Federal Grant Opportunities: August 5, 2025 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. Featured Funding OpportunitiesWeatherization 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.  Program services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children, and people with disabilities.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.America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Funding OpportunitiesThe HFFI grant program at USDA aims to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities. These grants assist communities in project development, retail renovation and expansion, and technical assistance to support capacity building.  The HFFI Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund (HFFI FARE Fund) has competitive grants and technical assistance available for eligible food retail and food retail supply chain projects in the predevelopment and implementation stages.To be considered for a grant in Round 3 of the HFFI FARE Fund, Funding Inquiry forms must be received by August 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Any Inquiry Forms submitted after this date and time will not be considered.New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP)Governor Kathy Hochul announced $200 million in new funding for zero-emission school buses through the Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Distributed via the NYSBIP, the funds support electric bus purchases, charging infrastructure, and fleet planning to improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities across the state.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Partners for Fish and Wildlife ProgramThe Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land.Projects are voluntary and customized to meet landowners’ needs. Participating landowners continue to own and manage their land while they improve conditions for wildlife.A phone call or email is all it takes to get started. Contact our state coordinator to schedule an initial site visit and learn how Partners for Fish and Wildlife can help you. Featured Federal and State ResourcesEFC's Community Assistance Teams: Lunch and Learn WebinarsEFC’s recorded webinars are available on-demand, offering expert insights on water and wastewater infrastructure funding programs, application processes, and updates. Stay informed and up to date—watch anytime at your convenience.Water Infrastructure Funding Webinar, March 2025All About Intended Use Plans, April 2025Water Infrastructure Funding from the Department of State, June 2025Water Infrastructure Funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation, June 2025Water Infrastructure Funding from the Division of Homes and Community Renewal, June 2025 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.New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) - NYS Multi-Agency Small Business Resource PresentationWatch this free session as representatives from several NYS agencies share information about resources and services available to assist small businesses. Topics include licensing, regulations, taxes, insurance, grants, training, and more. Federal Funding AnnouncementsThis 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 [email protected] or (518) 465-0700.