Federal Climate Convening

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law, and set the tone for a historic investment in equity, climate change and clean energy, never before seen in this country. Coupled with additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the IRA created a unique opportunity for local governments, non-profits, private developers, and professional industries with an unprecedented level of funding to significantly advance this work in every community and industry across the United States.

With rapid-fire announcements of new grant opportunities on a weekly basis, cities and other organizations alike, the Office of Sustainability felt the need to establish a process to identify the best ways to drive this funding into their communities. This includes ways to identify the right grant opportunities, assistance in navigating highly-technical processes, opportunities to better engage the community in equitable ways, and how to identify the right projects for their time and capacities.

It is in this national context that the City of Richmond, VA (the City) established the Federal Climate Convening program to work with community based organizations (CBOs) to identify projects and apply for these Federal grants in an equity-centered and community led manner.

Read more about the Richmond Federal Climate Convening here.

2023-2024 Federal Climate Convening Resources

The Richmond Federal Climate Funding process was a natural extension of the planning process for RVAgreen 2050. The plan advances equity, notes lessons learned for future planning processes, and represents a step in the right direction for the important work of building trust between government and community. The continued relationships and shared goals, actions, and vision of RVAgreen 2050 are the backbone of the Richmond Federal Climate Funding process

Session 1

Handouts

Session 1 Notes

Session 1 Powerpoint

Session 2

Session 2 Notes

Session 2 Powerpoint

Session 3

Session 3 Agenda

Session 3 Notes

Session 4

Climate Resilience Breakout

Parkland Interconnection Breakout

Urban and Community Forestry Breakout

Federal Funding Checklist

Session 5

Session 5 Notes

Session 5 Powerpoint

Session 5 Convening Survey Results

SSDN SSRC Richmond Presentation

Justice 40

DOE Energy Future Grants

City of Richmond Summary

City of Richmond Special Financial Assistance Program

City of Richmond Project Narrative

City of Richmond Community Benefits Plan

DOE Energy Grant Future Grant Application Package

USDA: Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Grant Application

Application Guide

2A. Application Support: Budget Narrative and Detail

Budget Table Template

Budget Narrative Sample

Budget Narrative Justification Example

2023 Urban Forestry Full Budget Final

2B. Application Support: Project Narrative and Detail

City of Richmond Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry (IRA) Grant Application Project Narrative

2C. Application Support: Letters of Support and Commitment

Groundwork RVA USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Happily Natural USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Southside ReLeaf USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Chesapeake Bay Foundation USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Career Service Division of the Office of Community Wealth Building USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Division Street Outdoor Contacting USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Science Museum of Virginia USDA FS UCF Grant Application

Virginia Department of Forestry USDA FS UCF Grant Application

2D. Application Support: Final Application

RVA USDA FS UCF Application Package