In this issue:
  • Save the date! Next Active Wisconsin network call is April 5, 2023
  • 1k Friends Webinar Series
  • The Big Share 2023
  • Community Transportation Academy update
  • Funding Opportunities
Save the Date! Active Wisconsin network call April 5
The next Active Wisconsin network call is Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 10:30am-12noon. Active Wisconsin network calls are a great opportunity to hear from other communities about their successes and challenges and learn about our work around the state. A more detailed agenda will be shared closer to the meeting date.

The meeting will be held via Zoom. Click here to register.
Webinar: Equity in Climate Action Planning
Wednesday March 15, 2023, 12-1pm
A growing number of localities in Wisconsin are adopting resolutions and action plans to address climate change. However, low-income communities and communities of color have historically not benefited from climate policies and programs. This webinar introduces a new tool developed by members of the Wisconsin Climate Table that will enable municipalities to take steps to center equity in their climate plans and policies, regardless of their size, budget, geography or demographics.

Supported by APA Wisconsin.
CM credits are available.

In case you missed it...
In our February webinar, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin and the RE-AMP Network discussed their new report, "Transportation Planning for People and the Climate: Lessons from the Midwest."

We examined climate plans, comprehensive plans, and transportation plans across 25 jurisdictions in five states to understand how different plans can work together to maximize benefits for communities and the climate.

The Big Share 2023
The Big Share is Tuesday, March 7! Hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin, it's a fun and easy way to support 1000 Friends and other organizations making a difference in our community. Make a donation by March 7 to make change happen!

Community Transportation Academy in La Crosse
The Community Transportation Academy is well underway! We started the Academy to provide community advocates with skills and knowledge about local transportation planning so they can be more effective advocates for safe, sustainable, accessible transportation networks that work The first session was held in the Student Union at the UW La Crosse campus. We had a full house with 30 participants representing a range of ages, professional backgrounds, and advocacy interests. Our guest speaker was Dr. Kirk Harris, who is on the faculty of the UW Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and he knocked it out of the park with his overview of the history of segregation and discriminatory practices in housing and transportation policy in America.
Funding & Resources
AARP is accepting applications for Community Challenge Grants through March 15, 2023. Click here to read about the new opportunities for 2023.

The Environmental Defense Fund has a grant opportunity to support local advocacy efforts around the implementation of the IIJA and IRA. A Q&A webinar will be held in mid-March, and the application deadline is March 31, 2023. Read more here.

The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of nearly $1.7 billion in FY23 funding to support state and local efforts to buy or modernize buses, improve bus facilities, and support workforce development. Click here to read more.

The CDC is supporting the Intersections Initiative, a partnership between America Walks, the League of American Bicyclists, and Safe Routes Partnerships to help communities learn about new federal programs for bike/ped infrastructure. Join a webinar on March 9 to learn more about how to access these opportunities.

The Natural Resources Foundation is accepting applications for the Go Outside Fund for opportunities benefitting youth through March 31. Awards range from $100-500. Learn more here.

The Natural Resources Foundation is accepting applications for the Teachers' Outdoor Environmental Education Fund through May 1. Awards up to $1000 are available. Learn more here.

The Robert Wood Johnson foundation is accepting applications through March 29, 2023 for the Culture of Health Prize, a $250,000 award for whole cities, towns, tribes, or counties that are building positive solutions to barriers to equity. Read more here.

Smart Growth America is in search of community partners for free land use and climate technical assistance. Applications due March 15, 2023. Learn more here.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the Thriving Communities Program. The TCP facilitates the planning and development of transportation and community revitalization programs for historically under-resourced communities. Click here to read more about funding opportunities and deadlines.

The USDA is accepting applications for urban agriculture and innovative production grants through March 27, 2023. Awards range from $50,000 - $350,000. Read more here.

In mid-December, USDOT released new information about RAISE grants for 2023. Click here to learn more.

WisDOT is accepting applications for the STARS (Safe Transportation Alternative for Rural Schools) program through March 24, 2023. Priority will be given to non-urbanized areas with a population of 5,000 or less. Learn more here.
Did you know we have TWO e-newsletters? Along with Active Wisconsin, 1000 Friends sends out e-news every month. If you would like to be on the mailing list for 1000 Friends, sign up here.
Text 608-405-6977 to donate to 1000 Friends of Wisconsin!
What Active Wisconsin provides to participating communities:
  • Resources (grant opportunities, tool kits, etc.)
  • Local and statewide advocacy opportunities
  • Collaboration and educational presentations during network-wide calls
  • A platform (social media and email newsletters) to share your work

Please reach out with questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you!