Blog
Water Advisory Committees: One Group, Multiple Funding Agencies – Nevada

Written by: Mark Ogrentz, Research Scientist, Southwest Environmental Finance Center

Funding for water and wastewater projects can be confusing to navigate and it is generally provided by a variety of agencies in a state. Some states have made an effort to consolidate funding entities and partner agencies to provide a singular point of contact for assistance to communities in their region. In this blog series, you will learn about some of the existing Water Advisory Committees in the country, what they are, who they bring together, how they operate, and what assistance they provide to their state. In this blog, we will give an overview of the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance

What is It?

The Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance (NACFA) is a state-level body that aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of federal resources allocated to Nevada. This council typically comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and representatives from various sectors, who collaborate to identify and address the needs of the state regarding federal funding and assistance programs.

NACFA encourages members of the public and the grants community to attend meetings and to provide public comment. To be notified of upcoming meetings and other council-related initiatives, subscribe to the NACFA listserv.

Committee Members

The Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance (NACFA) is composed of a mix of appointed officials and representatives from various sectors. Current members include:

  1. Zach Conine – Chair (State Treasurer).
  2. Daniele Monroe-Moreno – Vice Chair (Nevada Assemblywoman).
  3. Andy Matthews – Secretary (State Controller).
  4. Julie Pazina – Member (Nevada Senate).
  5. Megan Cortney – Representative from a nonprofit organization (United Way of Southern Nevada).
  6. Eric Brown – Representative of local government (Washoe County).
  7. Dian Vanderwall – Representative of private business (City of Sparks).

Non-voting members:

  • Amy Stephenson – Chief of the Budget Division of the Office of Finance.
  • Kristen Stout – Director of the Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance.

These members assist state and local entities in navigating federal funding opportunities to maximize the benefits for Nevada.

Meetings

The Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance typically holds public meetings throughout the year. These meetings are usually held via teleconference or virtual platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, to allow for broader public participation. Meeting agendas, minutes, and relevant materials are posted on the Nevada Office of Federal Assistance’s website ahead of time​ Nevada Office of Financial Assistance

How To Receive Assistance

To receive assistance from the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance (NACFA), you can engage in several ways depending on your needs:

  1. Attend Public Meetings: NACFA holds regular meetings, which are open to the public. Attending these meetings allows you to learn more about federal funding opportunities and the Council’s initiatives. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted on the Nevada Office of Federal Assistance’s website. You can join via teleconference or online platforms like Microsoft Teams.
  2. Contact the Office of Federal Assistance: NACFA works closely with the Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance. You can reach out directly to the office for guidance on federal funding opportunities, the application process, or matching funds for grants. Their contact information is:
  3. Explore Grant Opportunities: NACFA offers resources such as training on federal grants, matching programs, and grant discovery tools. You can visit the Office of Federal Assistance website to find training sessions, grant opportunities, and relevant documentation.

By participating in meetings, utilizing available resources, and contacting the office, you can get detailed guidance on how to apply for federal assistance in Nevada​ Nevada Office of Financial Assistance

Point of Contact

In Summary:

Utilizing the services of the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance (NACFA) is essential for nonprofit organizations, local governments, businesses, and individuals seeking to secure federal funding in Nevada. NACFA provides comprehensive support in navigating the often-complex federal grants process, offering resources such as training, guidance on applications, and assistance with matching funds. This service helps entities identify funding opportunities, streamline their application efforts, and overcome challenges that may otherwise limit access to federal resources.

Engaging with NACFA by attending public meetings or reaching out to the Nevada Office of Federal Assistance ensures timely updates on available funding programs and expert support in maximizing the impact of federal grants​.