Opportunity Information: Apply for F18AS00051
Apply for F18AS00051
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Partners for Fish and Wildlife 2018" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.662.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 13, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 30, 2018 See NOFO for details.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $25,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Partners for Fish and Wildlife 2018 (Funding Opportunity Number F18AS00051) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding opportunity designed to tackle major environmental problems affecting the Great Lakes ecosystem, with a specific focus on habitat protection and restoration. Using Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations, the Service planned to support on-the-ground projects that restore and enhance wetlands (both coastal wetlands along the Great Lakes and inland/interior wetlands) along with related upland habitats that are important to wildlife. The main biological targets are native Great Lakes fish and wildlife populations, with particular emphasis on migratory birds, and where relevant, federally listed species. A key requirement is that funded restoration work takes place on privately owned lands rather than federal or state property, which means the program is structured to bring conservation practices directly to private landowners and other non-federal partners who can make habitat changes on their own properties.
A notable priority of the opportunity is geography. While projects can occur throughout the Great Lakes watershed, the program puts special emphasis on projects located within the watersheds of Great Lakes Areas of Concern and within coastal zones. Areas of Concern are locations identified as having significant environmental degradation, so projects in these places are intended to produce visible ecological improvements where restoration needs are most urgent. Coastal zones are also highlighted because shoreline and nearshore habitats often provide outsized benefits for birds, fish, and other wildlife, and because these areas have frequently been altered by development, hydrology changes, invasive species, and historical pollution.
The funding is delivered through cooperative agreements, which signals that the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to be actively involved during project planning and implementation rather than simply awarding funds and stepping back. This fits the structure of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program itself, which is described as voluntary and incentive-based. Under PFW, the Service provides both technical assistance (planning, design, biological guidance, coordination, and field expertise) and financial assistance to private landowners and partners to complete habitat restoration that benefits federal trust resources. In the Great Lakes region, PFW biologists working across eight states coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify geographic focus areas and then develop habitat conservation priorities within those areas. These focus areas are essentially where the program concentrates its resources to produce meaningful outcomes for priority species and habitats.
Projects funded under this opportunity are expected to be strategic and science-driven. The notice emphasizes that project work plans are developed in coordination with partners and with substantial involvement from Service field staff, and that projects must advance the agency mission, promote biological diversity, and be grounded in sound scientific biological principles. Program strategic plans guide what kinds of projects are most likely to be funded, so applicants are encouraged to review those plans to align proposals with established conservation priorities rather than proposing isolated or ad hoc work. An important procedural expectation is that potential applicants should contact the PFW state coordinator before submitting an application, which reflects the collaborative nature of the program and the practical reality that projects often need early coordination to ensure feasibility, landowner participation, and alignment with geographic focus areas.
In terms of eligibility, the opportunity is broad and includes many different partner types: local governments (counties, cities, townships, and special districts), independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, individuals, and for-profit entities (including small businesses). This wide eligibility reflects the program’s reliance on partnerships and its emphasis on implementing restoration on private lands, where landowners, NGOs, local units of government, tribes, and businesses may all play roles in access, project delivery, and long-term stewardship.
Key administrative details include that it is a discretionary opportunity under CFDA 15.662 (Fish and Wildlife Service programs), released by the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, with a posting/creation date of December 13, 2017 and an original closing date of September 30, 2018 (with the instruction to consult the full notice of funding opportunity for specifics). Awards were relatively small and targeted for local, on-the-ground restoration efforts, with an award ceiling of $25,000 and an anticipated total of about 50 awards. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a partnership-driven restoration grant designed to catalyze practical wetland and upland habitat improvements on private lands in the Great Lakes basin, especially in high-priority locations like Areas of Concern watersheds and coastal zones, while leveraging Fish and Wildlife Service technical support and regional conservation planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Partners for Fish and Wildlife 2018 funding opportunity?
It is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F18AS00051) that uses Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations to support habitat protection and restoration projects in the Great Lakes ecosystem, with an emphasis on on-the-ground restoration.
What environmental issues is this grant intended to address?
The opportunity is designed to tackle major environmental problems affecting the Great Lakes ecosystem by restoring and enhancing wetlands (coastal and inland/interior) and related upland habitats important to wildlife.
What types of habitats are the main focus for funded projects?
The main habitat focus is restoring and enhancing wetlands, including coastal wetlands along the Great Lakes and inland/interior wetlands, as well as related upland habitats that support wildlife.
Which species or biological resources are the primary targets?
The main biological targets are native Great Lakes fish and wildlife populations, with particular emphasis on migratory birds, and where relevant, federally listed species.
Do projects have to be located on private land?
Yes. A key requirement is that funded restoration work must take place on privately owned lands rather than on federal or state property, reflecting the program’s intent to bring conservation practices directly to private landowners and other non-federal partners.
Where can projects be located geographically?
Projects can occur throughout the Great Lakes watershed, but the opportunity places special emphasis on projects located within the watersheds of Great Lakes Areas of Concern and within coastal zones.
What are Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), and why are they prioritized?
Areas of Concern are locations identified as having significant environmental degradation. The program emphasizes projects in AOC watersheds to produce visible ecological improvements where restoration needs are most urgent.
Why does the opportunity emphasize coastal zones?
Coastal zones are highlighted because shoreline and nearshore habitats can provide outsized benefits for birds, fish, and other wildlife, and because these areas have often been impacted by development, hydrology changes, invasive species, and historical pollution.
What funding mechanism is used for awards?
Funding is delivered through cooperative agreements, indicating the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to be actively involved during project planning and implementation.
What does it mean that awards are made as cooperative agreements?
It means the Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to have substantial involvement in the project beyond simply issuing funds, including engagement during planning and implementation consistent with the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program approach.
What is the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program described in this opportunity?
PFW is described as a voluntary and incentive-based program that provides technical assistance and financial assistance to private landowners and partners to complete habitat restoration that benefits federal trust resources.
What kinds of support does the Fish and Wildlife Service provide through PFW?
The Service provides technical assistance such as planning, design, biological guidance, coordination, and field expertise, in addition to financial assistance to help complete habitat restoration projects.
How are project priorities identified in the Great Lakes region?
PFW biologists working across eight states coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify geographic focus areas and develop habitat conservation priorities within those areas.
What are "geographic focus areas" in the context of this opportunity?
Geographic focus areas are places where the program concentrates resources to produce meaningful outcomes for priority species and habitats, guided by coordination among Service staff and partners.
Are projects expected to be science-driven?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes that projects should be strategic and science-driven, advance the agency mission, promote biological diversity, and be grounded in sound scientific biological principles.
How important are strategic plans for proposal alignment?
Strategic plans guide what kinds of projects are most likely to be funded. Applicants are encouraged to review program strategic plans so proposals align with established conservation priorities rather than isolated or ad hoc work.
Is applicants’ coordination with Fish and Wildlife Service staff expected before applying?
Yes. A stated procedural expectation is that potential applicants should contact the PFW state coordinator before submitting an application, reflecting the program’s collaborative structure and the need for early coordination.
Who is eligible to apply for this funding opportunity?
Eligibility is broad and includes local governments (counties, cities, townships, special districts), independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, individuals, and for-profit entities (including small businesses).
Why is eligibility so broad for this opportunity?
The opportunity relies on partnerships and emphasizes restoration on private lands, where landowners, nonprofits, local governments, tribes, and businesses can all play roles in access, project delivery, and long-term stewardship.
Which federal agency and department administer this opportunity?
The opportunity is released by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed as a discretionary opportunity under CFDA 15.662 (Fish and Wildlife Service programs).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F18AS00051.
When was this funding opportunity posted?
The posting/creation date is December 13, 2017.
What was the original closing date for applications?
The original closing date listed is September 30, 2018, with an instruction to consult the full notice of funding opportunity for specifics.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $25,000.
About how many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated about 50 awards.
What scale of projects does this opportunity support?
Awards are described as relatively small and targeted for local, on-the-ground restoration efforts, consistent with the $25,000 award ceiling.
What is the main purpose of this grant in plain terms?
It is a partnership-driven restoration grant intended to catalyze practical wetland and upland habitat improvements on private lands across the Great Lakes basin, with an emphasis on high-priority locations such as Areas of Concern watersheds and coastal zones, while leveraging Fish and Wildlife Service technical support and regional conservation planning.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F18AS00051) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| GLRI Endangered Species Grant Program (GLRI-ES) Apply for F18AS00054 Funding Number: F18AS00054 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| EVOS/GLT Habitat Protection Project Apply for F18AS00052 Funding Number: F18AS00052 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $408,760 |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Quagga Mussel Containment in the Lower Colorado River (Lake Havasu/Lake Pleasant) Apply for F18AS00056 Funding Number: F18AS00056 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $193,530 |
| Fiscal Year 2018 Recovery Implementation Fund Grants Apply for F18AS00059 Funding Number: F18AS00059 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Cat Island Chain Habitat Enhancement and Management Apply for F18AS00062 Funding Number: F18AS00062 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Central Valley Project Improvement Act: Anadromous Fish Restoration Program Apply for F18AS00078 Funding Number: F18AS00078 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $136,072 |
| Combating Wildlife Trafficking - U.S. Demand Reduction Apply for F18AS00086 Funding Number: F18AS00086 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Combating Wildlife Trafficking - Priority Species Apply for F18AS00087 Funding Number: F18AS00087 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| South America Regional Program Apply for F18AS00090 Funding Number: F18AS00090 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Forest Service - Great Lakes RFA 2018 Apply for USDA FS 2018 GLRI Funding Number: USDA FS 2018 GLRI Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund - AFRICA Apply for F18AS00092 Funding Number: F18AS00092 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program Apply for F18AS00095 Funding Number: F18AS00095 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Sonoran Joint Venture Migratory Bird Program Apply for F18AS00097 Funding Number: F18AS00097 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| 2018 State Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Grant Program Apply for F18AS00099 Funding Number: F18AS00099 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Southwest Region Fish and Aquatic Conservation:Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP) Apply for F18AS00103 Funding Number: F18AS00103 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $940,000 |
| Wetland Restoration in PPJV Priority Areas of the Iowa Wetland Management District Apply for F18AS00076 Funding Number: F18AS00076 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $86,600 |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes States Apply for F18AS00106 Funding Number: F18AS00106 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes Apply for F18AS00107 Funding Number: F18AS00107 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Saginaw Bay to Western Lake Erie Coastal Wetland Initiative Apply for F18AS00109 Funding Number: F18AS00109 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Ice Age National Scientific Reserve- IATR Apply for NPS NOIP18AC00094 Funding Number: NPS NOIP18AC00094 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,700,000 |
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