Health Information Services Promotion FY12

Application due: 12/30/2011
Sponsor: National Network of Libraries of Medicine Pacific Northwest Region
Full solicitation

The purpose of this program is to support projects that promote health awareness and literacy using outreach efforts. Funds will be given to projects that promote health information services by collaborating with a public relations firm to produce promotional posters, displays, brochures, fliers, bookmarks, and similar promotional items. Projects may utilize social media to increase public awareness of health information services or resources. In addition, projects may facilitate a special event that encourages the use of new or unique services such as scholarly research support, evidence-based practice, and health information literacy.

Projects that develop a website must comply with Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. Refer to the Section508 file for further information.

Award recipients must acknowledge support of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine when publicizing project-related activities.

Eligible costs may include personal appeal items, such as cameras, MP3 players, smart phones, and laptop computers.

Dollar General Teen Summer Internship Program FY12

The purpose of this program is to support teen intern programs for summer reading programs. Funding can be used for intern stipends, training, or other intern-related activities.


Due: 01/01/2012
Sponsor: FD Foundation, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
Limited Eligibility- Full Solicitation

Discovery Research K-12: Full Research and Development Awards FY 12

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Due: 01/10/2012
Full Solicitation


The purpose of this program is to support projects that lead to innovative and sustainable improvements in the learning and teaching of pre-K through 12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The program encourages projects that build upon current educational research and promotes effective STEM practices in diverse pre-K through 12 classrooms. Projects should include interdisciplinary teams of scientific researchers, educators, and future researchers such as graduate students. All projects must demonstrate content that is important from a disciplinary and learning perspective.

Program categories are:

• Assessment: projects that develop and study valid and reliable assessments of student and teacher knowledge, skills, and practices; including summative and formative assessment and assessment of teacher and pedagogical content knowledge
• Learning: projects that develop and study resources, models, and tools to support all students' STEM learning; enhance their knowledge and abilities; and build their interest in STEM fields
• Teaching: projects that develop and study resources, models, and tools to help pre- and in-service teachers provide high quality STEM education for all students; including recruitment and retention of STEM teachers, resources for teacher development, and sharing tools
• Scale-up and sustainability: projects that develop and study the factors that contribute to successful implementation, scale-up, and sustainability of proven, high-quality innovations in schools and districts in a cost effective manner

This program is composed of three components:

• (Part A): Full Research and Development Awards
• (Part B): Exploratory Awards
• (Part C): Synthesis Awards
• (Part D): Conference and Workshop Awards

The purpose of the Full Research and Development Awards component is to build upon promising, existing projects that have demonstrated effectiveness in small sets of classrooms, schools, or other learning settings. Projects should result in completed products that are ready for implementation.

Program component (Part C): Synthesis Awards is not being offered during the current fiscal year.

John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award FY 12

Application due: 03/15/2012
Sponsor- The H.W. Wilson Foundation, American Library Association, EBSCO Publishing


The purpose of this program is to honor outstanding projects of library public relations and strategic communications. Eligible projects can include innovative ways to promote summer reading or reach a new audience, the creation of an effective awareness campaign, or an innovative partnership that has solved a problem or met a community need.


For more information, please view the full solicitation here.

USDA- Specialty Crop Research Initiative

Letter of Intent due: November 25, 2011
Full Proposal due: January 31, 2012

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) was established to solve critical industry issues through research and extension activities. SCRI will give priority to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, or trans-disciplinary; and include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas: research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop characteristics; efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators; efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term; new innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops.

Click here for full announcement.

National Endowment for the Humanities- Planning and Implementation Grants

Applications due: January 11, 2012

NEH offers two categories of grants for America's Historical and Cultural Organizations: planning and implementation grants. Planning grants are available for projects that may need further development before applying for implementation. This planning can include the identification and refinement of the project's main humanities ideas and questions, consultation with scholars, preliminary audience evaluation, preliminary programming, research, or the drafting of interpretive materials.

Implementation grants support the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public.

Visit here for both full solicitations.

Robert A. Welch Foundation Research Grant- FY 12

The purpose of this program is to support fundamental chemical research at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions within the state of Texas. In specific, the program provides support for a full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member to conduct research in chemistry.

Funding may be used for the following:
-Fellowships and scholarships
-Fringe benefits for individuals receiving fellowship
-Permanent scientific equipment with at least one year useful life expectancy and costing a minimum of $5,000
-Expendable scientific items, services, and equipment maintenance
-Publication expenses
-Travel expenses not exceeding $1,500 per funding cycle.

Application due: 02/01/2012

For more information, please visit the full solicitation here.

Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowships for Graduate Environmental Study

Application due: 11/08/2011


The purpose of this program is to ensure the U.S. meets human resource needs in the environmental science, engineering, and policy fields by supporting graduate-level projects that address protection of human health and the environment from various perspectives/approaches, with a focus on pollution prevention and/or control. Fellowship awards will be provided to promising students obtaining advanced degrees to pursue careers in an environmental field. Funds will support a monthly stipend, tuition, and expenses for students beginning a master's or doctoral program and undertaking a project that addresses one of the following topic/subtopic areas:

-Emerging Environmental Approaches and Challenges

-Air,Climate, and Energy

-Chemical Safety for Sustainability

-Human Health Risk Assessment

-Safe and Sustainable Water Resources

-Safe and Health Communities

Click here for full solicitation.

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program -STATEMAP- FY 12

Application due: 11/02/2011
Solicitation posted: 09/21/2011


The purpose of this program is to establish the geological makeup of areas that are determined to be of vital importance to the economic, social, or scientific welfare of individual states. As part of this program, the state geologist within each state to be mapped must determine mapping priorities in conjunction with a state mapping advisory committee represented by multiple stakeholder groups. 


For more details, please visit the full solicitation.

Basic Research to Enable Agricultural Development (BREAD)

Full Proposal Deadline Date:  November 22, 2011

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) are partnering to support a new research program to be administered by NSF. The objective of the BREAD Program is to support innovative basic scientific research designed to address key constraints to smallholder agriculture in the developing world. A significant distinction between BREAD and other NSF programs is that proposals to BREAD must make a clear and well-defined connection between the outcomes of the proposed basic research and its direct relevance and potential application to agriculture in the developing world. The BREAD Program takes the activities of the Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) to the next level by supporting a broader range of scientific research and by enabling funding to be allocated to international collaborators through subawards.

The Program's focus is on novel, transformative basic research at the proof-of-concept stage rather than its application or development. Especially encouraged are original proposals that address major constraints to the productivity of crops important to smallholder farmers, or on the development of novel and efficient production practices. Although the Program places an initial emphasis on crop improvement, it will also consider innovative basic research proposals from scientists in all fields of research in the biological and physical sciences and engineering as long as the proposed research is consistent with the Program objectives. Proposals are also expected to address project outcomes in the context of broader societal impacts, and as appropriate to the research proposed, engage international partners in scientific collaborations.


For full solicitation, click here.

Texas Commission on the Arts: Arts Respond Performance Support FY12

The Texas Touring Arts Program is designed to ensure that all Texans have the ability to enjoy performances by outstanding Texas-based companies and artists in their own communities. The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) provides grants to help with the costs of bringing in companies and artists from this roster for performances.

Performing arts companies and artists from throughout the state apply to be included on the Texas Touring Roster. These artists must have a history of touring and must be willing to travel outside of their community to do a performance. They are also required to maintain a reasonable fee range. Evaluators with expertise in touring arts evaluate applicants to this program. Artists approved for fiscal years 2011-2012 are included in this roster.

Arts Respond Performance Support is the companion grant program that allows performing arts presenters in Texas to apply for a portion of the artistic fees for one or more approved companies or artists from the Texas Touring Roster. This is a mini-grant program that can provide a grant to help with these costs. These applications must be submitted in advance of the performance and by the appropriate quarterly deadline. You can learn more about this program here.

Applications due: November 1, 2011

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: Internship Grants FY13

Application due: 11/18/2011


Summary:
To Provide support for educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through theatrical motion picture production-focused internships. Funds are to be used directly by the interns for stipends and/or travel, temporary housing, and per diem expenses.


For more information, please visit full solicitation here.

Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Through its Fellowship Programs, the Ford Foundation seeks to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

Eligibility to apply for a Ford fellowship is limited to:

• All citizens or nationals of the United States regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation,
• Individuals with evidence of superior academic achievement (such as grade point average, class rank, honors or other designations),
• Individuals committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level.

For information regarding level-specific eligibility requirements, stipends, and other program information for each of the three levels of the Fellowship program, please access the fact sheet for the program level of your interest, predoctoral, dissertation or postdoctoral.

Application opens on September 1, 2011 and the deadline is November 14, 2011.

Environmental Protection Agency- Gulf of Mexico Program

Application due: 09/30/2011 Expected Number of Awards: 50
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$3,000,000
Award Ceiling:	$333,000
Award Floor:	$50,000

This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals for projects that improve the health of the Gulf of Mexico by addressing improved water quality and public health, priority coastal habitat conservation and restoration, more effective coastal environmental education, improved ecosystems integration and assessment, strategic nutrient reductions and coastal community resilience. Projects must actively involve stakeholders and focus on one of the six priority issue areas contained in this document; and/or the goals and objectives of the EPA Gulf of Mexico Program (acres restored, impaired stream/river segments removed and water quality improved.) For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/gmpo 

For full solicitation, visit Gulf of Mexico Regional Partnerships

Dept. of Ed Postsecondary Education Center for Individuals Who Are Deaf- FY 11

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

CFDA: 84.326D

Federal FON: ED-GRANTS-080911-001

Solicitation Date: 08/09/2011

Application Due: 09/08/2011

The purpose of this program is to support a Postsecondary Education Center for Individuals Who Are Deaf, which will support postsecondary institutions, working with other relevant organizations and public agencies, to more effectively address the postsecondary, vocational, technical, continuing, and adult education needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing with co-occurring disabilities such as learning and emotional disabilities, so that a greater number and proportion of these students persist in and complete college or other postsecondary education and training.

The center will:
*Provide postsecondary institutions and other relevant organizations and public agencies with technical assistance on programs, practices, and activities that postsecondary institutions could use to improve the completion and persistence of students who are deaf or hard of hearing
*Provide professional development opportunities through local, state, regional, and national in-person or online trainings to postsecondary educators and other individuals who provide educational services to postsecondary students who are deaf
*Provide training and information about how postsecondary institutions and other relevant organizations and public agencies can utilize technology to provide and promote access and accommodations for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

For more information, please visit here.

National Endowment for the Arts has new funding category

The Research: Art Works category will award grants for research projects to analyze the value and impact of the arts in the United States. Approximately 25 grants will be made, generally ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. The application deadline is November 8, 2011, for projects that may start on May 1, 2012, or any time thereafter.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; or federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. This may include, but is not limited to, colleges and universities. Access the new guidelines here.

Research and Technology Implementation Office (RTI) Annual Research Program, FY12

Proposal Instructions - Refer to Chapter 3 (RFP) and Chapter 4 (Proposal Requirements) of RTI's University Handbook, December 2010. ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/library/pubs/gov/university_handbook.pdf

Eligible Proposers - Proposals will be accepted only from Texas state-supported colleges and universities. Partnerships with other entities will be considered only when the appropriate expertise is not available at a Texas state-supported college or university. Proposals will not be considered when the research team includes any member with "seriously late" deliverables as defined in Rick Collins 1/4/2011 letter (attached).

Proposal Deadline: 4:00 p.m. Central Time, September 7, 2011

Norm Hackerman Advanced Research Program

The Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program is a competitive peer-reviewed grant program created in 1987 by the 70th Texas Legislature. The purpose of the program is to encourage and provide support to faculty members and students in Texas institutions of higher education, both public and independent, to conduct basic research.

*** 2011 NHARP Update *** 

The Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program (NHARP) funding was significantly reduced from $16 million to $1,000,000 for the 2012-2013 biennium. The following changes were approved the Board at their July 28 meeting:

• Only "Early Career Investigators" may submit a proposal
• Targeted research areas are:
  •  Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Genetics (excluding cancer-related research)
  •  Materials Science/Nanoscience
• Maximum award of $80,000 for the two-year grant period
• Principal investigators are limited to one submission
• Notice of intent and pre-proposal are required for each submission
• Budget cannot include faculty summer salaries
• Budget must include support for undergraduate/graduate students, depending on eligible institution

For the 2011 NHARP competition, an "Early Career Investigator" is a non-tenured, tenure track faculty member or a research professional (not including post-doctoral students, research assistants/associates, or instructors) from an eligible institution who has been employed at the institution in that capacity for not less than two years and not more than five years, as of the pre-proposal submission date.
NOTICE OF INTENT DEADLINE: September 1, 2011, 5:00 PM C.D.T.

• FORMAT FOR NOTICE OF INTENT (submitted by sponsored projects office)

PRE-PROPOSAL DEADLINE: September 15, 2011, 5:00 PM C.D.T.
PROPOSAL DEADLINE:  December 15, 2011, 5:00 PM C.S.T.
Full version of the request for applications (RFA): http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/NHARP/RFA/

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Offers Fellowships for Artists and Scholars

The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation provides fellowships for advanced professionals in all fields (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, creative arts) except the performing arts. The fellowships are intended to further the development of scholars and artists by assisting them to engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest possible conditions.

Fellowships are awarded through two annual competitions: one open to citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. and Canada, and the other open to citizens and permanent residents of Latin America and the Caribbean.

For the U.S. and Canada competition, the deadline is September 15, 2011. For the Latin America and Caribbean competition, the deadline is December 1, 2011.

For complete program information and application procedures, visit the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Web site http://www.gf.org

Federal Faculty Development Grants FY 2012

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Release date: 7/22/2011

Application date: 9/22/2011

Summary:

The purpose of this program is to provide support to enable newer faculty members to enhance their careers as professors and researchers in the university departments where they are employed. Awards made through this program are specifically for probationary, tenure-track faculty during the first six years of their career and new faculty hires in the areas of nuclear engineering, health physics, radiochemistry, and related disciplines.

Awards may include support for developing applications for research and for initiating or continuing research projects in their areas of expertise. Other funding uses might include course development, equipment, stipends, participation in professional society meetings, and preparation of papers, travel, and associated expenses. The objective of this program is to attract and/or retain highly qualified individuals in academic teaching careers in order to benefit the nuclear sector.

For more information, please visit the solicitation site.

Texas Commission of the Arts Funding Update

On Friday June 17th, Governor Rick Perry signed the General Appropriations bill for the next two years.  He did not veto the funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts.  The agency will have a budget of $3.7 million for each of the next two years, which reflects a 50 percent reduction to the grants budget and a 30 percent reduction in staff.

Questions should be directed to Gary Gibbs, TCA executive director or Jim Bob McMillan, deputy director.

Texas Parks and Wildlife

From the Texas Parks and Wildlife's Recreation Grants Newsletter: 

SUSPENSION OF GRANT FUNDING

The 82^nd Texas Legislature has suspended all Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA), and all Large County & Municipality Recreation and Parks Account funding for the FY 2012-2013 biennium.   The following grant programs are affected by these cuts; Outdoor Recreation, Indoor Recreation, Small Community, Urban Outdoor, Urban Indoor, and the Community Outdoor Outreach Program.  Limited federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund may be available for some of these programs.  Please check our website periodically for updates.  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/grants

RECREATIONAL TRAIL, BOATING ACCESS, AND BOAT PUMP-OUT GRANT FUNDING

The Recreational Trail, Boating Access, and Boat Pump-out Grant Programs are federally funded through provisions in the Federal Highway Funding Bill.  At present, we expect funding to be available for these programs.  The Federal Highway Funding Bill expired in October 2009, but Congress has authorized funding for all programs in the Bill through a series of continuing resolutions that has kept funding at 2009 levels.  If Congress passes a new Highway Funding Bill, these programs could be altered or eliminated.  At present, the application deadline is October 31 for Boating Access Grants; February 1 for Recreational Trail Grants and Boat Pump-out Grants are accepted on a rolling basis.  Please check our website for updates.

 

A MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Connect Your Community to America's Great Outdoors!

Are you trying to protect your local rivers, save an unspoiled landscape, or build trails where everyone in your community can enjoy nature?  Every year, the National Park Service helps hundreds of locally-driven projects that create opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation, connect youth with the outdoors, and connect communities to parks.  Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance from the National Park Service provides no funding, but our experienced staff can help communities plan for success. Applications for technical assistance will be accepted until August 1. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project ideas with a staff member in your area before preparing an application.

Visit www.nps.gov/rtca for complete information and application.

Texas Commission on the Arts: Arts Respond

From the TCA: 

Texas Commission on the Arts would like to remind you that we are currently accepting applications for Arts Respond applications for next fiscal year (Sept 1, 2011- August 31, 2012).

Arts Respond Projects (deadline July 15, 2011)
Arts Respond Performance Support (deadline August 1, 2011)

Please be aware our budget for next fiscal year has not yet been determined, but we do want to share what we know at this point.  We hope this will help you in making better use of your development efforts.

Our funding for Economic Development has been eliminated entirely for the next two years.  This includes project grants focused on economic development as well as most of our funds for performances for festivals,
etc.  [This was a legislative strategy to reduce the State spending across all agencies, not just TCA.]

Our Education funding is likely to continue to be strong for the next two years.  This includes project grants focused on K-12 education as well as performances and activities for schools and K-12 audiences.

As always, the TCA Program Staff is here to help if you have any questions or concerns:
512/463-5535 ext. zero
800/252-9415 (message only)
webapp@arts.state.tx.us

Wetlands and Arts Projects

Wetland Program Development Grants (FY11 Region 04)
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Deadline: July 5, 2011
Award Ceiling: $600,000
Award Floor: $200,000
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants to build or refine State/Tribal/local government wetland programs as described in Section I, FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION, of this announcement.

Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) 
Agency: National Endowment for the Arts
Deadline: August 11, 2011
Award Amount: $10,000 to $100,000
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

To support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Within these areas, innovative projects are strongly encouraged.

The Frees Foundation

The Frees Foundation awards grants in four areas: community services, education, health and housing. Emphasis will be given to organizations and programs to benefit women, children, youth and families. Priority will be given to international aid and emergency relief. The Frees Foundation prefers to fund organizations in the Houston area and the state of Texas.

Deadlines are September 1, 2011, March 1, 2012 and September 1, 2012. Funding is available after January 1, 2012. LINK TO GRANT APPLICATION INFORMATION.

Grant Cancellation

The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) regrets to inform you that the EU-US ATLANTIS Call for Proposals EACEA/36/10 published on January 5th 2011 (Official Journal of the European Union 2011/C 2/02) and later amended by a corrigendum published on April 7th 2011 (Official Journal 2011/C 108/12) has been cancelled.

This is due to severe cuts in the 2011 US budget meaning that the funds needed to match the EU contribution are not available. 

We thank you for your interest in our programme and your commitment to improving transatlantic collaboration and academic networking.

A formal cancellation notice has been published in the Official Journal JO C 142.

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/bilateral_cooperation/eu_us/funding/calls_2011_en.php

Technology, Disabilities and Microentrepreneurs

Name: Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Agency: Department of Education
Deadline: June 20, 2011
Award Ceiling: $1,500,000
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT 

The purposes of the Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities program are to: (1) Improve results for children with disabilities by promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) support educational media services activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom setting to children with disabilities; and (3) provide support for captioning and video description that are appropriate for use in the classroom setting. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.327N.

Name: Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs
Deadline: September 30, 2011 (RMAP applications are accepted on a rolling basis)
Award Ceiling: $130,000
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

Technical assistance-only (TA-only) grants will competitively be made to MDOs for the purpose of providing technical assistance and training to prospective borrowers. TA-only grants will be made to eligible MDOs that seek to provide business-based technical assistance and training to eligible microentrepreneurs and microenterprises, but do not seek funding for a direct loan under RMAP. 

STEM, Autisim and Coastal Wetlands

The following grant solicitations and announcements may be of interest to faculty and staff at Stephen F. Austin State University. If you see something that you'd like to try for, contact ORSP as soon as possible!

Agency Name: National Science Foundation
Deadline: July 19, 2011
Award Ceiling: $500,00
Award Floor: $400,000
LINK  TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

The long-range goal of the Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) Workforce program is to increase the number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who pursue careers in the mathematical sciences and in other NSF-supported disciplines. The Research Training Groups in the Mathematical Sciences (RTG) activity is a part of the Workforce program. RTG supports education through research involvement in groups centered on a common research interest that span the entire spectrum of educational levels from undergraduates through postdoctoral associates.

Agency Name: Health Resources & Services Administration
Deadline: June 24, 2011
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

The purpose of the Combating Autism Act Initiative (CAAI) National Interdisciplinary Training Resource Center is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have, or are at risk for developing, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. The Resource Center will accomplish this by providing technical assistance to interdisciplinary training programs to better train professionals to utilize valid and reliable screening tools to diagnose or rule out and provide evidence-based interventions for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

Agency Name: US Department of the Interior
Program: National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program
Deadline: June 30, 2011
LINK TO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

Coastal wetlands are valued because they protect against flooding, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. Coastal environments are also important economically, generating billions of dollars annually through such industries as commercial fishing and tourism. The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program provides States with financial assistance to protect and restore these valuable resources.