reconnecting-focused projects and smaller projects focused on reducing environmental harm and improving access in disadvantaged communities. Projects may address: Removal of a dividing facility, enhancing community connectivity, improving access by building or improving Complete Streets.Community PlanningTo provide funds for planning activities to support future construction projects and allow for innovative community planning to address localized transportation challenges. Projects may address: Community engagement activities, Planning studies to assess the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible facility to reconnect communities (for example: mobility, safety, environmental and public health impacts etc.). Conceptual or preliminary engineering or design, other needs including land-use and zoning reform, transit-oriented development, housing supply, among othersTo assist potential applicants, the RCP team is hosting a series of webinars. The “Interesting in Applying” webinar was held on July 9th. A recording can be found on the RCP website. Moving forward, the following webinars will be hosted by the RCP team:RCP Merit Criteria Webinar - Tuesday, July 23, 2-3:30pmRCP Webinar for Tribal Communities - Tuesday, August 6, 2-3:30pmRCP Capital Construction Webinar - Tuesday, August 20, 2-3:30pmRCP Rural/Nonprofit Webinar - Tuesday, August 27, 2-3:30pmThe deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, September 30, 2024. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant ProgramThe purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) grant program is to maximize the number of children under the age of six protected from lead poisoning by assisting states, cities, counties, or other units of local government in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately- rental or owner-occupied housing populations.Only cities, counties, and other units of local government (those that have an EPA-authorized lead abatement certification program on the submission deadline) are eligible applicants.The application deadline is August 19, 2024, 11:59:59 PM Eastern time.Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - DR-4755 Severe Storms and FloodingLast week, Governor Hochul announced that more than $11 million in federal funding is now available to local governments and certain non-profits statewide to support projects aimed at enhancing resiliency and reducing the impact of extreme weather events. Following a Presidential disaster declaration, FEMA provides funding via HMGP for states to administer grant programs to support local hazard mitigation planning and long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters. This funding was reserved for New York following President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration following September 2023's extreme weather event.Applications are due to DHSES no later than September 13, 2024. NYSERDA Large – Scale Thermal ProgramThe Large-Scale Thermal program supports the design of large-scale thermal system projects that serve as replicable examples for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from heating, cooling, and hot water in buildings, using approaches that are clean and resilient, minimize energy consumption, maximize energy recovery, and offer an equitable approach to building decarbonization.Proposal Due Dates: 9/26/2024 (Round 1); 1/30/2025 (Round 2) Home Energy Improvements: EmPower+ and the Inflation Reduction ActThis May, 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. Weatherization Assistance ProgramThe NYS Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. NYS WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and some renters in our state by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes.Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance. If a household contains a member who receives Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits or certain other forms of public assistance, the household is automatically eligible for NYS WAP services. Applications are accepted from renters, homeowners, and rental property owners. Potential program participants apply by contacting the WAP provider that serves their area.Find Your Weatherization Provider Here!Services include but are not limited to:sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss;insulation of attics and walls;heating system repairs or replacement;providing efficient lighting and refrigeration;window and/or outside door repair or replacement;minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed; andmitigation of energy-related health and safety issues. Small Business ResourcesSmall Business Administration Online TrainingsThe SBA regularly holds online training events. These are for both new and experienced small business owners and nonprofits. A few upcoming events are:How to Win City, State, and Local Government ContractsThursday, July 18, 2024 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDTDemystifying New York Sales Tax for Small BusinessesThursday, July 18, 2024 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EDTSAM.gov RegistrationThursday, July 18, 2024 - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDTNew 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 and appoint 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 widget

Federal Grant Opportunities: July 17, 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

2024 Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program
- The RCP Program focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals. Funding for this fiscal year is a combined allocation of FY 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- The RCP NOFO solicits grant applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot discretionary grant program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) USDOT offers two grant types:
  - Capital Construction
    - To fund both reconnecting-focused projects and smaller projects focused on reducing environmental harm and improving access in disadvantaged communities. Projects may address: Removal of a dividing facility, enhancing community connectivity, improving access by building or improving Complete Streets.
  - Community Planning
    - To provide funds for planning activities to support future construction projects and allow for innovative community planning to address localized transportation challenges. Projects may address: Community engagement activities, Planning studies to assess the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible facility to reconnect communities (for example: mobility, safety, environmental and public health impacts etc.). Conceptual or preliminary engineering or design, other needs including land-use and zoning reform, transit-oriented development, housing supply, among others
- To assist potential applicants, the RCP team is hosting a series of webinars. The “Interesting in Applying” webinar was held on July 9th. A recording can be found on the RCP website. Moving forward, the following webinars will be hosted by the RCP team:
- The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program
- The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) grant program is to maximize the number of children under the age of six protected from lead poisoning by assisting states, cities, counties, or other units of local government in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately- rental or owner-occupied housing populations.
- Only cities, counties, and other units of local government (those that have an EPA-authorized lead abatement certification program on the submission deadline) are eligible applicants.
- The application deadline is August 19, 2024, 11:59:59 PM Eastern time.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - DR-4755 Severe Storms and Flooding
- Last week, Governor Hochul announced that more than $11 million in federal funding is now available to local governments and certain non-profits statewide to support projects aimed at enhancing resiliency and reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
- Following a Presidential disaster declaration, FEMA provides funding via HMGP for states to administer grant programs to support local hazard mitigation planning and long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters. This funding was reserved for New York following President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration following September 2023's extreme weather event.
- Applications are due to DHSES no later than September 13, 2024.

NYSERDA Large – Scale Thermal Program
- The Large-Scale Thermal program supports the design of large-scale thermal system projects that serve as replicable examples for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from heating, cooling, and hot water in buildings, using approaches that are clean and resilient, minimize energy consumption, maximize energy recovery, and offer an equitable approach to building decarbonization.
- Proposal Due Dates: 9/26/2024 (Round 1); 1/30/2025 (Round 2)

Home Energy Improvements: EmPower+ and the Inflation Reduction Act

This May, 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.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The NYS Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. NYS WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and some renters in our state by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes.
Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance.
If a household contains a member who receives Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits or certain other forms of public assistance, the household is automatically eligible for NYS WAP services. Applications are accepted from renters, homeowners, and rental property owners. Potential program participants apply by contacting the WAP provider that serves their area.
Find Your Weatherization Provider Here!
Services include but are not limited to:
- sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss;
- insulation of attics and walls;
- heating system repairs or replacement;
- providing efficient lighting and refrigeration;
- window and/or outside door repair or replacement;
- minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed; and
- mitigation of energy-related health and safety issues.

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 and nonprofits. A few upcoming events are:
  - How to Win City, State, and Local Government Contracts
    - Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT
  - Demystifying New York Sales Tax for Small Businesses
    - Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EDT
  - SAM.gov Registration
    - Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 2:00 - 3:00 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 and appoint 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.