Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Assistance
ID: 353373Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$25K - $250K

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is offering a funding opportunity titled "Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Assistance" for Fiscal Year 2024. This initiative aims to allocate up to $500,000 to support partnerships that enhance outreach and technical assistance related to conservation efforts in Maine, specifically targeting projects that benefit underserved communities across various sectors such as forestry, urban agriculture, and wildlife habitat enhancement. Eligible applicants, including small businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, are invited to submit proposals with funding requests ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, with applications due by June 2, 2024. Successful applicants will be required to provide a 50% non-federal match of total project costs, and the selection process will focus on eligibility, merit review, and adherence to federal guidelines. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Neosha Jones at neosha.jones@usda.gov or by phone at 803-881-7020.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) for Fiscal Year 2024 titled "Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Assistance." The initiative seeks to allocate up to $500,000 to support partnerships that enhance outreach and technical assistance related to conservation efforts in Maine. Eligible entities, including local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, are invited to submit proposals focused on conservation planning and implementation across various sectors like forestry, urban agriculture, and wildlife habitat enhancement, particularly benefitting underserved communities. The estimated funding range per project is $25,000 to $250,000, with applications due by June 2, 2024. Successful awardees will receive a contribution agreement and must provide a 50% non-federal match of the total project costs unless a waiver is requested. The selection process includes screening for eligibility and merit review by peer experts, with a focus on past performance and organizational capacity. Projects must adhere to federal guidelines and compliance standards, including environmental assessments when necessary, ensuring that funds support sustainable conservation practices in Maine.
    Similar Opportunities
    FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants
    DOC NOAA - ERA Production
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting applications for the FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants, aimed at supporting the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. The initiative focuses on habitat restoration actions as outlined in the 2019 Recovery Plan, emphasizing the enhancement of fish passage and connectivity, as well as the use of proven restoration techniques to remove barriers to salmon movement. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profits, and state and local governments, with funding amounts ranging from $100,000 to $700,000 over a three-year period. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2024, for consideration in the current fiscal year, with subsequent deadlines on March 31 for the following two years. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Amanda Cousart at amanda.cousart@noaa.gov or by phone at 301-337-9447.
    NFRP Outreach and Invitation for Response
    Microhealth LLC
    Microhealth LLC is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "NFRP Outreach and Invitation for Response," aimed at county governments. The grant seeks to support initiatives related to agriculture, with no cost-sharing or matching requirements, and provides funding amounts ranging from $400 to $580. This opportunity is significant for county governments looking to enhance their agricultural outreach and response efforts, contributing to the broader goals of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs. Interested applicants should note that the application deadline is December 30, 2025, and can reach out to Tajneen Tarana at TTmicrohealth@gmail.com or by phone at 832-633-7109 for further inquiries.
    Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
    Rural Business-Cooperative Service
    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA is offering the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program, a federal grant opportunity aimed at supporting agricultural producers in enhancing their energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. This program has a total estimated funding of $35.4 million, with individual grants ranging from $1,500 to $500,000, and is designed to promote sustainable energy practices within rural communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for grants of $20,000 or less due by October 31, 2018, and for larger grants by April 1, 2019. Interested applicants can reach out to Maureen Hessel at maureen.hessel@wdc.usda.gov for further information and guidance on the application process.
    Regional Resource Condition Assessment
    National Park Service
    The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a cooperative agreement for a project titled "Regional Resource Condition Assessment," aimed at providing research, technical assistance, and educational opportunities to partners and national parks in the National Capital Region. The initiative seeks to enhance public engagement and promote African-American heritage within National Capital Parks-East, with a specific focus on hiring interns to assist in various capacities such as research and social media updates. The funding for this project totals $38,000, with a 25% cost share requirement, and is being awarded under an existing cooperative agreement, thus no new applications are being accepted at this time. Interested parties can reach out to LaQuita Palmer at laquitapalmer@nps.gov for further information.
    F25AS00282 National Fish Passage Program FY25
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering grants through the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) for projects aimed at restoring aquatic connectivity, enhancing community safety, and supporting local economies. The program provides technical and financial assistance for initiatives such as dam removals, culvert replacements, and floodplain restoration, with a total funding pool of $10 million and individual awards ranging from $1 to $1 million. This funding is crucial for projects that benefit ecological health and community resilience, with an estimated economic return of $1.5 million for every $1 million invested. Interested applicants, including government entities, tribal organizations, non-profits, and private institutions, must coordinate with NFPP regional staff before submitting applications, which are accepted on a rolling basis until December 31, 2025. For further information, applicants can contact Thomas McCann at thomasmccann@fws.gov.
    Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
    Geological Survey
    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity for a partner affiliated with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to support native mussel restoration efforts at Indiana Dunes National Park. The project aims to address critical restoration needs, including detection, habitat assessment, biology/disease studies, and reintroduction of native mussels, aligning with the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative's Native Mussel Initiative. This funding opportunity, with a total estimated program funding of $364,542 and an award ceiling of $364,542, is open to eligible partners of the CESU, with applications due by January 6, 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to Rachel Miller at rachelmiller@usgs.gov for further information.
    NPS Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Master Cooperative Agreements
    National Park Service
    The National Park Service (NPS) is inviting applications for Master Cooperative Agreements from participants of the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) network, under the CFDA Number 15.945. This opportunity aims to foster collaborative research and training initiatives that enhance the stewardship of resources within the National Park System, with a focus on multi-disciplinary approaches and partnerships with educational institutions and public entities. The NPS allocates between $30 million and $40 million annually for these agreements, with individual projects typically funded at around $60,000 and lasting up to five years. Interested applicants must be part of the CESU network and comply with System for Award Management (SAM) requirements, with proposals accepted until December 31, 2027. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Melissa Jacobi at melissaajacobi@nps.gov.
    F25AS00317 Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F25AS00317 Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration" to restore approximately 55 acres of wetlands within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The project aims to enhance fish and benthic habitats, improve water quality in Lake Erie, and contribute to the delisting of the Maumee Area of Concern through various restoration techniques, including submerged barrier bars and rock/earthen islands. This funding opportunity, with a total of $1.5 million available, is open to eligible applicants such as small businesses, state, local, and tribal governments, and non-profits, with applications due electronically by January 23, 2026. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Jose Batlle Ramirez at josebatlleramirez@fws.gov.
    Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
    Rural Housing Service
    The Rural Housing Service is offering the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant to support qualified intermediary organizations in providing financial and technical assistance to low-income rural communities and tribal organizations. Eligible applicants, including small businesses and nonprofit organizations with at least three years of relevant experience, must match the grant amount, which ranges from $50,000 to $500,000, with a total program funding of $5 million available for approximately 30 awards. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of communities to undertake projects related to housing and economic development, with applications due electronically by August 7, 2025, or via paper by August 12, 2025. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Janelle Gustafson at janelle.gustafson@usda.gov or by phone at 406-585-2508.
    Conservation Interns at the Raystown Lake Project, USACE
    Dept. of the Army -- Corps of Engineers
    The Department of the Army, specifically the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), is offering a cooperative agreement for the management and enhancement of natural resources at the Raystown Lake Project. This opportunity includes the engagement of two Conservation Interns to assist with wildlife management, fisheries management, and water safety promotion activities, providing valuable training for individuals with backgrounds in fish and wildlife, forestry, or education studies. The total funding available for this initiative is $31,000, with an expected award date of March 13, 2026, and a project start date anticipated for May 11, 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to Jeffrey B. May at jeffrey.b.may@usace.army.mil or by phone at 410-962-5617 for further details.