Grant Announcements
Articles
Incentive Manuals
Directories
Funding and Incentive Programs
Other Funding Opportunities

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Fishery Restoration Grants Program proposals are due soon. CDFG is accepting proposals for a wide variety of instream projects, as well as watershed organization support and assistance, water conservation and water purchase. The Request for Proposals can be downloaded from the website above. Otherwise call 916-327-8849 or email karcher@dfg.ca.gov. Applications are due May 24.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have funding available through the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Program (FRIMA). FRIMA is designed to match federal funds with local, state and tribal program funding. Eligible projects must be associated with a water diversion and require a 35% non-federal match. For details visit the website above or call 503-872-5252 ext. 5396 or email Ray.E.Hartlerode@state.or.us. 2002 project applications are due May 30. 2003 project applications are due July 15.

The California Water Resources Control Board has issued two Request for Proposals under the Clean Water Act section 319(h) (NPS Implementation grants) and 205(j) (Water Quality Planning grants), which are available from the website above. Proposals are due June 17.

The Whale Tail Grants Program distributes funds from sales of the Whale Tail License Plate Program. Adopt-a Beach programs, as well as other beach operation and maintenance-type projects that have an educational component are also eligible for these grants. This grant program focuses on reaching communities that are currently poorly served in terms of marine and coastal education. Applicants may request any amount up to $50,000, and 25-50% of the funding will be allocated in small grants up to $10,000. For details visit the website above or call 800-262-7848 or email COAST4U@coastal.ca.gov. Applications are due November 15.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is accepting applications for the "National Wildlife Refuge Support Group Grant Program." The National Wildlife Refuge System is commemorating its 100th anniversary on March 14, 2003 and applicants are encouraged to integrate this anniversary into their projects. Nonprofit organizations, including "Friends" groups are eligible to apply for funds to increase public awareness and appreciation for the National Wildlife Refuge system. Grants will be provided for: starting refuge support groups with formative and/or initial operational support; strengthening existing refuge support groups' capacity and to non-profit organizations seeking support for a specific project. Further information is available from the website above or by calling (202)857-0166. Applications deadlines are September 1.

Patagonia has direct action funding available for citizen-supported organizations that identify and work on the root causes of problems and approach issues with a commitment to long-term change. Patagonia focuses funding around local groups working to protect habitat. For more detailed information about this grant visit the website above. Proposals must be postmarked no later than August 31.

The California Farmland Conservancy Program is accepting grant applications to protect agricultural land from development. The program makes money available to purchase farmland and ensure, through an agricultural conservation easement, that practices normally interfering with the agricultural use of the land are prohibited. The benefits to landowners include a one-time payment for retiring future development potential, continued ownership of the land and control of farming operations and a potential reduction in property taxes. Cities, counties and qualified nonprofit groups, such as a land trust or resource conservation district, can apply for grants. Individuals are not eligible to apply directly, but the program can point landowners to an appropriate local group. For more information visit the website above; email: cfcp@consrv.ca.gov or call (916) 324-0850. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.

The Community Watershed Stewardship Program is designating funds for citizen-initiated watershed enhancement projects located within the City of Portland. The Community Watershed Stewardship Program offers types of grants. Mini-grants (up to $500) are offered year round. Watershed stewardship grants (up to $5,000) are offered on a competitive basis once a year. Watershed stewardship grant applications are available online in late January and are due April/May (check website for exact dates). Program staff are available to assist community groups and citizens with project ideas and the application process. The application, along with further information about the program is available online at www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship.

American Rivers, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is offering grants through the Community-Based Restoration Program. These grants are designed to provide support for local communities that are utilizing dam removal or fish passage to restore and protect the ecological integrity of their rivers and improve freshwater habitats important to migratory (anadromous) fish.
Eligible projects will:
-successfully restore anadromous fish habitat and access to existing anadromous fish habitat, or natural riverine functions
-demonstrate the correct approach, based on ecological, social, economic and engineering considerations
- minimize any identifiable short or long-term negative impacts to the river system as a result of the project -have community involvement in project decision making
- have the potential for public outreach and education
Applicants are encouraged to contact American Rivers to discuss potential projects prior to submitting an application. For a complete application and eligibility guidelines visit the website above or email rivergrants@amrivers.org or call 202/347-7550, ext.3006. Applications deadlines are December 1, 2002.

The Wilburforce Foundation now has two funding opportunities to help your group with program and organizational capacity! This grant opportunity considers funding for administrative, capital or operating programs, as well as training and capacity building projects. Organizational grants may be used for hiring consultants, facilitators, trainers of other professionals to assist with board retreats, the development of strategic or fundraising plans, and related training needs. For details visit the website above or email denise@wilburforce.org or call 206/632-2325. Proposal deadlines are September 1, 2002.

The Belvedere Fund is dedicated to helping state and regional environmental organizations build their capacity and effectiveness with general support dollars. Environmental organizations including state and regional environmental organizations that address toxics and other environmental issues are encouraged to apply. This is a unique opportunity to fund organizational development and capacity building, citizen participation, outreach to new constituencies, coalition building, training and technical assistance. The Belvedere fund acknowledges all submissions and grant proposals are preferred by email. For more information visit the website above or call 202/293-0062. Grant submissions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

The Conserving California Landscapes Initiatives (CCLI) is a five-year project of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation created to help conserve open space, farmland, and critical natural areas. The Initiative focuses on the Central Coast, Central Valley, and Sierra Nevada regions of California. Grants are available for capacity building, restoration and stewardship, and public education. Preferred applications contain elements of collaboration between stakeholders joined for a common purpose. The CCLI supports efforts to balance economic uses with biological needs on lands that will remain in private hands. The Initiative provides the opportunity for land trusts, community organizations, policymakers, and willing sellers of land to collaborate in the conservation of California's natural heritage. Grants are made available on an ongoing basis.

The Diack Ecology Education Program awards funds to assist with "hands-on" programs for Oregon's K-12 children in regularly scheduled field based studies. Funds are provided for field study items such as microscopes, safety glasses, soil test kits, rock hammers, boots, field study books, cameras, back packs, compasses, binoculars, water test kits, specimen collection supplies, etc. The Diack Program places priority on projects that will become part of the weekly school program. There are no funding deadlines. For more details visit the website above or call 503/327-8842.

King County Department of Natural Resources has two grant programs available:

1. The WaterWorks program funds projects taking place within the Urban Growth Boundary with the exception of shoreline communities south of Seattle. The maximum grant is $50,000. For details visit the website above.
2. The Rural Community Partnership Grants program serves the rural areas of the Green River, White River, Snoqualamie Valley and Vashon Island. The maximum grant is $20,000. For details visit the link to this program.

• August 15 for requests over $5,000
• No deadlines for requests up to $5,000

The Spirit Mountain Community Fund provides grants to non-governmental charitable organizations in 11 Oregon counties. Funds are available for a variety of projects including environmental preservation. The Fund has given more than $10 million to organizations in western Oregon since 1997, making it the eighth largest grant maker in Oregon. For more information and applications visit the website above or call 503/879-2350 or 1/800-760-7977.

ARTICLES

All about raising money online - The Spring 2000 (Vol. 7, No. 1) River Fundraising Alert from River Network is dedicated to providing information on how to raise money through your website, charity malls, and donation portals. Other resources for learning about online fundraising are included. Order this publication from River Network at the above website or call (503) 241-3506. Annual subscriptions are $35 (free to Partners). First back issue: $3 for River Network Partners, $6 Others. All additional issues with same order $1.50 each.

"Locating Government Funding Opportunities" -- a listing, with descriptions, of several directories of government funding sources

Five Fundraising Strategies for New Watershed Groups" -- the title speaks for itself.

INCENTIVE MANUALS

Washington: Wetlands Stewardship Guide for Technical Agents --The Washington State Department of Ecology now has an updated version of "Exploring Wetland Stewardship: A Reference Guide for Assisting Washington Landowners." The 258 page guide (plus appendices) is intended for technical agents of local, tribal, federal, and state governments, as well as conservation districts, land trusts and extension agents to help them work with Washington landowners on wetlands protection. Stewardship needs, options, techniques, and options are covered. Financial assistance at both the federal and state level and programs for implementation are well documented. The appendices provides a bibliography, a reference list, and index of county, state, non-governmental organizations, and land trusts. To order (fees may apply; ask when calling) call the Washington State Department of Ecology at (360) 407-7472 or download from the above link.

National Stewardship Incentives: Conservation Strategies for U.S. Landowners This report explores a wide range of incentives for helping farmers, timber producers, urban developers and others improve stewardship of their lands. To order, call Defenders of Wildlife at (503) 697-3222 or email jbrubaker@defenders.org

DIRECTORIES

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Funding Directory is now available online. The purpose of the Funding Directory is to help watershed councils, local governments, nonprofits and private landowners find money to support conservation efforts. The Directory profiles 80 different federal and state funding sources for activities designed to protect or restore watershed health. It provides general program information and several quick-search indices based on keywords such as project type, eligibility, type of assistance and sponsor. An annotated guide to private funders' web sites is also available to provide information on private foundation grants and tips on fundraising.

The January through June 2002 edition of the Urban Forestry Funding Guide is now available online. Published annually by California ReLeaf, the guide includes application deadlines, eligibility requirements, program descriptions and contact information for public and private funding sources for urban forestry projects. For a free copy visit the website above or call (916) 557-1673 ext. 12.

The Handbook of Federal Funding for Environmental Reseach and Development is an innovative online publication with hundreds of hyperlinks to federal research programs. This resource is designed to address the needs of both the research and policy communities by integrating information across federal agencies. The full online report is available to NCSE University Affiliates by contacting craig@NCSEonline.org or by calling (202) 530-5810.

The California Resources Agency, California State University, Chico and InfoEd International would like to present the first statewide database of watershed funding; The California Watershed Foundation Database. This database is a web-based searchable list of funding opportunities. Also, an online form for organizations involved in watershed funding who wish to include their funding opportunities in the database is available at http://watershed.ecst.csuchico.edu/new_spin/sendmail1.asp. The database allows individuals to personalize their funding queries and to save their searches for future reference. For further information email kcooper-carter@csuchico.edu or call (530) 893-5751.

Funding Matrix For Southern California Wetlands Projects is a great resource for southern California groups seeking funding opportunities for wetland restoration projects. This website lists state and federal funding opportunities in table form and includes information on eligibility requirements, land uses, types of projects funded, match required, grant deadlines and contact information.

The Foundation DataBook is an online resource for private foundation funds available in Washington, Oregon, and California. Each Foundation DataBook is a state-specific, comprehensive, up-to-date directory and database of grant-making foundations with a categorical listing of all the grants made for the most recent year on record, including the Foundation's stated purpose for awarding each grant.

Directory of Funding Sources for Grassroots River and Watershed Conservation Groups 2001-2002 contains profiles of private, corporate and federal funding sources for river and watershed groups. Each entry includes name, address, phone number, contact name, deadlines and a brief description of each source's particular interests. Also contains sections on how to write a grant, where to obtain grantsmanship training and a bibliography of state and local foundation directories. As a Partner you will need a user name and password to access the online directory. For details email rfox@rivernetwork.org or call (503) 241-3506.

FUNDING AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

Technical Assistance = TA / Partnership = PRTNR

Below are federal agency programs (which provide money either directly or indirectly) through familial state agencies for conservation, watershed projects and practices.

Federal Agency Programs

Go to Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection - find one-page fact sheets, contacts and internet sites, citations, and other funding publications for Federal funding programs. See EPA document #841-B-99-003 (Second Edition), or call the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) at 513/486-8190 or 800/490-9198.
OR
Go to Notices of Funding Availability - this site generates customized lists of available funds by topic
OR
Download the "Guide to federal funding for habitat restoration" -- Restore America's Estuaries, a coalition of 11 environmental organizations, has prepared a quick, accessible guide to how federal funds can help implement habitat restoration projects. This free guide covers dozens of programs administered by seven federal agencies. To download a report for free, go to RAE's website: http://www.estuaries.org/funding.html

I. U.S. Department Of Agriculture

USDA Consolidated Farm Services Agency This site lists assistance programs for farmers.

USDA Conservation Programs This includes listings for, but is not limited to:

• Resource Conservation & Development Program
• Forestry Incentive Program
• Rural Abandoned Mine Program (EPA)

A. Natural Resources Conservation Service This site contains information about the following programs:

• Wetlands Reserve Program
• Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
• Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
• Emergency Conservation Program
• Emergency Watershed Protection Program

B. United States Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Landowner Assistance Program This site includes

• The Stewardship Incentives Program (PRNTR)
• The Forest Stewardship Program
• The Rural Forestry Management

II. United States Department Of The Interior
(Due to email problems, the sites listed within the Department of Interior Section will not be available until further notice)

Go Department of the Interior Financial Assistance webpage

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A. United States Fish and Wildlife Service - Region 1 (links to the programs listed below)

• Aquatic Resources Trust Fund Wallop-Breaux
• Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants
• Partners for Wildlife (TA)
• Section 6 (The Endangered Species Act)
• BPA Columbia Basin LE Grants
• Pittman-Robertson & Kingell-Johnson Acts

North American Wetlands Conservation Act
Klamath Ecosystem Restoration Office

B. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - which includes listings for, but is not limited to:

• Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program Grants to States
• Reclamation project funding opportunities

OR

Try their Watershed Reclamation Project Funding Opportunities page - contains information on federal programs, private sources, technical support and software and funding publications.

C. United States Park Service - which includes listings for, but is not limited to:

• Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program - assists with community-based conservation partnerships.
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (PRNTR)
• U.S. Non-Profit Webpage

D. United States Bureau of Reclamation - which includes listings for, but is not limited to:

• Bring Back the Natives

III. United States Department Of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - lists different programs within NOAA which provide grants

IV. United States Environmental Protection Agency

Go to EPA Grant Programs webpage

• Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants "319"
• Environmental Education Grants
• Water Pollution Control Program

V. United States Department Of Energy

Bonneville Power Administration

• Fish and Wildlife Program [Columbia Basin]

VI. United States Department Of Transportation - D.O.T. grant related sites

State Of Oregon Funding and Incentive Programs

1. Office Of The Governor

A. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board

2. State Agencies

A. Oregon Department of Fish And Wildlife

1. Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Summary & Volunteer Program

2. Access and Habitat Program

3. Fish Passage Program Includes tax credits & cost-share funding sources

4. Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program A comprehensive program designed to restore state-owned fish hatcheries, enhance natural fish production, expand hatchery production, and provide additional public access to fishing waters.

B. Water Resources Department

1. Water Development Loan Program

2. Watershed Management Program [Watershed Health]

C. Department of Land Conservation and Development

1. Transportation and Growth Managment (TGM) Program

2. Grants to Local Governments includes:

• Coastal Management
• Technical Assistance
• Dispute Resolution
• Urban Growth Management

D. Oregon Department of Agriculture

1. Water Quality Programs General information about the Healthy Streams Partnership and SB 1010.

2. Disaster Relief: Habitat Restoration Jobs Program (a.k.a. "Hire the Fisher")

3. Planning Conservation Grants

4. Conservation Implementation Grants

E. State Department of Forestry

1. Forest Resources Trust

2. Stream Enhancement Initiative

3. Forest Improvement Program (FIP)

4. Stewardship Incentives Program(SIP)

5. Agricultural Conservation Program (now part of EQIP)(PRNTR, CFSA)

F. Department of Transportation

1. Overhaul regional or local transportation system

2. Land use alternatives that reduce travel demand, reliance upon state highways and reliance upon the automobile.

3. Develop and adopt urban growth management strategies.

G. Dept. of Environmental Quality

1. Water Quality Loans and Grants

2.Nonpoint Source Pollution Program

3. Clean Water State Revolving Fund

4. Other Watershed Programs Contains general information on various programs that assist watershed group activities including:

• Oregon Watershed Health Initiative
• OWEB Program
• Forest Practices Act
• Coastal Zone Management Act

H. Miscellaneous

1. Conservation and Highway Scenic Preservation Easements This site is rather graphics intensive, as it is literally a slide show, but has some interesting information.

2. Habitat Conservation Trust Fund

3. Private/County/City/Miscellaneous

A. Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation

B. Douglas County Land Exchange

4. Oregon Tax Incentive Programs

1. Oregon 30 Percent Reforestation Tax Credit

2. Fish Habitat Improvement Income Tax Credit

3. Riparian Tax Incentive Program

4. Natural Heritage Program (ODFW, 1995)

5. Open Space Deferral

State Of California Funding and Incentive Programs

1. State Agencies

1. Legislative Analyst's Office Report on Parks and Water Bonds: Implementation Issues shows the basic categories of conservation funding that will be available and from which departments.
2. California Forest Stewardship Program

Funding available to private landowners and tribes for reforestation, site preparation, land conservation, fish & wildlife habitat improvement projects, and wetland protection.

3. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Requests for Proposals, Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants, and a Wetland Protection Grant are now offered through the Clean Water Act (CWA) sections 205(j), 319(h), and 104(b)(3).
4. Department of Planning and Local Assistance (DPLA) provides a variety of links to agencies and organizations with funding available for urban streams restoration projects.
5. California Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
6. Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)

State funds available to public agencies, 501(c)(3) organizations, special districts and tribes for riparian habitat restoration and enhancement projects. For applications call Scott Clemons at 916/445-1072 or email sclemons@dfg.ca.gov.

7. California Department of Parks and Recreation

Various grant programs available for land and water conservation, and habitat conservation.

8. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
9. California Department of Water Resources (DWR)

WaterBond 2000 and Urban Streams Grants Program information is now online. See The Urban Streams Restoration Program (also, click on other funding sources for state, federal, and non-profit grant programs).

10. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) has both an Environmental Quality Incentives Program and a Cost Share and Technical Assistance Program
11. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
12. California State Coastal Conservancy
13. National Park Service
14. California Department of Education
15. Watershed Information Technical System (WITS) This page links to various sources of funding for watershed projects in California.

2. Private/County/City/Miscellaneous

A. Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture

B. Ricelands Habitat Partnership

C. Trinity River Basin Fish & Wildlife Restoration Grant Program

3. California Tax Incentives Programs

A. Williamson Act -- Land Conservation Act of 1965

State Of Washington Funding and Incentive Programs

1. Office of the Governor

A. Environmental and Forest Restoration Account

2. State Agencies

A. Washington Department of Ecology

1. Centennial Clean Water Fund

B. Washington Department of Natural Resources

1. Forest Stewardship Program - incentives programs, tax information

C. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - land and habitat programs

1. Washington Ecosystem Conservation Program (w/ USFWS)

C. Salmon Recovery Funding Board - SRFB guides spending of funds targeted for recovery activities and projects in Washington

3. Private/County/City/Miscellaneous

A. King County - their funding page, also includes national, state, and private funding sources for people outside King County

4. Washington Tax Incentives Programs

A. King County

1. King County Waterways 2000

2. Watershed Action Grant Program - Sixty thousand dollars are available each year for projects that benefit surface water and wastewater resources in King County.

3. Open Space and Resource Land Protection Programs

Private Foundations

1. Pollution Prevention Request For Proposal Clearinghouse provides a list of federal, state and local, and private foundation RFPs and grant opportunities related to pollution prevention.
2. Grantmaker Info has information about private foundations, corporate grantmakers, and community grantmakers. This site has a great search tool for locating the right foundation for your organization.
3. Foundation Center has online training in proposal writing, online library assistance, and links to a number of nonprofit resources.
4. McKenzie Watershed Council Funding Matrix Identifies scores of potential sources of funding for watershed council implementation projects.
5. Grant Making Foundations in Oregon

6. Grant Making Foundations in Washington

7. Grant Making Foundations in California

8. The Bullitt Foundation


9. Northwest Areas Foundation
10. Meyer Memorial Trust

Other sources of funding available
11. COORS Brewing Company

A. Pure Water 2000
12. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
13. Trout Unlimited

A. Bring Back the Natives B. Embrace-A-Stream
14. Ben and Jerry's Foundation

15. The Brainerd Foundation

16. The Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation

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References

1. Pacific Rivers Council. 1994. Healing the Watershed. A Citizen's Guide to Funding Watershed and Wild Salmon Recovery Programs. Eugene, Oregon.
2. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Administration and Resources Management. Alternative Financing Mechanisms for Environmental Programs.
3. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 1993. Water Protection: Catalog of Federal Programs. Publication number EPA-841-B-93-002. Washington DC
4. Pacific Rivers Council. 1994. Restoration: A Blueprint for Saving Wild Fish and Watershed in the Northwest. Eugene, Oregon.
5. Crammond, D. Leasing Water Rights for Instream Flow Uses: A Survey of Water Transfer Policy, Practices, and Problems in the Pacific Northwest. Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College.

6. Heasley,P. 1994. Options for Wetland Conservation: A Guide for California Landowners. California State Coastal Conservancy. Oakland, CA.

Other References Of Interest

1. Oregon Board of Forestry. 1995. Forestry Assistance Publications. Oregon Department of Forestry, Salem.

2. Doppelt et al. 1993. Entering the Watershed, A New Approach to Save America's River Ecosystems. Pacific Rivers Council, Eugene, Oregon.
3. Oregon Division of State Lands. Non-Regulatory Wetlands Restoration Program. Salem, OR.
4. Defender of Wildlife. 1994. Frayed Safety Nets: Conservation Planning Under the Endagered Species Act. Washington, DC
5. Building Forest Wealth: Incentives for Biodiversity,Landowner Profitability, and Value Added Manufacturing (Located Under Targeted Sectors). Northwest Policy Center, University of Washington.
6. Cortner, H. Institutional Barriers & Incentives for Ecosystem Management-A Problem Analysis. Issue Paper Number 16. Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona.
7. Pacific Rivers Council. 1995. Native Fish and Stream Recovery Through the Farm Bill. Pacific Rivers Council, Eugene, Oregon.

OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Resource Assistance for Rural Environments Program (RARE) is a program designed to increase the capacity of rural communities, and improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions through the assistance of trained graduate-level participants.

The Chinook Book offers a great fundraising opportunity for organizations in the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington metro region. The book contains educational information and over $5000 worth of coupons for food products sold at Thriftway, Nature's, and Fred Meyer; bicycles and accessories from local bike shops; native plants from local nurseries; and sustainable building materials and paint, as well as tickets to local theater and dance performances. The book sells for $15 each and the seller keeps 50%. If your organization is interested in being a distributor of Chinook Book, please contact the Celilo Group at (503) 226-7798 or email info@celilo.net.