The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for its 2024 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant program focused on enhancing technical assistance and outreach to farmers on nutrient management within the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). With an anticipated funding pool of approximately $4 million, the program intends to award between five to ten grants ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the availability of funds and the quality of applications. The primary aim of these grants is to support sustainable agricultural practices that prevent nutrient loss, particularly phosphorus, which contributes to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie.

The initiative specifically targets the WLEB, covering portions of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, where agricultural runoff is a significant contributor to water quality challenges. Projects funded under this grant are expected to promote nutrient management strategies, which could include the Four Rs framework—Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place—for fertilizer application. Successful projects should provide practical assistance to farmers, helping them manage fertilizer and manure in ways that reduce excess runoff and contribute to healthier water quality in Lake Erie and its surrounding watersheds.

Entities eligible to apply include state and local government agencies, federally recognized tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, with partnerships encouraged but not mandatory. The RFA encourages a focus on direct technical support, building relationships with local farmers, and possibly collaborating with trusted local advisors, such as certified crop advisors, conservation agronomists, and fertilizer retailers. EPA emphasizes the importance of reaching farmers who are not currently engaged in nutrient management programs to broaden the impact of these conservation efforts.

Applications should include a comprehensive project narrative and budget, outlining the scope of work, milestones, expected outputs and outcomes, and proposed metrics for success. The EPA seeks projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, such as the reduction of phosphorus loads, increased acres of farmland with nutrient management practices, and stronger farmer engagement in voluntary conservation efforts. Priority will be given to applications that detail specific outreach events, education sessions, and potential for long-term impact.

To apply, applicants must submit their application through Grants.gov by November 22, 2024. A pre-application webinar is scheduled for October 9, 2024, and any inquiries about the application process must be submitted by November 15, 2024. Selected applicants will be notified in February 2025, with project periods beginning as early as March 1, 2025, and spanning up to four years. EPA expects funded projects to align with its Strategic Plan, specifically Goal 5, which emphasizes the protection and restoration of water bodies and watersheds.

EPA will evaluate applications based on factors including the applicant’s understanding of nutrient management challenges, the feasibility of the implementation strategy, the qualifications of the applicant team, and past performance in managing similar projects. Additionally, the budget narrative will be assessed for cost-effectiveness and clarity in fund allocation. Applications that demonstrate an efficient and effective plan for project implementation, including collaborative partnerships and strategies for outreach, will be scored favorably.

Applicants should note that project reports, including semi-annual progress and a final report, will be required to document accomplishments, setbacks, and financial expenditures. Compliance with all federal requirements, including those related to environmental data quality and reporting on subawards, is mandatory. For more details and application forms, applicants are directed to the EPA’s GLRI program page and encouraged to join the GLRI mailing list for updates.