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Grant FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of projects will the Nebraska Environmental Trust fund?

The Trust will fund projects that fall under funding categories, adopted by the board, and that meet eligibility criteria. More information can be found at the following links.

Who can apply?

There are no restrictions on applicants or project sponsors as long as the project falls within the eligibility criteria. Individuals, private organizations, and public entities may apply. For-profit organizations must demonstrate that the project results in public benefit and does not pay for private benefits. See our eligibility criteria for more information.

Is there a minimum or maximum grant amount that can be requested?

There is not minimum or maximum amount that can be requested for grant funds.

Are there requirements for matching funds?

The Trust encourages the use of matching funds through points awarded in the rating scale. A match is not required in any amount or percentage. However, it is very unusual for the Trust to fund 100% of a project. The rating scale can be viewed at the following link.

How many years will the Trust fund a project?

The Trust can provide funds to a project for up to three years, based on one application. After three years, a new application will need to be submitted.

How does the Trust select applications for funding?

Six members of the Trust Board serve on the Grants Committee. The Committee makes an initial determination of eligibility using the eligibility criteria. The Committee then scores each eligible application, based on the Project Ranking System. With the scoring results, the Committee develops a recommended for funding list.

The recommendations will be published on our website. The Board accepts public comment for the recommendations and holds a Public Hearing. The Grants Committee presents their funding recommendations to the Board. The Board creates the final award decisions

When does the Trust accept applications, and when does it award grants?

The Nebraska Environmental Trust accepts and awards grants annually. The current application deadline is midnight on the first Tuesday in September after Labor Day.

Does the Trust ever fund part of a proposal?

Yes. The Trust Board or Grants Committee may select portions of an application proposal to fund.
When a project is recommended for funding, a contract will need to be signed that specifies the terms of the grant award. The project cannot begin until all required parties have signed. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis, with sponsors receiving grant funds after they submit the required documentation.

What are the bidding requirements for grant-funded purchases?

Cost estimates are recommended, however, bids do not need to be obtained by the time the application is submitted. However, estimates are encouraged to help determine cost.

A grantee must obtain at least two bids for any purchase of personal property valued at $1,000 or more, unless the grantee is a government agency, program, or subdivision with a different bidding policy. In this case, the grantee must submit a copy of its bidding policy to the Trust, and then may proceed according to their publicly adopted policy.

Only an amount equal to the lowest bid by a responsible bidder will be considered for reimbursement. In some cases, the Trust may approve a higher bid if the grantee provides adequate justification, as determined by the Trust, for why the low bid is unacceptable.

Will the Trust consider applications for completed projects or purchases made before the application?

No. The Trust does not reimburse costs incurred before a grant contract is signed by all required parties. These costs cannot be used as match towards the project.

Are there additional requirements if a grant is made to buy equipment or real estate?

All equipment must be used for the purpose described in the grant application for the useful life of the equipment. The depreciation schedule used for tax purposes is used to define the useful life. Grant funded equipment may not be sold, traded or mortgaged without prior permission from the Trust. The grantee is also responsible for insuring grant funded equipment valued at $1,000 or more. Equipment valued over $25,000 has additional requirements.

Real estate purchased with Trust grants must be held in perpetuity for the purposes described in the grant application. This rule also applies to property where the Trust funds improvements or restorations. A grantee must continue to pay property taxes on all real estate acquired with a Trust grant or make arrangements for these taxes to be paid.