Other Financial Sources

The following list features a variety of funding sources that are attainable based on factors such as partnerships, location, and niche market.

StePP Foundation

The StePP foundation funds projects with quantifiable environmental benefits to air, land, water, waste, and energy—individually or in combination. To apply for funding, submit a project idea outline at www.steppfoundation.org. This will officially log your idea into the Environmental Project Pipeline, allowing it to be considered for current and future funding opportunities over a 12-month period.

State Energy Program

The State Energy Program Web site offers a searchable database of funded projects and a wide range information on working with State Energy Offices.

Vehicle Manufacturers

New coordinators need to know the regional representatives for each vehicle manufacturer. This information can be found via the Light-Duty Vehicle Dealers page (www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/vbg/fleets/dealers.html) in the Vehicle Buyer's Guide for Fleets. Many manufacturers support Advancing the Choice events; some have separate funds to support other Clean Cities activities. Visit www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/vbg/fleets/.

Fuel Providers

Fuel providers are frequently receptive to projects that promote use of their fuels. New providers that need to attract customers are particularly interested in partnership opportunities that increase public awareness of their facilities. Seasoned providers with established customers bases are often interested in looking for ways to cut costs and improve their performance ratings and corporate image.

Foundations

Coalitions that are public nonprofit organizations may qualify for foundation funds. Matching your goals with foundation missions is the key to success. Look to local and state foundations first, and get to know what types of projects they support. For advice on approaching foundations, visit the Foundation Center Web site at www.foundationcenter.org/. For more information on local foundations, visit your local library's reference desk and ask for the foundation guide.

Metropolitan Planning Office (MPO)

Contact your local MPO for information about additional funding opportunities and potential project partners.

Transportation-Related Grants Database

Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Transportation Air Quality Center, this site lists financial opportunities. To access the information, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/aa/grants.nsf and click Grant Programs: Descriptions and Links.

Grants and Debarment Web Page

Visit www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm and consult the Regions links at the bottom of this EPA Web page for region-specific funding information.

Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

This EPA site at www.epa.gov/epahome/nonprof.htm offers links to a number of addition funding opportunities.

EPA Environmental Education Grants

These grants support environmental education projects that enhance public awareness, knowledge, and skills related to making informed decisions that impact environmental quality. Visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html.

Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

PERC promotes the safe, efficient use of propane. Its top priorities include developing projects to enhance consumer and employee safety and training, providing research and development of clean and efficient propane utilization equipment, and educating the public about propane safety. PERC has a grant review schedule and accepts unsolicited proposals. In addition, it may provide matching funding for grant programs. For more information, visit www.usepropane.com, or e-mail info@propanecouncil.org.

National Highway System (NHS)

Funds are available for improvements to rural and urban roads that are part of the NHS. Under certain conditions, these funds may be used for transit improvements in NHS corridors. Up to 50% of these funds may be transferred for interstate maintenance, surface transportation programs, CMAQ, and bridge funding programs. Visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep10/nhs/index.html.

Gas Technology Institute (GTI)

GTI jointly funds projects with Clean Cities coalitions for natural gas vehicles and fueling. It regularly announces specific project and grant opportunities that target technology related to natural gas vehicles. Visit www.gri.org.

Printable Version