Exchange Network 2015 Grant Solicitation

November 7, 2014 Anthony DeRosa

This week, EPA held a webinar for those interested in submitting an application for an Exchange Network (EN) grant for the 2015 grant cycle. Applications are due on November 24, 2014 so states that have an interest in an EN grant should already be working on their application. Still have questions? A final webinar on the 2015 grant solicitation cycle is scheduled for November 13 at 1:00PM (eastern). Use this link to participate in the webinar: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/engrant1113/

EN grants can be used to fund a variety of data related projects in the states as long as they match the Exchange Network priorities. The EN grants will no longer fund node development but will support use of EPA’s virtual node and projects that leverage existing nodes. Please note that simply enhancing data flows (adding additional elements to the flow) is no longer a priority and does not qualify.

This week’s webinar covered a number of tips for successful applications:

Make sure the project supports one of the EN grant priorities
Make sure the project narrative matches the evaluation criteria
Use appropriate EN language (a glossary is provided)
Use the grant application checklists to be sure the application is complete.

Information on all the EN grant requirements is available on the EN Grant website, including: a checklist of documents to submit with FY 2015 Exchange Network grant applications; what’s new in the FY 2015 Exchange Network Grant Solicitation Notice and the Notice itself; and budget detail guidance to assist applicants in preparing their budget and budget narrative.