Department of Energy Extends Renewable Energy Loan Guarantee Solicitation

WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy is extending the application deadline for the July 2009 energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies solicitation. The Round 8, Part 1 application deadline is October 5, 2010. This gives companies an additional six weeks to apply for a loan guarantee under Section 1703, and if qualified, under Section 1705, provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Round 8 is intended to give companies additional time to develop and submit Part I applications. The Round 8 Part II application deadline is December 31, 2010. The application deadline of August 24, 2010 for Round 7 Part I applications remains the same.

For more information on this program, please visit the Loan Guarantee Program Office.

Disney Conservation Fund

[From Philanthropy News Digest] Part of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund manages an annual cash awards program to support efforts to study and protect the world's wildlife and ecosystems that also involve community participation and address human needs. Over the past decade, DWCF has provided a total of more than $15 million for the study of wildlife, protection of habitats, land management plans, community conservation, and education. Along with a focus on species and habitat conservation science, DWCF encourages programs that engage local residents and benefit both human and animal communities.

The fund's interests are in furthering the support of established conservation programs — particularly those long-term in nature — that contain a strong in situ component (scientific field studies); promote education, awareness, and training in country (education programs); and demonstrate a marked benefit to in-country participants, habitats, and species by working with local communities, regional/national non-governmental organizations, and government agencies that directly impact the initiative.

While the fund encourages global projects, it directs funding only to organizations that have U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Non-governmental organizations outside the U.S. can apply in partnership with a U.S. organization. Funding requests of up to $25,000 each are allowed, but the grantee's overall budget may be larger and incorporate several financial partners.

Application is by invitation only. Emails of inquiry are accepted on an ongoing basis. The fund recommends that inquiries be submitted no later than January 1, 2011 to be considered for an invitation to apply. Invited applications will be due by January 25, 2011. Visit the fund Web site for program guidelines and procedures.