Emergency Watershed Protection Program |
USDA |
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Applications accepted continuously. The Emergency Watershed Protection Program responds to emergencies created by natural disasters. The program is designed to help people and conserve natural resources by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural occurrences. All projects undertaken, with the exception of the purchase of floodplain easements, must have a project sponsor.
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Water, Natural Resources, Adaptation, Disaster, Emergency Management, Health |
Varies |
Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska |
Link |
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) FY 2019 |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed 06/10/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The Rural Housing Service (Agency), an Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. Applicants must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the Federal grant. These grants will be made to qualified intermediary organizations that will provide financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development that will support the community.
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rural development, tribal housing, facilities, development projects, non-profit housing, economic development, infrastructure, capacity building |
$50,000-$250,000 |
United States |
Link |
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program |
USDA |
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Deadline passed as of June 28, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Science for Climate Variability and Change Challenge Area RFA focuses on the societal challenge to adapt agroecosystems and natural resource systems to climate variability and change and implement mitigation strategies in those systems. In the Agriculture and Natural Resources Science for Climate Variability and Change Challenge Area RFA, specific program areas are designed to achieve the long-term outcome of reducing the use of energy, nitrogen, reducing GHG emissions from practices, and water in the production of food, feed, fiber, and fuel; reduce GHG emissions from these agroecosystems; and increase carbon sequestration. Project types supported by AFRI within this RFA include multi-function integrated research, education, and/or extension projects and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants.
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Education, Natural Resources, Research, Adaptation, Mitigation, Land, Health, Energy, Water |
Varies |
Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, National, Alaska, Midwest |
Link |
Conservation Stewardship Program |
USDA |
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Applications accepted continuously. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment.
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Stewardship, Conservation |
A person or legal entity may not receive more than $200,000 during fiscal years 2014 through 2018. $150 million total program funding. |
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean and Pacific Island areas. |
Link |
Oregon Environmental Quality Incentives Program |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed as of 3/16/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. Eligible program participants receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices, or activities like conservation planning, that address natural resource concerns on their land. Payments are made to participants after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan of operations are implemented. Contracts can last up to ten years in duration.
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agriculture, conservation planning, natural resources |
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Oregon |
Link |
USDA Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans |
USDA |
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The USDA Rural Business Cooperative-Service Agency is accepting applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations.
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Renewable energy, Agriculture, small businesses |
Unknown |
National, agriculture & small rural business |
Link |
Washington Environmental Quality Incentives Program |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed as of 3/16/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. Eligible program participants receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices, or activities like conservation planning, that address natural resource concerns on their land. Payments are made to participants after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan of operations are implemented. Contracts can last up to ten years in duration.
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natural resources, agriculture, water and air quality, conservation, |
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Washington |
Link |
Farmers Market Promotion Program |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed for 2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), AMS, requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that establish, expand, and promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing.
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Farmers Market, Local Foods, Sustainability, Bioregionalism, Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development. |
Capacity Building: Minimum grant award is $50,000. Maximum award is $250,000.
Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance: Minimum grant award is $250,000. Maximum award $500,000. |
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. |
Link |
Alaska Environmental Quality Incentives Program |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed as of 11/30/2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. Through EQIP, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to eligible individuals and entities to plan and install conservation practices that benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals. EQIP addresses national resource concerns including improvement of water quality, water conservation , reducing greenhouse gasses, improving wildlife habitat, controlling invasive plant species, and on-farm energy conservation and efficiency.
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conservation, agriculture, natural resources, water and air quality, greenhouse gases, wildlife habitat, invasive plant species, energy efficiency |
varies |
Alaska |
Link |
Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education Projects |
USDA |
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Deadline passed as of May 1, 2017. Dealine for 2018 unknown. Since 2008, FNS awards funding for nutrition education projects through Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE) grants each fiscal year. Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies (SAs) that are current FDPIR allowance holders (have a direct agreement with FNS to administer FDPIR) are eligible to apply for funds to conduct projects that provide nutrition information and services to FDPIR participants. The FY 2017 SNAP Education Plan Guidance is the basis for FDPNE nutrition, gardening, and physical activities.
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health education, food justice, human health, diet, noncommunicable disease, nutrition, exercise, |
$3,000-$2,000. |
National |
Link |
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants |
USDA |
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Recent Deadline: November 20, 2020. Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by November 2, 2020, or March 31, 2021. Applications for Unrestricted Grants or Loan/Unrestricted Grant Combo Applications due by March 31, 2021.
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rural development, infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainable |
Unrestricted Grants (up to $500,000) |
National |
Link |
Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed 2/24/2020. Deadline Unknown for 2021. The purpose of this program is to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. WAMS-funded projects improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations.
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women, minorities, STEM, rural, food security, sustainability, agriculture, natural resources, education, economic health |
Up to $400,000 |
National |
Link |
United Fresh Start Foundation Community Grants Program |
USDA |
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Deadline passed as of April 20, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The initiative extends the foundation’s work beyond the school day, to provide children with access to fresh fruit and vegetables afterschool, on the weekends, during summer breaks and in other creative venues. The program provides $25,000 in grants to local community organizations and groups that share the United Fresh Start Foundation’s commitment to increasing kids’ access to fresh produce, helping them develop healthy habits to last a lifetime. Grants will support programs, events and/or activities that increase children’s access to fresh produce.
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food justice, distribution, nutrition, education, diet, health, noncommunicable disease,accessibility, local, fresh, economy, school, youth |
Grants are available up to a maximum of $2,500. |
National |
Link |
Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) |
USDA |
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Deadline passed as of June 24, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown.The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.
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Small Farmers and Ranchers, Sustainable Agriculture, Family Farms, Marketing Opportunities. |
Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 for planning grants; $250,000 for working capital grants
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National. |
Link |
High Energy Cost Grants (USDA) |
USDA |
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Applications are currently being accepted. The USDA Rural Development High Energy Costs Grant assists energy providers and other eligible entities in lowering energy costs for families and individuals in areas with extremely high per-household energy costs (275 percent of the national average or higher.) The funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of facilities serving eligible communities. NOTE: Program details may change over time. Before you begin an application, please confirm you have the most current information by emailing Rural Electric Program staff or consulting the program instructions listed in the section above titled "What Governs this Program?"
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Energy conservation, Infrastructure, Community development |
$100,000-$3,000,000 |
National |
Link |
Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership |
USDA |
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Deadline passed as of May 24, 2017. Deadline for 2018 unknown. The 2014 Farm Bill replaced the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program with the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership as an enrollment option under ACEP – WRE. WREP continues to be a voluntary program through which NRCS signs agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat.
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land, easement, property, restoration, habitat, management, conservation, climate change, wetland, riparian, estuary, swamp, marsh, pond |
Varies. |
National |
Link |
Household Water Well System Grants |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed 07/20/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. This program helps qualified non-profits and Tribes create a revolving loan fund (RLF) to extend access to clean, reliable water to households in eligible rural areas.
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Food/Water Security, Water Systems Development, Community Development, Infrastructure Development. |
Unknown. |
National. Rural areas and towns with 50, 000 or fewer people - check eligible addresses. Tribal Lands in rural areas. Colonias |
Link |
Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program |
USDA |
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Application Deadline April 16, 2019. The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities.
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pest, food security, human health, agriculture |
$200,000- $325,000 |
U.S |
Link |
Crop Insurance in Targeted States Program |
USDA |
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Deadline Passed 7/30/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The purpose of the Targeted States program is to deliver crop insurance education and information to U.S. agricultural producers in States where there is traditionally, and continues to be a low level of Federal crop insurance participation and availability, and producers are underserved by the Federal crop insurance program. These states, defined as Targeted States for the purposes of this RFA, are Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Any cooperative agreements that may be funded will not exceed the maximum funding amount established for each of the Targeted States. Recipients must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project.
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crop insurance, education, farm management, planning |
Alaska- $203,000 |
Alaska |
Link |
Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grants |
USDA |
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This program provides funding to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural communities with extreme unemployment and severe economic depression.
An essential community facility is one that provides an essential service to the local community, is needed for the orderly development of the community, serves a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.
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community facilities, development, economic depression, rural areas, public health |
Varies |
Rural Areas |
Link |
Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) |
USDA |
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Deadine Passed 05/06/2019. Deadline Unknown for 2020. The purpose of this program is to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs, as determined by each institution, within a broadly defined arena of food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines. Priority will be given to those projects that enhance educational equity for underrepresented students; strengthen institutional educational capacities; prepare students for careers related to the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems of the United States; and maximize the development and use of resources to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs.
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youth, community engagement, social justice, food justice |
$150,000 - $1,475,000 |
Alaska, Hawaii |
Link |
Collaborative Forest Restoration Program |
USDA |
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Grant status unknown for FY 2016. The U.S. Forest Service requests applications for forest restoration projects on Federal, Tribal, State, County, Land Grant, or Municipal forest lands in New Mexico that are designed through a collaborative process that includes affected communities and other stakeholders. Individuals, businesses, groups and other organizations are encouraged to collaborate on the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects that value local and traditional knowledge, promote healthy and productive forests and watersheds, and build ownership and civic pride.
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Conservation, Research, Education, Land, Natural Resources, Water |
Individual awards of up to $360,000 |
Southwest, New Mexico |
Link |
Community Facilities Tribal College Initiative Grants |
USDA |
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Deadline is ongoing. This program provides funding to 1994 Land Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) to make capital improvements to their educational facilities and to purchase equipment.
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community facilities, development, educational facilities, infrastructure, renovation and improvements, cultural projects |
Grants up to $250,000 per land grant institution
Funds can be used to pay up to 95% of the project cost |
National |
Link |
Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) |
USDA |
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Deadline unknown for 2017. 2016 deadline passed on June 30, 2016. To advance projects which support long-term community and economic growth strategies that reflect both multi-jurisdictional stakeholder collaboration and capitalize upon the unique strengths of the rural area. Through this provision, USDA Rural Development is empowered to work further with rural communities to align resources with long-range and multi-jurisdictional challenges and needs by leveraging federal, state, local, or private funding. Applicants to any of several existing Rural Development programs whose projects support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional strategic economic and community development plans may apply for priority consideration through SECD. Consideration will be based on: (1) How well the project supports a multijurisdictional plan and (2) How well the plan addresses collaboration, regionalism, and investments from other federal and philanthropic agencies. Interested participants are encouraged to have their plans reviewed by their State's staff early in the process for feedback and possible modification prior to submitting with the formal application.
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Rural Development |
see website |
National |
Link |
AgrAbility - Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities |
USDA |
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Last deadline: 2/15/2017. Unknown for 2018. The AgrAbility program increases the likelihood that farmers, ranchers, farm workers and farm family members with disabilities will experience success in agricultural production. The program supports projects between State Cooperative Extension System and private, non-profit disability organizations who work in partnership to provide agricultural education and assistance directed at accommodating disability in farm operations for individuals with disabilities, and their families, who engage in farming and farm-related occupations.
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agriculture, equity, inclusion, social justice, disability services |
$150,000 - $180,000 |
National |
Link |
Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias |
USDA |
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Applications are accepted year-round. This program provides low-income communities, which face significant health risks, access to safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal facilities and services.
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low-income communities, public health, safe drinking water, waste disposal |
varies |
Rural Areas, Tribal Lands |
Link |
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program |
USDA - FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) |
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The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program supports projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. There are three categories of projects: (1) FINI Pilot Projects (awards not to exceed a total of $100,000 over one year); (2) Multi-year, community-based FINI Projects (awards not to exceed a total of $500,000 over no more than four years); and (3) Multi-year, FINI Large-Scale Projects (awards of $500,000 or more over no more than four years).
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Food, nutrition |
See grant guidance |
National |
Link |
Farm to School Grant |
USDA - FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) |
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Deadline passed as of December 8, 2016. Deadline for 2017 unknown. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is charged with implementing the Farm to School Program. In this funding cycle, USDA anticipates awarding approximately $6 million in grant funding to support efforts that improve access to local foods in schools. Beyond the $5 million in funding provided in the HHFKA, in fiscal year (FY) 2016 USDA anticipates the availability of an additional $1 million, subject to appropriation, in grant funding to support placement of volunteer service members (e.g. AmeriCorps, VISTA, local service corps programs, etc.) in schools throughout the country to build or maintain school gardens, incorporate nutrition education into the schools’ culture, and support school food service personnel in procuring or promoting local and regional products for the school meal program - See link for more.
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Food, nutrition, Agriculture, Education, Schools, Development |
$15,000 to $100,000 |
National |
Link |
2020 Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity |
USDA Forest Service |
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Deadline Passed 01/15/2020. Deadline Unknown for 2021. The U.S. Forest Service requests proposals to substantially expand and accelerate wood energy and wood products markets throughout the United States to support forest management needs on National Forest System and other forest lands. This Request for Proposals focuses on the following priorities to: Reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health on National Forest System and other forest lands. Reduce costs of forest management on all land types. Promote economic and environmental health of communities.
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wood energy, wood products, hazardous fuels reduction, forest health, forest management, economic health, environmental health |
$10,000-$250,000 |
National |
Link |
Great Lakes RFA |
USDA Forest Service |
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Deadline Passed 05/11/2018. Deadline Unknown for 2019. The U.S. Forest Service will support projects in the Great Lakes basin that implement the following strategic, priority actions: restore tree canopy lost to infestation by emerald ash borer; create or improve green infrastructure through planting of trees and other vegetation; restore the function of coastal wetland areas through planting of native trees and diverse vegetation.
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habitat restoration, green infrastructure, planting, wetland restoration |
$50,000- $200,000 |
Great Lakes Basin |
Link |