Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is sending his “September Grant Action News Update” to residents, organizations and local governments regarding a series of grants available from the state, federal government and private entities. Each month, the Assembly provides an updated list of grants for a variety of categories.

“During a time of economic recovery, grants can play an integral part in helping our local communities complete needed infrastructure repairs or support underfunded projects,” said Palmesano. “Many people don’t realize the scope of available opportunities because they aren’t sure where to look. The ‘Grants Action News’ bulletin makes finding these grants much easier by consolidating the information and making it available to everyone. I hope residents, organizations and local governments throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions will be able to use this resource to find much-needed support to strengthen communities in our rural area.”

All not-for-profit applicants must now pre-qualify on the NYS Grants Reform website at grantsreform.ny.gov/grantees in order to apply for certain New York state grant solicitations. Potential not-for-profit applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process of registering and prequalifying immediately as this is a lengthy process.

The Grant Action News bulletin is updated at the beginning of each month with newly available grants and information on how to apply.

The update can be accessed here: https://nyassembly.gov/gan/?sec=story&story=111824

State Grants:

NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Enhanced Step-Down Program - Mental Health and Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Funding This funding is for programs for adults with co-occurring mental health and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The programs must include a specialized model of critical time intervention and transitional housing to support safe discharges from inpatient units and emergency departments. OMH intends to award five programs throughout the state serving: New York City, Western New York, Central New York, Hudson River and Long Island.

Applicants: Governmental entities, not-for-profits

September 25, 2024, 2 p.m.

Funding Available: $74.6 million

Amanda Szczepkowski

Email: OMHLocalProcurement@omh.ny.gov

to Additional Information: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2024/esdp/index.html

NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program Funding

This funding assists municipalities in expanding or improving local waste reduction and recycling. Eligible projects include costs for recycling coordination, education, planning and promotion for recycling and waste reduction to increase public awareness of, and participation in, local recycling programs.

Applicants: Governmental entities, tribal organizations

October 31, 2024, 3 p.m.

Funding Available: $5 million

Rebecca Vaughan

Email: RecyclingGrants@dec.ny.gov

to Additional Information: https://dec.ny.gov/ environmental-protection/waste-management/grants

Grants:

National Science Foundation (NSF), Workplace Equity for Persons with Disabilities in STEM and STEM Education Funding  

This funding supports fundamental, applied and translational research that advances knowledge and practice about diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible STEM and STEM education workplaces and postsecondary training environments for persons with disabilities. Proposals should focus on one or more of the following three research themes: studying barriers and solutions to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in STEM and STEM education workplaces and training settings for persons with disabilities applying intersectional social identity perspectives to investigate characteristics and conditions of STEM and STEM education workplaces and training environments that limit and/or improve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities conducting use-inspired and solution-oriented translational research about diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible STEM and STEM education workplaces and training settings for persons with disabilities

Applicants: For-profit organizations: U.S.- based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation; non-profit, non-academic organizations: independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; state and local governments: state educational offices or organizations and local school districts; institutions of higher education (IHEs) - two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special instructions for international branch campuses of U.S. IHEs: if the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus; Tribal Nations: an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village or community that the secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the federally recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131

September 17, 2024, 5 p.m.

Total Program Funding: $5 million

Number of Awards: 20

Ceiling: $1.5 million

Floor: $100,000

Christopher Atchison

Email: catchiso@nsf.gov

to Additional Information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/348261jsp?ods_key=nsf23593

US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative Weed Management Areas Program Funding

This funding will help to detect, prevent, eradicate and/or control invasive plant species to promote ecological resiliency, watershed stability and biological diversity on federal, state and other public or private lands in the Great Lakes Basin.

Applicants: Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs); Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) or similar organizations within the U.S. Great Lakes Basin (parts of MN, WI, IL, IN, OH, PA and NY) can apply

September 18, 2024, 6 p.m.

Total Program Funding: $1 million

Number of Awards: 25

Ceiling: $100,000

Floor: $25,000

Erin Barton

Email: erin.barton@usda.gov

to Additional Information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/354852grants/?cid=FSEPRD898821

US Dept. of Labor, Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants

These grants will help build community colleges’ capacity to meet the skill development needs of employers and equitably support students in obtaining good jobs in in-demand industries.

Applicants: Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

September 24, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

Total Program Funding: $65 million

Number of Awards: 15

Ceiling: $5.75 million

Floor: $1.5 million

Sarah Medley

Email: SCC5_FOA-ETA-24-23@dol.gov

to Additional Information: https://www. grants.gov/search-results-detail/355057

Challenge Funding

These grants will support regional workforce training systems in designing and implementing activities for established sectoral partnerships that place program participants in good jobs and advance industries in the federal key technology focus areas.

Applicants: City or township governments; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); state governments; county governments; special district governments; district organization of an Economic Development Administration (EDA)-designated Economic Development District (EDD); Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; state, county, city or other political subdivision of a state, including a special purpose unit of a state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state

September 27, 2024, 4:59 p.m.

Total Program Funding: $25 million

of Awards: 8

Ceiling: $8 million

Email: GoodJobsChallenge@eda.gov

Links to Additional Information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/355670

US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Funding

REAP funding helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and helps meet the nation's critical energy needs. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities: assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to rural development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities

Applicants: Small businesses that must meet Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards; agricultural producers

September 30, 2024

Total Program Funding: Approximately $1 billion

Number of Awards: 9,000

Ceiling: $1 million

Gary Pereira

Email: gary.pereira@usda.gov

to Additional Information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/347523documents/2023/03/31/2023-06376/notice-of-solicitation-of-applications-for-the-rural-energy-for-america-program-for-fiscal-years

US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS), Ryan White HIV/AIDS Emergency Relief Grants

These grants provide direct financial assistance to an eligible metropolitan area (EMA) or transitional grant area (TGA) that has been severely affected by the HIV epidemic. Grant funds assist eligible jurisdictions to develop or enhance access to comprehensive, high quality, community-based care for people with HIV.

Applicants: Others, see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" in the links below for further information

October 1, 2024

Total Program Funding: $654 million

Number of Awards: 52

Chrissy Abrahms Woodland

Contact Email: CAbrahmswoodland@hrsa.gov

to Additional Information: https://www. grants.gov/search-results-detail/354642\

US Dept. of Defense (DOD), Tick-Borne Disease, Idea Development Award Grants

These grants support innovative research that could lead to significant advancements that will accelerate progress toward reducing the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases and conditions and improve patient care, and/or the quality of life for military service members, veterans and their families, as well as the American public.

Applicants: Unrestricted

October 3, 2024

Total Program Funding: $3.6 million

Number of Awards: 5

CDMRP Help Desk

Email: help@eBRAP.org

to Additional Information: https://www. grants.gov/search-results-detail/353715

Private Grants:

Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, Project-Based Grants

Project-based grants will assist individuals who produce exhibitions, events and publications which foster the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture and society. Two types of grants are offered to individuals:

Production and Presentation Grants: assist individuals with the production-related expenses that are necessary to take a project from conceptualization to realization and public presentation. These projects include, but are not limited to, exhibitions, installations; film/video/ new media web initiatives, public programs and publications

and Development Grants: support research-related expenses such as travel, documentation, materials, supplies and other development costs. All projects must have clearly defined goals, work plans and budgets.

Applicants: See more information in the “links to additional information” below

Form Deadline: September 15, 2024

Amounts: Range from $5,000-$20,000 for Production and Presentation Grants, Research and Development grants do not exceed $10,000

Email: info@grahamfoundation.org

to Additional Information: http://www.grahamfoundation.org/programs/?mode=individual

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

This fund awards research grants, education grants and scholarships to advance the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry. Science-based tree care enhances the beauty, safety and livability of our communities and helps to protect the people who care for our urban forest.

Applicants: See more information in “links to additional information” below

of Inquiry Deadline: September 15, 2024

Amounts: Vary

Email: hhupke@treefund.org

to Additional Information: https://treefund.org/about

Awards:

The Gates Scholarship (TGS), Last- Dollar College Scholarships for Outstanding Minority Students

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year the scholarships are awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential. Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a scholar’s college or university. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books and transportation, and may include other personal costs.

Applicants Must: be a high school senior from at least one of the following ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American and/or Hispanic American Pell-eligible a US citizen, national, or permanent resident in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S. accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university

September 15, 2024

of Awards: 300

Amount: 100% of tuition, scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the FAFSA, or the methodology used by the students' college or university

Link: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/ contact-us

to Additional Information: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

Russell Sage Foundation Pipeline Grants

These grants support early-career scholars and promote diversity in the social sciences, including racial, ethnic, gender, disciplinary, institutional and geographic diversity.

1. Applicants: Early-career scholars (anyone who is currently an assistant professor or adjunct assistant professor, as well as lecturers who received the Ph.D. after January 1, 2014) are eligible to apply
2. October 22, 2024

1. of Awards: Vary
2. Amounts: Up to $35,000 for individuals
3. Link: https://www.russellsage.org/about/ contact-us

1. to Additional Information: https://www. russellsage.org/research/pipeline-grants-competition

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Youth Scholarships

These scholarships are dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation

1.) Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Youth Scholarships

1. Applicants: Must be students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the U.S., its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law
2. October 31, 2024

1. Prize Award: $35,000, paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/ technical school
2. Award Amounts: $1,000-$21,000
3. Email: youthscholarships@vfw.org
   1. to Additional Information: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/ VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/ Voice-of-Democracy-Entry-Form-Fillable. pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20240809T150321Z

2.) Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest

1. Applicants: Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law
2. October 31, 2024
3. Total Awards: $55,000

1. Amounts: $500-$5,000
2. Link: youthscholarships@vfw.org
   1. to Additional Information: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/ VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and- Education/Patriots-Pen-Entry-Form-Fillable. pdf?v=1&d=20240318T134132Z&la=en

Soroptimist Live Your Dreams Awards

Women who have financial need have the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset their college tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation or find reliable child care in order to afford a post-secondary education.

1. 1. Applicants Must be Women Who: provide the primary financial support for self and dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents have financial need are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program are motivated to achieve an education and career goals. reside in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, U.S., Venezuela)
   2. not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award. Do not have a graduate degree are not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family members
   3. November 15, 2024

1. 1. Amounts: Vary, $1,000-$16,000
   2. Email: siahq@soroptimist.org

1. 1. to Additional Information: https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html