Innovative Solutions for Improving Water Quality and Strengthening Local Economies in the Gulf of America Watershed
ID: 358752Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Award Range

$0 - $1M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Environment

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358752
Timeline
    Description

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering a grant opportunity titled "Innovative Solutions for Improving Water Quality and Strengthening Local Economies in the Gulf of America Watershed." This initiative aims to fund innovative demonstration projects that focus on reducing nutrient pollution and mitigating harmful algal blooms (HABs) within the Gulf of America watershed, thereby enhancing water quality and supporting local economies. The program emphasizes the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to achieve measurable improvements in water quality and economic benefits for local communities. Interested applicants, including Indian tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations, can apply for a share of the $6 million funding pool, with applications due by September 19, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Matt Beiser at GAD-NOFO@epa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    GAD-NOFO@epa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    EPA-R4-GAD-2025-WQ.pdf
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces a funding opportunity under the Gulf of America Division aimed at improving water quality and strengthening local economies in the Gulf of America Watershed. Applications for the $6 million grant, which supports innovative demonstration projects designed to reduce nutrient pollution and mitigate harmful algal blooms (HABs), are due by September 19, 2025. Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Projects must take place within specified geographic boundaries and align with the EPA’s strategic initiatives. The funding will focus on habitat restoration, water quality enhancement, and HAB management using innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence. Successful applicants must demonstrate measurable outputs and outcomes, including improved water quality indicators and economic benefits to local communities. The review process will assess project design, innovative technology use, and the applicant's capacity to effectively carry out the project, with selected proposals anticipated to be notified in December 2025. This initiative highlights the EPA's commitment to environmental sustainability and economic resilience in the Gulf region.
    suggested_budget_template_2025.02.21.xlsx
    The document presents comprehensive budget guidelines for applicants seeking EPA financial assistance. It outlines the requirements for a detailed line item budget, including direct and indirect costs, and emphasizes the need for a supportive budget narrative linking expenses to project tasks and deliverables. Key sections address personnel costs, fringe benefits, travel expenses, equipment, and supplies, each requiring specific descriptions and rationales to ensure clarity and cost-effectiveness. Successful applicants must provide a budget for the entire project duration, including potential year-by-year breakdowns. The guidelines stress using a standardized budget table format to avoid omissions and ensure reviewers easily understand the proposed expenditures. It also highlights the importance of stringent procurement processes for equipment and supplies, requiring applicants to justify choices for costs related to salaries, project-related travel, and subawards clearly. Overall, this guidance aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective allocation of federal funds in environmental projects.
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