National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements | F19AS00033

Opportunity Information: Apply for F19AS00033

The National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F19AS00033) is a discretionary grant program offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, which generally means the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to have substantial involvement in the work as it is carried out (for example, coordinating with the recipient on implementation details, oversight, or technical direction). The program sits within the natural resources funding category and is associated with CFDA number 15.654, indicating it is tied to activities that support the mission and management needs of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The legal authorities cited in the announcement show the broad set of statutes that can underpin project activities on refuge lands and related conservation work. These include the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and Fish and Wildlife Act (general federal authorities supporting fish and wildlife conservation), the Refuge Recreation Act and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (authorities that guide how refuges are administered and how compatible public uses, recreation, and access can be provided), and laws supporting conservation corps and youth engagement such as the Youth Conservation Corps and Public Lands Corps Acts. The inclusion of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act signals that projects may involve protecting or responsibly managing cultural and archaeological resources on federal lands. The reference to Federal Aid for Highways provisions suggests that, where relevant, transportation-related components (such as access roads, trails, or related infrastructure that intersects with highway funding rules) may be allowable or need to comply with applicable standards.

Eligibility for this particular opportunity is limited to nonprofit organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. In practice, that means qualifying conservation and community nonprofits are the intended applicants, rather than universities or for-profit entities. Only one award was expected, and the maximum award amount (award ceiling) was listed as $1,843,000, which implies the project scope could be substantial and potentially cover multiple enhancement activities rather than a small, single-site effort.

The competition timeline reflects a single application deadline: applications were due no later than 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on November 30, 2018, submitted either through Grants.gov or by email as permitted in the notice. The opportunity was created on October 30, 2018, giving applicants roughly a month to prepare and submit.

In terms of what the funding is meant to accomplish, the title and statutory framework indicate the focus is on “enhancements” to the National Wildlife Refuge System. While the notice text provided does not list detailed project categories, enhancements in this context commonly align with improving habitat conservation outcomes, strengthening refuge management capacity, supporting compatible visitor services and recreation consistent with refuge purposes, engaging youth or conservation corps in on-the-ground stewardship work, and ensuring protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources. Because it is a cooperative agreement under Fish and Wildlife Service administration authorities, applicants should generally expect close coordination with refuge staff and alignment with refuge management priorities, compatibility requirements for public use, and any applicable federal compliance obligations tied to activities occurring on federal lands.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.654.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 30, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 30, 2018 Applications are due via grants.gov or via email no later than 4 p.m. MST, November 30, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,843,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for F19AS00033

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