December Monthly Grants Newsletter 

As we start to think about the beginning of a new year, the thought of applying for new and recurring grant programs can be anything but merry. For this reason, I am happy to share out this month's grants newsletter that highlights several upcoming federal grant programs and ways that my office can be of service to you.  

Over the holidays, feel free to look back at our Guide to Grants Webinars with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As always, I am proud to represent you, and my team is honored to serve you. 

Celebrating the Good People of PA-17

This month, we would like to congratulate Pittsburgh Robotics Network on receiving $750,000 in federal funding to advance our local robotics industry in Western PA. Specifically, this project will help the Pittsburgh Robotics Network launch a new leadership program, the Robotics Leadership Academy, to train more than 200 workers with important skills for robotics innovation and commercialization.

The federal funding for this project comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)'s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. This grant program targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America's energy production.   

To learn more about this PA-17 Highlight, check out our full press release here. You can find out more about ARC and their POWER grant funding here.

Upcoming Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened its Assistance for Firefighters Grants (AFG) program to fund critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies and support community resilience. Fire departments, state fire training academies and emergency medial service organizations are encouraged to apply by December 20, 2024.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $58 million for its Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Program, which offers funds for local governments and community organizations to improve recycling and materials management infrastructure. Applications are due by December 20, 2024.

The EPA has opened another round of funding for their Clean School Bus Rebate Program, in which school districts can apply for anywhere from one to fifty buses in their fleet to be replaced with clean and zero-emission models. High-need, rural, and large Title I-funded school districts are prioritized for selection. Interested school districts can check their prioritization status here and should apply by January 9, 2025. 

The National Endowment for the Humanities has opened their Digital Humanities Advancement Grants to support work that is innovative, experimental, and contributes to the critical infrastructure that underpins scholarly research, teaching, and public programming in the humanities. Eligible applicants should apply by January 9, 2025. 

The United States Department of Agriculture recently opened The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants Program for school districts and community organizations to carry out Farm to School programs that give students access to fresh produce. Interested applicants should apply by January 10, 2025. 

The United States Geological Survey is offering a Cooperative Landslide Mapping and Assessment Program to fund research, mapping, assessment, and data collection on landslide hazards within the jurisdiction of the applicants. This application is due by January 15, 2025. 

The Department of Transportation is accepting applicants for their Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program. This is a competitive grant for projects that enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems against natural hazards. Applicants should apply by February 24, 2025. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is opening its grant program application for Rural Emergency Medical Services Program. This grant will provide money to recruit and train new EMS personnel with a focus on tackling substance use disorders. Interested rural emergency medical service agencies should apply by March 20, 2025.

The Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstration opened up its Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Program, providing $400 million in funding for community-driven projects in areas with less than 10,000 people that aim to build clean energy knowledge, capacity, and self-reliance. All interested groups are eligible and must submit concept papers by February 27, 2025, and full applications by August 28, 2025.