Federal Grant Opportunities: August 20, 2024 My office is sharing the following information on federal grant opportunities available to you. If you are applying for a grant that accepts Congressional letters of support, or if you are seeking additional information or guidance in your application process, please contact our office. We stand ready to assist you. You're Invited! I'm Hosting a Grants 102 Webinar on Grant Writing and Proposal DevelopmentThroughout my time in Congress, I have worked diligently to connect Capital Region municipalities and nonprofits with federal grant opportunities that fit their needs. Last September, my office hosted a virtual “Grants 101” webinar to provide potential applicants with information on where and how to find federal grants, guidance on how to register to apply for and receive grants, and information on resources available to grant applicants.Tomorrow, August 21st at 12:00 PM, my office will be hosting a follow up webinar: “Grants 102.” This webinar will focus on grant writing and how to prepare a grant application proposal.All are invited to attend, and you can register using the link HERE. Once you register, you will receive an email containing the Zoom link to join the virtual workshop. You must register in order to attend. Featured Funding OpportunitiesFiscal Year 2025 Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant ProgramsThe mission of IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Each year, the IMLS provides grant funding to museums through the following programs:21st Century Museum Professionals ProgramMuseums for AmericaNational Leadership Grants for MuseumsMuseums EmpoweredInspire! Grants for Small MuseumsMuseum Grants for African American History and CultureMuseum Grants for American Latino History and CultureApplications for these programs are due November 15, 2024.2024 Good Jobs ChallengeThe Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. The awardees funded by the Good Jobs Challenge expand opportunities across diverse populations, regions, and communities, focusing on coordinated and comprehensive approaches to removing systemic barriers for workers through support services such as childcare and transportation, and opening doors to a variety of paid on-the-job training opportunities.The deadline to apply is September 27, 2024, at 4:59 EST.FY23-24 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant ProgramThis program provides funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. Eligible Projects Include: Grade separation or closure, including through the use of a bridge, embankment, tunnel, or combination thereof;Track relocation;Improvement or installation of protective devices, signals, signs, or other; Measures to improve safety related to a separation, closure, or track relocation project;Other means to improve the safety if related to the mobility of people and goods at highway-rail grade crossings (including technological solutions);The planning, environmental review, and design of an eligible project type.Applications are due no later than 11:59 pm ET on September 23, 2024. Home Energy Improvements: EmPower+ and the Inflation Reduction ActThis May, New York became the first state to offer U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebate Funding. Funds are now available through the State’s EmPower+ Program. EmPower+ helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money toward energy improvements made to their primary residence.Through EmPower+, eligible New Yorkers can receive:No-cost comprehensive home energy assessments to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage.No-cost direct install improvements identified during the assessment can be installed by participating program contractors.Funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades.The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households. Click here for the EmPower+ Application! For assistance in applying and navigating home energy upgrades, connect with the Capital Region Clean Energy Hub.Next week, I’m holding a workshop on Thursday, August 29th at 6:00 PM at the Albany Public Library’s Washington Avenue Branch, located at 161 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210 to provide information and details on how individuals can access financial benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) through the EmPower+ Program.Homeowners and renters can find out if they are eligible by following THIS LINK. If you are eligible for this program, I encourage you to attend this workshop. You can register and submit any questions you may have about Inflation Reduction Act rebates on my website HERE. Weatherization Assistance ProgramThe NYS Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. NYS WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and some renters in our state by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes.Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance.  If a household contains a member who receives Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits or certain other forms of public assistance, the household is automatically eligible for NYS WAP services.  Applications are accepted from renters, homeowners, and rental property owners.  Potential program participants apply by contacting the WAP provider that serves their area.Find Your Weatherization Provider Here!Services include but are not limited to:sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss;insulation of attics and walls;heating system repairs or replacement;providing efficient lighting and refrigeration;window and/or outside door repair or replacement;minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed; andmitigation of energy-related health and safety issues. Small Business ResourcesThe Albany Small Business Development Center serves small businesses in the Capital Region. Since its start in 1984, the expert advisors of the Albany SBDC have worked directly with 28,053 businesses, helping them to invest $543,926,495 in the area's economy, and create or save 15,244 jobs.You can make an appointment for counseling by calling 518-442-7232 or filling out their online form.Albany SBDC SEED Loan ProgramThe SEED Program is a character-based loan fund developed in a partnership between Broadview Credit Union and the University at Albany's Small Business Development Center, School of Business, and School of Social Welfare. The program provides character-based loans up to $35,000 for start-up and expanding businesses in the Capital Region of NY.  The application deadline is September 3rd. Federal Funding Announcements This summary includes new or updated opportunities in the following areas. Please click on the topic below to view all grant announcements:Agriculture, Food and NutritionArts, Culture and HistoryBusiness, Jobs and Workforce DevelopmentChildren, Youth, Families, Older Americans and VeteransCommunity DevelopmentCrime Prevention, Justice and Public SafetyEducationEnergy, Environment and WildlifeHealthHousing and HomelessnessInfrastructure, Transportation and WaterInternational DevelopmentScience, Technology and Research This summary has been brought to you by the Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20). Does one of these grants accept Congressional Letters of Support? Please contact our office to find out how Rep. Tonko can support your request. Grant deadlines and guidelines may change. Please check with the awarding agency before applying. Please feel free to share this newsletter with others who may be interested. To join or remove yourself from this mailing list, or if you have specific grant questions, please contact Natalie Lincoln at natalie.lincoln@mail.house.gov or (518) 465-0700. image widgetimage widget