Federal Grant Opportunities: 8-7-2024

Federal Grant Opportunities: August 7, 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. You're Invited! I'm Hosting a Grants 102 Webinar on Grant Writing and Proposal DevelopmentThroughout my time in Congress, I have worked diligently to connect Capital Region municipalities and nonprofits with federal grant opportunities that fit their needs. Last September, my office hosted a virtual “Grants 101” webinar to provide potential applicants with information on where and how to find federal grants, guidance on how to register to apply for and receive grants, and information on resources available to grant applicants.On August 21st at 12:00 PM, my office will be hosting a follow up webinar: “Grants 102.” This webinar will focus on grant writing and how to prepare a grant application proposal.All are invited to attend, and you can register using the link HERE. Once you register, you will receive an email containing the Zoom link to join the virtual workshop. You must register in order to attend. Featured Funding Opportunities2024 Good Jobs ChallengeThe Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. The awardees funded by the Good Jobs Challenge expand opportunities across diverse populations, regions, and communities, focusing on coordinated and comprehensive approaches to removing systemic barriers for workers through support services such as childcare and transportation, and opening doors to a variety of paid on-the-job training opportunities.The deadline to apply is September 27, 2024, at 4:59 EST.FY23-24 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant ProgramThis program provides funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. Eligible Projects Include: Grade separation or closure, including through the use of a bridge, embankment, tunnel, or combination thereof;Track relocation;Improvement or installation of protective devices, signals, signs, or other; Measures to improve safety related to a separation, closure, or track relocation project;Other means to improve the safety if related to the mobility of people and goods at highway-rail grade crossings (including technological solutions);The planning, environmental review, and design of an eligible project type.Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm ET on September 23, 2024.2024 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 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. 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 Write a 2-Page Grant Proposal For Your NonprofitThursday, August 8, 2024 - 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. EDTIntro to Business LendingThursday, August 8, 2024 - 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDTMake Your Small Business More AccessibleTuesday, August 13, 2024 - 6:00 - 7:30 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: August 7, 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.

You're Invited! I'm Hosting a Grants 102 Webinar on Grant Writing and Proposal Development

Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked diligently to connect Capital Region municipalities and nonprofits with federal grant opportunities that fit their needs. Last September, my office hosted a virtual “Grants 101” webinar to provide potential applicants with information on where and how to find federal grants, guidance on how to register to apply for and receive grants, and information on resources available to grant applicants.
On August 21^st at 12:00 PM, my office will be hosting a follow up webinar: “Grants 102.” This webinar will focus on grant writing and how to prepare a grant application proposal.
All are invited to attend, and you can register using the link HERE. Once you register, you will receive an email containing the Zoom link to join the virtual workshop. You must register in order to attend.

Featured Funding Opportunities

2024 Good Jobs Challenge
- The Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. The awardees funded by the Good Jobs Challenge expand opportunities across diverse populations, regions, and communities, focusing on coordinated and comprehensive approaches to removing systemic barriers for workers through support services such as childcare and transportation, and opening doors to a variety of paid on-the-job training opportunities.
- The deadline to apply is September 27, 2024, at 4:59 EST.
FY23-24 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program
- This program provides funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. Eligible Projects Include:
  - Grade separation or closure, including through the use of a bridge, embankment, tunnel, or combination thereof;
  - Track relocation;
  - Improvement or installation of protective devices, signals, signs, or other;
  - Measures to improve safety related to a separation, closure, or track relocation project;
  - Other means to improve the safety if related to the mobility of people and goods at highway-rail grade crossings (including technological solutions);
  - The planning, environmental review, and design of an eligible project type.
- Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm ET on September 23, 2024.
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:
  - RCP Capital Construction Webinar - Tuesday, August 20, 2-3:30pm
  - RCP Rural/Nonprofit Webinar - Tuesday, August 27, 2-3:30pm
- The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, September 30, 2024.

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 Write a 2-Page Grant Proposal For Your Nonprofit
    - Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. EDT
  - Intro to Business Lending
    - Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDT
  - Make Your Small Business More Accessible
    - Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 6:00 - 7:30 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.