Nebraska Natural Legacy Research Grants Program

The Nebraska Natural Legacy Research Grants Program is administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) to support targeted research aligned with the state’s Wildlife Action Plan—the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project (NNLP). This plan, revised in 2025, outlines conservation strategies for over 700 identified Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and Species of Greatest Information Need (SGIN). These species span across vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant taxa. Tier 1 SGCNs are globally imperiled and present in Nebraska, while Tier 2 species face regional imperilment. SGINs are species for which insufficient data exists to determine conservation status, and addressing these knowledge gaps is a priority ahead of the next NNLP revision in 2035. The grant program offers financial support to researchers, students, naturalists, and affiliated organizations to conduct field-based studies that generate data for these priority species. Applicants may apply for awards ranging between $1,000 and $5,000, with a total program funding ceiling of $15,000. Projects are designed to be short-term, with required completion and reporting by late November 2026. Eligible costs include labor valued at $20 per hour, mileage reimbursed at $0.70 per mile, and supply expenses. Overhead costs are not permitted. A 25% match of total project costs is required, and unreimbursed project expenses can be counted toward this match. Match exceeding the minimum will be viewed favorably during evaluation. All funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis. Awardees must submit an interim report by June 26, 2026, and a final report by November 20, 2026. These reports must include detailed documentation of expenses, match confirmation, and summaries of completed objectives. Any expenses incurred without itemized receipts, or submitted after reporting deadlines, are ineligible for reimbursement. Projects completed before the interim deadline may submit a final report early. Reports also require submission of supporting materials such as photographs, maps, and raw data to enhance NGPC outreach and documentation efforts. Research conducted under this grant must comply with permit requirements. Applicants must secure a Nebraska Scientific and Education Permit before conducting work. If the project involves potential impact on federally protected species, a Federal Scientific Collecting Permit is also required prior to applying. Failure to provide this documentation will disqualify the proposal. Applicants must also gain permission to access field sites, although NGPC staff may assist with these arrangements. Projects must acknowledge funding support in any publications or public-facing content. Applications must include key components such as background, methodology, objectives, timeline, budget narrative, and expected outcomes. Quantitative objectives and justification for site selection are emphasized. The methodology must be rooted in scientific best practices, and expected results should clearly align with the information needs of SGCN and SGIN as defined in the NNLP. Applications are evaluated on scientific merit, relevance to conservation priorities, feasibility, impact, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. Proposals that focus on Tier 1 species or SGINs, introduce novel research methods, and demonstrate strong outreach plans will be ranked favorably. Applications are accepted from December 18, 2025, through January 30, 2026, with a firm deadline of 5:00 PM CST on the final day. Award notifications will be issued in late February 2026. NGPC will issue a non-negotiable contract to successful applicants, with funding disbursed upon submission and approval of the required reports. Questions and applications must be directed to Brett Andersen via email. If no confirmation of receipt is received within three business days, applicants are advised to follow up via phone.

Focus on Tier 1 SGCN or SGIN; justify each budget item; emphasize deliverables and outreach.