FUNDING

SFBJV Project Support

The Joint Venture offers project support for projects which support the Joint Venture goals. See Guidelines.

International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Federal Programs

Multi-State Conservation Grant Program (Large-scale Habitat Design, Implementation, and Monitoring for Bird Conservation): The Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP) funds projects that address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. It was established in 2000 by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act, which amended the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) cooperatively administer the Multistate Conservation Grant Program. The Association solicits grant applications and makes its “priority list” recommendations to the USFWS, who can only fund projects from the Association's list and manages and monitors grant awards. Each year, up to $6,000,000 is available to fund MSCGP projects. Projects may be funded for one, two, or three years on a calendar year basis. For more information about the Multistate Conservation Grant Program, contact Kelly Miller Reed at 202/624-7890 or kreed@fishwildlife.org. For more application information please review the attached guidelines or visit the MSCGP website: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/MultiState/MS_Funding.html

The MSCGP is intended to address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. It was established in 2000 by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act, which amended the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. Up to $6,000,000 is available each calendar year for one to three year projects (CFDA Number 15-628).

Organizations eligible to apply include: a state or group of states, a non-governmental organization, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for the purpose of conducting the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Projects must benefit at least 26 states, or the majority of states in a USFWS region or a regional association of state fish and wildlife agencies. Projects must also benefit sport fish, wild birds and/or wild mammals.

The MSCGP will fund projects in 2009 that address the below nine National Conservation Needs (NCNs):

  1. Subject: Incorporating the effects of climate change into North American fish and wildlife habitat planning at regional and statewide scales. (Submitted by the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the Bird Conservation Committee)
  2. Subject: Outdoor heritage - participation, recruitment, retention and access to public lands in hunting, fishing, and conservation related recreational activities (Submitted by the Angler/Boating Participation, Hunting and Shooting Sports and Wildlife Resources Policy Committees)
  3. Subject: A National Fish and Wildlife Health Initiative (Submitted by the Fish & Wildlife Health Committee)
  4. Subject: Formation and Operations of Fish Habitat Partnerships to Facilitate National Fish Habitat Action Plan Implementation. (Submitted by the Fisheries/Water Resources Policy Committee)
  5. Subject: Integration of fish and wildlife needs as the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill are implemented. (Submitted by the Agricultural Conservation Committee)
  6. Subject: Actions in support of implementing the Association’s North American Conservation Education Strategy (Submitted by Education/Outreach/Diversity Committee)
  7. Subject: Implementation of the AFWA Mourning Dove and Lead Toxicosis Working Group Recommendations and research (human dimensions or scientific) that relates to lead toxicosis and its impact on mourning doves (Submitted by the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies)
  8. Subject: Multistate Conservation Grant Program Coordination (Submitted by the National Grants Committee)
  9. Subject: Research for and Coordination of the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (National Survey) (Submitted by the Executive Committee)

Based upon submitted Letters of Intent, the most competitive applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in early June. After an evaluation conducted by Association Committees, projects will be selected in September at the Association’s Annual Meeting and recommended to USFWS for funding by October 1, 2008. Funds for selected projects will be available starting January 1, 2009.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) and the USFWS cooperatively administer the Multistate Conservation Grant Program.The Association solicits Letters of Intent and invites full proposals from eligible applicants and recommends to the USFWS a “priority list” of projects to be funded. The USFWS selects projects from the “priority list” and awards and manages grants.

If you require further information, please contact Christina Zarrella, MSCGP Coordinator at: czarrella@fishwildlife.org.

Army Corps of Engineers - Sections 1135 & 206: Section 1135 funds are available for the restoration and acquisition of wetlands previously affected by an Army Corps project. For more information, contact the Army Corps of Engineers at 415-977-8703. Section 206 funds provide for the restoration of aquatic ecosystem structure and function. Projects usually include the manipulation of the hydrology in and along bodies of water, including wetlands and riparian areas. No relationship to an existing Corps project is required. Contact Jay Kinberger 415 977- 8773.

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program: Competitive Funding Opportunity for FY 2011 - Now open! NOAA published a request for proposals for funding in fiscal year (FY) 2011 on January 19, 2010. The application period will close on April 9, 2010. Interested parties should contact the appropriate state CELCP lead for additional information on state project solicitation processes. The FY 2011 Federal Register Notice and Federal Funding Opportunity notice are provided below, along with recommended application templates and supplementary information on project eligibility requirements.

Environmental Protection Agency - EPA

Wetland Program Development Grants: This competitive grant program is for funding projects that build wetland protection programs for States, Tribes and Territories. The priorities for funding this year are linked to the "Core Elements of an Effective State and Tribal Wetland Program Framework", which can be found at http://www.epa.gov/cefdevelop. Applicants should show how their project would move the State's, Tribe's or Territory's wetland program forward.

  • Funds are available to States, Tribes, Territories, local governments, interstate organizations and intertribal consortia.
  • Applications are being accepted afor these grants from now until Thursday, May 6, 2010.
  • The RFP provides details on priority project types, eligibility, the application deadline, and the required contents of an application. The RFP can be viewed at US EPA Region 9's website at: http://www.epa.gov/region09/funding/wetlands-10.html
  • A synopsis of the announcement is at grants.gov. Key dates for this grant selection process are: Thursday, May 6, 2010 - Deadline for signed applications. Friday, June 11, 2010 (tentative) - US EPA Region 9 announces preliminary selections for grant awards. by Thursday, September 30, 2010 - Grant awards finalized.
  • DOCUMENT: US EPA Region 9 FY 10 Wetland Program Development Grant RFP with appendix [264 KB PDF]
South Bay Salt Ponds
Photo by Kent Steffens

Environmental Protection Agency: The Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW) Sustainable Finance Team has launched a"Watershed Funding" section of EPA's Web site which containslinks to tools, databases, and resources about grants, funding and fundraising. The Web site is designed to help nonprofit watershed organizations, state and local governments, and funders (such as foundations) more easily find information on how to effectively obtain and invest resources to improve watershed health.Various grants in the range of $25,000-$350,000 are available through the EPA for watershed planning, restoration and stewardship studies for state, tribal and local governments. Grants are also available for Environmental justice issues, Pollution prevention, Brownfields assessment, Community/Economic development and Environmental education. Their public information line is 415-947-8000 and may be reached at Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9; 75 Hawthorne Street; San Francisco, CA 94105.

EPA Environmental Education Grants Program: The environmental education grants program supports progress towards EPA Strategic Goal 5 (Compliance and Environmental Stewardship), Objective 5.2 (Improve Environmental Performance through Pollution Prevention and Innovation), and Sub-Objective 5.2.1 (Prevent pollution and promote environmental stewardship by government and the public). Recipients of these grants will further EPA's strategic goals by implementing environmental education projects that improve environmental behavior through nonregulatory means, raise the public's awareness of actions it can take to prevent pollution, and promote environmental stewardship. EPA, in negotiating an assistance agreement work plan under this competition, will ensure that the work plan contains well-defined outputs, and to the extent practicable, well-defined outcomes.Environmental Stewardship is defined for environmental education purposes as: voluntary commitment, behavior, and accomplishments that result in environmental protection or improvement. Stewardship refers to an acceptance of personal responsibility for actions to improve environmental quality and to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Coyote Hill
Photo by Kent Steffens

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): The Land and Water Conservation Fund is the largest source of federal money for parks, wildlife, and open space land acquisition. Its funding comes primarily from offshore oil and gas drilling receipts, with an authorized expenditure of $900 million each year. Under the act, a portion of the money is intended to go to federal land purchases and a portion to the states as matching grants for state and local park projects. Congress generally has appropriated only a fraction of the $900 million authorized, however, significant strides have been taken in recent years to increase the levels of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Contact your Congressional representative or regional office of any of the federal agencies for more specific information.

Land Exchange Program: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks to preserve wildlife habitat and provide improved public access through this exchange program. The BLM exchanges public land for prime private wildlife habitat based on fair market value of lands. Private landholders and land trusts are eligible applicants. Contact: Howard Stark, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite West-1834, Sacramento, CA 95825-1886, 916-978-4630.

Landowner Incentive Program Grant Proposals: The Fish and Wildlife Service requests proposals under the Landowner Incentive Program pending a Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2004 allocation of funds for conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa (hereafter referred to collectively as States), and Tribes. These grants are available for conservation efforts to be carried out on private lands, to provide technical or financial assistance to private landowners for the purpose of benefiting Federally listed, proposed, or candidate species, or other at-risk species on private lands. Assistance must be to protect, restore, or manage habitat on private lands. This program is administered through State Wildlife Agencies, but the work must occur on private lands (this generally includes non-profits in the USFWS definition).For any further information about Landowner Incentive Program, contact: The Division of Federal Aid FederalAid@fws.gov.

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Program (NCWCG): Please see the information below regarding the 2011 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Program (NCWC) Grants and Request for Applications. We would like to gauge interest for holding a NCWC workshop at the USFWS Regional Office in Sacramento. There are two potential dates for the workshop, but we will only be selecting one date. Please let me know if you are interested in attending a workshop on either April 29 (1-4pm) or May 6 (1-4pm). If either date works for you, please indicate that as well. If interested, please respond to me via email by COB on Wednesday March 24. Please forward this email to other interested parties. After I tally all of the responses, I will send out another email that indicates the selected workshop date/time, specific location, and agenda. Samantha N. Marcum, Regional Coastal Program Coordinator, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Region

Documents: 2011 Request for Applications | 50cfr84-National Coastal Wetlands Conservation | Coastal contacts for NCWG ppt | Governors Designation Letter - Eligible CA Agencies

Funds generated from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and boat gasoline taxes are set aside in the Sport Fish and Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Fund for the acquisition, restoration, and enhancement of coastal wetlands systems. The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program provides States with a means of protecting and restoring these valuable resources. Projects can include (1) acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters from willing sellers or partners (coastal wetlands ecosystems) for long-term conservation or (2) restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems for long-term conservation. Examples of restoration efforts that could be funded include:

  • Restoring wetland hydrology by plugging drainage ditches, breaking tile drainage systems, installing water control structures, dike construction, or re-establishing historic connections with waterways.
  • Planting native vegetation.
  • Removal of exotic plants and animals that compete with native fish and wildlife and alter native habitats.

Ranking decisions are based on criteria published in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84.32. Also see Attachment A to this announcement that clarifies select ranking criteria and addresses questions regarding 50 CFR Part 84.This program funds only state agencies, i.e. State Coastal Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation Board. Grants are available to coastal states and require either a 25% or 50% match. Contact: Christy Kuczak is the national contact for the NCWCG (phone 703-358-1748 or email christy_kuczak@fws.gov) but local contacts should be directed to Deb Schlafmann, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room 2606, Sacramento, CA 95825, 916/414-6455, Debra_Schlafmann@fws.gov NOTE: THIS FUNDING IS FOR STATE APPLICANTS ONLY. Please contact the SFBJV if you intend to apply at bhuning@sfbayjv.org or 415/259-0334. For more information, go to http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA

National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries): The NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally-driven, grass-roots habitat restoration projects that will benefit living marine resources, including anadromous fish. Projects funded through the CRP have strong on-the-ground habitat restoration components that provide educational and social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. The role of NOAA in the CRP is to help identify potential restoration projects, strengthen the development and implementation of sound restoration projects and science-based monitoring of such projects within communities, and develop long-term, ongoing national and regional partnerships to support community-based restoration of living marine resource habitats across a wide geographic area.

National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction
Funding opportunity number: NOAA-NOS-OCRM-2011-2002597
Deadline: November 30, 2010
By funding designated reserve agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS purpose, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of the area for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction.

NOAA Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Grants Program
Deadline: November 1, 2010
Supports locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and wildlife including migratory fish.

FY 2011 Coastal Resilience Networks Program
Funding opportunity number: NOAA-NOS-CSC-2011-2002464
Deadline: September 15, 2010
Proposals should provide beneficial public outcomes for coastal communities to address existing and potential future risks to coastal infrastructure, local economies, vulnerable populations, and the natural environment.

Open Rivers Initiative: Through this program, the NOAA Restoration Center provides technical expertise and financial assistance to remove dams and barriers and restore habitat for the many species that migrate between the ocean and the nation's freshwater rivers and streams. Proposed projects should directly benefit migratory species such as salmon, sturgeon, shad, river herring, striped bass, and American eel. They should also improve community vitality and public safety and encourage economic growth. The deadline to apply for this opportunity is November 17, 2010.

Protected Species Cooperative Conservation
Funding opportunity number: NOAA-NMFS-PRPO-2011-2002635
Deadline: October 4, 2010
Eligible applicants are state agencies that have entered into an agreement with National Marine Fisheries Service pursuant to section 6(c) of the ESA.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP): Funds are available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service for the acquisition of conservation easements on agricultural lands. Both permanent and 30-year easements can be purchased under the WRP, with priority given to projects that maximize wildlife values. Funds for wetland restoration are also available. Contact: Alan Forkey, Wetlands Biologist, 530-792-5653 or your local NRCS field office.

USDA Announces Availability of Research, Education and Extension Grants to Address Major Societal Challenges Funds for Five Key Issues Available Through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_2KD?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/03/0146.xml

Field Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill for Fish and Wildlife Conservation [3.8 MB PDF]: This guide was prepared for fish and wildlife conservation practitioners so they can better understand the Farm Bill and how it can be used in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), landowners, and producers for the conservation of fish and wildlife habitat and other ecosystem services.

NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP): WHIP is a voluntary program for private landowners who want to develop or improve fish and wildlife habitat on their property. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program, providing technical assistance and up to 75% of the cost of the project. Contact your local NRCS field office for more information.

USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program: The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with State, tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grants: Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. CIG will benefit agricultural producers by providing more options for environmental enhancement and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations. NRCS administers CIG.

USDA State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement: On March 22, 2007, FSA announced a new initiative, SAFE, to allow State Offices to address local wildlife conservation needs. SAFE allows producers to install practices that benefit high priority State wildlife conservation objectives through the use of targeted restoration of vital habitat. This cooperative conservation effort is based on locally developed conservation proposals that address the highest priority wildlife objectives in the State before the practice may be implemented. The proposals will be considered by FSA STC after a review by the State Technical Committee. CEPD will review all STC recommendations. Under SAFE (which are Conservation Reserve Program funds set aside for nontraditional CRP activities),  active agricultural producers are paid for practices that benefit high priority State wildlife conservation objectives through the use of targeted restoration of vital habitat.  SAFE provides an opportunity to develop grassroots cooperative conservation projects to address high priority wildlife needs through habitat restoration. The practices must be used to address wildlife habitat that can be enhanced through the restoration of eligible cropland through CRP. Enrollment is available under continuous signup criteria. SAFE practices can be used to restore threatened and endangered species habitat or habitat for species that have suffered a significant population decline, including restoration of habitat for game species such as pheasant or quail, salmon or steelhead stream habitat, or for other economically significant species. SAFE practice proposals must afford measurable and tangible benefits to the desired species.

NAWCA - North American Wetlands Conservation Act

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA): NAWCA provides federal funds specifically to "conserve North American wetland ecosystems and waterfowl and the other migratory birds and fish and wildlife that depend on such habitats." (PL 101-233) Eligible projects include acquisition and restoration of wetlands, among other activities. Proposals require a 50/50 nonfederal match. To be competitive nationally the cost per acre must be reasonable, and the larger the acreage of influence, the better. SFBJV recommends this funding source to smaller projects that do not intend to compete as part of a NAWCA standard grant in the next two years.

NAWCA Standard Grants: The U.S. Standard grant information is available on the NAWCA website at www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/Standard/US/index.shtm.The next deadline for NAWCA Standard Grants is March 2011. For general program information, contact the U.S. Standard Grants Program Proposal Coordinators: David Buie (david_buie@fws.gov), (301) 497-5870, or Rodecia McKnight (rodecia_mcknight@fws.gov), (703) 358-2266. Important note: Anyone considering applying should coordinate their application with SFBJV Coordinator Beth Huning at bhuning@sfbayjv.org or 415/883-3854. The SFBJV will need to be involved not only to provide guidance but also because we will need to rank all applications that are submitted.

NAWCA Small Grants: The Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (Act). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. This program supports the same type of projects and adheres to the same selection criteria and administrative guidelines as the U.S. Standard Grants Program. However, project activities are usually smaller in scope and involve fewer project dollars. Grant requests may not exceed $75,000, and funding priority is given to grantees or partners new to the Act’s Grants Program. Note: Small grants are an underutilized part of the Act; they are much easier than standard grants and they've raised the cap to $75,000! NAWCA Small Grants were initially intended as a lead-in to the NAWCA Standard Grant process, but they often provide enough funding to accomplish the smaller scale projects or a phase of a larger project. All potential applicants should contact SFBJV Coordinator Beth Huning at bhuning@sfbayjv.org or 415/883-3854 well in advance for input on ways to make their application competitive on a national level. The next deadline is October 28, 2010.

Projects should include significant community involvement and outreach, and should also include the commitment, cooperation, and cost-sharing of all partners. Because partnerships are key to the success of community-based projects, we strongly encourage the inclusion of support letters with your application. Applications are due by August 1st for assistance beginning the following fiscal year (October 1st through September 30th). Assistance is for one year, and may be renewed for a second year upon request. Project selection is generally announced in early November after passage of the federal budget.

NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program: Rivers, trails, greenways and natural areas connect us to our environment and benefit a community’s economy, public health, and quality of life. The National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program supports community-based conservation action. By working with local partners, we hope to foster a network of rivers, trails and greenways that link people -- where they live and work -- to each other, to their community, and to the countryside. Six western states are served by regional and field offices. Here you will find information about services and project profiles in California, Hawai’i, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The RTCA Program in the Pacific West Region is managed from park service offices in Oakland and Seattle. Download & Print Application Guidelines in PDF format. Contact information for the Pacific West Regional Office, 1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607:

  • Fax: (510) 815-1505
  • Barbara Rice, RTCA Program Leader, Phone: (510) 817-1449
  • Debbie Allen, Administrative Assistant, Phone: (510) 817-1446
  • Peg Henderson, Phone: (510) 817-1448
  • Linda Stonier, Phone: (510) 817-1450

Current Closing Date for Applications: Aug 1, 2010.

Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center: The Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center at Point Reyes National Seashore provideS office space, housing, data, reports, coordination and logistical support for researchers performing projects within Bay Area parks. Occasionally the learning center also provides research grants to support effective research and science. Click here for a PDF describing learning center research goals.

Restore America’s Estuaries Federal Funding Guide: The Federal Funding Guide is a repository of information about federal programs that provide restoration project funding throughout the country and for a wide array of habitat, activity and recipient types. The funding guide provides a quick, comprehensive and accessible review of the often hidden federal funds that may be used to implement on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. Its design and layout provide users with easy access to critical information about funding and eligibility. In the Federal Funding Documents opportunities are listed in alphabetical order by Department.

Kayaking
Canoes and Sloughs
Photo Courtesy of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

Tribal Wildlife Grants: Wildlife conservation grants to States and to the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and tribes under provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, for the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished. The Act further specifies that the Service use $5 million of the funds to establish a competitive grant program available to federally recognized Indian tribes.

U.S Fish & Wildlife Service - USFWS

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (various grants): The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program provides financial and technical assistance for voluntary restoration of native habitats primarily on private lands. Interested parties are invited to submit arequest for assistance.

The U.S. Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act established a competitive grants program to support projects that promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds and their habitats in the United States, Canada, Latin America or the Caribbean. Many grants of up to US$250,000 are awarded every year. NMBCA Grants Deadline: No later than on November 1, 2010. More information and application instructions are available at http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/grants/nmbca.

NMBCA UPDATE 2010.05.18: The 2010 NMBCA grants have been announced. Only 25% of the program funding can be allocated to activities in the United States, and our program was funded at $5M in FY2010. With many projects involving land acquisition, this often results in only a handful of projects in the US. This year the program includes projects with activities in Alaska, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Florida, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Saskatchewan (okay, that's in Canada) and probably sites in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (I say probably because these sites are yet to be determined and involve surveying and research). A number of these projects are grasslands related and/or involve acquisition. Applicants were "strongly encouraged" to contact a JV if they were planning activities there through their proposals. This is how we addressed it in the application for this year's program:

Should projects with activities in the USA coordinate with a Joint Venture?
For projects with activities in the USA, we strongly encourage applicants to contact the Migratory Bird Joint Venture (JV) where the project activities are planned. Proposals with activities that are coordinated with a JV will be more competitive. Check the JV Map http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/JointVentures/Map.shtm and Directory http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/JointVentures/Directory.shtm to find the JV appropriate for your project area. Meanwhile, the remainder of the funding went to projects outside of the US benefitting species you are working hard to conserve. You can see all of the 2010 funded projects at: http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NMBCA/2010.shtm.

CONTACT

Guy B. Foulks
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Program
Division of Bird Habitat Conservation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive MBSP 4075
Arlington, VA 22203
703-358-1944
703-358-2282 fax
email: Guy_B_Foulks@fws.gov
http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat

Programs for WEBLESS migratory game birds - Request for Proposals for 2 different webless programs.One is for anew Webless Migratory Game Bird (WMGB) Management Program that comes from new funding that has become available for webless migratory game birds for monitoring, research, and management activities.The second is for the Webless Migratory Game Bird Research (WMGBR) Program that has been in operation since 1995.The reason for 2 programs is that each has to retain its appropriations identity and be used according to the description provided in the USFWS budget book and appropriations language for the year it was appropriated. The appropriations description differs between the two programs, thus, they need to retain their separate identity.However, we can manage the two programs using similar processes.

WMGBR Program - This is a Request for Proposals for new Webless Migratory Game Bird Research (WMGBR) projects to be initiated in 2008. NOTE: In the interest of time, we will go through the review process with the assumption that $250,000 in funding will be available by next March. However, if funding does not become available, you will be notified and proposals will need to be resubmitted for 2010. Study proposals may be on any webless migratory game bird topic identified as a research need in from a species group Workshop, a management plan (national, regional, or state), the 1994 book entitled Migratory Shore and Upland Game Bird Management in North America (copies available from David Dolton), or a regional Technical Committee priority list.A list of research priorities is included for the Western, Central, and Southeastern Regions. Proposals are due November 1, 2008 for use of FY2009 funds.Projects will be initiated in 2009.Matching funds are required.

National Wetlands Coastal Program: The Coastal Program provides incentives for voluntary protection of threatened, endangered and other species on private and public lands alike. The program's protection and restoration successes to date give hope that, through the cooperative efforts of many public and private partners, adequate coastal habitat for fish and wildlife will exist for future generations. The National Wetlands Coastal Program has 22 distinct areas referred to as "programs" throughout the nation - one of which is the Coastal Program in San Francisco Bay.

UPDATE 2009.11.11: Applications are now closed for 2009 and the 2010 application deadline will be posted when more information becomes available.

CFDA Number: 15.630 -- Coastal Program
Expected Number of Awards: Not Available
Estimated Total Program Funding: $13,000,000
For more information, go to: http://ecos.fws.gov/coastal/viewContent.do?viewPage=home and http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12692&mode=VIEW

Coastal Program in San Francisco Bay: The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a partnership program in the Bay, Delta and the estuary's local watersheds. About $220,000 is available each year to obligate to projects that restore fish and wildlife habitat, provide essential information to decision makers advising them on habitat restoration, or performs habitat-related advocacy and outreach. The emphasis is on estuarine benefits and for "on-the-ground" projects. About 260 wide-ranging projects involving all kinds of partners have been supported since 1992. CFDA Number 15.630. Contact John Klochak, Coastal Program Coordinator, San Francisco Bay Initiative Area, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 9500 Thornton Ave. Newark, CA 94560. Phone: 510-792-0222, FAX: 510-792-5828 Email: john_klochak@fws.gov.

Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program: The Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program provides technical and cost-share financial assistance to private landowners, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, watershed groups, Tribes, and city and county agencies to voluntarily enhance or restore native habitats such as wetlands, streams and riparian areas, grasslands, woodlands and other upland habitats.  Emphasis is given to on-the-ground activities that improve native habitat for Federal trust species, including migratory birds, anadromous fish, and other listed and special status animal and plant species.  Up to 50% implementation costs may be available, not to exceed $25,000 per project under a formal cooperative agreement.  For more information on this program or to discuss your project ideas, contact Kate Symonds, SF Bay Partners Biologist, at (707) 578-8515,kate_symonds@fws.gov.  Visit the Conservation Partnerships webpage at http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/Partnerships/index.htm for more information.

Science Support Partnership and Quick Response Programs: Contact Diane Elam at 916-414-6453 | Diane_Elam@fws.gov.

Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species

FARMABLE WETLANDS PROGRAM: Restoring wetlands reduces downstream flood damage, improves surface and groundwater quality, and recharges groundwater supplies. Wetlands provide vital habitat for migratory birds and many wildlife species, including threatened and endangered species, and provide recreational opportunities such as bird watching and hunting. The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) is a voluntary program to restore up to 500,000 acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers by improving the land's hydrology and vegetation. Eligible producers in all states can enroll eligible land in the FWP through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

State Acreage Allocations: FWP is limited to no more than 1 million acres, and no more than 100,000 acres in any one state.

Sign-up: Offers are accepted on a continuous sign-up basis and are automatically accepted provided the acreage and producer meet certain eligibility requirements. Acceptance is not determined by a competitive offer process.

Eligible Land: Eligible acreage includes farmed and prior converted wetlands that have been impacted by farming activities. The maximum acreage for enrollment of wetlands and buffers is 40 acres per tract. A producer may enroll multiple wetlands and associated buffers on a tract as long as the total acreage does not exceed 40 acres.

Acreage must meet the following FWP eligibility requirements: Land must be cropland planted to an agricultural commodity 3 of the 10 most recent crop years and be physically and legally capable of being planted in a normal manner to an agricultural commodity. A wetland must be 10 acres or less. Only the first 5 acres may receive payment. A buffer may not exceed the greater of 3 times the size of the wetland or an average of 150 feet on either side of the wetland. Participants must agree to restore the hydrology of the wetland to the maximum extent possible.

Conservation Practices: The conservation practices authorized under FWP are: CP27 - Farmable Wetlands Pilot Wetland; and CP28 - Farmable Wetlands Pilot Buffer.

Contract Duration and Effective Date: FWP contracts are from 10 to 15 years in exchange for annual rental payments, incentive payments, and cost-share for installing necessary practices. The effective date of the contract is the first day of the month following the month of approval.

Payments: Eligible producers may receive the following types of payments: Annual rental payments for a 10- to 15-year period. The rental rate is based on the weighted average dryland cash rent. Upfront CRP signing incentive payment of $100 to $150 per acre depending on contract length. This one-time payment is made after the contract is approved and all payment eligibility criteria are met. Practice incentive payment equal to 40 percent of the eligible costs of installing the practice. This one-time payment is made after the practice is installed, eligible costs are verified, and other payment eligibility criteria are met. Incentive amount equal to 20 percent of the weighted average dryland cash rent. Up to 50 percent cost-share for establishing permanent cover.

Cooperating Agencies: The FWP is administered by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) with assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; state agencies; and local soil and water conservation districts.

Producers can find out details and sign up at their local FSA or NRCS office, both of which are listed in telephone books under "United States Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture."

More Information: Information about FSA and its conservation programs is available on the FSA Web site at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov

Conservation Maven Funding Database: frequently updated listing of the latest government and foundation grant opportunities.

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State Programs

California Ocean Protection Council (OPC): Grant Program Objectives - The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is charged with implementing the California Ocean Protection Act (COPA) An important tool to achieve the provisions of COPA is the funding of projects and programs that target the actions identified in the OPC Strategic Plan.

In addition to consistency with COPA and the OPC strategic plan, projects that will be considered for funding by the OPC must:

  • Directly relate to the ocean, coast, associated estuaries, or coastal-draining watersheds
  • Have demonstrable support from the public
  • Be of greater-than-local interest

The OPC will give additional consideration to proposed projects that:

  • Employ an innovative approach to solving a problem
  • Improve the manner in which the state manages coastal and ocean resources
  • Help resolve more than one issue
  • Include a contribution of funds or services by other entities
  • Are ready to implement (grantee or contractor will start and finish the project in a timely manner)
  • Involve a combination of local, state, or federal agencies or that are public/private partnerships

Unsolicited Proposals – Click here for directions on how to submit an unsolicited proposal. The OPC will accept unsolicited proposals for projects and ideas on a continuous basis. Proposals that fall within this category must be consistent with the OPC program priorities.

The OPC will not accept unsolicited proposals for:

  • Projects focused solely on public education
  • Projects requesting funding to make up for funds that have been lost from another source
  • Projects requesting funds for ongoing monitoringa timely manner)

CALFED

On February 3, 2010, under Senate Bill No. 1, the new Delta Stewardship Council was created as an independent state agency tasked with developing the Delta Plan for achieving the coequal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring and enhancing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem. Under the same bill, the CALFED Science Program became the Delta Science Program, reporting to the new Council.

Photo Courtesy of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

California Bay-Delta Authority (CBDA) Science Program Grants: TheCALFEDScienceProgram's goal is to invest in knowledge that will fundamentally advance the understanding of the complex environments/systems within the scope of the CALFED program to aid resource managers.

California Coastal Commission Whale Tail Grants: The Whale Tail Grants Program distributes funds from sales of the Whale Tail License Plate. The grants support programs that teach California’s children and the general public to value and take action to improve the health of the state’s marine and coastal resources. Adopt-A-Beach programs, as well as other beach maintenance and coastal habitat restoration projects that have an educational component, are also eligible for these grants. This grants program focuses on reaching communities that are currently poorly served in terms of marine and coastal education.

California Coastal Conservancy: The Conservancy has grant funding for the acquisition, restoration and enhancement of significant coastal and Bay Resource and habitat lands through the Bay Area Conservancy Program. Grants are also available for the preparation of plans for the enhancement and restoration of wetlands, dunes, rivers, streams, and watersheds. State and local agencies and non-profits may apply. Contact the State Coastal Conservancy at 510-286-1015.

WRP Small Grant Program: The Small Grant Program provides grants of $1,000 - $30,000 for community based restoration projects.

San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program: The Conservancy's Bay Program was established in 1998 to address the natural resource and recreational goals of the nine-county Bay Area in a coordinated and comprehensive way. For more information about the Conservancy and the Bay Program, please see the Conservancy's website at http://www.scc.ca.gov.

Cal/EPA Targeted Site Investigation program (TSI): Targeted Site Investigation program (TSI) fundsare intended to assist local municipalities, school districts and non-profit organizations with such site assessment activities as Preparing a sampling plan, Field work, Preparation of a follow-up report, Conducting a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA). For more information, please visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Brownfields/ or call Megan Cambridge, DTSC Statewide Brownfields Coordinator and TSI Grant Coordinator at (916) 255-3727 or Linda Dorn, State Water Resources Control Board at (916) 341-5780.

California Farmlands Conservancy Program: The CA Farmlands Conservancy Program (formerly the Agricultural Land Stewardship Program) within the State Department of Conservation provides long-term protection of farmland through grants to for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, fee title acquisition projects, policy/planning projects and land improvement projects. Local agencies and non-profits are eligible to apply. Contact: Charles Tyson, Program Coordinator, Office of Land Conservation, 801 K Street, MS 13-71, Sacramento CA 95814. 916-324-0862.

California Sea Grant College Program: California Sea Grant is continuing to move in a strategic direction for 2006-2010. In recognition of recent and anticipated challenges and opportunities, California Sea Grant is focusing on the following new integrated themes: Healthy Marine Ecosystems; Sustainable Resource Use; Sustainable Coastal Communities; New Technologies; Education, Training & Public Information.

California River Parkways Program:  The California River Parkways Program in the Office of the Secretary for Resources is a competitive grant program for river parkways projects. Eligible projects must provide public access or be a component of a larger parkway plan that provides public access.

Caltrans Mitigation: Caltrans frequently looks for wetlands projects that can be used to mitigate approved highway projects. Contact your local Caltrans office.

Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD)

California Department of Conservation Statewide Watershed Program: Release of DOC Watershed Coordinator Grants 2010 Request for Proposals. The Department of Conservation (DOC), Division of Land Resource Protection (DLRP), Statewide Watershed Program announces the release of the new Watershed Coordinator Grants 2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) funded through the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Act of 2006 (Proposition 84). DOC anticipates that approximately $9 million of Proposition 84 funds will be awarded to support coordination for watershed management and local watershed improvements throughout the State.

DOC will be utilizing the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST) system to facilitate the application and review process, and to conserve paper.

All applicants submitting proposals for funding through this grant must submit a complete electronic application using the FAAST system, by 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, OCTOBER 12, 2010. Late applications will not be accepted.

To begin the application process through the FAAST system click on this link: https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov/

The 2010 RFP, which describes eligibility, program requirements, the application process, and the evaluation criteria, is posted on the DOC website at: http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/wp/grants/Pages/wcgp_forms.aspx

For technical questions about the State Water Board’s FAAST application, please contact FAAST staff by phone at (866) 434-1083, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by email at faast_admin@waterboards.ca.gov

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Fines: DFG collects fine monies for fish and game code violations. County fish and game committees typically administer these funds. Contact your local Fish and Game office for information.

Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Restoration Grant Program: The focus of the FRGP is to restore anadromous salmonid habitat with the goal of ensuring the survival and protection of coho salmon, steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and cutthroat trout in coastal watersheds of California. Grants are made to a variety of public entities, nonprofits, and Indian tribes. Amounts vary from under $1,000 to over $500,000. For more information, contact Ethan Rotman, Fishing in the City Coordinator, San Francisco Bay Area, (415) 892-0460 or erotman@dfg.ca.gov for more information.

Habitat Conservation Fund: The California Department of Parks and Recreation administers this grant program for local public agencies for the acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitats and significant natural areas. Eligible projects include acquisition/restoration of deer/mountain lion, rare, threatened and endangered species, wetlands, riparian, anadromous fish and trout habitat and urban trail/wildlife corridor projects. Contact Odel King at 916-653-8758, California Department of Parks and Recreation; PO Box 942896; Sacramento, 94296-0007.

Proposition 12 Funding: Passage of Proposition 12 in March 2000 increased funding to existing programs or established new sources of funds for parks and recreational resources. Following is a list of the agencies administering Proposition 12 funds, names of funding programs, and contact information.

Proposition 13 Funding: The Water Bond, Proposition 13, substantially increased funding for water resources throughout the State. Following is a list of agencies administering these funds, funding programs, and contact information:

Proposition 40/50 Awards Website

Proposition 84 Funding:

  • Urban Streams Restoration Program: The objectives of the Urban Streams Restoration Program are to assist communities in reducing damages from stream bank and watershed instability and floods while restoring the environmental and aesthetic values of streams, and to encourage stewardship and maintenance of streams by the community.
  • Update April 9th, 2010: Due to the State's fiscal crisis and the current freeze on bond funds, the application cycle for the Urban Streams Restoration Grant Program is still on hold. DWR plans to resume the application review process by June 2010 to award grants when bond funds become available.
  • DWR anticipates initiating the next application cycle in late 2010, contingent on availability of grant funds. Check back in May 2010 for an update on the expected timeline.

San Francisco Estuary Project: SFEP seeks proposals for projects that educate and involve people in ways to improve the health of the Estuary, restore and protect existing wetland or wildlife habitats, or monitor the health of fish and wildlife populations.

State Water Resources Control Board - SWRCB

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

SWRCB Clean Beaches Initiative Projects is continuously accepting applications for its Proposition 40 Clean Beaches Initiative Grant Program.

Nonpoint Source & Water Quality Planning Programs: State Water Resources Control Board Federal 319 Program.  The program is an annual federally-funded nonpoint source pollution control program focused on controlling activities that impair beneficial uses of state waters, and on limiting pollutant effects caused by those activities.   Because under federal law states must establish priority rankings for impaired waters and develop action plans (known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), project proposals that address TMDLs and impaired waters will be favored in the selection process.  There is also a focus on implementing management activities that lead to reduction and/or prevention of pollutants that threaten impaired waters.   Nonprofit organizations, local governments including special districts, Indian tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to apply.  State or federal agencies may apply if they are collaborating with local entities and are involved in watershed management or are proposing a statewide project.  Eligible projects can include: technology transfer; restoration; demonstration projects; technical assistance; citizen monitoring; and public education/outreach.

The CA State Water Resources Control Board has announced the 2010 solicitation for its Federal 319 Nonpoint Source Implementation Program: Eligible applicants include local public agencies, educational institutions, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, federal and state agencies. The funds will be targeted to impaired waterbodies with established Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) (which are action plans that have been developed and are in place to improve water quality). $4.5 million is available for project requests ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. Here's the website for additional information: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/319h/index.shtml

The 319 Grant Program seeks to fund projects that will serve as models for water quality improvement. Proposals most likely to receive funding must successfully demonstrate the following:

  • Well planned and designed implementation activities that have a high likelihood of contributing to the desired water quality improvements based on data and information contained in TMDLs and watershed plans;
  • Significant pollutant load reductions that contribute to the restoration of a nonpoint source impaired 303(d) listed water body. Restoration refers to the attainment of water quality objectives and beneficial uses, ultimately resulting in delisting;
  • Achievement of water quality objectives and beneficial uses within a specified time-period. Projects demonstrating short-term results (e.g., 5 years) will be preferred, but longer-term results will also be supported.

Please contact:
Patricia Leary, Division of Financial Assistance, 916 341-5167 or
Melenee Emanuel, Division of Water Quality, 916 341-5271

EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant Program: Capacity-building grants provide for education and training, whereas implementation grants involve actions such as protection and preservation. Under the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program, EPA has awarded nearly $40 million to 46 watershed organizations since 2003. In excess of $2 million has gone to five watershed capacity-building organizations to further the activities of more than 3,000 local watershed groups. The EPA also released its 2005 Targeted Watersheds Grant Annual Report. It provides examples of how grant funding helps watershed partnerships advance the goals of the Clean Water Act through sound watershed plans. Comprised of informative fact sheets and colorful maps, the report highlights 34 community efforts to reach measurable clean-water goals. The report also includes summaries of grantees focused on capacity-building efforts.

EPA's Targeted Watersheds Grants Program - Implementation Grant Program: The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program (TWG) promotes successful community-based approaches and management techniques to protect and restore the nation's waters. The program is an integral approach to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S.EPA) watershed approach to clean water by providing assistance to watershed groups and service provider organizations working to protect and restore watersheds valued for fishing, swimming, drinking and other important uses. For further information, please check the Water Resources Control Board web site at: http://www.epa.gov/twg/pdf/twg_uwrfp.pdf.

Bisso Ranch property

Transportation Enhancement Activities Program: The federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) extends the life and intent of ISTEA through 2003, including the requirement that states spend a minimum of 10% of their Surface Transportation Program funds on "transportation enhancements" or conservation-related projects such as the acquisition of scenic lands, easements, and historic sites, construction of bicycle trails, removal of outdoor advertising, and archeological/historic preservation. Eligible projects must relate to a transportation facility and be above and beyond normal transportation projects or mitigation. Non-federal matching funds are required. California's TEA funds are separated into four pots, with the bulk of the funding available through regional transportation planning agencies. Local, state, and federal agencies are eligible to receive funding; non-profits are encouraged to submit joint applications. Application deadlines vary. Contact: Marsha Mason, Caltrans TEA Office, 1120 N Street, Sacramento, 95814, 916-654-5275 or your local regional transportation planning agency.

Urban Greening Program: Due April 30 - Urban Greening for Sustainable Communities
Urban Greening Project Guidelines for Sustainable Communities Funded by the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 – Proposition 84 http://sgc.ca.gov/docs/funding/2010_02_10_FINAL_Urban_Greening_Guidelines_for_PROJECTS.pdf
Urban Greening Planning Guidelines for Sustainable Communities Funded by the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 – Proposition 84 http://sgc.ca.gov/docs/funding/2010_02_10_FINAL_Urban_Greening_Guidelines_for_PLANNING.pdf

Urban Greening Program Documents:

Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund (for Implementing State Wildlife Action Plans) 2010 Request for Proposals: The Wildlife Conservation Society’s North America Program is pleased to announce the fourth round of grant making though its Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund - a program to support nonprofit organizations, state wildlife agencies, and tribal governments in their efforts to protect wildlife as prioritized by a number of landscape-scale strategic habitat conservation plans, including State Wildlife Action Plans. A Grants Program Supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. http://www.wcs.org/where-we-work/north-america/united-states/wildlife-action-opportunities-fund.aspx.

Wildlife Conservation Board

Wildlife Conservation Board: WCB acquires and restores wildlife habitat throughout California.

Wildlife Conservation Board Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands (ERAL):
The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) now has funding for grants specific to Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands (ERAL). Under Proposition 84 the WCB received $5 million dollars to “Assist Farmers in Integrating Agricultural Activities with Ecosystem Restoration and Wildlife Protection. Eligible funding applicants include agricultural and conservation related non-profit groups, along with public entities involved in working with private agricultural land owners. The types of projects to be funded are restoration and enhancement projects that provide long-term, durable habitat benefits to wildlife on working agricultural lands, with a special focus on private farms.  The following statementreferences some of the principles that were applied in developing the guidelines: Agricultural lands function as habitat for a wide array of wildlife species in California, representing significant natural landscapes and in many cases providing important wildlife corridors and linkages with protected habitat areas. Many members of the farming community have a deep connection with the natural attributes of their land and are interested in maintaining and enhancing these habitat values in conjunction with the sustained operations of their farms.  Theirchallenge, however, may be a lack in capital or expertise to enhance and restore these habitat areas. The funding provided under ERAL will be for those farmers interested in enhancing or restoring portions of their land for habitat in ways that co-exist and potentially complement the continued operations of their farms.  Additional information regarding how to apply for these funds, including project selection and time-lines are available on the WCB’s web page at http://www.wcb.ca.gov/Pages/eral_project.asp.  Applications will be accepted on a year-round basis. The WCB meets four times each year, normally in February, May, August and November to consider approval of funding for projects.

Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB): Inland Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Conservation Programs: WCB also manages the Inland Wetlands Program for the acquisition and restoration of wetlands in the Central Valley and the Riparian Habitat Conservation Program that focuses on protecting and restoring riparian systems throughout the state. For more information on available funding, contact Marilyn Cundiff-Gee (Inland Wetlands) or Scott Clemons (Riparian) at 916-445-8448 or visit WCB's web page at http://www.wcb.ca.gov/Pages/inland_wetlands_conservation_program.asp. The WCB meets four times a year, usually in February, May, August and November. Processing time for applications can vary depending on completeness of the application, project benefits, and funding availability. Allow a minimum of six months from submittal of application to project approval.

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Local & Regional Sources

Assessments: An assessment may also be referred to as a "special" or "benefit" assessment, and involves the levying of a charge on property owners to provide financing for public improvements. A Landscaping and Lighting Act Assessment District is specifically designed to fund landscaping, street lighting, and open space acquisition/improvement projects. For example, Proposition KK approved by voters in 1994, created a landscaping and lighting assessment district in Eastern County that is used by the East Bay Regional Park District and its municipal partners to fund open space and trail improvements in this portion of the Park District.

Alameda County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund: The Alameda County Fish and Game Commission is pleased to announce the availability of funds from the Alameda County Fish and Game Propagation Fund. The Fish and Game Commission requests the submission of completed Funding Applications (attached). Recommendations of the Fish and Game Commission will be forwarded to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, which maintains final decision-making authority for expenditures from the Fund. Successful applicants may anticipate receiving funding awards by late 2010. The Alameda County Fish and Game Propagation Fund is entirely supported by fine revenues and restitution monies which result from violations of the Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations in Alameda County. Expenditures made from the Fund must benefit the fish and wildlife resources of the County. The ACF&G will be awarding a maximum of $20,000 for the year 2010. The maximum amount of $3,000.00 will be granted to any one applicant. COVER LETTER AND APPLICATION FORM [172 KB PDF]

Contra Costa County Community Watershed Stewardship Grant Program: The Watershed Project partners with the Contra Costa County Watershed Program to provide funding for watershed protection groups seeking to implement projects that will benefit community actions to enhance and protect local watersheds in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Individual grants are in the range of $5,000-$20,000 per year. Projects must be implemented in Contra Costa County, and must demonstrate a benefit to the County. Grant cycle for current year 2010 is closed.

The Napa County Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the availability of grant funds for projects that directly benefit Napa County’s wildlife and/or their habitat. An announcement and application details are below. Application deadline is Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 4:45 p.m.. Should you have any questions regarding the grant opportunity, please visit http://www.countyofnapa.org/Wildlife/ and/or contact Dan Zador, Planner, Napa County Conservation, Development and Planning Dept., 707-259-8239, daniel.zador@countyofnapa.org.

Wildlife Conservation Commission Grant Funds Announcement [107 KB PDF] | Application Details [16 KB PDF]

San Mateo County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP): SMCWPPP encourages and facilitates grassroots community action that enhances and protects the health of local watersheds, creeks, the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Community Action Grant Program was established for community groups, educators, environmentalists, nonprofit groups, and others to conduct projects to support these goals. Eligible projects must 1) be implemented in San Mateo County or within a San Mateo County watershed, 2) have an evaluation component, 3) If applicable, groups must have legitimate access to the project site (must have written support of property owner), and 4) Non-Profit groups, community organizations, agencies, teachers and student groups, service clubs, environmental groups, youth organizations, and homeowner associations are encouraged to apply. For profit groups and city/county government agencies are not eligible. The Community Action Grant Program provides funding for projects that contain a stormwater pollution prevention message and produce a community/public outreach element. SMCWPPP encourages using the tenants of social marketing for behavior change (identifying barriers and benefits, designing behavior change tools such as commitments, incentives, prompts, social norms, and evaluation of the program).

San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board: The Regional Board makes an effort to direct Administrative Civil Liability fines to local projects. For more information, contact Will Bruns at 510-622-2327 or Carol Thornton at 510-622-2419.

San Francisco Estuary Partnership: About the Partnership image Photo by Jean Matuska The San Francisco Estuary Partnership is a coalition of resource agencies, non-profits, citizens, and scientists working to protect, restore, and enhance water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in and around the San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary. Working cooperatively, we are able to share information and resources that result in studies, projects, and programs that improve the Estuary and communicate its value and needs to the public.

Solano County Endangered Species Conservation Program Request for Proposals: The Solano County Water Agencyand the Bureau ofReclamation, in coordination with the US Fish andWildlife Service, developed the 2006 Solano County Endangered SpeciesConservation Program (SCCP) to address the critical needs of specialstatus species in Solano County.  The primary goal of the SCCP is to provide longterm protection and management of habitat important to the recovery ofthreatened and endangered species through habitat acquisition, habitatrestoration, and research. For questions and additional information,please contact Chris Lee (707) 455-1105.

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Private Organizations

American Rivers Offers Community-Based Restoration Grants: Funding is provided for community-driven dam removal and fish passage projects that restore habitat of anadromous (migratory) fish such as alewife, American shad, coho salmon, and steelhead, all of which spend their adult lives in salt water before returning up rivers to spawn. Support is specifically for local communities utilizing dam removal or fish passage strategies to restore and protect the ecological integrity of their rivers and improve freshwater habitats important to migratory (anadromous) fish. Application deadlines are on April 1 and November 1 of each calendar year. 

NOAA and American Rivers Habitat Restoration Partnership:  The partnership program between American Rivers and NOAA focuses on removing instream barriers to salmon and steelhead passage, including funding preliminary analysis and design essential to barrier removal.  Projects located in California and interior Oregon will receive selection preference.  Any federal or non-federal organization may apply. Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per barrier.  A match is not required, but is recommended.

Busch Entertainment Corporation Conservation Fund: The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit charitable organization, was created in 2003 in order to increase and strengthen the long-standing commitment of Busch Entertainment Corp. (BEC) to the cause of wildlife conservation. Through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, guests at the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, BEC's corporate partners, and the general public will be able to join with BEC to support wildlife conservation around the globe. Grant applications are accepted year-round, but the Board of Directors meet once a year each Spring to review all grant applications and award funds. All applications must be received in an electronic format by December 1.

UPDATE 2010.04.20: Due December 1: Proposals to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund: If you are looking for $5,000 to $25,000 for a habitat improvement project or other "habitat protection" effort, and are willing to take a chance on a funding source that our programs haven't taken advantage of yet, you should consider submitting an on-line application to SeaWorld & Busch Garden's Conservation Fund. The application deadline is December 1.Federal agencies are eligible to apply. Most projects funded in 2008 were international, but they did fund projects in the US including basic riparian fencing and erosion control with an educational component. The project would have to be one that involves several partners or which has strong community support. You can read the list of funded 2008 projects at the link below. If you have a project in mind and would like to see if it might fit the program and compete well, included at the link is an email address at which you can contact them and ask. http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/grantInfoA.htm

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund supports conservationists advocating for the permanent protection of intact wildlands on both public and private lands in order to help preserve California's wilderness and native biological diversity. CWGF defines "wildlands" as natural habitats, privately or publicly owned, that are (or have the potential to be) permanently preserved through legislation or deed restrictions. Eligible organizations must be California-based 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or fiscally sponsored organizations with budgets under $100,000.  There is an open deadline for these grants.

Captain Planet Foundation: The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) is to support hands-on environmental projects for youth in grades K-12. The objective is to encourage innovative activities that empower children around the world to work individually and collectively as environmental stewards. Through ongoing education, they believe that children can play a vital role in preserving our precious natural resources for future generations. The Captain Planet Foundation has restructured its grant program and will now be offering a limited number of larger grant awards ( >$500 but limited to $2,500). There are only a very limited number of these higher grants that CPF is able to offer. Therefore, if your organization submits an application seeking a larger grant that CPF will not be able to fulfill, they may contact your organization to discuss possible ways of restructuring your line item budget or alternative ways to raise the necessary funds from alternate sources to complete your proposed project. Deadlines for submitting grant applications are March 31, June 30,September 30, and December 31 of each year.

Cargill Water Matters Program: Water Matters is an international program designed to engage Cargill employees in projects that promote water-quality education and action. In partnership with The Conservation Fund, Cargill provides Water Matters Mini Grants of up to $3,000 to non-profit organizations working to raise awareness and find solutions to water quality and management issues in Cargill communities.

Coastal America Partnership Awards: In 1997 Coastal America established an Awards Program to recognize outstanding team efforts to restore and protect the coastal environment. Since then, the Coastal America Partners have presented Partnership, Spirit and Special Recognition Awards on an annual basis. More information can be found at www.coastalamerica.gov.

Community Investments/Zero Divide: ZeroDivide invests in community enterprises that leverage technology to benefit people in low- income and other underserved communities. What do we mean by Community Enterprise? Social enterprise is a more common term referring to social mission driven organizations which trade in goods or services for a social purpose. A Community Enterprise is a type of social enterprise that is created and operated by the communities it serves. It often begins with a nonprofit organization that is already using technology to achieve its social mission. Our investment helps to create an enterprise within that nonprofit to achieve a new or expanded revenue source to support its social mission. Through this ground-up approach we invest in the ideas, talents, and know-how of underserved populations to build economically stable and civically engaged communities. Our ZeroDivide Community Investment strategy supports two areas of investment: Community Assets: Our goal is to establish community enterprises in underserved areas that employ mobile, wireless and social media technology to increase sustainable economic assets. E-Democracy: Our goal is to build and strengthen the capacity of underserved communities to use technology to increase civic engagement including mobilizing and educating new voters and influencing public policy.

The Conservation Fund: Leadership is demonstrated by action. In honor of champions of the environment and to encourage and support local conservation successes, the Fund partners with corporations, foundations and individuals to recognize outstanding leadership in conservation through award and grant programs.

The Kodak American Greenways Program: The Eastman Kodak American Greenways Awards, a partnership project of Kodak, The Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America. Do you know an organization that is working to create or improve a greenway, trail or waterway? Apply for a Kodak American Greenways Award grant, and your organization could receive up to $2,500 in grant funds and recognition that comes with selection by this prestigious national program.

Eastman Kodak Company, The Conservation Fund and the National Geographic Society team up each year to present the Kodak American Greenways Awards Program. One major element of the Program involves “seed” grant awards to organizations that are growing our nation's network of greenways, blueways, trails and natural areas.

The Program operated by The Conservation Fund invites land trusts, local governments, and other organizations to submit proposals for small greenway project grants. Funded projects typically advance one or more of the following Program goals:

  • Catalyzing new greenway projects
  • Assisting grassroots greenway organizations
  • Leveraging additional money for conservation and greenway development
  • Promoting use and enjoyment of greenways

For 2010, the Program anticipates awarding up to 50 percent of the grants to those greenways projects that involve natural, cultural, and/or socio-political historical themes. Previous recipients have undertaken projects that included an addition to the historic Lewis and Clark Trail; the conversion of an abandoned rail line into a multi-use public trail along the historic Mission Zanja irrigation canal; creating a county-wide greenway plan in Joe Daviess County, IL highlighting the unique geology of the only part of Illinois spared by the last glaciers; and the construction of a trail connecting Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Tennessee. Please click here for the application and to apply for consideration of your greenway project for Kodak American Greenway Award funding.

If you have any further questions, please email kodakawards@conservationfund.org.

This year's application deadline is June 15th. Most grants range from $500 to $1,000. The maximum grant is $2,500.

Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET): The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) develops and applies tools for clean water and healthy coasts nationwide. CICEET is a partnership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

Mary A. Crocker Trust: The Mary A. Crocker Trust provides approximately $500,000 a year to charitable organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area for projects in education and the environment. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. Grant making meetings are held in the spring and fall.

Contact:

233 Post St., 2nd Fl.
San Francisco, CA 94108-5015
Telephone: (415) 982-0138
E-mail: staff@mactrust.org
URL: www.mactrust.org

Defenders of Wildlife:  Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.

Defenders of Wildlife Living Lands Program: Living Lands is a new Defenders of Wildlife project to increase the capacity of local land trusts to protect, enhance and restore native wildlife habitat and biodiversity. The Living Lands project assists local land trusts in making strategic decisions about: “where to work” to conserve high priority native habitats and species, and “how to work” to use effective land stewardship to restore and manage native habitats for their long-term benefits. The Living Lands Project is now accepting proposals for the Biodiversity Grants Program. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 to support a project with high biodiversity values.For more information visit their website.

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation: The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s Habitat Conservation Initiative seeks to accelerate the conservation of essential habitats identified in state wildlife action plans through grants that identify priority habitats for conservation, protect priority habitats and build conservation knowledge.Although unsolicited proposals are not being considered at this time, inquiries about future support for projects can be submitted from nonprofit organizations through a two-page letter of inquiry.

Ducks Unlimited: Ducks Unlimited (DU) provides technical assistance, matching funds and help in securing grants for the completion of wetland habitat restoration projects on both public and private land. Call the Western Regional Office of DU at 916-852-2000.

Emergency Loan Fund: The Emergency Loan Fund (ELF) is a collaborative program of the Northern California Grantmakers, a regional association of funders. The purpose of the Emergency Loan Fund is to provide fast short-term financial assistance to San Francisco Bay Area nonprofits experiencing cash-flow problems that place their services at risk. No application deadline.

FishAmerica Foundation Grants: FishAmerica, in partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center, awards grants to local communities and government agencies to restore habitat for marine and anadromous fish species. Successful proposals have community-based restoration efforts with outreach to the local communities. This grant is for on-the-ground implementation of a variety of project types including but are not limited to fish passage, riparian plantings, invasive removals, exclusionary fencing, sediment control (roads, gullies, etc).

Marine and Anadromous Fish Habitat Restoration Grants $1 million available for projects Proposals due June 7, 2010 FishAmerica, in partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center, awards grants to local communities and government agencies to restore habitat for marine and anadromous fish species. Successful proposals have community-based restoration efforts with outreach to the local communities.

Available Now:

Fund for Wild Nature: The Fund for Wild Nature provides small grants to small groups who get things done. Our Board of Directors is comprised of lifelong environmental activists who know which steps are needed to protect and restore our planet, and which strategies and tactics will work. We will direct your donation to where it is most needed. Join us as an investor in wild nature!

Project Support: Are you a small, grassroots environmental organization in need of funding? Please review our mission statement and our guidelines for submitting grant applications. Also check out our annual reports to determine if your project fits within the Fund's mission.

The Home Depot Foundation: Supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada in the communities where company associates live and work. The Foundation focuses on organizations that create or rehabilitate affordable housing, assist at-risk youth, protect the environment, and prepare for and respond to disasters. The Foundation only considers unsolicited requests that match its eligibility requirements. Applications are accepted four times a year.

Institute for Fisheries Resources (IFR) Habitat Restoration Partnership: The Institute for Fisheries Resources (IFR) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study, protection and enhancement of both marine and anadromous biological resources in California and the Pacific Northwest.

National Geographic Society Education Foundation Teacher Grants: The Foundation's grants facilitate work in the classroom, school, district, and/or community. Projects that feature outreach to urban areas are particularly encouraged. Two broad categories: 1) promoting geographic knowledge through education, and 2) promoting stewardship of natural and cultural resources. Applications are accepted from any current teacher or administrator in an accredited K-12 school within the United States. Online applications are strongly encouraged.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) are pleased to announce a Request for Proposals through The Nature Restoration Trust Program.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF): Funds are available for acquiring significant resource lands for the protection and restoration of sensitive fish, wildlife and plant species within NFWF's Wetlands and Private Lands and Wildlife and Habitat Initiatives. Other NFWF programs provide funds for projects that include Conservation Education, Fisheries Conservation and Management and Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation. Eligible Applicants: Federal, state and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Deadlines, request amount and matching requirements vary from program to program. Contact: Claire Thorpe, NFWF, 28 - 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Phone: (415) 778-0999.

NFWF National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group Grant Program
Deadline: September 24, 2010
Competitive seed grants ($1,500 - $5,000) to creative and innovative proposals that seek to increase the number and effectiveness of organizations interested in assisting the Refuge System nationwide.

Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program: Provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.

Current Grant Cycle: Full Proposal: February 11, 2010. Notification: May 7, 2010. Apply for a Grant »

The Nature Restoration Trust seeks to fund projects that benefit fish, wildlife, and plants, as well as provide educational opportunities and encourage community involvement in conservation efforts. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in cooperation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, are pleased to solicit applications for the 2010 Five Star Restoration Program and Nature Restoration Trust (www.nfwf.org/nrt).

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is requesting proposals for projects located within the Northern or Central Districts of California that benefit fish and wildlife species and the habitats upon which they depend. (A total of $175,000 is available for these projects) Types of project activities may include, but are not limited to, on-the-ground habitat conservation, improvement of public access areas, and projects that encourage ollaboration and support local communities. Please visit the website at www.nfwf.org/cacoastal for more information and to apply. Contact/ Submission Information: Liz Epstein, Account Manager, Impact-Directed Environmental Accounts, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, 90 New Montgomery Street, Suite 720 San Francisco, CA 94105. Email: liz.epstein@nfwf.org. Timeline: Submission Deadline: August 24, 2009. Award Notification: October 12, 2009.

For those of you at a Refuge or who are involved with Refuges that have an active Friends group, or have schools participating in outdoor learning at the Refuge, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation'sNature of Learning Grants will grant up to $10,000 for such efforts. There's no match requirement, though if a match is provided it will be a more competitive proposal.The deadline for submitting on-line proposals is June 16. You can read about the program at this link if you're interested: http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?
Section=Browse_All_Programs&CONTENTID=9421&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm

NFWF Bird Conservation Initiative: Objective: To stabilize and increase declining (but still common) populations of select bird species or suites of species and accelerate recovery of imperiled species.  Problem statement: One-third to one-half of North American bird species have declining populations.  Groups of concern include shorebirds, waterfowl, neotropical or long-distance migrants, and game birds.  Conservation actions and population goals have been set for many, but not all, species.  Click here for more information about this initiative.

Wal-Mart's "Acres for America": This is a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Wal-Mart Corporation to conserve wildlife habitat and offset the footprint of Wal-Mart's domestic facilities through land acquisitions. "Acres for America" and will permanently conserve at least one acre of priority wildlife habitat for every acre of Wal-Mart's current footprint, estimated at 88,000 acres, as well as the company's future development over the next 10 years, estimated at 5,000 acres per year, putting the minimum total acres to be protected at 138,000. The NFWF is currently accepting applications for projects to acquire lands that meet identified criteria and will have a minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services. Federal funds may be considered as match and higher ratios of matching funds will at times aid in making applications more competitive. Visit the website for information regarding the project criteria, dates for grant proposals and application forms or call(678) 538-1335. Annual pre-proposal eadlines for submitting grant applications are April 1 and September 1 of each year.

NFWF Native Plant Conservation Initiative: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the Plant Conservation Alliance, is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals for the 2007 Native Plant Conservation Initiative (NPCI). Through this initiative, grants of federal dollars will be provided to non-profit organizations and agencies at all levels of government to promote the conservation of native plants and pollinators.

NFWF Northern Coastal California Restoration Fund: In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation established the Northern Coastal California Restoration Fund in 2004 with money from settlement agreements entered into by owners of marine vessels charged with violating federal pollution laws.

Pathways To Nature: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partners with Wild Birds Unlimited to manage Pathways To Nature and help select recipients. The foundation uses federal funds and a challenge grant program to match Wild Birds Unlimited’s contributions, increasing each grant’s value.

NFWF Nature of Learning Start-Up Grants: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Foundation), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), and National Wildlife Refuge Association, is pleased to solicit applications from organizations interested in initiating The Nature of Learning in their communities.  The Nature of Learning is the FWS National Wildlife Refuge System’s community-based environmental education initiative that seeks to (a) Use National Wildlife Refuges as outdoor classrooms to promote a greater understanding of local conservation issues; (b) Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning that seeks to enhance student academic achievement; (c) Utilize field experiences and student-led stewardship projects to connect classroom lessons to real world issues; and (d) Involve a partnership among local schools, community groups, natural resource professionals and local businesses.

National Geographic Society Conservation Trust: Dedicated to the conservation of the world's biological and cultural heritage, the National Geographic Society's Conservation Trust supports innovative solutions to issues of global concern.The trust encourages model projects that engage and inform their areas' local population. Projects that hold potential as media subject matter are also encouraged, as National Geographic's vast audience offersgrantees opportunities to make a broad public impact.The trust will fund projects that contribute significantly to the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth's biological, cultural, and historical resources. No closing date.

Great Egret
Photo by Kent Steffens

Northern California Environmental Grassroots Fund was established in 2003 by a consortium of foundations to support community-based grassroots environmental efforts throughout Northern California. The Fund's goal is to award small grants ($5000 or less) to small organizations (with budgets of $100,000 of less) that are currently underserved by most funding strategies. For the first year, the Fund anticipates four grant cycles, about 3 months apart. In each cycle, the Fund will award approximately 10 grants, totaling $30,000 each cycle.Geographic Scope: Northern California (Includes the entire Sierra Nevada Mountains, Central Valley, Central Coast, and North Coast) Organizational Size: Annual budget of $100,000 or less (for exceptions, see application) ssues: Include, but are not limited to: Environmental health and justice, land management and urban sprawl, habitat and wilderness protection, sustainable forestry, water resources, agriculture, and pollution. Strategies: General support for organizations with an environmental mission, or project support for strategies such as community-based advocacy, technical ssistance, litigation, restoration projects, organizing expenses, grassroots campaigns, and environmental education. Tax status: Applicants may show proof of nonprofit status, be sponsored by another nonprofit, or ask for sponsorship from the fund. If you are uncertain if your organization is eligible, please e-mail grassroots@rosefdn.org before applying. Submit the completed application and attachments by mail, postmarked by the deadline date: March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.

North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program: The program is open to projects throughout the world. Research that contributes to our knowledge of avian biology and that provides data useful for bird conservation, particularly of threatened species, will receive preference in the selection process.Questions about the program can be directed to George E. Wallace of the American Bird Conservancy.

Ocean Trust and NOAA Restoration Center Funding for Local Projects: Ocean Trust's unique, award-winning restoration program provides a new model for environmental activism based on constructive projects conducted throughout the US and Mexico, and effective partnerships between industry, government and conservation groups that restore fisheries, wildlife and the environment. Their national habitat program with NOAA and NFI provides funds community-based restoration partnerships that make a difference.

Pacific Seabird Group Conservation Small-Grant Program (CSGP): The objective of the CSGP is to advance the conservation of seabirds by providing funds or supplies to individuals from developing countries as well as those from elsewhere working in those developing countries primarily in or bordering the Pacific Ocean, for conservation and restoration activities that benefit seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Pacific Seabird Group web site for eligibility and application details. Applications accepted on an on-going basis.

Packard Foundation: The foundation's Conserving California Landscapes Initiatives funds habitat protection and watershed projects in the Central Valley, Sierra, and Central Coast. For more information and grant guidelines, call 650-948-7658.

Patagonia Environmental Grants: Patagonia, a privately held outdoor clothing and gear company, provides support for environmental work through grants to nonprofits. Patagonia's Environmental Grants Program funds environmental work that is action-oriented; builds public involvement and support; is strategic; focuses on root causes; accomplishes specific goals and objectives; and takes place in communities in which the company does business. The company does not fund general environmental education efforts; research, unless it is in direct support of a developed plan for specific action to alleviate an environmental problem; land acquisition/land trusts/conservation easements; endowment funds; political campaigns; or organizations without 501(c)(3) status. The company seeks to support small, grassroots activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas. Most grants will be in the range of $3,000 to $8,000.Visit the Patagonia Web site for complete program information and application procedures. Application deadlines are on April 30 and August 31 annually.

The Stewardship Council's "Youth Investment Program" provides funding for "outdoor experiences (whether in urban or wilderness areas) to positively transform young people personally, socially and academically." Because the source of the funding is from PG&E, it will fund projects in the SF Bay Area and along the Hwy 99 corridor from Chico to Bakersfield. Depending on the type of project, the program can provides up to $200,000 per project. Only non-profits are eligible to apply. The application is available on-line. Deadline is August 8. For more information, visit: http://www.stewardshipcouncil.org/youth_investment/index.htm

Project AWARE Foundation: The Project AWARE Foundation conserves underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. The Foundation funds projects that have a direct benefit to the aquatic environment such as: public education, grassroots conservation and enhancement projects, environmentally focused research that leads to conservation measures, public awareness initiatives, environmental assessment and monitoring projects, and volunteer-supported community activism. The Micro Grant Program provides funding for local grassroots efforts up to $1,000. The Macro Grant Program provides funding for regional, national, or international efforts in excess of $1,000 but not more than $10,000. Support is provided for community groups and grassroots organizations around the world. Visit their Web sitefor more information or to access application instructions. Deadlines for submitting applications are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15, annually.

Sand County Foundation's Community-Based Conservation Network: The Sand County Foundation invites scholars, practitioners and landholder communities to test and assess innovative ways to overcome constraints associated with rights and resource value.

Sea Duck Joint Venture: The Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) is a partnership-based conservation program under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan that promotes the conservation of sea ducks by providing greater knowledge for effective management.

Sea Duck Joint Venture Request for Proposals FY11 Deadline: September 29, 2010

Seeds for Education Grant: For years Wild Ones members and chapters have worked with schools and nature centers to plant and maintain natural landscapes. In 1996, the Wild Ones Board of Directors started the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund to further foster such projects. Project goals should focus on the enhancement and development of an appreciation for nature using native plants. Projects must emphasize involvement of students and volunteers in all phases of development and increase the educational value of the site. Proposals are due November 15, 2009.

Temper of the TimesFoundation, Inc Temper of the Times Foundation provides funds only to nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) public charities by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals, for-profit organizations, or government agencies. Grants are typically between $5,000 and $15,000 and are awarded for projects related to increasing awareness about wildland ecosystem conservation in the United States. Grants may be used to fund the production of print, radio, or television ads, to pay for advertising space or airtime, or to produce or distribute pamphlets, books, videos, or press packets. Because grants are for environmental advertising campaigns, not for general organizational support, they may not be used to cover costs associated with the production of organization newsletters, membership campaigns, or for staff salaries. In addition, the Foundation cannot fund lobbying efforts or candidates for political office.

The Tiffany and Co. Foundation Environmental Conservation: The Foundation supports organizations dedicated to conservation of natural resources, an area of vital concern because it is from the natural world that the company draws the raw materials and the inspiration that are at the heart of Tiffany. Partnering with environmental groups that study how to protect our natural resources around the globe will lead to better understanding of how to conserve them. In addition, the Foundation considers groups who concentrate on social responsibility in the area of urban growth and minimizing the negative effects on the environment. The Board of Directors of The Tiffany and Co. Foundation meets annually in January and July.

The Wetland Foundation is a non-profit organization initiated in 2008 by Drs. Karen L. McKee and Irving A. Mendelssohn with a mission to enhance wetland research and education by providing travel grants to students. Each year, four types of grants are offered:

  • Conference Travel Grant Type 1 ($600): For advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have never attended a wetland scientific conference and who have limited funds for travel.
  • Conference Travel Grant Type 2 ($1200): For advanced undergraduate and graduate students with limited funding to present their wetland research findings at a conference.
  • Field Travel Grant Type 1 ($800): For outstanding graduate students with limited funding to defray field expenses associated with thesis or dissertation research on wetlands.
  • Field Travel Grant Type 2 ($1000): For promising undergraduate students to attend field courses focused on wetlands.
Deadline for 2010 Applications: January 31, 2010. See http://thewetlandfoundation.org or contact thewetlandfoundation@me.com for more information.
Karen L. McKee and Irving A. Mendelssohn
Trustees, The Wetland Foundation
P.O. Box 80418
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
email: thewetlandfoundation@me.com

Volvo Adventure Award: The Volvo Adventure Environmental Award provides international recognition for projects undertaken by young people (ages 10-16) to improve their local environment. Successful groups will win an all-expense paid trip to Sweden, where they will present their projects and agenda for action.

Wildlife Habitat Policy Research Program (WHPRP): The WHPRP is a program of the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE), an independent, not-for-profit NGO, dedicated to improving the scientific basis for environmental decision-making. Please contact Cheryl Horton at chorton@ncseonline.org or 202.207.0007 if you require further information.  The WHPRP program is supported by a four-year grant by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF).The WHPRP’s mission is to develop and disseminate new information and tools to accelerate the conservation of wildlife habitat in the US. The WHPRP sponsors work that is of the highest technical quality and also relevant to the needs of policy makers, administrators, resource managers, practitioners, and landowners.

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Fellowship Opportunities

Herbiciding invasive Spartina grass.
Herbiciding invasive Spartina grass
Photo by Skyhammer Graphics

West Coast Sea Grant Fellowship Funding Opportunity Description: The four West Coast Sea Grant programs in Washington, Oregon, and California will sponsor four West Coast Sea Grant Fellows to collaboratively support implementation of common elements of the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health (WCGA) and the Sea Grant West Coast Regional Research and Information Needs Report. Each Fellow will be placed for two years in a state or federal agency that is directly involved in implementation of the WCGA Action Plan. The fellowship program is intended to enhance regional coordination and the implementation of the WCGA Action Plan. Fellows will each form a plan for at least one of the regional research priorities established by the WCGA Executive Committee. They will also provide assistance to and share their academic expertise with regional Action Coordination Teams regarding high priority research areas. Applications due Oct. 7, 2010. Opportunity Announcement [195 PDF]

National Estuarine Research Reserve Social Science Fellowships: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Climate Program Office, offers fellowships for masters and doctoral students to conduct social science research within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The amount of the fellowship is $30,000 and requires a 30% match.

Echoing Green Fellowship Program: The Echoing Green Fellowship Program gives social change entrepreneurs tools and resources to start public service projects in fields including education, environment, arts, health, youth service, community/economic development, and civil rights. Fellows receive a two-year $60,000 stipend, health and dental insurance, networking opportunities, and technical assistance. There are no restrictions regarding specific program areas or geographic territories.

Switzer Fellowship Program: The Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation identifies and nurtures environmental leaders who have the ability and determination to make a significant impact, and supports initiatives that will have direct and measurable results to improve environmental quality. The Foundation accomplishes this by awarding academic fellowships and project grants, sponsoring professional development activities, and fostering a growing network of Switzer Fellows, environmental practitioners and organizations. Switzer Fellowships provide one year of financial academic support and long-term career and professional development for graduate students in New England and California.

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Resources For Nonprofits

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Other Websites With Grant Opportunities Listings

BIRDNET presented by the Ornithogical Council: Grants, Awards, & Prizes in Ornithology listed alphabetically by sponsoring organization or by deadline date.

International Foundation for Science: The IFS Scientific Domain comprises sciences related to the management of biological resources (agriculture, horticulture, forestry, agroforestry, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, aquatic resources and aquaculture, non-domesticated flora and fauna); the use of biological resources (science and technology of food, wood products, chemistry and bio-activity of natural products, and other biologically-derived products); and the conservation of biological resources and their environment (water, soil, atmosphere, biodiversity). The research areas they will fund include (eachis described more fully on their Web site):

  • Aquatic Resources
  • Animal Production
  • Crop Science
  • Forestry/Agroforestry
  • Food Science
  • Natural Products
  • Water Resources
  • Social Sciences

Captain Planet Foundation: The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to fund and support hands-on, environmental projects for children and youths. Our objective is to encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Through environmental education, we believe that children can achieve a better understanding and appreciation for the world in which they live.

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