Workshop 4

About the Workshop

On November 16, 2022, The Nature-Based Exchange held its fourth workshop at Clemson Design Center in Charleston, SC. The fourth workshop explored discussions on funding natural and nature-based solutions. For many, the questions of how to successfully fund a nature-based project are numerous. This workshop aimed to clarify some of those burning questions by delving into the benefit-cost analysis (BCA), external funding opportunities, and internal funding opportunities. We learned that it is possible to do a BCA for nature-based projects and that FEMA is trying to make this process easier; completely answering all the questions in a funding application can give you a greater shot at receiving external funding than you may think; and being enthusiastic about projects and communicating well with the public can play an important role in receiving internal funding. While receiving funding for a nature-based project can be challenging, paths are opening up to make this process easier as nature-based solutions become more desired and accepted. Thanks to The Nature Conservancy for sponsoring breakfast and to Clemson University’s Masters of Resilient Urban Design program for hosting the workshop.

Agenda

Speakers

Continuing Education Credit Information

Compendium

Key Takeaways:

• Given that nature-based solutions tend to have more-equitable outcomes than grey infrastructure, they are the perfect fit to receive FEMA funding.

• Most FEMA applications require a benefit-cost analysis (BCA), a method of estimating and comparing the future benefits of a project with its costs. To be eligible for FEMA funding, projects must demonstrate a positive benefit-to-cost ratio (i.e., above 1.0). If you can value an ecosystem good or service, you can include it in the BCA.

• Completing the BCA can be difficult for nature-based projects because of the challenge of quantifying the benefits of nature-based solutions, i.e., demonstrating the
  relationship between an on-site mitigation action and off-site project benefits. Fortunately, FEMA has been working towards removing barriers to implementing
  nature-based solutions through its ecosystem service policy, which assigns monetary value to ecosystem services.

• A successful application to fund nature-based solutions will:
  o Follow directions
  o Answer all the questions thoroughly, thoughtfully, and clearly
  o Be specific and detailed
  o Include partnerships
  o Consider community impacts

• Stakeholder engagement at every step of the process is just as important as the science and data behind the project’s design.

• Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you do not know the answer to something, pick up the phone and ask an expert. There are a lot of people out there who would be willing to help you and provide the information you’re looking for.

• Educating elected officials about nature-based solutions is vital for them to understand the financial value and impact of these projects. But you can and should still apply for funding even if you are missing a letter from an elected official, especially if other locals are involved and supportive of the project.

• The distribution of available funding will likely be suboptimal due to a lack of capacity in the communities who need it. Therefore, it is important for communities to use internal funds (i.e., fees and taxes) in creative, innovative, and flexible ways to support nature-based projects.

• Partnering with a nonprofit organization, such as Charles County, Maryland’s Resilience Authority, can be extremely beneficial; these nonprofit allies can help counties by
  o Applying for grants that counties cannot;
  o Bringing in expert opinion through board appointments;
  o Freeing up funds (since spending does not count towards the county’s debt
  ceiling).

• Communication is key for internal funds to be successfully leveraged for nature-based projects. Use charismatic examples as the foundation of education and outreach efforts; people must get hooked and remain excited for long-term and widespread buy-in to occur.

Resources

• NOAA (Webinar) - Funding and Financing Coastal Resilience: Building Capacity in Communities to Access Funding

• American Society of Adaptation Professionals (Toolkit) - Ready-to-Fund Resilience Toolkit

• NOAA (Webinar Series) - Funding and Financing Coastal Resilience

• NOAA (Webinar) - Funding and Financing: Options and Considerations for Coastal Resilience Projects

• The Nature Conservancy & Southern Environmental Law Center (Storymap) - Disaster Recovery & Mitigation in South Carolina