Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California. The situation remains critical as strong winds continue to make it all the more challenging to control. The widespread destruction is leaving thousands without homes, dozens have lost their lives and countless acres of land have been scorched. While California is over 1,000+ miles away from any of us here in the Midwest region, the threat of uncontrolled wildfires is still ever-present. See below for an open funding opportunity in the Midwest region to help make landscapes more resilient to fire and helping people and infrastructure better prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Grant Processes Overview 1-Day Workshop is January 24, 2025 in Des Moines, IA at the City of Des Moines Municipal Services Center. Check our Grant Training page for more info (and for future free trainings)! 7 spots remain! You can register here!
- Free Grant Training and Coaching Opportunity from Institute for Sustainable Communities led by experts at Writing for Green for regional EJ TCTACs (up to 1,000 participants total!) Here is a one-page info sheet!
- Summit early bird registration is still open. April 30 – May 2, 2025 in Madison, WI–we hope to see you there!
- What federal data sources are at greatest risk? The MCC is collecting federal data resources folks are regularly using and if you are resources you are most worried about losing access to in an administration change. Please share here or send me an email. NOAA? USDA? CJST?
AWARDS
- U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $44.5 million in grant awards for communities in 13 states and Puerto Rico under its Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). Midwest winners include;
- Wisconsin launched its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program. Additionally, Wisconsin opened its first three NEVI-funded EV charging stations, located in Ashland, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
- Low Income Communities Bonus Tax Credit Program another round was just announced starting months ahead of scheduled–30 day initial application window opens January 16th and will accept rolling applications through August 6th.
- Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program
- Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin). Indian Tribes in this regional footprint can apply through this notice
- Can be used to 1) develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans, 2) Implement projects described in a Community Wildfire Protection Plan that are less than ten years old
- Department of Energy Technical Assistance Hub grant opportunity due Jan 28th.
- Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
RESOURCES
- Progressive Caucus Resources for Direct Pay (audience specific direct pay resources and information for local governments, schools, non-profits, requests for TA and more!)