Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act | F17AS00003

Opportunity Information: Apply for F17AS00003

The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F17AS00003, CFDA 15.608) is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its core aim is to support cooperative conservation work across the Great Lakes Basin by funding projects that restore, conserve, and manage fish and wildlife resources and the habitats those species depend on. The program is grounded in statutory authority at 16 USC 941c and is designed to bring together states, Tribal partners, and other entities to address basin-wide ecological challenges through practical restoration actions and applied research.

The opportunity supports three main types of efforts: restoration projects, research projects, and "Regional Projects." Restoration and research awards are intended to directly improve fish and wildlife populations and habitat conditions in the Great Lakes Basin or generate science and information that can be used to guide management and restoration decisions. Regional Projects are a distinct category: they are Service-authorized activities focused on protection, restoration, maintenance, or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources that affect multiple states or multiple Indian Tribes with fish and wildlife management authority in the basin. For these Regional Projects, the Fish and Wildlife Service itself is responsible for carrying out the work on behalf of the state and/or Tribal agencies that submit the proposal, meaning the project delivery structure differs from a typical pass-through grant where the applicant implements all work directly.

Funding for the cycle described is projected at roughly $1.56 million and is noted as being supported in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The final amount available, and the amount of individual awards, depends on final Congressional appropriations for the relevant fiscal year. The notice also states that up to 33 percent of the total GLFWRA Congressional appropriation may be used for Regional Projects, which effectively sets a programmatic cap on how much of the overall funding pool can be directed to that multi-jurisdictional project type.

Cost sharing depends on the project category. Restoration and research projects require a 25 percent non-federal match, which means applicants must bring cash or eligible in-kind contributions from non-federal sources to cover one-quarter of the total project cost. Regional Projects may be exempt from cost sharing if the Service's Midwest Region Director determines that the project authorization does not require a non-federal cost share, making Regional Projects potentially more accessible when match is a barrier, though that exemption is conditional and tied to Service determination.

The application process is staged. Applicants first submit a short, two-page pre-proposal (and Regional Project proposals are also submitted to the Service for review). After this initial screening, successful restoration and research applicants are invited to submit full proposals. Full proposals are then reviewed and ranked by a Proposal Review Committee, which implies a competitive, comparative evaluation process rather than first-come, first-served funding. The original closing date listed for this opportunity was December 12, 2016, and the notice directs applicants to the NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) for specific application instructions and requirements.

Eligibility is broad and includes most public-sector and community-based organizations that work in conservation and natural resources, as well as academic and private-sector participants. Eligible applicants include state governments; local governments (county, city/township); special districts; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Tribal governments and other Tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; individuals; and small businesses. This wide eligibility suggests the Service is seeking a mix of on-the-ground implementers, researchers, and partners that can contribute technical expertise, community engagement, and cross-jurisdictional coordination.

Award size can vary significantly based on project scope. The notice lists an award ceiling of $515,000 and anticipates around 8 awards, but it also notes that historically successful restoration and research projects have ranged from about $2,300 to $2,000,000, with an average project size of $121,806. Taken together, that range indicates the program can accommodate both smaller, targeted efforts and larger, more complex initiatives, with actual award amounts depending on available appropriations, project design, and review outcomes.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.608.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 12, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 12, 2016 See NOFO for application instructions.. (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 $515,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, Small businesses.

Apply for F17AS00003

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