BROADER IMPACT GROUP (BIG) B: POTENTIAL FUNDING
Broader Impact Group (BIG) discussion on
SAGE Related Funding Opportunities
SAGE Workshop, Jamaica, June 16, 2015
Objective
A major goal of the RCN SAGE project is provide a mechanism for bringing together multidisciplinary, multi-institution, research teams that can respond to requests for proposals (RFPs) involving large scale (in terms of scope and funding) projects related to resilient coastal infrastructure. Accordingly, the objective of this Broader Impact Group (BIG) meeting is to discuss specific funding opportunities that appear to be well suited for taking advantage of the various disciplines (geosciences, engineering, planning, policy, etc) and expertise that comprise our SAGE network and to make plans for submitting such proposals.
Many of us have agencies that are funding our disciplinary specific, often more narrowly focused research programs, but such funding opportunities are generally not the subject of this SAGE BIG discussion meeting.
Funding Opportunities – Preliminary List
The table below contains a list of funding opportunities that we have thus far identified. Some points to note about the list:
Identify RFPs to target and composition of leadership team(s) to prepare specific proposals.
US NATIONAL SCALE OPPORTUNITIES National Science Foundation (NSF) Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (NSF-wide investment area): Highly Relevant to SAGE: The National Science Foundation’s Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES) program addresses the challenge of building a sustainable future through promoting research and education. This sustainability program is expected to extend into Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, with continuing research efforts to include global community sustainability; sustainable energy; modeling; vulnerability, resilience, and sensitivity to regional change; and public engagement. Since the program is an NSF-wide investment area rather than an individual program, applicants are encouraged to check for updates to the collection of new and existing activities. Programs of interest include the Climate Change Education Partnership Program, the Ocean Acidification program, the Coastal SEES program, and the Water Sustainability and Climate program. Eligibility: Unrestrictedwww.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504707Coastal Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (Coastal SEES): Highly Relevant to SAGE: Program Solicitation: NSF 14-502 The National Science Foundation’s Coastal SEES program focuses on the sustainability of coastal systems, which include barrier islands, mudflats, beaches, estuaries, cities, towns, recreational areas, maritime facilities, continental seas and shelves, and the overlying atmosphere. The Coastal SEES program, in short, seeks to 1) advance understanding of fundamental, interconnected processes in coastal systems, 2) improve capabilities for predicting future coastal system states and impacts, and 3) identify pathways for research to be translated to policy and management domains, enhancing coastal resilience. The program seeks proposals from interdisciplinary research teams to conduct integrated coastal systems research (which can include theoretical, field, laboratory, or modeling activities). Proposal budgets should be in the range of $800,000 to $2 million (maximum) total, over a period of three to five years. The foundation anticipates a funding amount of $13 million, thus awarding up to 10 proposals depending on availability of funds. Eligibility: U.S. academic institutions (with NSF-supported research areas) and non-profit (non-academic) organizations (such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, or professional societies). The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on October 2, 2015www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504816&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fundLong Term Research in Environmental Biology: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists and Engineers Specifically: Program Solicitation: NSF 14-507 The Long Term Research in Environmental Biology program, through the National Science Foundation, addresses a problem faced by many investigators, which is that typical funding awards do not have time frames long enough to address long-term, data-driven research proposals. These awards are designed to provide funding to maintain an ongoing, long-term research project for a period of a decade or even longer. The solicitation includes a list of potential thematic areas for research proposals that includes, but is not limited to, research relating to external forcing functions such as climatic cycles that operate over long-return intervals. Awards are not to exceed $90,000 total per year and $450,000 over a five-year effort. The foundation anticipates making six awards annually, pending availability of funds. The solicitation outlines renewal procedures following the initial award. The application deadline for preliminary proposals is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on January 23, 2015 The application deadline for full proposals is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on August 3, 2015.www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13544Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change program: Less Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists Specifically: Program Solicitation: 13-574 The National Science Foundation’s Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change program utilizes key geological, chemical, and biological records of climate system variability to provide insight rates of change that characterized the Earth’s historical climate variability, the responses of key Earth system components, and the sensitivity of the Earth’s climate system to forcing changes. The scientific objectives of this program are to 1) provide comprehensive paleoclimate data sets that can serve as model test data sets analogous to instrumental observations; and 2) enable transformative syntheses of paleoclimate data and modeling outcomes to understand the response of the long-term variability of the Earth’s climate system. The foundation expects to award 35 grants, with a typical award duration of three years. Approximately $11 million is expected to be available each year, pending funding availability. Eligibility: no restrictions The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on October 15, 2015 www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5750Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events: Highly Relevant to SAGE: Program Solicitation: 15-1638 The National Science Foundation’s Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events program supports fundamental, multidisciplinary research on the impact of hazards and extreme events upon civil infrastructure and society. The program’s research portfolio focuses on four core areas: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. In addition, community and societal resilience as well as sustainability are important to the research portfolio of the program. The program does not support day-to-day operation of infrastructure systems. Examples of which activities are eligible for funding under each core area are included in the website. Eligibility: Unrestricted. The full proposal deadline is February 17, 2015. www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13353 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Broad Agency Announcement: Highly Relevant to SAGE : Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NFA-NFAPO-2014-2003949 The purpose of this notice is to request applications for projects associated with the NOAA’s strategic plan and mission goals. The funded research, projects, or sponsorships must address one or more of the following four mission goals in NOAA’s strategic plan: climate adaptation and mitigation and responding to climate and its impacts; Weather-Ready nation—society is prepared for and responds to weather-related events; marine fisheries, habitats, and biodiversity sustained within healthy and productive ecosystems; and resilient coastal communities and economies that are environmentally and economically sustainable. Funding is dependent on FY 2015 appropriations. Eligibility: Institutions of higher learning, non-profit organizations, commercial organizations, and international or foreign organizations or governments; individuals; and state, local, and tribal governments. (Universities with a NOAA joint institute or cooperative institute should submit an application through the cooperative institute). The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2015www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=249066Climate Program Office: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists Specifically: The NOAA’s Climate Program Office manages the program in which NOAA funds high-priority climate science to advance understanding of Earth’s climate system. The research funded through this program contributes to the scientific understanding of how climate variability affects our health, economy, and well-being. The grant activities managed by this office are organized into four programs, including climate observation; Earth system science; modeling, analysis, predictions, and projections; and climate and societal interactions. Potential applicants can access information through the website below. http://cpo.noaa.gov/ClimatePrograms.aspx 2015 Regional Coastal Resilience Grant Program: Highly Relevant to SAGE The Regional Coastal Resilience Grant program will support regional approaches to undertake activities that build resilience of coastal regions, communities, and economic sectors to the negative impacts from extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. It will support planning or implementing actions that mitigate the impacts of environmental drivers on overall resilience, including economic and environmental resilience. Funded projects will result in improved information for decision makers and actions that reduce risk, accelerate recovery, and promote adaptation to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. Awards will be made to organizations that advance resilience strategies in plans for land and ocean use, disaster preparedness, environmental restoration, hazard mitigation, or other regional, state, or community plans. Successful proposals will demonstrate regional coordination among project stakeholders, leverage resources (such as funds, programs, partnerships, and others), and result in economic and environmental benefits for coastal communities. Project results will be evaluated using clear measures of success. Proposals are due by July 24, 2015. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, regional organizations, private (for profit) entities, and local, state, and tribal governments. Award amounts will range from $500,000 to $1 million for projects lasting up to 36 months. http://coast.noaa.gov/resilience-grant/ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Education Grants Program: Moderately Relevant to SAGE: The primary goal of the Environmental Education Grants Program is to support environmental education projects, which increase the public’s awareness about environmental issues and provide them with the skills to take responsible actions to promote the environment. The program has provided an average of between $2 million and $3.5 million per year since the program’s inception in 1992. The 2014 to 2015 program includes two requests for proposals named Model Grants and Local Grants. Applicants must also provide non-federal matching funds of at least 25 percent of the project’s total costs. Eligibility: Local, state, or tribal education or environmental agency; colleges and universities; and non-profit organizations (501(c)(3). Model Grants Program: the application deadline is February 2, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Local Grants Program: the applications deadline is March 6, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.www2.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants National Priorities: Life Cycle Costs of Water Infrastructure Alternatives Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2015-ORD-D1: Highly Relevant to SAGE The EPA, is seeking applications that propose research focused on developing tools and models that compare the life-cycle costs of green, grey, and hybrid forms of water infrastructure. One of the high-priority research areas identified by the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) is developing tools to protect the quantity and quality of water. Under the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA), the EPA established a program to address storm water discharges including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program which regulates point sources such as pipes and sewers that discharge directly into surface waters. Under the CWA, communities need to address stormwater management requirements as they consider their aging water infrastructure systems, rate payer expectations, and other considerations important to the community. Green infrastructure is an emerging technology with much potential to help many communities. Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $3.9 million total in federal funds for all awards. Eligibility Information:Nonprofit organizations and nonprofit colleges and universities located in the United States are eligible. Foreign entities, individuals, States, including the District of Columbia and State and local government departments, territories, possessions, and Tribal nations of the U.S., are not eligible to apply under this RFA. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from EPA under this program. See full announcement for more details. Solicitation Closing Date: July 2, 2015, 11:59:59 pm EasternTime http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2015/2015-natl-priorities.htmlUnited States Geological Survey (USGS) Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program (FY 2015): Moderately Relevant to SAGE: Funding Opportunity Number: G15AS00019 The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, is requesting proposals for matching grants to support research on the topic of improving the nation’s water supply. Applicable research topic areas include evaluation of innovative approaches to water treatment, infrastructure design, maintenance, and management; advancing the understanding of climate change impacts on water quality and quantity; development of methods for better estimations of water supply; and evaluation or assessment of conservation practices. Applicants may not request funding in excess of $250,000 per project. The number of projects awarded in FY 2015 will be dependent on federal appropriations. Eligibility: Awards are available only to the 54 water resources institutes or centers around the nation listed here: http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php). Potential investigators from other institutions of higher learning are eligible to apply if done through one of the water research institutes or centers. www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=270379 The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 19, 2015.National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program: Moderately Relevant to SAGE: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and several other private organizations, are soliciting applications for the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program. The program strives to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing funding for local partnerships. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation anticipates that approximately $2 million in combined total funding will be available for projects focusing on wetland creation and restoration, green infrastructure and stormwater management, citizen science, and other projects that incorporate coastal habitat and urban forest restoration. Eligibility: Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments, and education institutions. The application deadline is February 3, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. www.nfwf.org/fivestar/Pages/2015RFP.aspx#.VLAzNyvF_nE OthersFlorida Climate Institute: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists and Engineers Specifically: The Florida Climate Institute is a network of research and public organizations, scientists, and individuals supported by seven member universities around Florida. While the support stems from these universities, some programs and activities have a nationwide scope. The institute maintains a list of available funding opportunities for climate-related work on its website, which includes public and private sector funding opportunities. https://floridaclimateinstitute.org/opportunities/funding The Rockefeller Family Fund: Highly Relevant to SAGE : This foundation’s environment program is currently focusing on the challenges of climate change. The program emphasizes public education on the risks of global warming as well as the implementation of sound solutions. The program is striving to achieve these goals through its Climate Policy and National Coal Campaign initiatives. Grant applicants must first create an account to determine eligibility. Eligible applicants may then submit a letter of inquiry online through the fund’s online application portal. The fund does not ordinarily consider projects pertaining to a single community, unless the project advances a national issue or can serve as a national model. Eligibility: U.S. tax-exempt organizations engaged in activities of national significance. For-profit businesses are not eligible Program information: www.rffund.org/programs/environment Surdna Foundation: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Regional Planners Specifically: This foundation invests in projects that support their program areas of sustainable environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures. An example of a previous grant award is $200,000 to the American Planning Association in FY 2008 to aid U.S. planners with initiatives to integrate energy sustainability and climate change into contemporary planning practices. Another example is $200,000 to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana in FY 2010 to increase and strengthen local and national collaboration for the benefit of Louisiana coastal protection. Organizations are eligible for a maximum of three consecutive years of funding. Eligibility: U.S. based non-profit organizations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the online system and are assessed within 90 days. www.surdna.org/grants/grants-overview.html Frequently Asked Questions: www.surdna.org/grants/eligibility-a-faqs.html Alfred P. Sloan Foundation: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists and Engineers Specifically: This foundation offers grant assistance in six major program areas, funding high-quality, original STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) research that benefits the scientific community and increases public understanding of relevant and complex scientific issues. Two of these program areas are “basic research” and the “public understanding of science, ”which promotes using books, television, radio, film, theatre, and other media in order to engage the public in science and technology. A grant applicant must first submit a letter of inquiry that outlines the idea of the grant, since the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. If accepted, the applicant will receive notice to submit a full proposal for evaluation. Eligibility: The foundation does not make grants to individuals, for-profit institutions, endowments, fundraising drives, political campaigns, or lobbying efforts for or against legislation. Institutions of higher learning and government entities have received project funding in the past. There are no application deadlines. The foundation makes grants year-round. Grant process information:www.sloan.org/apply-for-grants US REGIONAL SCALE OPPORTUNITIES National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The National Coastal Zone Management Program: Authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the National Coastal Zone Management Program strengthens the capabilities of each participating state to address coastal issues. Currently 34 states participate in this program. These states follow basic requirements but also tailor their programs to address locally specific issues. Occasionally, these state programs offer funding for climate- and resilience-related work in coastal areas. Interested applicants should check with their state coastal zone management offices about future funding or partnership opportunities.www.coast.noaa.gov/czm List of participating states: www.coast.noaa.gov/czm/mystateNational Sea Grant College Program: The National Sea Grant College Program is a network of 33 programs in coastal U.S. states and territories that conducts research, extension, and education in order to carry out its mission of enhancing the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources. The program’s focus areas include healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. In addition to providing outreach and education, Sea Grant programs often provide research funding opportunities to address local priorities. Interested applicants should check with their local Sea Grant office if interested in research funding opportunities or technical assistance and outreach related to the above focus areas. www.seagrant.noaa.gov List of state Sea Grant programs: www.seagrant.noaa.gov/WhereWeWork/SeaGrantPrograms.aspx U.S. Department of the Interior Landscape Conservation Cooperatives: Landscape Conservation Cooperatives are a network of partnerships working for the sustainability of America’s land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources. Partnerships include federal, state, and local governments, tribes, universities, non-profits, and landowners, and other stakeholders. These cooperatives (21 in total, representing different areas of the country) build upon existing science and conservation efforts that preserve water and land resources as well as cultural partnerships. Periodically the cooperatives offer grants that support their core functions. Interested applicants should check the website below for any upcoming funding opportunities. www.fws.gov/science/SHC/lcc.htmlClimate Science Centers: Managed through the National Climate Change and Wildlife Center, the Climate Science Centers provide scientific information, tools, and techniques that natural resource managers can apply to anticipate, monitor, and adapt to climate change impacts. There are eight such centers around the country (Alaska and the U.S. Pacific Islands, Northwest, Southwest, North Central, South Central, Northeast, and Southeast). These centers are located at partner universities. The Climate Science Centers work closely with Landscape Conservation Cooperatives so that the two can provide the science to support decision making and apply that science to specific management challenges. Periodically, the centers offer grants that support research, forecasting, and modeling priorities. Interested applicants should check the website for information regarding upcoming funding opportunities within their local centerwww.doi.gov/csc/index.cfmU.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units: The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units provide research, technical assistance, and education to federal land management, environmental, and research agencies and their partners. These organizations are part of a national network of 17 ecosystem studies units, each composed of federal agencies, a host university, and partner institutions. Several of these units currently have open-funding opportunities, many of which have application deadlines in the month of January 2015. For example, the Californian unit, the Gulf Coast unit, and the Great Rivers unit all have funding opportunities with a closing date in January 2015. Interested applicants should check the information on the national Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units network website for future funding updates. Information about the national network: www.cesu.psu.edu/about/about_cesu.htm Information about currently open opportunities: Search Grants.gov using acronym “CESU” INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES The Kresge Foundation: This foundation’s environment program is launching an initiative that will focus on providing assistance to “community-based nonprofits positioned to help influence local and regional climate-resilience planning, and related policy development and implementation” to better reflect priorities and needs of low-income urban residents. Through this initiative, titled the Climate Resilience and Urban Opportunity Initiative, Kresge has awarded nine-month planning grants of up to $100,000 each supporting development of multi-year work plans for organizations to engage in local or regional resilience planning, policy development, and implementation. Eligibility: U.S. based 501(c)(3) organizations (and Canadian equivalents). Government entities are also eligible. The most recent request for proposals closed in July 2014. Interested applicants should check with the website to stay informed of future funding opportunities. www.kresge.org/programs/environmentOTHER OPPORTUNITIES??? o US Army Corps of Engineerso State Governmentso Europe?
o Caribbean?
o ??
Broader Impact Group (BIG) discussion on
SAGE Related Funding Opportunities
SAGE Workshop, Jamaica, June 16, 2015
Objective
A major goal of the RCN SAGE project is provide a mechanism for bringing together multidisciplinary, multi-institution, research teams that can respond to requests for proposals (RFPs) involving large scale (in terms of scope and funding) projects related to resilient coastal infrastructure. Accordingly, the objective of this Broader Impact Group (BIG) meeting is to discuss specific funding opportunities that appear to be well suited for taking advantage of the various disciplines (geosciences, engineering, planning, policy, etc) and expertise that comprise our SAGE network and to make plans for submitting such proposals.
Many of us have agencies that are funding our disciplinary specific, often more narrowly focused research programs, but such funding opportunities are generally not the subject of this SAGE BIG discussion meeting.
Funding Opportunities – Preliminary List
The table below contains a list of funding opportunities that we have thus far identified. Some points to note about the list:
- it is based on a simple internet search using SAGE related key words and that targeted primarily US Federal, State and Private funding agencies
- the list includes some RFPs for which the deadline has already passed but are included for information purposes (to give an idea of the kind of funding opportunities that are available) + some of these RFPs will appear again in a future funding cycle.
- we have attempted to rate many of the RFPs as highly or moderately related to SAGE (or specific disciplinary groups within SAGE)
- as an outcome of the above search process the list seems to be somewhat biased towards geosciences and engineering topics
- read the table to follow and identify any RFPs that are of interest to you in terms of either 1) leading the effort to prepare a proposal, or 2) being part of a team, under someone else’s leadership, that will prepare a proposal.
- note any “inside” information you may have if you are well familiar with some of the RFPs/funding agencies, e.g., are some of the RFPs basically closed and not worth going after, what are specific program managers targeting, etc.
- add in any other relevant funding opportunities not on the list and ideally include a short description, relevancy to SAGE (highly, moderate, low), deadlines, funds available, etc.
Identify RFPs to target and composition of leadership team(s) to prepare specific proposals.
US NATIONAL SCALE OPPORTUNITIES National Science Foundation (NSF) Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (NSF-wide investment area): Highly Relevant to SAGE: The National Science Foundation’s Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES) program addresses the challenge of building a sustainable future through promoting research and education. This sustainability program is expected to extend into Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, with continuing research efforts to include global community sustainability; sustainable energy; modeling; vulnerability, resilience, and sensitivity to regional change; and public engagement. Since the program is an NSF-wide investment area rather than an individual program, applicants are encouraged to check for updates to the collection of new and existing activities. Programs of interest include the Climate Change Education Partnership Program, the Ocean Acidification program, the Coastal SEES program, and the Water Sustainability and Climate program. Eligibility: Unrestrictedwww.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504707Coastal Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (Coastal SEES): Highly Relevant to SAGE: Program Solicitation: NSF 14-502 The National Science Foundation’s Coastal SEES program focuses on the sustainability of coastal systems, which include barrier islands, mudflats, beaches, estuaries, cities, towns, recreational areas, maritime facilities, continental seas and shelves, and the overlying atmosphere. The Coastal SEES program, in short, seeks to 1) advance understanding of fundamental, interconnected processes in coastal systems, 2) improve capabilities for predicting future coastal system states and impacts, and 3) identify pathways for research to be translated to policy and management domains, enhancing coastal resilience. The program seeks proposals from interdisciplinary research teams to conduct integrated coastal systems research (which can include theoretical, field, laboratory, or modeling activities). Proposal budgets should be in the range of $800,000 to $2 million (maximum) total, over a period of three to five years. The foundation anticipates a funding amount of $13 million, thus awarding up to 10 proposals depending on availability of funds. Eligibility: U.S. academic institutions (with NSF-supported research areas) and non-profit (non-academic) organizations (such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, or professional societies). The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on October 2, 2015www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=504816&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fundLong Term Research in Environmental Biology: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists and Engineers Specifically: Program Solicitation: NSF 14-507 The Long Term Research in Environmental Biology program, through the National Science Foundation, addresses a problem faced by many investigators, which is that typical funding awards do not have time frames long enough to address long-term, data-driven research proposals. These awards are designed to provide funding to maintain an ongoing, long-term research project for a period of a decade or even longer. The solicitation includes a list of potential thematic areas for research proposals that includes, but is not limited to, research relating to external forcing functions such as climatic cycles that operate over long-return intervals. Awards are not to exceed $90,000 total per year and $450,000 over a five-year effort. The foundation anticipates making six awards annually, pending availability of funds. The solicitation outlines renewal procedures following the initial award. The application deadline for preliminary proposals is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on January 23, 2015 The application deadline for full proposals is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on August 3, 2015.www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13544Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change program: Less Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists Specifically: Program Solicitation: 13-574 The National Science Foundation’s Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change program utilizes key geological, chemical, and biological records of climate system variability to provide insight rates of change that characterized the Earth’s historical climate variability, the responses of key Earth system components, and the sensitivity of the Earth’s climate system to forcing changes. The scientific objectives of this program are to 1) provide comprehensive paleoclimate data sets that can serve as model test data sets analogous to instrumental observations; and 2) enable transformative syntheses of paleoclimate data and modeling outcomes to understand the response of the long-term variability of the Earth’s climate system. The foundation expects to award 35 grants, with a typical award duration of three years. Approximately $11 million is expected to be available each year, pending funding availability. Eligibility: no restrictions The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time on October 15, 2015 www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5750Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events: Highly Relevant to SAGE: Program Solicitation: 15-1638 The National Science Foundation’s Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events program supports fundamental, multidisciplinary research on the impact of hazards and extreme events upon civil infrastructure and society. The program’s research portfolio focuses on four core areas: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. In addition, community and societal resilience as well as sustainability are important to the research portfolio of the program. The program does not support day-to-day operation of infrastructure systems. Examples of which activities are eligible for funding under each core area are included in the website. Eligibility: Unrestricted. The full proposal deadline is February 17, 2015. www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13353 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Broad Agency Announcement: Highly Relevant to SAGE : Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NFA-NFAPO-2014-2003949 The purpose of this notice is to request applications for projects associated with the NOAA’s strategic plan and mission goals. The funded research, projects, or sponsorships must address one or more of the following four mission goals in NOAA’s strategic plan: climate adaptation and mitigation and responding to climate and its impacts; Weather-Ready nation—society is prepared for and responds to weather-related events; marine fisheries, habitats, and biodiversity sustained within healthy and productive ecosystems; and resilient coastal communities and economies that are environmentally and economically sustainable. Funding is dependent on FY 2015 appropriations. Eligibility: Institutions of higher learning, non-profit organizations, commercial organizations, and international or foreign organizations or governments; individuals; and state, local, and tribal governments. (Universities with a NOAA joint institute or cooperative institute should submit an application through the cooperative institute). The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2015www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=249066Climate Program Office: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists Specifically: The NOAA’s Climate Program Office manages the program in which NOAA funds high-priority climate science to advance understanding of Earth’s climate system. The research funded through this program contributes to the scientific understanding of how climate variability affects our health, economy, and well-being. The grant activities managed by this office are organized into four programs, including climate observation; Earth system science; modeling, analysis, predictions, and projections; and climate and societal interactions. Potential applicants can access information through the website below. http://cpo.noaa.gov/ClimatePrograms.aspx 2015 Regional Coastal Resilience Grant Program: Highly Relevant to SAGE The Regional Coastal Resilience Grant program will support regional approaches to undertake activities that build resilience of coastal regions, communities, and economic sectors to the negative impacts from extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. It will support planning or implementing actions that mitigate the impacts of environmental drivers on overall resilience, including economic and environmental resilience. Funded projects will result in improved information for decision makers and actions that reduce risk, accelerate recovery, and promote adaptation to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. Awards will be made to organizations that advance resilience strategies in plans for land and ocean use, disaster preparedness, environmental restoration, hazard mitigation, or other regional, state, or community plans. Successful proposals will demonstrate regional coordination among project stakeholders, leverage resources (such as funds, programs, partnerships, and others), and result in economic and environmental benefits for coastal communities. Project results will be evaluated using clear measures of success. Proposals are due by July 24, 2015. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, regional organizations, private (for profit) entities, and local, state, and tribal governments. Award amounts will range from $500,000 to $1 million for projects lasting up to 36 months. http://coast.noaa.gov/resilience-grant/ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Education Grants Program: Moderately Relevant to SAGE: The primary goal of the Environmental Education Grants Program is to support environmental education projects, which increase the public’s awareness about environmental issues and provide them with the skills to take responsible actions to promote the environment. The program has provided an average of between $2 million and $3.5 million per year since the program’s inception in 1992. The 2014 to 2015 program includes two requests for proposals named Model Grants and Local Grants. Applicants must also provide non-federal matching funds of at least 25 percent of the project’s total costs. Eligibility: Local, state, or tribal education or environmental agency; colleges and universities; and non-profit organizations (501(c)(3). Model Grants Program: the application deadline is February 2, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Local Grants Program: the applications deadline is March 6, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.www2.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants National Priorities: Life Cycle Costs of Water Infrastructure Alternatives Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2015-ORD-D1: Highly Relevant to SAGE The EPA, is seeking applications that propose research focused on developing tools and models that compare the life-cycle costs of green, grey, and hybrid forms of water infrastructure. One of the high-priority research areas identified by the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) is developing tools to protect the quantity and quality of water. Under the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA), the EPA established a program to address storm water discharges including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program which regulates point sources such as pipes and sewers that discharge directly into surface waters. Under the CWA, communities need to address stormwater management requirements as they consider their aging water infrastructure systems, rate payer expectations, and other considerations important to the community. Green infrastructure is an emerging technology with much potential to help many communities. Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $3.9 million total in federal funds for all awards. Eligibility Information:Nonprofit organizations and nonprofit colleges and universities located in the United States are eligible. Foreign entities, individuals, States, including the District of Columbia and State and local government departments, territories, possessions, and Tribal nations of the U.S., are not eligible to apply under this RFA. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from EPA under this program. See full announcement for more details. Solicitation Closing Date: July 2, 2015, 11:59:59 pm EasternTime http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2015/2015-natl-priorities.htmlUnited States Geological Survey (USGS) Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program (FY 2015): Moderately Relevant to SAGE: Funding Opportunity Number: G15AS00019 The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources, is requesting proposals for matching grants to support research on the topic of improving the nation’s water supply. Applicable research topic areas include evaluation of innovative approaches to water treatment, infrastructure design, maintenance, and management; advancing the understanding of climate change impacts on water quality and quantity; development of methods for better estimations of water supply; and evaluation or assessment of conservation practices. Applicants may not request funding in excess of $250,000 per project. The number of projects awarded in FY 2015 will be dependent on federal appropriations. Eligibility: Awards are available only to the 54 water resources institutes or centers around the nation listed here: http://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php). Potential investigators from other institutions of higher learning are eligible to apply if done through one of the water research institutes or centers. www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=270379 The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 19, 2015.National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program: Moderately Relevant to SAGE: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and several other private organizations, are soliciting applications for the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program. The program strives to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing funding for local partnerships. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation anticipates that approximately $2 million in combined total funding will be available for projects focusing on wetland creation and restoration, green infrastructure and stormwater management, citizen science, and other projects that incorporate coastal habitat and urban forest restoration. Eligibility: Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments, and education institutions. The application deadline is February 3, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. www.nfwf.org/fivestar/Pages/2015RFP.aspx#.VLAzNyvF_nE OthersFlorida Climate Institute: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists and Engineers Specifically: The Florida Climate Institute is a network of research and public organizations, scientists, and individuals supported by seven member universities around Florida. While the support stems from these universities, some programs and activities have a nationwide scope. The institute maintains a list of available funding opportunities for climate-related work on its website, which includes public and private sector funding opportunities. https://floridaclimateinstitute.org/opportunities/funding The Rockefeller Family Fund: Highly Relevant to SAGE : This foundation’s environment program is currently focusing on the challenges of climate change. The program emphasizes public education on the risks of global warming as well as the implementation of sound solutions. The program is striving to achieve these goals through its Climate Policy and National Coal Campaign initiatives. Grant applicants must first create an account to determine eligibility. Eligible applicants may then submit a letter of inquiry online through the fund’s online application portal. The fund does not ordinarily consider projects pertaining to a single community, unless the project advances a national issue or can serve as a national model. Eligibility: U.S. tax-exempt organizations engaged in activities of national significance. For-profit businesses are not eligible Program information: www.rffund.org/programs/environment Surdna Foundation: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Regional Planners Specifically: This foundation invests in projects that support their program areas of sustainable environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures. An example of a previous grant award is $200,000 to the American Planning Association in FY 2008 to aid U.S. planners with initiatives to integrate energy sustainability and climate change into contemporary planning practices. Another example is $200,000 to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana in FY 2010 to increase and strengthen local and national collaboration for the benefit of Louisiana coastal protection. Organizations are eligible for a maximum of three consecutive years of funding. Eligibility: U.S. based non-profit organizations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the online system and are assessed within 90 days. www.surdna.org/grants/grants-overview.html Frequently Asked Questions: www.surdna.org/grants/eligibility-a-faqs.html Alfred P. Sloan Foundation: Moderately Relevant to SAGE in General, Highly Relevant to Geologists and Engineers Specifically: This foundation offers grant assistance in six major program areas, funding high-quality, original STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) research that benefits the scientific community and increases public understanding of relevant and complex scientific issues. Two of these program areas are “basic research” and the “public understanding of science, ”which promotes using books, television, radio, film, theatre, and other media in order to engage the public in science and technology. A grant applicant must first submit a letter of inquiry that outlines the idea of the grant, since the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. If accepted, the applicant will receive notice to submit a full proposal for evaluation. Eligibility: The foundation does not make grants to individuals, for-profit institutions, endowments, fundraising drives, political campaigns, or lobbying efforts for or against legislation. Institutions of higher learning and government entities have received project funding in the past. There are no application deadlines. The foundation makes grants year-round. Grant process information:www.sloan.org/apply-for-grants US REGIONAL SCALE OPPORTUNITIES National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The National Coastal Zone Management Program: Authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the National Coastal Zone Management Program strengthens the capabilities of each participating state to address coastal issues. Currently 34 states participate in this program. These states follow basic requirements but also tailor their programs to address locally specific issues. Occasionally, these state programs offer funding for climate- and resilience-related work in coastal areas. Interested applicants should check with their state coastal zone management offices about future funding or partnership opportunities.www.coast.noaa.gov/czm List of participating states: www.coast.noaa.gov/czm/mystateNational Sea Grant College Program: The National Sea Grant College Program is a network of 33 programs in coastal U.S. states and territories that conducts research, extension, and education in order to carry out its mission of enhancing the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources. The program’s focus areas include healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. In addition to providing outreach and education, Sea Grant programs often provide research funding opportunities to address local priorities. Interested applicants should check with their local Sea Grant office if interested in research funding opportunities or technical assistance and outreach related to the above focus areas. www.seagrant.noaa.gov List of state Sea Grant programs: www.seagrant.noaa.gov/WhereWeWork/SeaGrantPrograms.aspx U.S. Department of the Interior Landscape Conservation Cooperatives: Landscape Conservation Cooperatives are a network of partnerships working for the sustainability of America’s land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources. Partnerships include federal, state, and local governments, tribes, universities, non-profits, and landowners, and other stakeholders. These cooperatives (21 in total, representing different areas of the country) build upon existing science and conservation efforts that preserve water and land resources as well as cultural partnerships. Periodically the cooperatives offer grants that support their core functions. Interested applicants should check the website below for any upcoming funding opportunities. www.fws.gov/science/SHC/lcc.htmlClimate Science Centers: Managed through the National Climate Change and Wildlife Center, the Climate Science Centers provide scientific information, tools, and techniques that natural resource managers can apply to anticipate, monitor, and adapt to climate change impacts. There are eight such centers around the country (Alaska and the U.S. Pacific Islands, Northwest, Southwest, North Central, South Central, Northeast, and Southeast). These centers are located at partner universities. The Climate Science Centers work closely with Landscape Conservation Cooperatives so that the two can provide the science to support decision making and apply that science to specific management challenges. Periodically, the centers offer grants that support research, forecasting, and modeling priorities. Interested applicants should check the website for information regarding upcoming funding opportunities within their local centerwww.doi.gov/csc/index.cfmU.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units: The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units provide research, technical assistance, and education to federal land management, environmental, and research agencies and their partners. These organizations are part of a national network of 17 ecosystem studies units, each composed of federal agencies, a host university, and partner institutions. Several of these units currently have open-funding opportunities, many of which have application deadlines in the month of January 2015. For example, the Californian unit, the Gulf Coast unit, and the Great Rivers unit all have funding opportunities with a closing date in January 2015. Interested applicants should check the information on the national Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units network website for future funding updates. Information about the national network: www.cesu.psu.edu/about/about_cesu.htm Information about currently open opportunities: Search Grants.gov using acronym “CESU” INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES The Kresge Foundation: This foundation’s environment program is launching an initiative that will focus on providing assistance to “community-based nonprofits positioned to help influence local and regional climate-resilience planning, and related policy development and implementation” to better reflect priorities and needs of low-income urban residents. Through this initiative, titled the Climate Resilience and Urban Opportunity Initiative, Kresge has awarded nine-month planning grants of up to $100,000 each supporting development of multi-year work plans for organizations to engage in local or regional resilience planning, policy development, and implementation. Eligibility: U.S. based 501(c)(3) organizations (and Canadian equivalents). Government entities are also eligible. The most recent request for proposals closed in July 2014. Interested applicants should check with the website to stay informed of future funding opportunities. www.kresge.org/programs/environmentOTHER OPPORTUNITIES??? o US Army Corps of Engineerso State Governmentso Europe?
o Caribbean?
o ??