F24AS00129 - Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment
ID: 350838Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)

Award Range

$5K - $2M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00129 - Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment," aimed at promoting conservation and management of natural resources through youth engagement. Eligible applicants include organizations that have established Public Lands Corps Act eligibility, such as nonprofit organizations and labor unions, particularly those serving underserved communities. This initiative is part of the FWS's commitment to building a diverse workforce and enhancing public service through programs that provide work and educational opportunities for youth and veterans in conservation-related fields. The total estimated funding for this program is $28 million, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $2 million, and applications are due by September 1, 2024. Interested parties can reach out to Patrick Schulze at patrick_schulze@fws.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Participant Work Hours Verification Form for the Public Lands Corps 2023 requires completion and certification by all involved parties, including the Program Participant, Partner Organization, and Project Supervisor. Each position accumulating the 640 required hours necessitates a separate form signed by the respective parties, ensuring the accuracy of participant details and project performance evaluations. Key data fields include participant and organization names, contact information, project dates, total hours completed, and a performance assessment.
    The Participant Work Hours Verification Form for the Public Lands Corps outlines the requirements for documenting hours worked by program participants seeking certification. Each participant's separate position must be recorded on individual forms, certified by both the partner organization and the project supervisor from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Key information includes participant details, partner organization, project specifics, and confirmation that a minimum of 120 hours were completed on public or Indian lands. The form encompasses various project types such as wildlife management, law enforcement, wildfire management, and climate resilience. Additionally, it requires certification of participants’ performance and overall project hours completed. Signatures from involved parties validate the accuracy of the provided information. This document serves a critical function in tracking participation and completion of service hours necessary for certification while adhering to federal and organizational standards, underscoring the partnership between federal programs and local initiatives in land management.
    The document outlines the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's list of national and regional partners involved in youth conservation programs. It includes organizations that collaborate on conservation efforts and provide opportunities for youth engagement in environmental initiatives. National partners such as the American Conservation Experience and the Student Conservation Association are highlighted, along with a wide range of regional partners that span various states, including organizations like the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the California Conservation Corps. The list represents a collective commitment to fostering youth involvement in conservation while addressing local environmental needs across the country. Overall, this document serves as a comprehensive directory of partners for potential federal grants and RFPs aimed at empowering youth through conservation efforts.
    FWS Youth Corps members must submit several documents annually, including an Annual Program Narrative and an Annual Participant Report by December 31, detailing project sites, participant demographics, and compliance with confidentiality. Additionally, they are required to provide various statements related to indirect costs, audits, and potential funding overlaps, demonstrating adherence to federal regulations. The application process for the FY23 Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment initiative is governed by specific guidelines, including proof of insurance and written policies.
    This document outlines the requirements and process for organizations to request membership in the Fish and Wildlife Service's Youth Corps, which allows them to engage youth in Public Lands Corps projects and offers non-competitive hiring eligibility for eligible participants. Membership does not imply a partnership or guarantee future proposals and mandates that organizations demonstrate their capacity to address workforce diversity, community engagement, and stewardship ethics. Key requirements for eligibility include defined hiring standards, sufficient staffing, and documented risk management, among others.
    The FWS Youth Corps Membership Request outlines the application process for organizations aiming to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to provide youth employment opportunities. Effective June 2024, organizations must provide detailed responses regarding their internship or fellowship programs, including participant demographics, skill development initiatives, administrative capabilities, and recruitment strategies for disadvantaged candidates. The document emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaborative efforts, particularly with local and disadvantaged communities. Key personnel information, including titles and responsibilities, must be included as part of the application. Furthermore, organizations are required to demonstrate their compliance with risk management protocols and confirm their enrollment in federal systems such as SAM, ASAP, and GrantSolutions for cooperative agreements. Supplementary materials, including proof of insurance and existing collaboration agreements with FWS, must accompany proposals. This structured approach aims to ensure that only qualified organizations that meet specified criteria can effectively contribute to youth employment programs, aligning with the federal government's objectives in youth development and community engagement.
    The FWS Youth Corps, updated as of October 11, 2023, facilitates partnerships between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and various organizations via financial assistance agreements or Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Partner organizations can apply for membership in the FWS Youth Corps, gaining the advantage of non-competitive hiring eligibility under the Public Lands Corps Act. Interested parties are directed to consult the Request for Membership and MOU templates for guidance. The document lists both national and regional/local partner organizations that have received awards within the past three years, alongside historic partners who earned membership through the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. This program aims to engage youth in conservation efforts, enhancing their skills and providing valuable work experiences in public lands management and environmental stewardship. By leveraging the partnership model, the initiative supports local communities and fosters the conservation workforce for future generations, aligning with federal goals to promote public service and environmental protection.
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) seeks partners for its Youth Corps program under the Public Lands Corps Act, aimed at providing non-competitive federal job eligibility for qualified youth. Organizations must form cooperative agreements to implement projects that promote youth engagement in conservation, with a minimum 25% cost match from non-federal sources, except for projects on Tribal lands or Hawaiian home lands. Internships across various fields, including education, habitat restoration, and climate action, are available, with nearly 40 current partners. Applicants must ensure meaningful training opportunities for youth aged 16-30 or veterans up to 35 years old. The FWS is also launching a Small Grants process, offering funding up to $100,000 for projects supporting habitat management, workforce development, or education. Applications for collaborative projects must be submitted via GrantSolutions, emphasizing streamlined assistance for eligible organizations such as tribal and community-based institutions. Contact information for regional and national points of contact is provided for interested parties.
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has established guidelines for the Public Lands Corps (PLC) program, aimed at providing work, training, and national service opportunities for individuals aged 16 to 30 and veterans aged 35 and younger. The PLC focuses on conservation projects that assist federal and tribal governments while fostering interest in conservation careers. Participants must complete a minimum of 640 service hours, including 120 on federal or tribal lands, to gain certification for non-competitive hiring authority for federal positions. The program encourages diversity and inclusion in the workforce, offering paid opportunities to develop leadership skills through contributions to public lands management and conservation. Partnerships with qualified youth organizations are essential for project implementation, requiring a minimum 25% cost match from non-federal sources. The guidelines detail the certification process, eligibility requirements, and the roles of various stakeholders, including FWS supervisors and youth corps partners. Overall, the PLC program aims to enhance public service, conservation efforts, and educational opportunities for young individuals while strengthening the future workforce of conservation stewards in the U.S.
    Similar Opportunities
    F24AS00074 FY24 Candidate Species Conservation
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00074 FY24 Candidate Species Conservation" aimed at supporting conservation efforts for high-priority candidate and at-risk species in the United States. Applicants are required to demonstrate knowledge of the biology and ecosystems of the species involved, with a preference for those who have field experience. This funding initiative is critical for safeguarding the nation's biodiversity and preventing species extinction, aligning with the Administration's priorities on climate change and equity. The total estimated program funding is $500,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $500,000, and applications must be submitted electronically by September 30, 2024. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Patrick McKenney at fwsesgrants@fws.gov.
    F24AS00022 - Coastal Program - FY24
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00022 - Coastal Program - FY24," aimed at providing technical and financial assistance to coastal communities, conservation partners, and landowners for the restoration and protection of fish and wildlife habitats. The program seeks projects that align with regional strategic plans and prioritize habitat conservation goals, while also addressing the impacts of climate change and enhancing coastal resiliency through nature-based infrastructure. With an estimated total program funding of $6 million and individual awards ranging from $1 to $500,000, applications must be submitted electronically via GrantSolutions by May 30, 2024, to be considered for funding in FY24. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Chris Darnell at chrisdarnell@fws.gov.
    F24AS00431 FY24 Recovery Implementation
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00431 FY24 Recovery Implementation" aimed at supporting priority recovery actions for federally endangered and threatened species. Applicants are required to demonstrate knowledge of the biology and ecosystems of the species involved, preferably holding a valid Endangered Species Act permit, and must consult with local Ecological Services offices before submitting applications. This funding is crucial for implementing recovery plans that guide the conservation efforts for imperiled species, with a total estimated program funding of $14 million and individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $2 million. Interested applicants should submit their proposals by September 30, 2024, and can contact Patrick McKenney at FWSESGRANTS@fws.gov for further information.
    Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY24
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY24 grant, aimed at providing financial and technical assistance to private landowners for the restoration and conservation of fish and wildlife habitats. Eligible applicants include unrestricted entities, with projects needing to align with regional strategic plans and be implemented on private lands, which encompass various property types not owned by state or federal entities. This program, which has been operational since 1987, emphasizes collaboration with local staff to identify habitat conservation priorities and is expected to distribute a total of $15 million in funding, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $750,000. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically through the designated portal by May 30, 2024, to be considered for funding in the current fiscal year, and can reach out to Andreas Moshogianis at andreasmoshogianis@fws.gov for further inquiries.
    F24AS00365 Wisconsin Headwaters to Coast Initiative
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00365 Wisconsin Headwaters to Coast Initiative," aimed at supporting conservation projects within the Lake Superior basin of Wisconsin. This initiative seeks to develop a watershed-wide conservation blueprint that addresses ecological, social, and cultural needs while promoting collaboration among various stakeholders to tackle challenges such as climate change and habitat fragmentation. With an estimated total program funding of $2.5 million, individual project awards can range from $1 to $500,000, and applications must be submitted electronically through Grant Solutions by September 30, 2024, with a priority deadline of July 1, 2024, for FY 24 funding consideration. Interested applicants can reach out to Mitchell Baalman at MitchellBaalman@fws.gov for further information.
    F25AS00011 - NAWCA 2025 US Small Grants
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the F25AS00011 - NAWCA 2025 US Small Grants program, a competitive grant opportunity aimed at supporting public-private partnerships that enhance wetland and associated upland habitats for migratory birds. Eligible applicants, specifically small businesses, are required to submit projects that focus on the long-term protection, restoration, enhancement, or establishment of these habitats, with a mandatory 1:1 non-federal match; research funding is not eligible under this program. This initiative aligns with the Department of the Interior and Fish and Wildlife Service's mission to conserve natural resources and expand outdoor recreation access. Interested parties should note that applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 10, 2024, with total program funding estimated at $5 million and individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $250,000. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Rodecia Davis at RodeciaDavis@fws.gov.
    F24AS00062 National Fish Passage Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Restoring River, Floodplain, and Coastal Connectivity and Resiliency
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a grant opportunity titled "F24AS00062 National Fish Passage Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Restoring River, Floodplain, and Coastal Connectivity and Resiliency." This program aims to provide funding for projects that enhance aquatic connectivity and restore ecosystems by removing barriers, such as dams and culverts, to improve fish passage and resilience against climate change. The total estimated funding available for this initiative is $70 million, with individual project awards ranging from $250,000 to $10 million. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Interest by November 17, 2023, and selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals by December 31, 2024, for FY24 funding. For more information, applicants can contact Amy Horstman at amyhorstman@fws.gov.
    F24AS00414 Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act Fiscal Year 2024
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00414 Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act Fiscal Year 2024," aimed at supporting projects that mitigate fish mortality associated with irrigation water withdrawals in Pacific Ocean drainages. Eligible projects must be voluntary and located in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or Montana, with a requirement for a 35% non-federal cost share, and can include activities such as fish screening and passage device installations. The total estimated funding for this program is $5 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, and applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025, to the designated contact, John Netto, at johnnetto@fws.gov.
    F24AS00433 Central Africa Regional Program Bushmeat Notice of Funding Opportunity
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering a grant opportunity titled "F24AS00433 Central Africa Regional Program Bushmeat Notice of Funding Opportunity" aimed at addressing the unsustainable urban trade of protected species in Central Africa. This initiative seeks to develop the capacity of conservation managers and support strategic projects that yield measurable conservation results for priority species and their habitats. The program is critical for combating the illegal commercialization and trafficking of bushmeat, which poses a significant threat to wildlife populations in the region. Interested applicants, including U.S. and foreign non-profits, community organizations, and educational institutions, can apply for funding ranging from $400,000 to $2,000,000, with applications due by November 18, 2024. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Lisa Korte at wwbafrica@fws.gov.
    Southeast Region Flex Funds
    Active
    Region 4
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4, is offering the Southeast Region Flex Funds, a federal grant aimed at supporting the conservation and recovery of endangered, threatened, candidate, and species of conservation interest in the southeastern U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible applicants include educators, researchers, non-federal agencies, private businesses, individuals, and other partners who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant biological and conservation needs. This funding opportunity is crucial for advancing efforts in natural resource management and species protection, with an estimated total program funding of $300,000 and an award ceiling of $300,000 per project. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and interested parties can reach out to Richard Gooch at richardgooch@fws.gov or by phone at 404-679-7124 for further information.