Federal Natural Resources Grants

The "WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2025" grant is designed to provide financial assistance for the development and implementation of comprehensive drought plans and projects that enhance long-term resilience to drought, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities and promoting collaboration among various stakeholders to address water management issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-federal organizations for advancing the design of a wetland project aimed at improving habitat for endangered fish species in the San Juan River Basin.

This Program Announcement is issued under the provisions of section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (codified at 42 USC 10301 et seq.) and amended by Public Laws 101-397, 104-147, 106-374, 109-471, and 117-58. The Water Resources Research Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer program grants to Institutes established under the provisions of section (a) of the Act. Water Resources Institutes or Centers have been established in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Institute in Guam also serves the Federated States of Micronesia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Institute in Hawaii also serves American Samoa. Institute Directors or their designee(s) are responsible for submitting applications. Responsibility for administration of the State Water Resources Research Institute program has been delegated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).Section 104(b) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 requires the Institutes or Centers to:(1) plan, conduct, or otherwise arrange for competent applied and peer reviewed research that fosters (A) improvements in water supply reliability;(B) the exploration of new ideas that (i) address water problems; or (ii) expand understanding of water and water-related phenomena;(C) the entry of new research scientists, engineers, and technicians into water resources fields; and(D) the dissemination of research results to water managers and the public.(2) "cooperate closely with other colleges and universities in the State that have demonstrated capabilities for research, information dissemination, and graduate training in order to develop a statewide program designed to resolve State and regional water and related land problems." (3) "cooperate closely with other institutes and other organizations in the region to increase the effectiveness of the institutes and for the purpose of promoting regional coordination."Applications submitted under this Announcement are to be in furtherance of these objectives and promote the national mission and objectives of the U.S. Geological Survey which are focused on providing water-quality and -quantity information, understanding water availability, addressing the influence of climate on water resources, and responding to water-related emerging needs. Specific areas of emphasis are at the discretion of the individual Institute or Center Directors.

This program provides funding to Connecticut local governments and non-profits to improve urban forests, focusing on preserving trees and expanding tree canopy in underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits in New Mexico for projects that reduce wildfire risks and promote community resilience against climate change.

This grant provides funding to state and territorial agencies for projects that protect and restore coastal wetlands, ensuring their conservation for at least 20 years.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Funding Opportunity Title: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPPAFA-24-NOFO0001355 Assistance Listing: 10.932, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Due Date: NRCS must receive proposals by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2024. Note: The RCPP AFA and Classic FY 2024 notices of funding opportunity (NFO) will run concurrently. For information on Classic proposals please see USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-24-NOFO0001354. The RCPP promotes the coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer valueadded contributions to expand our ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Through the RCPP, NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners to implement projects that provide solutions to conservation challenges thereby measurably improving the resource concerns they seek to address. RCPP promotes collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and various communities, which is paramount to achieving equity in NRCS programs and services. Using guidance contained in this notice, partners propose projects that generate conservation benefits by addressing specific natural resource concerns in a state or multistate area or by addressing one or more priority resource concerns within an NRCS-designated critical conservation area (CCA). NRCS and partners collaborate to design, promote, and implement RCPP projects on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest land. Through RCPP, NRCS may provide both financial assistance (FA) and technical assistance (TA) funds to project partners and agricultural producers for implementing projects. RCPP proposals are evaluated through a competitive proposal process based on three criteria: impact, partner contributions, and partnership and management. Up to $1.5 billion is available for RCPP projects through this announcement and the FY 2024 Classic announcement, which includes $300 million of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) funding and $1.2 billion of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding. Proposals will be accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and U.S. territories in the Pacific Island Areas (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). NRCS will prioritize using IRA funds for projects that will implement climate-smart agriculture and forestry conservation activities as described in section F.3.a. of this announcement. Up to $100 million is being made available specifically for NRCS to enter into programmatic partnership agreements with Indian tribes. This set aside will be shared by this announcement and the FY 2024 Classic announcement. Any unused funds may be available for other partnership agreements. RCPP AFAs are intended to support project structures and approaches that cannot be carried out as effectively through the RCPP Classic NFO. RCPP AFA applicants must describe the innovative nature of the conservation approach they are proposing to justify potential funding through an RCPP AFA NFO rather than an RCPP Classic NFO. Moreover, applicants should consider the additional administrative and technical assistance responsibilities that accompany receipt of an RCPP AFA award. The 2018 Farm Bill provides the following examples of project types that might be implemented through RCPP AFA: projects that use innovative approaches to leverage the Federal investment in conservation; projects that deploy a pay-for-performance conservation approach; and projects that seek large-scale infrastructure investments that generate conservation benefits for agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest owners. Although RCPP AFA provides flexibilities to partners, these projects share the overarching focus of RCPP, which is to engage with producers and landowners to implement conservation practices, systems, and approaches on (or for the benefit of) agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. NRCS can make up to 15 awards through this funding opportunity through Farm Bill funding. This limit does not apply to projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. Submissions: Proposals must be submitted through the RCPP portal. See section E of this announcement for information on using the RCPP portal to submit proposals. Access to the RCPP portal requires a level 2 eAuthentication credential or a Login.gov credential. Obtaining a new Login.gov credential involves multiple steps and can take several days to complete. Instructions are posted on the How to Apply to RCPP web page listed below. For More Information: Applicants are expected to contact the appropriate state conservationists and state RCPP coordinators prior to submitting a proposal. NRCS will use a state conservation questionnaire to record the results of these conversations. Proposals without a completed questionnaire may have their score and ranking reduced. A list of state RCPP coordinators (as of the date of this announcements posting) is on the NRCS How to Apply to RCPP web page. Applicants can also email the RCPP inbox (rcpp@usda.gov) with any questions about the announcement. The NRCS RCPP website is also a great source of current information about the program. Interested applicants are encouraged to participate in one or more of the webinars below to learn about the program and how to apply. 2024 RCPP NFO Applicant Outreach Webinar This webinar will provide general information for applicants submitting proposals for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The same material will be covered at both webinars followed by a question-and-answer section. Please refer to the RCPP website for more information. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) April 23, 2024, RCPP Applicant Outreach Webinar Registration Link 2pm to 4pm EDT - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e2f45f75-7ea4-410b-b1c9-567537cd2454@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 May 30, 2024, RCPP Applicant Outreach Webinar Registration Link 2pm to 4pm EDT - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/226dcb51-0b57-43b1-b340-95e535238713@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 NRCS will schedule additional webinars on RCPP easements and providing outreach to tribal applicants. Information on all webinars will be posted to the RCPP how to apply page.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that enhance marine education and training, particularly for indigenous Pacific Islanders and underserved communities in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, focusing on sustainable fishing practices and traditional knowledge integration.

For information on how to apply, please see the attached 'Outreach of Interest Template Instructions' document. This outreach of interest (OOI) functions as an outreach mechanism to cultivate relationships and connect with potential partners. This OOI is intended to solicit responses to explore future projects meeting the needs and interests of potential partners through partnership agreements within legislative authority with USDA Forest Service. USDA Forest Service would like to increase capacity to improve wildlife habitat through removal, modification and or addition of wildlife friendly fence by engaging partnerships from local communities who have a vested interest in management outcomes. New partnerships will foster co-stewardship between the USDA Forest Service through better representation of the public the agency serves, and with a shared commitment to wildlife conservation on USDA Forest Service lands. Your submission signals an opportunity for USDA Forest Service to explore with you your ideas/projects/programs and potential partnership opportunities. USDA Forest Service is committed to fostering a strong, collaborative partnership that benefits our fisheries and wildlife resources, and their habitats. Collaborative efforts are vital to wildlife conservation. Wildlife habitat improvement for terrestrial and aquatic species is a key focus area for the USDA Forest Service. One way this is accomplished is through the addition or removal of fences. Fences can be ecologically beneficial or detrimental depending on site specific conditions, design, project objectives, and affected species. For example, small scale exclosures may be designed to protect sensitive aquatic species or pollinator habitat from ungulate, recreational or other impacts, while removing old livestock fencing thats no longer in use, can increase connectivity for wide ranging species. Fences that are improperly placed or poorly constructed without current wildlife friendly specifications in mind can also lead to fragmented wildlife populations and habitat, as well as direct mortality to species moving across the landscape. This project supports the USDA Forest Services 2012 Planning Rule which emphasizes an all lands approach to managing ecosystems that transcends land ownership boundaries. Cooperation and collaboration among the USDA Forest Service, other agencies, tribes, and private landowners can help to enhance wildlife connectivity and ecologically resilient habitat. Current workload for wildlife habitat related fencing projects exceeds capacity. The project would engage community members and cultivate a vested interest in long term success and shared ownership in final outcomes; provide opportunities for job training, personal development, conservation service, and natural resource appreciation while cultivating the next generation of natural resource stewards.

This program provides competitive funding to state and territorial water research institutes to support applied research and outreach that addresses local and national water resource challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for wildlife habitat restoration and conservation projects in Oregon and Washington, targeting state and local governments, tribal entities, non-profits, and educational institutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for managing invasive aquatic plants and restoring natural habitats at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, targeting eligible state and local governments, tribes, and non-profit organizations.

This grant provides funding for non-federal partners to model oyster larval transport and hydrodynamics in Herring Bay, Maryland, to support ecological restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101646, 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956) (Act) established the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal areas through competitive matching grants to eligible State agencies. The NCWCG Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, and a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines. Revenues are deposited into and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The primary goal of the NCWCG Program is the longterm conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) authorizes funding for the NCWCG Program through Fiscal Year 2026.

This funding opportunity supports state fish and wildlife agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions in developing regional and national conservation projects that enhance wildlife management and promote hunting and recreational shooting participation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for partners in the South Florida and Caribbean CESU network to conduct research and technical assistance focused on improving the conservation and management of imperiled sea turtle populations through data integration and analysis.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in California for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks and enhancing community resilience through fuels management and fire prevention education.

This funding opportunity supports research, education, and innovative projects that enhance understanding and management of ocean resources, targeting a wide range of eligible applicants including universities, nonprofits, and governments.

This grant provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations for wildlife conservation projects that enhance habitats and populations on public lands across the United States.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Texas. A total of up to $1,000,000 is available for the Texas CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $300,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 1, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by July 25, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 14, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.