Funding Leads for October - December, 2009

USDA Programs

USDA Value-added Producer Grant Program (VAPG): Applications due November 30, 2009
Funding can be utilized to support the creation or enhancement of value-added wood processing and marketing ventures that are owned by forest landowners. VAPGs provide cost-share funding for either: 1.) Planning Activities such as feasibility analysis, business planning, marketing planning and legal work; or 2.) Working Capital for staff, inventory and operational expenses of value-added activities. VAPGs have been utilized by several forest landowner cooperatives throughout the nation to incentivize the early-stage development of their cooperative business ventures. Please contact NNFP for more information and to talk through the prospects for compatability with your value-added wood processing ideas. Or visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm

You may also download a PDF of the notice directly from the NNFP site by clicking here.

We have also prepared a Funding Opportunity Briefing about VAPG for NNFP Business Members.

USDA Biomass Crop Assistance Program
The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial assistance to producers or entities that deliver eligible biomass material to designated biomass conversion facilities for use as heat, power, biobased products or biofuels. Initial assistance will be for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) costs associated with the delivery of eligible materials. Learn more: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=ener&topic=bcap

USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant program (RBEG)
Provides funding to help with business development and infrastructure support in your community. RBEG grants can be used to pay for the extension of services, building of roads, training and technical assistance and professional services for rural enterprises. Forest-based business can utilize this grant program to expand their operations, move to a location, hire legal and professional contractors, or generate other expansion for high-impact rural enterprise growth and development. For instance, NNFP member, Mass Woodlands Cooperative, has utilized RBEG funding to build markets and improve wood processing opportunities for its FSC-certified wood products. RBEG grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Contact your State USDA Rural Development office for more information or visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.

USDA Rural Community Development Initiative(RCDI)
Proposals due September 24. $50,000-300,000 to qualified private, nonprofit and public organizations proposing to carry out financial and technical assistance programs. Must provide a program of financial and technical assistance to a nonprofit, community-based housing and development organization, a low-income rural community or a federally recognized tribe (the Recipient) that will develop the capacity and ability of the Recipient to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development in rural areas. http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm

Private Foundations

The Joyce Foundation
Late September- Early October (letter of intent for Dec. 8 proposal deadline) Beyond their usual funding of Great Lakes regional projects, the Foundation will consider proposals at the local, state, regional, and national levels that address the following four areas: Reduce polluted, non-point source; Protect and restore critical habitats such as wetlands; Improve coastal health particularly through the increased use of green infrastructure and through new means of financing conventional infrastructure. http://www.joycefdn.org/Programs/Environment/Guidelines.aspx

The Davis Conservation Foundation
October 10 (proposal). Funds projects in ME, NH, VT, and MA. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations whose areas of interest are projects related to wildlife, wildlife habitat, environmental protection and outdoor recreation. Projects that strengthen volunteer activity and outreach/community involvement in these categories are of particular interest. http://www.davisfoundations.org/site/application_conservation.asp

Laura Jane Musser Fund—Rural Initiatives Program
October 15 (proposal). Planning grants of up to $5,000 and implementation grants of up to $25,000 grants are given in CO, HI, MN, NY, and WY. The program funds collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions in a number of civic areas including, but not limited to, economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. http://www.musserfund.org/rural.php