Current Funding Opportunities

The funding opportunities in the fields of energy and the environment on this page are regularly updated and generously shared by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security. The opportunities are listed by the proposal due date. If you need more information, it can almost always be found by following the link provided for each funding opportunity. Good luck! Updated July 3, 2008

It is a good idea to keep up with the State of Minnesota’s MN grants Web site, where they provide links to any current grants from state agencies. A number of the categories they list are relevant to community energy.

ON-GOING

Minnesota Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water Rebate Programs
Both programs are open to all residential property owners in Minnesota. Funds are now available for both programs and will be awarded on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Because hiring a renewable energy contractor is one of the requirements for both rebates, the Minnesota Office of Energy Security’s Web site also includes a list of questions to ask a renewable energy contractor and a list of solar energy contractors in Minnesota.
Link to more info

MN Community Growth Options (U-CGO) Program
This new program provides applied research and technical assistance to help growing communities on the edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area manage growth patterns in ways that make development more sustainable, more environmentally responsive, and more economically efficient. It was created by The University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, in partnership with 1000 Friends of Minnesota and The McKnight Foundation. Eligible communities define a research project, submit an application, and if accepted on a rolling basis, are matched with appropriate University of Minnesota student or faculty resources to carry out the research.
Link to more info

Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program
The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services is proud to announce a Feasibility Study Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to fund feasibility studies that may result in economic development for rural areas in AgStar’s service area. The AgStar Fund for Rural America was created to demonstrate our support for agriculture and the rural communities within our service area. The trustees established the fund’s mission as “Committed to enhancing the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communities.” This special program underscores our dedication to rural communities and helps address one of the issues facing rural America. Through this grant program and the other programs of the AgStar Fund, we are helping to ensure a strong future of rural America. Purpose of the Program: The Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program is designed to provide funding to determine the feasibility of a project or to plan for a project located in rural areas of AgStar’s territory. Such projects will need to meet an economic development or sustainability objective and, if implemented, will create new permanent jobs that result in the economic development of a rural area.
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Funds Target Wealth-Creation Strategies
The F.B. Heron Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that help low-income people to create wealth and take control of their lives. Grants are provided to programs in urban and rural communities engaged in the following wealth-creation strategies: increasing access to capital, supporting enterprise development, advancing home ownership, reducing the barriers to full participation in the economy by providing quality childcare, and employing comprehensive community development approaches with a strong focus on wealth-creation strategies. Priority is given to direct-service, community-based organizations and enterprises. The Foundation concentrates the majority of grants in 12 specific geographic areas (Appalachia, California, Chicago, Kansas City, Michigan, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Mississippi Delta, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, DC). In addition, support is provided to national and regional organizations that address the Foundation’s mission. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. Visit the website listed above for grant program details and application guidelines.
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Economic and Environmental Justice Programs Funded – CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy
The CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy are private foundations that are linked by common interests and boards of directors. The Foundations are dedicated to preserving biodiversity, defending democracy, preventing the commodification of life, and protecting human and environmental health throughout the world. The Foundations’ grant categories include Economic Globalization, Food Sovereignty, Civil Liberties, and Emerging Technologies. Proposals to the CS Fund and Warsh/Mott Legacy are considered together. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. For 2008 only, the fall funding cycle deadline for invited proposals is July 28. Visit the website listed above for a full description of each of the Foundations’ grant categories as well as letter of inquiry guidelines.
Link to more info

Grants Address Complex Problems Worldwide – Ford Foundation
The goals of the Ford Foundation are to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement throughout the world. The Foundation works mainly by making grants or loans through three major program areas: Asset Building and Community Development; Peace and Social Justice; and Knowledge, Creativity, and Freedom. Support is generally directed to activities that are likely to have wide effect rather than local programs with limited scope. Letters of inquiry are considered throughout the year. For a detailed description of the Foundation’s program areas and funding policies, visit the website listed above.
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Grants Encourage the Protection of Local Habitats Worldwide – Patagonia Environmental Grant Program
The Patagonia Environmental Grant Program provides support to small, grassroots activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to protect the environment. Patagonia primarily funds local groups working to protect local habitats in the United States, as well as in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Proposals are accepted through the Patagonia website during the months of April and August each year, and must be submitted by April 30 or August 31. (Applications are accepted year-round at local retail Patagonia stores.) Visit the website listed above for program details and application information.
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L-Prize for Lighting Technologies
On May 28, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced details on the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize competition. The L Prize™ is the first government-sponsored technology competition designed to spur lighting manufacturers to develop high quality, high efficiency solid-state lighting products to replace the common light bulb. The competition will award cash prizes, and may also lead to opportunities for federal purchasing agreements, utility programs, and other incentives for winning products. The L Prize will continue DOE’s lighting research and development efforts by aiming to radically accelerate America’s shift from inefficient, dated lighting products to innovative, high-performance products. Two product categories are offered in this release:• 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp; • PAR 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp. To participate in the L Prize competition, interested manufacturers must provide a letter of intent to submit. The DOE will accept entries to the 60-watt incandescent and PAR 38 product categories beginning May 28, 2008.
Link to more info

Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant Program
The Kresge Foundation is broadening the reach of its Challenge Grant Program to better support nonprofit organizations that are working to address society’s pressing issues in six fields of interest: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development.
Link to more info

McKnight Foundation
The goals of our environment program are to maintain and, where necessary, restore a healthy environment in the Mississippi River basin, and to slow the pace of global warming by helping the Upper Midwest contribute to the nation’s renewable energy supply.
Link to more info

Citizen partnership grants available for MN cities and counties
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites applications from cities and counties for projects that will strengthen and encourage partnerships between citizens and local government in reducing community greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Only City and County governments are invited to submit applications under this category.
Link to more info

US DOC Economic Development Assistance
The U.S. Department of Commerce seeks proposals for the Economic Development Assistance Programs. Under this announcement these programs include: 1) Public Works to support the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, attract private sector capital, and promote regional competitiveness, 2) Planning, 3) Local Technical Assistance, and 4) Economic Adjustment Assistance. $249.1 million expected to be available. Responses accepted on a continual basis. You can contact Jamie Lipsey with questions at jlipsey@eda.doc.gov. Refer to Sol# EDA021908.
Link to more info

Climate Change and the National Flood Insurance Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announces its intent to seek a contractor to conduct studies on the impact of climate change on the National Flood Insurance Program and to determine whether policies and methodologies for mapping coastal special flood hazard areas should be revised. The RFP will be released on or about 5/1/08. For more info, contact Beverly Howell at beverly.howell1@dhs.gov. Refer to Sol# HSFEHQ-08-R-0082.
Link to more info

Energy Foundation Offers Funding for Policy Programs to Address Energy Problems
The Energy Foundation is a partnership of major donors interested in solving the world’s energy problems. The foundation’s mission is to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy — essential components of a clean energy future. The foundation’s primary role is as a grantmaker, providing resources to the institutions that most effectively leverage change. The foundation also takes direct action, such as commissioning papers or convening meetings, to address unmet needs. The foundation’s geographic focus is the United States and China, with special emphasis on regional initiatives. The foundation makes grants in the areas of Power, Building, Transportation, and Climate. Deadlines: The foundation’s Board of Directors meets three times a year (the first week of March, the third week of June, and the first week of November). We accept proposals on a continuous basis. There are no specific deadlines. However, in order to consider a proposal for inclusion in a specific docket, we need to receive proposals approximately twelve weeks in advance of the next board meeting. Please keep in mind that it takes approximately four weeks to review proposals and inquiries and to contact you with a response.
Link to more info

HP Labs Opens Research Opportunities to Academia Through HP Labs Innovation Research Program
HP has announced a new program to allow colleges, universities, and research institutions worldwide to participate in joint research with HP Labs, the company’s central research facility, through an open and competitive process. The new HP Labs Innovation Research Program invites the worldwide academic community to submit proposals related to current research in the areas of information explosion, dynamic cloud services, content transformation, intelligent infrastructure, and sustainability. Universities are invited to address specific research topics as assigned to a number of regional groupings, based on HP Labs worldwide locations.The program is the first offering of the HP Labs Open Innovation Office, which was established earlier this year as part of HP Labs’ new approach to research. The office is responsible for deepening HP Labs’ strategic collaborations with academia, the government, and the commercial sector to produce mutually beneficial, high-impact research. To be eligible for an award under this program, an applicant’s institution must accept the HP Labs Innovation Research Program Collaborative Research Agreement as part of the proposal submission process. Key provisions of the CRA specify university and HP intellectual property rights in the project and secure other important aspects of the collaboration. Awards will consist of cash support for one year in the range of $50,000 to $75,000 each. A key element of each award will be on-campus support for one graduate-student researcher. Larger or partial awards may be made, and awards may be renewed up to a total of three years. Program guidelines, information on specific research topics by geographic region, and the online submission tool are available at the HP Web site.
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Community Improvement Programs in the U.S. and Canada Supported
The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and Canada that improve communities and positively impact lives. The grantmaking emphasis is on programs that help children and families, animals, or the environment. The Foundation’s grants range between $1,000 and $10,000 with an average grant of approximately $2,500. Requests are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed quarterly. Online applications may be submitted through the website listed above.
Link to more info

Local Forest Partnerships Funded
The National Forest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization established by Congress to support the USDA Forest Service in its management of the nation’s forests and grasslands. The Foundation’s Community Assistance Program promotes the creation of locally-based collaborative forest partnerships that seek to build environmental and community sustainability. The program provides “start-up” grants in the $5,000 to $15,000 range to newly forming or significantly re-organizing organizations that intend to proactively engage local community stakeholders in forest management and conservation issues on and around National Forests and Grasslands. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The Request for Proposals may be downloaded from the website listed above.
Link to more info

Youth Activist Projects in the U.S. and Canada Funded
Do Something is a website community where young people learn, listen, speak, vote, volunteer, ask, and take action to make the world a better place. Do Something’s Plum Youth Grants are available to individuals, age 25 or under, who want to further the growth and success of their existing community action projects. Grants of $500 are given out each week to young community activists in the U.S. and Canada. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and stay active for consideration for three months after submission. Visit the website listed above to create a project profile and submit an online application.
Link to more info

LIHEAP Clearinghouse
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces its intent to request proposals to provide a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Clearinghouse, responsible to collect, develop, organize and disseminate information on LIHEAP programs, current energy issues and trends, other low income energy assistance programs, other programs that affect LIHEAP-eligible clients and other relevant information of interest to grantees. Solicitation to be released on or about 7/12/08.
Link to more info

Sportfishing Projects Funded in the U.S. and Canada
The FishAmerica Foundation helps keep our fish and waters healthy and improve sportfishing by awarding grants to local communities to invest in sportfish conservation and research. The Foundation’s Conservation Grants Program provides funding for hands-on projects at the local level across the United States and Canada. Areas of interest include sportfish population enhancement, sportfish habitat restoration, water quality issues, and family fishing waters improvement projects. Requests for Conservation Grants may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the website listed above to review the funding guidelines and to download the application form.
Link to more info

Kresge Foundation Green Building Initiative
Environmental conservation – sustainable building practices, environmental stewardship and sound land-use planning – is a core value of The Kresge Foundation. Our Green Building Initiative advances environmental conservation by awarding planning grants for sustainable design…The integrated design process, now a best practice in the design field, is essential to achieving maximum building efficiency. Our planning grants cover the additional costs associated with implementing the integrated design process. We recommend you apply for your green building planning grant as soon as you have your design team in place.
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Kresge Foundation Environment Program
Environmental conservation is one of The Kresge Foundation’s nine overarching values. We believe the effects of climate change on the natural world is among the paramount concerns of our time, one that presents formidable challenges and risks as well as opportunities for innovation. Our Environment Program works in partnership with like-minded organizations to protect the planet and promote its long-term sustainability for future generations… Grantmaking strategies within the Environment Program will take shape over the next year. Our work at this time is focused in three broad areas of relevance to climate change.
Link to more info

AUGUST

Development and Use of Fuel Cells for Automotive, Stationary, and Portable Power
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $130 million over three years, subject to Congressional appropriations, to advance the development and use of fuel cells for automotive, stationary, and portable power applications. In addition to seeking proposals for R&D projects in the areas of transportation, stationary, and portable power, DOE is also seeking proposals to demonstrate fuel cells in distributed energy systems and to support market transformation that provide real-world operation data. The Department anticipates making up to 50 awards through this competitive funding opportunity, which is open to industry, universities, and national laboratories. With a minimum 20 percent private sector cost share for the R&D projects and a minimum 50 percent applicant cost share for the demonstration projects, the total DOE and private sector investment in advanced hydrogen fuel cell. technologies under this funding opportunity may exceed $170 million. Applications for the fuel cell funding opportunity are due on or before August 27, 2008, with funding subject to appropriations from Congress. Additional information for industry, academia, and other interested parties is offered through grants.gov funding opportunity. Additional information for national laboratories is offered through IIPS funding opportunity.
Link to more info

NASA Seeks Proposals for Global Climate Change Education Project
Grants totaling up to $500,000 will be awarded to educational institutions or nonprofits working to improve education in global climate change and Earth system science at elementary, secondary, and undergraduate levels…. Deadline: 8/29/08 (Notice of Intent)
Link to more info

SEPTEMBER

Bird Habitat Conservation in the U.S. and Canada Supported
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation Migratory Bird Program. The ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation Migratory Bird Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, provides grants for migratory bird habitat conservation projects in areas where ConocoPhillips has an operating presence. Priority will be given to projects in the following regions: Western Canada; Gulf of Mexico states, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas; Prairie states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming; and Delaware Bay. International projects will be considered in selected geographic areas. A total of $600,000 will be distributed with a minimum grant size of $25,000. Preproposals are due September 1, 2008; invited full proposals must be submitted by November 1, 2008. Program details and application instructions are available on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website.
Link to more info

U.S. Department of Commerce Technology Innovation Program
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is soliciting proposals for the Technology Innovation Program. This program supports high-risk research projects to develop innovative technologies for inspecting, monitoring and evaluating critical components of the nation’s roadways, bridges, and drinking and wastewater systems. Approximately $9 million in first-year funding is expected to be available for nine cooperative agreement awards having a cost-sharing requirement of at least 50 percent. Single companies can receive an award of up to $3 million for a project period of up to three years. Joint ventures can receive up to $9 million for a project period of up to five years. Small- and medium-sized businesses, institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and national laboratories are eligible for program support, with some restrictions on the size of companies, ownership and the types of research that are eligible. Proposals are due Sept. 4, 2008.
Link to more info

NSF Instrument Development for Biological Research
NSF is soliciting proposals for the Instrument Development for Biological Research Program. This program supports the development of novel instrumentation or instrumentation that has been improved by an order of magnitude or more in some aspects. Examples of such instrumentation include analytical instruments, sensors, microscopes of various types, and related devices for detection or measurement of biological molecules, structures or phenomena at any level, from individual molecules to whole ecosystems. Supported instruments should have a significant impact on the study of biological systems at any level. Approximately $4 million is expected to be available for 15 grants having a project period of up to four years. Eligible are U.S. academic institutions; U.S. nonprofit research organizations, including museums, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; and consortia of these organizations. Proposals are due Sept. 5, 2008.
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National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, along with its partners, recognizes the important role refuge Friends organizations play in building critical community support for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System. As such, we are requesting proposals for projects that assist organizations to be effective co-stewards of our Nation’s important natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This program provides competitive seed grants ($1,500 – $5,000) to creative and innovative proposals that seek to increase the number and effectiveness of organizations interested in assisting the Refuge System nationwide. Deadline: September 5, 2008
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MN DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of Energy Security Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Study
The Minnesota Office of Energy Security is requesting proposals for the purpose of studying how a Minnesota appropriate low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) for vehicles operated on public roads could be designed to take advantage of Minnesota’s biofuel policies, provide maximum economic and environmental benefits to Minnesotans, and ensure the continued viability of the state’s current biofuel industry. Work is proposed to start late October/early November 2008. A Request for Proposals will be available by e-mail from this office through Monday, September 8, 2008. A written request (by e-mail, direct mail. or fax) is required to receive the Request for Proposal. After Monday, September 8, 2008, the Request for Proposal must be picked up in person. The Request for Proposal can be obtained by contacting the following email address and requesting it: energy.contracts@state.mn.us or by registering on this link and downloading it. Requests are due Sept. 8, 2008.
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Targeted Watersheds Grants for Water Quality Trading or Other Market-Based Projects to Reduce the Hypoxic Zone in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals from eligible entities for the development of market-based water quality programs to improve water quality by reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment loadings, or pollutant loadings that cause low Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in local waters that enter the Mississippi River system and are ultimately discharged into the Northern Gulf of Mexico. EPA will accept proposals for the following two Priorities: (I) Market Feasibility Assessment; and (II) Program Design and/or Program Implementation. Proposals submitted under this announcement must be for projects located within at least one of the three Mississippi River sub-basins characterized by the U.S. Geologic Survey’s (USGS) eight digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) that start with the numbers 05, 07, or 08 (the Ohio River sub-basin, the Upper Mississippi River sub-basin, or the Lower Mississippi River sub-basin, respectively). Due Sept 9.
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Rio Tinto Alcan Prize for Sustainability Open for Entries
Rio Tinto Alcan and the International Business Leaders Forum have announced that the $1 million Rio Tinto Alcan Prize for Sustainability (formerly known as the Alcan Prize for Sustainability) is now open for entries.The prize is open to all not-for-profit, nongovernmental, and civil society organizations based anywhere in the world that are working to advance the goals of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The prize was created to recognize the not-for-profit sector for its contributions to global sustainability both in the community and more widely by influencing policy. In addition to the $1 million prize, nine grants worth $15,000 each will be awarded to the shortlisted NGOs to invest in one of the following three approved courses: the postgraduate certificate in cross-sector partnership at Cambridge University, the LEAD Fellows training program, or the postgraduate certificate in sustainable development from the University of London. Complete program guidelines are available at the prize program’s Web site. Deadline: September 12, 2008.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Technology Applications Program
The Research Innovative and Technology Administration is soliciting white papers for the Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Technology Applications Program. This program seeks to develop more efficient methods, processes and services for transportation infrastructure development and construction. Awards will be competitively selected from consortia teams of university research centers working in partnership with industry and state agencies. Approximately $7.5 million is expected to be available for one or more awards having a project period of up two years and a cost-sharing requirement of at least 50 percent. At the level of the prime offeror, only universities are eligible. Proposed subrecipients may be any kind of organization or individual, commercial or otherwise. White papers are due Sept. 12, 2008.
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Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED)
FRED invites applications for its Technology Grants for Rural Schools program. This program was created to help meet the growing need for innovative technology in the classroom. Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded to public schools that are working to enhance learning by increasing the use of such technology, including adding new programs and curriculum for technology education and purchasing new equipment. All projects must be implemented and purchases must be made during the 2008-09 school year. Eligible are public K-12 schools located in the service area of an OPASTCO telephone company. A letter of nomination and support from the local telephone company must accompany all applications, which are due Sept. 13, 2008.
Link to more info.

NSF Process and Reaction Engineering program
This program supports fundamental and applied research research in chemical and biochemical reaction engineering, process design and control, and reactive polymer processing. The duration of unsolicited awards is generally 1-3 years. The average annual award size for the program is $85,000. Proposals may be submitted between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 of 2008.
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NSF Chemical and Biological Separations program
This program supports fundamental research on novel methods and materials for separation processes, which are central to the chemical, biochemical, materials, energy and pharmaceutical industries. Areas of emphasis include separation of biological molecules and separations that lead to environmentally benign processing. The duration of unsolicited awards is generally 1-3 years. The average annual award size for the program is $80,000. Small equipment proposals of up to $100,000 also will be considered. Proposals may be submitted between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 of 2008.
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NSF Energy for Sustainability
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Energy for Sustainability Program. This program supports fundamental research and education in energy production, conversion, and storage, and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable, including solar, wind and biomass. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Trung Nguyen at tnguyen@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-7644.
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NSF Environmental Sustainability
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Environmental Sustainability Program. This program supports engineering research with the goal of promoting sustainable engineered systems that support human well-being and natural systems. General areas of research include: Industrial Ecology, Green Engineering, Ecological Engineering, and Earth Systems Engineering. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Bruce Hamilton at bhamilto@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-7643.
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NSF Environmental Technologies
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Environmental Implications of Emerging Technologies. This program supports research to establish and understand outcomes as a result of the implementation of new technologies, including biotechnologies, and the development and the refinement of sensors and sensor network technologies. Innovative production processes, waste reduction, recycling, and industrial ecology technologies are of particular interest. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Cynthia Ekstein at cekstein@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-1179.
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NSF Environmental Engineering
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the Environmental Engineering Program. This program supports research and educational activities, with the goal of applying engineering principles to understand and reduce adverse effects of solid, liquid,and gaseous discharges into land, inland and coastal waters, and air that result from human activity and that impair the ecological and economic value of those resources. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Clark Liu at ccliu@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-1440.
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NSF Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering. This initiative supports research that addresses problems involved in economic processing and manufacturing of products of economic importance by effectively utilizing renewable resources of biological origin and bio-informatics originating from genomic and proteomic information. Responses due 9/15/08. Contact Frederick Heineken at fheineke@nsf.gov. Refer to Sol# PD-08-1491.
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Electrostatically and Electromagnetically Clean Solar Array Panels
NASA is seeking sources capable of providing electrostatically and electromagnetically clean solar array panels, in support of the Magnetospheric Multi-Scale (MMS) Project. The MMS design will consist of four identical spacecraft that will fly in a tetrahedron formation in a science region of interest. The MMS spacecraft are spinners, each with eight body-mounted solar panels. Information received from responses to this notice will, in part, be incorporated into the MMS Observatory conceptual design. No awards will be made for responses, which are due Sept. 15, 2008.
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Vulcan Demonstration Program
DARPA is soliciting proposals for its Vulcan demonstration program. This program seeks to design, build and ground-test an engine capable of accelerating a full-scale hypersonic vehicle from rest to Mach 4+. Multiple awards are anticipated; eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals may be submitted at any time until July 29, 2009; however, they are due Sept. 15, 2008, for the initial evaluation phase.
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Support for Native American Communities in the U.S. and Canada
The mission of Honor the Earth is to create awareness and support for Native environmental issues and to develop needed financial and political resources for the survival of sustainable Native communities. Grants are provided to Native organizations in the U.S. and Canada that are controlled by Native peoples. Grantmaking categories include Environmental and Energy Justice, Building Sustainable Communities, and Youth. Priority is given to Native grassroots, community-based organizations and groups with a lack of access to federal and/or tribal funding resources. The next application deadline is September 15, 2008.
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Support for Social Change Efforts in the U.S. and Canada
The Fund for a Just Society, a program of the Unitarian Universalist Association, provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada that address issues of social and economic justice. The Fund supports organizations that use community organizing to bring about systemic change leading to a more just society and mobilize with those who have been disenfranchised and excluded from resources, power, and the right to self-determination. Consideration is given to projects that are less likely to receive conventional funding because of the innovative or challenging nature of the work or the economic and social status of the constituency. The maximum grant amount is $15,000; however, most grants range between $6,000 and $8,000. The next application deadline is September 15, 2008.
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Clean Diesel Emerging Technology Grant Funding Now Available
This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals for diesel emissions reductions projects for the use of and development and commercialization of emerging technologies. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $3 million. EPA anticipates making 2-5 cooperative agreements, ranging from $200,000 – $1,000,000, subject to availability of funds and the quality of proposals received. The closing date has been extended to September 21, 2008.
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State and Regional Programs Supported
The Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program awards grants at the state and regional level to programs that have a strong impact within the communities the company serves. Advisory Councils in all 50 states and the District of Columbia will determine how best to distribute State Giving Program funds. The program’s priority funding categories include: Education, targeting the needs of underserved young people ages 12-30; Job Skills Training, specifically support services to help people improve their work-related skills; Health, with a focus on access to healthcare and the promotion of healthy lifestyles; and Environmental Sustainability, including recycling programs, outdoor classrooms, etc. The minimum grant size for this program is $5,000. The remaining application deadlines for this year are September 25 and December 19.
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Lake and Stream Conservation Partnership Grants
This grant program for members or affiliates of Minnesota Waters provides funding assistance for innovative lake and river groups across the state carrying out shoreland habitat improvement and restoration projects, aquatic invasive species management, and/or lake and river inventorying and assessment projects to guide water resource improvement, restoration and management. A minimum 1:1 match with cash or in-kind services is required. Funded projects – approximately seven – will be short-term (12 months) in duration to demonstrate quick, tangible results and proposals must be $5,000 or less. Applications due September 26, 2008.
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CreativeIT
National Science Foundation’s CreativeIT Program solicits proposals for projects that explore synergistic cross disciplinary research in creativity and computer science and information technology. Information technology is playing an increasing role in extending the capability of human creative thinking and problem solving. The study of creativity and computing as a way to advance computer science and information technology, cognitive science, engineering, education, or science can lead to new models of creative computational processes, innovative approaches to education that encourage creativity, innovative modes of research that include creative professionals, and new technology to support human creativity. Sep 26, 2008.
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The Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation
Our mission is to support educators in developing environmental curricula that integrate field activities and classroom teaching and that incorporate basic ecological principles and problem solving. SEND 4 COPIES OF YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION POSTMARKED BY SEPTEMBER 27, 2008.
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Investments in the Future of Rural America
The CHS Foundation invests in the future of agriculture and rural America through a strong commitment to education and leadership development. Funding is program-orientated and your request should fall into one of the five program areas: University PartnershipsRural Youth, Leadership Development, Returning Value to Rural Communities, Cooperative Education, Farm and Agricultural Safety. Applications must be submitted through the online application form. As of Jan. 1, 2007, all requests must be completed online. All applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with the exception the Cooperative Education Grants, which must be submitted by Sept. 30. This is a competitive grants program and must also be completed through an online application process.
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NOAA Climate Change Research
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration requests proposals for the FY08 Broad Agency Announcement. The purpose of this BAA is to encourage research, education, outreach, innovative projects, or sponsorships that are not addressed through competitive discretionary programs. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, climate variability and climate change. Presently no funds have been appropriated for this BAA. Responses accepted through 9/30/09. Refer to Sol# NFA-NFAPO-2008-2001388.
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Air Force Collaborative Research in Multidisciplinary Science and Technology Program
The Air Force is soliciting proposals for the Collaborative Research in Multidisciplinary Science and Technology Program. This program seeks to establish a Collaborative Center in Multidisciplinary Sciences that will develop and integrate the computational tools required to perform reliable, high-fidelity, multidisciplinary analysis and design exploration of three configurations: (1) joined wing sensor-craft, (2) flapping micro-air vehicles, and (3) a supersonic long-range strike. Approximately $2.25 million over fiscal years 2009-13 is expected to be available for one cooperative agreement award having a duration of 60 months. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due Sept. 30, 2008.
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Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships
The National Science Foundation’s Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships program supports innovative, potentially transformative, complex research and education projects that require large-scale, long-term awards. Centers provide a rich environment for encouraging future scientists, engineers, and educators to take risks in pursuing discoveries and new knowledge. STCs foster excellence in education by integrating education and research, and by creating bonds between learning and inquiry so that discovery and creativity fully support the learning process. NSF expects STCs to demonstrate leadership in the involvement of groups traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering at all levels within the Center. To achieve their diversity objectives, STCs are expected to involve individuals from underrepresented groups as members of the Center faculty, and as students actively engaged in Center activities. STCs are strongly encouraged to form meaningful, substantive and long-term partnerships with minority-serving institutions, women’s colleges and institutions serving students with disabilities, thereby providing formal connections with institutions that serve large populations of underrepresented students interested in STEM. Centers undertake activities that will facilitate knowledge transfer, i.e., the mutual exchange of scientific and technical information among the Center partners and others with the objective of disseminating and utilizing knowledge broadly in multiple sectors. This would be a Cooperative Agreement – initial commitment of five years; the possibility of five-year renewal. 5-7 awards are expected. $25,000,000 for first year support of newly funded centers. Preliminary Proposal Required and Due Date is September 30, 2008.
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Awards Promote Aluminum Can Recycling Efforts
The City Recycling Challenge, an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is a national contest that rewards cities for recycling aluminum beverage cans. Cities compete against like-sized cities in four divisions determined by population. The following three types of awards of $2,500 and $5,000 are being offered: Most Cans Collected awards will be presented to the city in each division that collects the most recyclable aluminum beverage cans between October 1 and October 31, 2008. Most Innovative Ideas awards will be presented to one city in each division for developing the most exciting ideas to promote aluminum beverage can recycling in their community. Partner with Local Keep America Beautiful (KAB) Affiliate awards recognize cities that partner with their local KAB organization to create the most sustainable aluminum beverage can recycling initiative. Cities may enroll in the program through September 30, 2008.
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OCTOBER

LCCMR ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND 2009 PHASE 2 RFP
Targeted issue areas include: Land and Habitat, Water Quality, Invasive Species, Energy. In the Energy Category the foci are Renewable Energy Life Cycle Costs and Impacts and Residential Energy Conservation. PHASE 2 PROPOSAL DEADLINE Wednesday Oct. 1, 2008 @ 4:30 PM. This is a firm deadline. Electronic submissions due by 4:30 PM. Hard copies must be postmarked by or received at LCCMR office by 4:30 PM. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION REQUESTED
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Energy Frontier Research Centers
The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies for the 21st century. The EFRCs will pursue the fundamental understanding necessary to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical energy. Through this initiative, DOE seeks to bring together the skills and talents of multiple investigators to enable fundamental research of a scope and complexity that would not be possible with the standard individual investigator or small group research project. $500 million expected to be available, up to 50 awards anticipated. Responses due 10/1/08. Contact Emiela Bradford at emiela.bradford@ch.doe.gov. Refer to Sol# DE-PS02-08ER15944.
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CISE Cross-Cutting Programs: FY 2009 and FY 2010
This solicitation seeks proposals in cross-cutting areas that are scientifically timely, and that benefit from the intellectual contributions of researchers with expertise in a number of computing fields and/or sub-fields. The cross-cutting programs for FY 2009 and 2010 are: Data-intensive Computing; Network Science and Engineering; and Trustworthy Computing. The full descriptions of these programs can be found in the II. Program Description section of this solicitation. CISE expects that over time, these cross-cutting programs will evolve or be absorbed into the core programs, and that new cross-cutting programs will be introduced. The directorate anticipates receiving proposals in the Data-intensive Computing, Network Science and Engineering, and Trustworthy Computing programs at least through the FY 2010 competition (i.e. receiving proposals through December 2009). Proposers are invited to submit proposals in three project classes, which are defined as follows: Small Projects – up to $500,000 total budget with durations up to three years; Medium Projects – $500,001 to $1,200,000 total budget with durations up to four years; and Large Projects – $1,200,001 to $3,000,000 total budget with durations up to five years. Due at various times beginning in October.
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NSF Materials Processing and Manufacturing
The National Science Foundation’s MPM program supports fundamental research on the interrelationship of materials processing, structure, performance and process control. Analytical, experimental, and numerical studies are supported covering processing methods such as molding, forging, casting, welding, hydroforming, composite layup, and other materials processing approaches. Emphasis is placed on environmentally benign manufacturing and virtual manufacturing. Research leading to the development of novel processes and novel hybrid processing techniques to achieve net shape products and complex multi-scale, multi-functional products with superior quality and performance is also supported. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Structural Materials and Mechanics
The SMM program supports fundamental research on the behavior of civil infrastructure materials and the mechanics of structural components in the built environment. Of particular interest is research on structural components consisting of natural and synthetic materials, their response to mechanical, hydrothermal and time-dependent loads, and their impact on life-cycle performance and sustainable development of the civil infrastructure. Applications Due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Dynamical Systems
The DS program supports research on the theory, analysis, modeling, simulation, design, and application of dynamical systems. Examples of application areas include acoustics and vibration analysis, and noise and vibration control technologies. Of interest are multi-scale, multi-physics, and large-scale interconnected and complex dynamical systems, nonlinear, hybrid, time-varying, multi-energy domain and distributed dynamic systems, as well as biological systems, and micro and nano-scale systems. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Manufacturing Enterprise Systems
The MES program supports research on design, planning, and control of operations in manufacturing enterprises. Research is supported that impacts the analytical and computational techniques relevant to extended enterprise operations and that offer the prospect of implementable solutions. Topics of interest include analytical and computational tools for planning, monitoring, control, and scheduling of manufacturing and distribution operations, and development of methods for optimization of manufacturing enterprises in the presence of a high degree of uncertainty and risk. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Manufacturing and Construction Machines and Equipment
The MCME program supports fundamental research leading to improved machines and applications for both manufacturing and construction. Key goals are to advance the transition of these industries from skill-based to knowledge-based activities and to develop them as activities with minimal environmental and societal impact. To accomplish these goals the program emphasizes research leading to a fundamental understanding of the relevant physical processes resulting in better predictive models and improved manufacturing and construction decision making. The program also supports research on solid freeform fabrication encompassing scales from microns to meters (nanometer scale additive manufacturing is supported under the Nanomanufacturing program). Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Engineering Design and Innovation
The EDI program supports research leading to design theory and to tools and methods that enable implementation of the principles of design theory in the practice of design across the full spectrum of engineered products. The program focus is on gaining an understanding of the basic processes and phenomena underlying a holistic, life-cycle view of design. The program funds advances in basic design theory, tools and software to implement design theory, and new design methods that span multiple domains, such as design for the environment and for manufacturability. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Service Enterprise Systems
The SES program supports research on strategic decision making, design, planning and operation of commercial, nonprofit, and institutional service enterprises with the goal of improving their overall effectiveness and cost reduction. The program has a particular focus on healthcare and other similar public service institutions, and emphasizes research topics leading to more effective systems modeling and analysis as a means to improved planning, resource allocation, and policy development. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Civil Infrastructure Systems
The CIS program supports research leading to the intelligent engineering of distributed infrastructure systems. Areas of interest include intra- and inter-dependencies in infrastructure design and operation for resilience and sustainability, infrastructure protection, and advanced information technologies for health monitoring, condition assessment, deterioration and asset management. Special emphasis is on risk analysis, life-cycle frameworks, cyber-enabled simulation, and technologies for design, construction and operation of resilient and sustainable infrastructure networks. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Mechanics of Materials
The MOM program supports fundamental research on solid mechanics including theoretical, analytical, and computational approaches, model-based simulation, and the development of constitutive models. It also supports research to link the nanostructure and microstructure mechanical behavior of materials across time and length scales, including experimental and analytical research on deformation, fatigue, and fracture, and the underlying molecular and microstructural states. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Nano and Bio Mechanics
The NBM program supports fundamental research in biomechanics and nanomechanics. Research on biomechanics focuses on the mechanical properties and behavior of biological materials and structures, including cells, tissue, muscles, bones, and prosthetic implants. Research on nanomechanics focuses on the unique properties of nano-scale particles and microstructural features and their effects on the macroscopic mechanics and properties of materials, surfaces, and structures that contain them. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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NSF Materials and Surface Engineering
The MSE program supports fundamental research leading to a better understanding of the effect of microstructure, surfaces and coatings on the properties and performance of engineering materials, and the ultimate control of these properties through material design. Of particular interest is materials service under conditions such as impact, temperature extremes, corrosion, oxidation, and friction. The program also supports research leading to biomedical applications of materials. Funded research includes both experimental and theoretical approaches. Applications due Oct 01, 2008.
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Climate Change and Allergic Airway Disease
Some awards may involve or relate to geospatial information. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing research on the impact of global change on the development and severity of allergic airway disease from exposure to pollen, mold, and other plant-derived allergens. Due Oct 1, 2008.
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DOE Energy Frontier Research Centers
The Department of Energy s Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences announces the initiation of Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to accelerate the rate of scientific breakthroughs needed to create advanced energy technologies for the 21st century. The EFRCs will pursue the fundamental understanding necessary to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical energy. The Office of Basic Energy Sciences is seeking applications for the establishment of EFRCs that will bring together the skills and talents of multiple investigators to enable fundamental research of a scope and complexity that would not be possible with the standard individual investigator or small group research project. As such, the EFRCs will strengthen and complement the existing portfolio of the single Principal Investigator and small group research projects currently supported within BES core research areas. The EFRC awards are expected to be in the $2 5 million range annually for an initial five-year project period. It is anticipated that approximately $100 million will be available annually for multiple EFRC awards starting in FY 2009. Due Oct 1.
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Stewardship Science Academic Alliances Program
The objectives of the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances (SSAA) Program are to: Support the U.S. scientific community by funding research projects at universities in the areas of fundamental science and technology of relevance to Stockpile Stewardship, with a focus on those areas not supported by other federal agencies, and for which there is a recruiting need within the NNSA/DP laboratories; Provide advanced experimental measurement techniques in areas of Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, Hydrodynamics, Fluid Dynamics, and Low-Energy Nuclear Science; Provide opportunities for intellectual challenge and collaboration by promoting scientific interactions between the academic community and scientists at the NNSA/DP laboratories; Increase the availability of unique experimental facilities sited at the NNSA/DP laboratories to the broader academic community, particularly for collaborations in areas of relevance to Stockpile Stewardship; and Develop and maintain a long-term recruiting pipeline to the NNSA/DP laboratories by increasing the visibility of the NNSA/DP scientific activities to the U.S. faculty and student communities. This solicitation seeks proposals for new Research Grants, or multi-institution Consortia, or for the recompetition of existing financial assistance agreements. Applications are due on Oct. 1st, 2008.
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Progressive Grassroots Groups Funded
RESIST provides grants and loans to grassroots groups engaged in activist organizing and educational work within movements for social change. RESIST supports strategies that build community, encourage collaborations with other organizations, increase skills and access to resources, and produce leadership from the constituency being most directly affected. High priority is given to groups that fall outside of mainstream funding sources. A sample of RESIST’s interests include: community organizing and anti-racism projects, economic and environmental justice, civil rights, progressive media, and peace/anti-militarism. The upcoming application deadlines for general support grants, accessibility grants, and loans are August 1 and October 3, 2008. Emergency grant requests may be submitted at any time. Visit the RESIST website for details on each of RESIST’s grant programs.
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Coal Power Technologies with GHG Capture and Storage
This Funding Opportunity Announcement for Restructured FutureGen solicits cost-shared applications to advance coal-based power generation technologies that capture and store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). The Restructured FutureGen program is a cost-shared collaboration between the Government and industry to accelerate commercial deployment of very low, or near-zero, emissions Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) or other advanced clean coal-based power generation technology with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Under the Restructured FutureGen criteria, a demonstration unit must be designed, constructed, and operated, on an annual average basis, with at least 50 percent of the energy output used to produce electricity. A gasification-based project must produce at least 300 megawatts of gross electricity output and at least 250 megawatts of net electricity output, while a non-gasification project must be at a commercially viable size. In addition, the projects must be designed to achieve approximately 90 percent capture of carbon content in the syngas or flue gas and must achieve a minimum capture rate of 81 percent. Applications are due Oct 8, 2008.
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Awards Recognize K-12 Interactive Technology Programs
The Best Buy Teach Award program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The program rewards schools that integrate interactive technology into the curriculum in order to engage students and make learning fun. Awards are provided to schools that have launched successful programs using available technology; schools that don’t have the most current equipment should not be discouraged from applying. Awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 in the form of Best Buy Gift Cards will be granted to accredited K-12 public, private, parochial, magnet and charter schools. To receive a Teach Award, the program must have been in use for at least one full school year. Applications must be submitted online through the website listed above by October 12, 2008.
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EPA Early Career Projects: Adaptation for Future Air Quality Analysis and Decision Support Tools in Light of Global Change Impacts and Mitigation
The research grants issued under this RFA will likely involve the collection and interpretation of geospatial information. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing research to better understand the interplay of climate factors and air pollution regulatory requirements on air quality outcomes. Due Oct 21st, 2008.
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NSF/DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering
The Directorates for Engineering, Geosciences, and Mathematical and Physical Sciences of the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science/Office of Fusion Energy Sciences of the Department of Energy are continuing in FY2009 the joint Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering begun in FY1997. The goal of this three year (FY09-FY11) program initiative is to enhance plasma research and education in this broad, multidisciplinary field by coordinating efforts and combining resources of the two agencies. The initiative will address fundamental issues in plasma science and engineering that can have impact in other areas or disciplines in which improved basic understanding of the plasma state is needed. Proposals may be submitted by individual investigators or small groups from universities and two- and four-year colleges (including community colleges) located and accredited in the US and US non-profit, non-academic organizations. Applications are due Oct. 22nd, 2008.
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CISE Cross-Cutting Programs
NSF is soliciting proposals for its CISE Cross-Cutting Programs for FY 2009 and FY 2010. This solicitation covers programs that cut across all three divisions in computer and information science and engineering (CISE) and seeks proposals that are scientifically timely and that benefit from the intellectual contributions of researchers with expertise in a number of computing fields and/or subfields. The cross-cutting programs for FY 2009 and 2010 are data-intensive computing; network science and engineering; and trustworthy computing. Approximately $75 million is expected to be available annually over fiscal years 2009-10 to support 80-110 grants. Eligible are U.S. colleges and universities acting on behalf of their faculty members and nonprofit, nonacademic organizations, including independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. associated with educational or research activities. Proposals for medium, large and small projects, respectively, may be submitted between three windows in 2008: Oct. 1/Oct. 31, Nov. 1/Nov. 28 and Dec. 1/Dec. 17.
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National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation (PFI)
The goals of the Partnerships for Innovation Program are to: 1) stimulate the transformation of knowledge created by the research and education enterprise into innovations that create new wealth; build strong local, regional and national economies; and improve the national well-being; 2) broaden the participation of all types of academic institutions and all citizens in activities to meet the diverse workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise; and 3) catalyze or enhance enabling infrastructure that is necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term. To develop a set of ideas for pursuing these goals, this competition will support 12-15 promising partnerships among academe, the private sector, and state/local/ federal government that will explore new approaches to support and sustain innovation. Letter of Intent Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. proposer’s local time): October 31, 2008. Anticipated Funding Amount: $9,500,000 subject to the availability of funds and quality of proposals. Awards may be up to $600,000 with an award duration of two or three years. Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Accredited Degree Granting Institutions: U.S. universities and two- and four-year colleges located in the U.S., its territories, or possessions. Applications are due on Oct. 31st, 2008.
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NOVEMBER

Sophie Prize Invites Nominations of Individuals and Organizations Working for Sustainable Development
Administered by the Oslo-based Sophie Foundation, the Sophie Prize is an international award of $100,000 presented annually in the field of environment and sustainable development. The Sophie Prize was established in 1997 by the Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder and his wife Siri Dannevig to inspire people working towards a sustainable future. Voluntary organizations, independent research institutions, and individuals worldwide with knowledge or interest in environment and/or sustainable development or other closely related topics can nominate candidates for the prize. Candidates nominated by themselves, by their staff, or by honorary officers will not be taken into consideration. The prize is awarded to one or several persons or an organization who/which has created awareness of alternatives to modern-day development and/or initiated such alternatives in a pioneering or particularly inventive manner. Annual deadline for nomination is November 1st.
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Innovative Community News Ideas Funded
Through the Knight News Challenge, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will award $5 million for innovative ideas that develop platforms, tools, and services to transform community news, conversations, and information distribution and visualization. Grants will be provided for initiatives that will improve local online news, deepen community engagement, bring Web 2.0 tools to local neighborhoods, and develop publishing platforms and standards to support local conversations. Nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, and individuals worldwide are eligible to submit proposals that use digital news and information in a new way to create a sense of community for people in a given geographic area. This year’s competition will set aside $500,000 specifically for people 25 and under. Applications will be accepted from September 2 to November 1, 2008.
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Forecasting Ecosystem Services from Wetland Condition Analyses
Please note that the research grants issued under this rfa will likely involve the collection and interpretation of geospatial information. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications to develop relationships between wetland ecological condition indicators and ecosystem services delivery. There is a great need to extract maximum value from current efforts to conduct wetland condition surveys and to consider the full range of benefits derived from ecosystem services. (Services provided by ecosystems to humans include provisioning [e.g., providing water food, fuel, fiber]; support [soil fertility, nutrient cycling, pollination]; regulation [climate moderation, flood control]; cultural [economic, spiritual, and recreational benefits]; and preservation [biodiversity, renewable resources].) Methods to demonstrate how data on wetland condition can be used to quantify the services provided by wetlands are vital if state and tribal wetland managers are to ensure continued benefit from those services. Eligible Applicants: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification). Applications are due Nov 3, 2008.
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Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship
The Skoll Foundation’s mission is to advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting, and celebrating social entrepreneurs. The Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship support social entrepreneurs whose work has the potential for large-scale influence on critical challenges of our time: environmental sustainability, health, tolerance and human rights, institutional responsibility, economic and social equity, and peace and security. Within these issues, special consideration will be given to social entrepreneurs working in five critical sub-issue areas that threaten the survival of humanity: climate change, nuclear proliferation, global pandemics, conflict in the Middle East, and water scarcity. Skoll Awards provide later-stage funding, which is generally structured as a $1 million award paid out over three years. Programs submitted for consideration should have a track record of at least three years. The remaining application deadlines for 2008 are August 5 and November 4.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for metals research
Metals research encompasses the broad areas of physical and mechanical metallurgy. This initiative seeks to increase understanding and predictive capabilities for relating synthesis, processing, alloy chemistry, and microstructure of metals to their physical and structural properties and performance in various applications and environments. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for basic research and education in ceramics
Ceramics include oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides) and diamond and inorganic carbon-based materials. This program seeks to increase fundamental understanding and develop predictive capabilities for relating synthesis, processing and microstructure of these materials to their properties and ultimate performance in various environments and applications. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems competition
This competition promotes quantitative, interdisciplinary analyses of relevant human and natural system processes and complex interactions among human and natural systems at diverse scales. Approximately $9 million is expected to be available for 7-12 awards having a project period of up to five years. Awards ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million may be made. Proposals are due Nov. 18, 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for basic research and education on polymeric materials
Areas addressed by this funding opportunity include synthesis, molecular assembly, characterization, phase behavior, structure, morphology and properties. Particular focus is on new materials, or materials with novel or superior properties, and on fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for fundamental, experimental and combined experiment and theory projects on the physics of solid, liquid and amorphous systems
Phenomena of interest include phase transitions; localization; electronic, magnetic and lattice structure; superconductivity; elementary excitations, including electronic, magnetic, plasma and lattice; transport, magnetic and optical properties; and nonlinear dynamics. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for enhanced international collaborations in materials research and education
This program provides support for (1) international materials institutes, (2) international collaborative research and education projects with funding organizations in Europe and the Americas, and (3) Research Experiences for Undergraduates sites and Research Experiences for Teachers. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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NSF will be soliciting proposals for the Biomaterials program
This program focuses on the study of biologically related materials and phenomena, including biological pathways to new materials. Awards will be in the general areas of biological condensed matter physics and chemistry and biologically related materials science. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 15 and Nov. 7 of 2008.
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Organic Farming Research and Education and Outreach Grants
The Organic Farming Research Foundation requests proposals for Research and Education and Outreach Grants. Research Grants support research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to the greater agricultural community. Average grant $13K. Education and Outreach Grants support the development of educational opportunities and materials that are pertinent to organic agricultural production or marketing and are aimed at organic producers and/or those considering making the transition to organic certification. Average grants generally $8.8K. Responses due 7/15/08 and 11/17/08.
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DECEMBER

National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA)
NCIIA invites applications for grants to support and strengthen invention, innovation and entrepreneurship education through curricular development and the work of advanced e-teams. Three major categories of grants are described below. Only faculty and staff from current NCIIA member institutions are eligible to apply; NCIIA membership is available to U.S. colleges and universities. Applications deadlines are Dec. 1, 2008, unless noted otherwise.
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Save Energy Now Assessments Offered at No Cost—Apply Today!
There’s still time to apply for a 2008 Save Energy Now energy assessment of your facility to discover new and cost-effective ways to save energy. To date, U.S. manufacturing facilities have identified energy cost savings of more than $807 million through Save Energy Now. Typically, large plants must consume at least 0.3 trillion (300 billion) Btu per year to qualify for an assessment. However, ITP is now reviewing applications on a case-by-case basis. Read the requirements for participation. A DOE Energy Expert who is trained in the use of DOE’s software tools will work with representatives from your company to analyze your most energy-intensive manufacturing process systems. It is recommended that your staff attend DOE training on the system to be analyzed prior to the assessment. Companies are also asked to use the Quick Plant Energy Profiler (Quick PEP) tool to evaluate the overall energy use in your plant and obtain a preliminary estimate of potential energy and cost savings. Applications will be reviewed up to Dec. 1st, 2008.
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Conferences, Workshops & Meetings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Broad Agency Announcement for Conferences, Workshops, and/or Meetings. Through this BAA, EPA seeks proposals for planning, arranging, administering and/or conducting conferences, workshops, and/or meetings that focus on research to protect human health and safeguard the environment. Subject areas include, but are not limited to: Economics and sustainability; and air and global climate change. $500K expected to be available, up to 15 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/5/08 and 12/9/08. Contact Bernice Smith at smith.bernicel@epa.gov. Refer to Sol# EPA-C2008-BAA-C1 to C5.
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NSF & DOE Partnership in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering program
The NSF/DOE Partnership funds research in the fundamental physics of plasmas. Types of phenomena investigated include transport in plasmas in confined magnetic structures, non-neutral plasmas in traps, dusty plasmas in laboratory configurations, and high-field laser-plasma interactions. Both theoretical and experimental research is included. Proposals are due Dec. 10, 2008.
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Science of Science and Innovation Policy
Characterizing the dynamics of discovery and innovation is important for developing valid metrics, for predicting future returns on investments, for constructing fruitful policies, and for developing new forms of workforce education and training. The National Science Foundation FY 2009 competition includes three emphasis areas: Analytical Tools, Model Building, and Data Development and Augmentation. The emergent body of research will develop and utilize techniques for retrospective and prospective analyses. In addition, research will provide insight into factors that propagate new ideas at levels from the molecular functioning of the human brain to the organizational, state, national and international levels as well as advances the analysis and visualization of datasets describing complex social relationships and networks. In addition to these three emphasis areas, the FY 2009 competition particularly encourages the submission of proposals that demonstrate the viability of collecting and analyzing data on knowledge generation and innovation in organizations. In addition to providing innovative and scientifically based ways of describing and analyzing knowledge generation and innovation in organizations, these demonstration projects should address three specific aspects of the data collection approach: scalability and sustainability; protection of the confidentiality of respondents in computerized, widely accessible databases; and evaluation and assessment of the project’s progress towards its scientific goals. Due Dec. 16th, 2008.
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DOE to Guarantee $10 Billion in Loans for Efficiency, Renewables
DOE is offering $10 billion in loan guarantees for projects involving energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced transmission and distribution. The agency is seeking projects relating to biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind energy, as well as projects involving hydropower, alternative fuel vehicles, and energy efficiency. In addition to general energy efficiency projects, the solicitation specifically requests projects relating to energy efficient building technologies and efficient electricity transmission, distribution, and storage. DOE intends to issue loan guarantees for stand-alone projects, as well as projects relating to manufacturing technologies and the large-scale integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technologies into the electrical grid. The agency issued a solicitation on Monday for the loan guarantees, along with two solicitations for nuclear power that increase the total loan guarantee package to $30.5 billion.
DOE’s Loan Guarantee Program was established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and is intended only for projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions and employ “new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States.” A technology is considered to be commercialized if it has been installed in three or more commercial projects in the United States and has been in service for at least 5 years. The solicitation includes an illustrative list of technologies, but does not restrict applications to technologies on that list. The guarantees can be issued for loans of up to 80% of a project’s total cost. Applications are due on December 31.
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$10 Billion in Efficient and Clean Energy Loan Guarantees
The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Federal Loan Guarantees for Projects that Employ Innovative Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Advanced Transmission and Distribution Technologies. DOE seeks projects related to biomass, geothermal, solar, wind energy, hydropower, alternative fuel vehicles, energy efficiency, energy efficient building technologies and efficient electricity transmission, distribution, and storage. DOE intends to issue loan guarantees for stand-alone projects and projects related to manufacturing technologies and the large-scale integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technologies into the electrical grid. $10 billion expected to be available. The guarantees can be issued for loans of up to 80% of total project cost. Applications due 12/31/08.
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2009

US Department of Energy Clean Coal Power Initiative, Round 3 Grant
This CCPI announcement is specifically targeting advanced coal-based systems and subsystems that capture and sequester, or put to beneficial reuse, carbon dioxide emissions. The announcement is also open to any coal-based, advanced carbon capture technologies that result in co-benefits with respect to efficiency, environmental, or economic improvements potentially capable of achieving CCPI coal technology performance levels specified in the EPACT 2005, Title IV, Subtitle A, Section 402 (Table 1). Applications are due Jan. 15th, 2009.
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February – Plasma Science Centers
The Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (OFES) of the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announces its interest in receiving cooperative agreement applications for Plasma Science Centers with a research focus in plasma science. The duration of the Center cooperative agreement will be five years, with the possibility of a one time renewal for five more years… The development of new investigative techniques and research tools presents a window of opportunity for fundamental advances in the understanding of plasma science. Many of the issues in plasma science are sufficiently complex that significant progress requires closely interacting, critical-mass groups of scientists with a broad mix of skills and backgrounds. There is also a need to strengthen the connection between the fusion research community and the broader scientific community. The objective of this initiative is to fund one or two university-based Plasma Science Centers (PSC), which will focus on fundamental issues in plasma science. The PSC will be supported to perform plasma science research in areas of such wide scope and complexity that it would not be feasible for individual investigators or small groups to make progress. For example, understanding the dynamics of plasma turbulence and transport requires the development of appropriate physical models, computational algorithms for treating disparate space and times scales, as well as complex magnetic geometries, efficient programming on massively parallel computing platforms, and an understanding of nonlinear physics. A well coordinated collaboration of a team of scientists is more likely to have the breadth of knowledge and skills required to tackle such large and complex problems successfully. Due Feb 2009.
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Hydrogen Student Design Contest
The Hydrogen Education Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of the 2008-2009 Hydrogen Student Design Contest theme: A Green Building with Hydrogen! HEF staff has chosen a proposal that will focus on designing a green dormitory utilizing a hydrogen system for electricity supply. The design will be intended for the State University of New York – Farmingdale, but will be applicable for other locations. The Contest is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, with teams typically consisting of ten students and one faculty advisor. Winning teams will be eligible for up to $5,000 in funding to travel to the 2009 National Hydrogen Association Conference and Hydrogen Expo in Columbia, SC to present their designs to over 1,000 energy industry leaders. Team registration is now open and the official Contest Rules and Guidelines will be released in the coming weeks – so get your team together and register today! Not sure if you can get a team together? Contact HEF staff to see if we can assist you, and be sure to sign up for the Design Contest mailing list to assure that you are kept up to date on all Contest developments. Due Feb. 2009.
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Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program
The Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) program develops long-term partnerships among industry, academe, and government. The centers are catalyzed by a small investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and are primarily supported by industry center members, with NSF taking a supporting role in their development and evolution. Each center is established to conduct research that is of interest to both the industry and the center. An I/UCRC not only contributes to the Nation’s research infrastructure base and enhances the intellectual capacity of the engineering and science workforce through the integration of research and education, but also encourages and fosters international cooperation and collaborative projects. Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Universities and Colleges: Universities and two- and four-year colleges (including community colleges) located and accredited in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Applications are due March 6, 2009.
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April – Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships
Organization Limit: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Preliminary proposals and invited full proposals may be submitted by U.S. academic institutions that have research and degree-granting education programs in any area of research supported by NSF. The lead institution is expected to develop multi-institutional partnerships or arrangements with other universities/colleges, national laboratories, research museums, private sector research laboratories, state and local government laboratories, and international collaborations that enable the Center to attain its strategic goals. Partner institutions invest intellectual resources in Center activities and work collaboratively with the lead institution and NSF to ensure integration of the research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer activities of the Center and to attain the performance goals of the Center. The lead institution has ultimate responsibility for planning, operating, and managing all Center activities, including institutional resources provided by the partners. NSF will not provide funds to non-U.S. partner institutions. Due April 30, 2009.
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Clean Energy Resource Teams