Funding

SFBJV Project Support

The Joint Venture offers project support for projects which support the Joint Venture goals. See Guidelines.

International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Multi-state Conservation Grant Program (Large-scale Habitat Design, Implementation, and Monitoring for Bird Conservation): The Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP) funds projects that address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. It was established in 2000 by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act, which amended the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) cooperatively administer the Multistate Conservation Grant Program. The Association solicits grant applications and makes its “priority list” recommendations to the USFWS, who can only fund projects from the Association's list and manages and monitors grant awards. Each year, up to $6,000,000 is available to fund MSCGP projects. Projects may be funded for one, two, or three years on a calendar year basis. For more information about the Multistate Conservation Grant Program, contact Kelly Miller Reed at 202/624-7890 or kreed@fishwildlife.org.

Federal Programs

Request for Proposals: 2009 Multistate Conservation Grant Program: The Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP) is soliciting Letters of Intent (Due by midnight EDT Friday, May 2, 2008) for the 2009 cycle of this competitive grant program. For more application information and materials please visit the MSCGP website.

The MSCGP is intended to address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. It was established in 2000 by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act, which amended the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. Up to $6,000,000 is available each calendar year for one to three year projects (CFDA Number 15-628).

Organizations eligible to apply include: a state or group of states, a non-governmental organization, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for the purpose of conducting the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Projects must benefit at least 26 states, or the majority of states in a USFWS region or a regional association of state fish and wildlife agencies. Projects must also benefit sport fish, wild birds and/or wild mammals.

The MSCGP will fund projects in 2009 that address the below nine National Conservation Needs (NCNs):

1. Subject: Incorporating the effects of climate change into North American fish and wildlife habitat planning at regional and statewide scales. (Submitted by the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the Bird Conservation Committee)
2. Subject: Outdoor heritage - participation, recruitment, retention and access to public lands in hunting, fishing, and conservation related recreational activities (Submitted by the Angler/Boating Participation, Hunting and Shooting Sports and Wildlife Resources Policy Committees)
3. Subject: A National Fish and Wildlife Health Initiative (Submitted by the Fish & Wildlife Health Committee)
4. Subject: Formation and Operations of Fish Habitat Partnerships to Facilitate National Fish Habitat Action Plan Implementation. (Submitted by the Fisheries/Water Resources Policy Committee)
5. Subject: Integration of fish and wildlife needs as the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill are implemented. (Submitted by the Agricultural Conservation Committee)
6. Subject: Actions in support of implementing the Association’s North American Conservation Education Strategy (Submitted by Education/Outreach/Diversity Committee)
7. Subject: Implementation of the AFWA Mourning Dove and Lead Toxicosis Working Group Recommendations and research (human dimensions or scientific) that relates to lead toxicosis and its impact on mourning doves (Submitted by the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies)
8. Subject: Multistate Conservation Grant Program Coordination (Submitted by the National Grants Committee)
9. Subject: Research for and Coordination of the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (National Survey) (Submitted by the Executive Committee)

Based upon submitted Letters of Intent, the most competitive applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in early June. After an evaluation conducted by Association Committees, projects will be selected in September at the Association’s Annual Meeting and recommended to USFWS for funding by October 1, 2008. Funds for selected projects will be available starting January 1, 2009.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) and the USFWS cooperatively administer the Multistate Conservation Grant Program. The Association solicits Letters of Intent and invites full proposals from eligible applicants and recommends to the USFWS a “priority list” of projects to be funded. The USFWS selects projects from the “priority list” and awards and manages grants.

If you require further information, please contact Christina Zarrella, MSCGP Coordinator at: czarrella@fishwildlife.org.

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program - FY 2009 Notice of Availability of Grants, Request for Applications: The primary goal of the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is the long term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. In FY 2008, the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program awarded more than $20 million to 11 States and 1 territory to fund 29 individual projects encompassing nearly 10,000 acres of coastal wetlands. Deadline 6/27/2008.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) Special 2008 Sign-up Opportunity: 75% Cost Share for Wildlife Habitat Improvements; Opportunity to work with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to add conservation practices to your land that will benefit wildlife habitat; HIGH PRIORITY WILDLIFE PROJECTS MAY: Restore Native Plant Communities, Control Noxious or Invasive Weeds, Install Fish-Friendly Practices, Benefit Special-Status Species, Enhance Riparian Areas. WHO: Agriculture or non-agriculture landowners are eligible ; WHEN: March 24-28, 2008; Contracts will be announced April 11; WHERE: Private Landowners throughout California; Visit your local USDA NRCS Service Center.

Army Corps of Engineers - Sections 1135 & 206: Section 1135 funds are available for the restoration and acquisition of wetlands previously affected by an Army Corps project. For more information, contact the Army Corps of Engineers at 415-977-8703. Section 206 funds provide for the restoration of aquatic ecosystem structure and function. Projects usually include the manipulation of the hydrology in and along bodies of water, including wetlands and riparian areas. No relationship to an existing Corps project is required. Contact Jay Kinberger 415 977- 8773.

Central Valley Project Improvement Act/Bureau of Reclamation: A variety of funding programs are available for the acquisition, restoration, and study of wetlands and other water resources in the Central Valley. Contact Chuck Solomon at the Bureau of Reclamation at 916-978-5052. The Bureau of Reclamation also has a wetlands program with grant funding. Contact Bob Shaffer at 916-414-6459.

	South Bay Salt Ponds photo by Kent Steffens

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program: The Secretary of Commerce has approved final guidelines for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), which was created by the FY 2002 Appropriations Act. A Federal Register notice containing the final guidelines was published on June 17, 2003. The CELCP was created "for the purpose of protecting important coastal and estuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic values, or that are threatened by conversion from their natural or recreational state to other uses". The final guidelines establish the eligibility, procedural and programmatic requirements for participation in the program, including criteria for financial assistance awards. The guidelines outline a three-stage process including: development of a state coastal and estuarine land conservation plan (similar to the Forest Legacy Program's model); a process for identifying and ranking qualified projects within the state and nominating them to a national competitive selection process; and a process for conducting peer review and selection of projects at the national level. State participation in this program is voluntary. The Federal Register notice and final guidelines can be found at www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov/landconservation.html.

Department of Defense (DoD) Legacy Funds: These funds are potentially appropriate for any of you who work with the DoD folks regarding natural resource issues on their bases. (Note: these projects must be on military installations or have direct benefits to military personnel and families.) Either FWS or DoD can apply for these funds. Legacy funds assist DoD in protection and enhancing resources while supporting military readiness. Potential projects include regional ecosystem management initiatives, habitat preservation, invasive species control, and monitoring and predicting migratory patterns of birds. Legacy has provided funding to DoDPIF in the past. DoD base biologists should be aware of this program. Visit www.dodlegacy.org/legacy/intro/guidelines.aspx for more information.

Environmental Protection Agency: The Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW) Sustainable Finance Team has launched a "Watershed Funding" section of EPA's Web site which contains links to tools, databases, and resources about grants, funding and fundraising. The Web site is designed to help nonprofit watershed organizations, state and local governments, and funders (such as foundations) more easily find information on how to effectively obtain and invest resources to improve watershed health. Various grants in the range of $25,000-$350,000 are available through the EPA for watershed planning, restoration and stewardship studies for state, tribal and local governments. Grants are also available for Environmental justice issues, Pollution prevention, Brownfields assessment, Community/Economic development and Environmental education. Their public information line is 415-947-8000 and may be reached at Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9; 75 Hawthorne Street; San Francisco, CA 94105.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 Upcoming Funding for San Francisco Bay and California Coastal Watersheds: EPA Region 9 intends to issue two separate competitive grant announcements by April 2008 for protecting and restoring San Francisco Bay and California coastal watersheds through comprehensive watershed protection and management approaches. This fact sheet is not a formal funding announcement and the information is subject to change prior to the formal request for proposals printed in the Federal Register.

EPA/USDA (A Joint Research Solicitation): Ecological Impacts from the Interactions of Climate Change, Land Use Change and Invasive Species: This is a collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants Program. The purpose of this joint solicitation is to quantitatively investigate how climate change, climate variability, and land use change: (1) influence the establishment, abundance and distribution of invasive species; (2) interact with invasive species to create feedbacks that increase their success; (3) interact with invasive species to cause threshold responses in natural and managed systems; or (4) affect the chemical, biological and mechanical management of invasive species. The EPA is interested in proposals addressing aquatic ecosystems and the USDA in proposals addressing managed terrestrial systems.

EPA Science To Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowships For Graduate Environmental Study: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, has offered Graduate Fellowships for master's and doctoral level students in environmental fields of study.

Ecology and Oceanography of Hazardous Algal Blooms: This program provides support for research on algal species whose populations may cause or result in deleterious effects on ecosystems and human health. It's a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, and its interagency partners, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

EPA Resource Conservation Funds: The US EPA Region 9 solicited proposals for cooperative agreements that address solid waste reduction and management.

EPA Environmental Education Grants Program: The environmental education grants program supports progress towards EPA Strategic Goal 5 (Compliance and Environmental Stewardship), Objective 5.2 (Improve Environmental Performance through Pollution Prevention and Innovation), and Sub-Objective 5.2.1 (Prevent pollution and promote environmental stewardship by government and the public). Recipients of these grants will further EPA's strategic goals by implementing environmental education projects that improve environmental behavior through nonregulatory means, raise the public's awareness of actions it can take to prevent pollution, and promote environmental stewardship. EPA, in negotiating an assistance agreement work plan under this competition, will ensure that the work plan contains well-defined outputs, and to the extent practicable, well-defined outcomes. Environmental Stewardship is defined for environmental education purposes as: voluntary commitment, behavior, and accomplishments that result in environmental protection or improvement. Stewardship refers to an acceptance of personal responsibility for actions to improve environmental quality and to achieve sustainable outcomes.

EPA Region 9 Wetland Program Development Grants: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9, has just posted a request for proposals (RFP) for the 2008 Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDG). The full text of the 2008 WPDG RFP can be accessed on the Region's website at: http://www.epa.gov/region09/funding/wetlands-08.html

It is also posted on http://www.grants.gov/ (use Funding Opportunity Number EPA-R9-WP8)

• These "development grants" are targeted to coordination and acceleration of activities such as research, training, demonstrations, and surveys related to causes, effects, characterization, prevention, and reduction of water pollution.
• The grants are available to states, tribes, local government agencies, interstate agencies and intertribal consortia. Projects must be performed within the area of EPA, Region 9 including: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and other unincorporated U.S. Pacific possessions.
• The total amount available for funding this year, in Region 9, is expected to be $1,764,000. We anticipate funding approximately 6 to 15 awards in the expected range of $50,000 to $300,000.
• Deadline - Applications may be submitted by hard copy and CD by overnight delivery, hand delivery or courier service (not U.S. Postal Mail), and must arrive at EPA, Region 9, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Applications may also be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 through grants.gov.
• Descriptions of grants awarded in 2006 and 2007 can be accessed on the Region's website (listed above).

	Coyote Hill photo by Kent Steffens

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): The Land and Water Conservation Fund is the largest source of federal money for parks, wildlife, and open space land acquisition. Its funding comes primarily from offshore oil and gas drilling receipts, with an authorized expenditure of $900 million each year. Under the act, a portion of the money is intended to go to federal land purchases and a portion to the states as matching grants for state and local park projects. Congress generally has appropriated only a fraction of the $900 million authorized, however, significant strides have been taken in recent years to increase the levels of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Contact your Congressional representative or regional office of any of the federal agencies for more specific information.

Land Exchange Program: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks to preserve wildlife habitat and provide improved public access through this exchange program. The BLM exchanges public land for prime private wildlife habitat based on fair market value of lands. Private landholders and land trusts are eligible applicants. Contact: Howard Stark, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite West-1834, Sacramento, CA 95825-1886, 916-978-4630.

Landowner Incentive Program Grant Proposals: The Fish and Wildlife Service requests proposals under the Landowner Incentive Program pending a Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2004 allocation of funds for conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa (hereafter referred to collectively as States), and Tribes. These grants are available for conservation efforts to be carried out on private lands, to provide technical or financial assistance to private landowners for the purpose of benefiting Federally listed, proposed, or candidate species, or other at-risk species on private lands. Assistance must be to protect, restore, or manage habitat on private lands. This program is administered through State Wildlife Agencies, but the work must occur on private lands (this generally includes non-profits in the USFWS definition).For any further information about Landowner Incentive Program, contact: The Division of Federal Aid FederalAid@fws.gov.

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Program: Funds generated from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and boat gasoline taxes are set aside in the Sport Fish and Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Fund for the acquisition, restoration, and enhancement of coastal wetlands systems. This program funds only state agencies, i.e. State Coastal Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation Board. Grants are available to coastal states and require either a 25% or 50% match. Contact: Christy Kuczak is the national contact for the NCWCG but local contacts should be directed to Deb Schlafmann, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 2800 Cottage Way, Room 2606, Sacramento, CA 95825, 916/414-6455, Debra_Schlafmann@fws.gov  NOTE: THIS FUNDING IS FOR STATE APPLICANTS ONLY.
Grant Management Specialist Christy Kuczak by phone at 703-358-1748 or by email at christy_kuczak@fws.gov. Local contacts should be directed to Deb Schlafmann, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 2800 Cottage Way, Room 2606, Sacramento, CA 95825, 916/414-6455, Debra_Schlafmann@fws.gov. For more information, go to http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company(PG&E) are pleased to announce a Request for Proposals through The Nature Restoration Trust Program.  The Nature Restoration Trust seeks to fund projects that benefit fish, wildlife, and plants, as well as provide educational opportunities and encourage community involvement in conservation efforts.  The grants program is focused on projects within PG&E's service area in northern and central California and this year is being launched in conjunction with the Five Star Restoration Program. 
RFPs are due by Febrauray 15
Additional information about The Nature Restoration Trust and the Request for Proposals can be found on the NFWF website at: www.nfwf.org/nrt. Contact at NFWF is Claire Thorp, 415-243-3104

National Wetlands Coastal Program: The Coastal Program provides incentives for voluntary protection of threatened, endangered and other species on private and public lands alike. The program's protection and restoration successes to date give hope that, through the cooperative efforts of many public and private partners, adequate coastal habitat for fish and wildlife will exist for future generations. The National Wetlands Coastal Program has 22 distinct areas referred to as "programs" throughout the nation - one of which is the Coastal Program in San Francisco Bay.

CFDA Number: 15.630 -- Coastal Program
The September 30, 2007 application date has passed.   (Grant seekers are encouraged to contact their local field office about potential projects; the individual Coastal Program locations may have specific due dates.)
Expected Number of Awards: Not Available
Estimated Total Program Funding: $13,000,000
For more information, go to: http://ecos.fws.gov/coastal/viewContent.do?viewPage=home and http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12692&mode=VIEW

Coastal Program in San Francisco Bay: The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a partnership program in the Bay, Delta and the estuary's local watersheds.  About $220,000 is available each year to obligate to projects that restore fish and wildlife habitat, provide essential information to decision makers advising them on habitat restoration, or performs habitat-related advocacy and outreach. The emphasis is on estuarine benefits and for "on-the-ground" projects. About 260 wide-ranging projects involving all kinds of partners have been supported since 1992. CFDA Number 15.630. Contact Richard Morat, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way W-2605, Sacramento, CA 095825 916/414-6571 or Richard_Morat@fws.gov

National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries): The NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally-driven, grass-roots habitat restoration projects that will benefit living marine resources, including anadromous fish. Projects funded through the CRP have strong on-the-ground habitat restoration components that provide educational and social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. The role of NOAA in the CRP is to help identify potential restoration projects, strengthen the development and implementation of sound restoration projects and science-based monitoring of such projects within communities, and develop long-term, ongoing national and regional partnerships to support community-based restoration of living marine resource habitats across a wide geographic area.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

NOAA Offers Grants for California Schools to Become Ocean Guardians: NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries announced today it is offering “Ocean Guardian” grants of up to $6,000 to a number of California schools whose students create a school or community-based conservation project that protects their local watershed and the ocean. Kindergarten through high schools are eligible in the California counties of Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. A total of $100,000 is being made available through the grant program.

NOAA National Sea Grant College Program Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Outreach: The program seeks to fund research and outreach projects addressing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. The goal of the program is to discover and develop information and tools that can lead to the prevention, detection, monitoring and control of aquatic invasive species threatening United States coastal communities, resources and ecosystems. Appropriate areas of research may include: Biology and life history research, population dynamics, genetics, physiology, behavior, and parasites and diseases of invasive species, ecological and environmental tolerances of invasive species, impacts of invasive species at each stage of their life history on the environment, resources, and human health, research into invasive species control measures (engineering, physical, chemical, biological, physicochemical, administrative, and educational), and economic impact analysis of invasive species on marine and coastal resources, sport, commercial and tribal fisheries, the recreation and tourism industry, the shipping and navigation industry, and municipal and industrial water users.Preliminary proposals were due October 11, 2007. Full proposals are due February 14, 2008 (Open only to those who submitted preliminary proposals). To obtain the RFP, please visit www.grants.gov ( Federal Funding Opportunity #: OAR-SG-2008-2001200 ). For more information, please contact Invasive.Species@noaa.gov.

NOAA FY08 California Bay Watershed Education and Training Program (B-WET): The NOAA California B-WET grant program, is a competitively based program that supports existing environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new programs, and encourages the development of partnerships among environmental education programs throughout the San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, and Santa Barbara Channel watersheds. Funded projects provide meaningful watershed experiences to students and teachers. Eligible applicants are K-through-12 public and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, state or local government agencies, and Indian tribal governments.

FY08 Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, Adult and Community Watershed Education in the Monterey Bay: The California B-WET Program, Adult and Community Watershed Education, is a competitively based program that supports existing environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new programs, and encourages the development of partnerships among environmental education programs throughout the Monterey Bay watershed. Funded projects provide meaningful watershed education to adults and communities. The term meaningful watershed education is defined as outcome-based programs that educate citizens about their role in protecting water quality and demonstrate behavioral changes that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship. Due Date: October 9, 2008

NOAA Grants Management Division:

Open Rivers Initiative: The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative (ORI) provides funding and technical expertise for community-driven, small dam and river barrier removals, primarily in coastal states. The Federal Funding Opportunity describes the conditions under which applications (project proposals) will be accepted under the ORI and describes criteria under which applications will be evaluated for funding consideration. Projects are expected to provide an economic boost for communities, enhance public safety, and improve populations of NOAA trust resources such as striped bass, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic and Pacific salmon, American eel, American shad, blueback herring, and alewife.

NOAA Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Project Grants: The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), authorized in the Marine Debris Reduction, Prevention, and Reduction Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.), provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources including diadromous fish. Projects funded through the MDP have strong on-the-ground habitat components involving the removal of marine debris and derelict gear that will provide educational and social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. If you would like any more information on this program or are interested in applying, please contact Gillian O'Doherty or Natalie Cosentino-Manning.

Coastal Services Center Leadership Training for Coastal Managers and Scientists: For more information, contact Policy Advisor Steve Drescher by phone at 301-713-0942 or by email at Steve.J.Drescher@noaa.gov.

Community-based Habitat Restoration Project Grants: For more information, contact Policy Advisor Steve Drescher by phone at
301-713-0942 or by email at Steve.J.Drescher@noaa.gov.

Coastal Services Center Environmental Characterization of a U.S. Coastal Region: For more information, contact Policy Advisor Steve Drescher by phone at 301-713-0942 or by email at Steve.J.Drescher@noaa.gov.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service:

USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program: The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with State, tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

USDA Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvement Competitive Grants: The purpose of FWCG is to encourage evaluation and the development of existing and new technology approaches while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production on private lands. FWCG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of fish and wildlife conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches into NRCS technical manuals and guides, and available to the private sector. FWCG will stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been evaluated and demonstrated sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success for technology transfer. FWCG funds target on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects, field demonstrations, and evaluation processes.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grants: Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. CIG will benefit agricultural producers by providing more options for environmental enhancement and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations. NRCS administers CIG.

Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Grants Program: The Act establishes a matching grants program to fund projects that promote the conservation of these birds in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Projects may include activities to benefit bird populations and their habitats, research and monitoring, law enforcement, and outreach and education.  All grant requests must be matched by partner funds at least 3:1. Partner funds from a U.S. federal source may be involved in the project, but are not eligible as match.  The November 15, 2007 application deadline has passed.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA): NAWCA provides federal funds specifically to "conserve North American wetland ecosystems and waterfowl and the other migratory birds and fish and wildlife that depend on such habitats." (PL 101-233) Eligible projects include acquisition and restoration of wetlands, among other activities. Proposals require a 50/50 nonfederal match.

NAWCA Standard Grants: The U.S. Standard grant information is available on the NAWCA website at www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/Standard/US/index.shtm.  The next deadline for U.S. Standard Grants is August 1, 2008. For general program information, contact the U.S. Standard Grants Program Proposal Coordinators: David Buie (david_buie@fws.gov), (301) 497-5870, or Rodecia McKnight (rodecia_mcknight@fws.gov), (703) 358-2266. Important note: Anyone considering applying should coordinate their application with SFBJV Coordinator Beth Huning at bhuning@sfbayjv.org or 415/883-3854. The SFBJV will need to be involved not only to provide guidance but also because we will need to rank all applications that are submitted.

NAWCA Small Grants: The Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (Act). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. This program supports the same type of projects and adheres to the same selection criteria and administrative guidelines as the U.S. Standard Grants Program. However, project activities are usually smaller in scope and involve fewer project dollars. Grant requests may not exceed $75,000, and funding priority is given to grantees or partners new to the Act’s Grants Program. The November 30, 2007 application deadline has passed.   Note:   Small grants are an underutilized part of the Act; they are much easier than standard grants and they've raised the cap to $75,000! NAWCA Small Grants were initially intended as a lead-in to the NAWCA Standard Grant process, but they often provide enough funding to accomplish the smaller scale projects or a phase of a larger project.  All potential applicants should contact SFBJV Coordinator Beth Huning at bhuning@sfbayjv.org or 415/883-3854 well in advance for input on ways to make their application competitive on a national level.

NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program: Rivers, trails, greenways and natural areas connect us to our environment and benefit a community’s economy, public health, and quality of life. The National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program supports community-based conservation action. By working with local partners, we hope to foster a network of rivers, trails and greenways that link people -- where they live and work -- to each other, to their community, and to the countryside. Six western states are served by regional and field offices. Here you will find information about services and project profiles in California, Hawai’i, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The RTCA Program in the Pacific West Region is managed from park service offices in Oakland and Seattle. Download & Print Application Guidelines in PDF format. Contact information for the Pacific West Regional Office, 1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607:

• Fax: (510) 817-1505
• Barbara Rice, RTCA Program Leader, Phone: (510) 817-1449
• Debbie Allen, Administrative Assistant, Phone: (510) 817-1446
• Peg Henderson, Phone: (510) 817-1448
• Linda Stonier, Phone: (510) 817-1450

Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center: The Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center at Point Reyes National Seashore provideS office space, housing, data, reports, coordination and logistical support for researchers performing projects within Bay Area parks. Occasionally the learning center also provides research grants to support effective research and science. Click here for a PDF describing learning center research goals.

Restore America’s Estuaries Federal Funding Guide: The Federal Funding Guide is a repository of information about federal programs that provide restoration project funding throughout the country and for a wide array of habitat, activity and recipient types. The funding guide provides a quick, comprehensive and accessible review of the often hidden federal funds that may be used to implement on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. Its design and layout provide users with easy access to critical information about funding and eligibility. In the Federal Funding Documents opportunities are listed in alphabetical order by Department.

	Canoes and Sloughs Photo Courtesy of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

Tribal Wildlife Grants: Wildlife conservation grants to States and to the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and tribes under provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, for the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished. The Act further specifies that the Service use $5 million of the funds to establish a competitive grant program available to federally recognized Indian tribes.

Trout Unlimited - NOAA Partnership Grants: Trout Unlimited (TU) is the nation's largest grassroots coldwater fishery organization. Their mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. This mission is accomplished on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer network. NOAA partners with Trout Unlimited (TU) to fund coastal projects benefiting anadromous fish submitted to TU's Embrace-A-Stream program. Applicants can request up to $10,000 for restoration, research or equipment related to anadromous salmonids. Applicants must have the local support from, and run the application through, a Trout Unlimited Chapter. Organizations that have project ideas should contact their local TU chapter to discuss forming a partnership to apply for project funds under this RFP. A 1:1 non-federal match is required. In the past there have been very few applications for this funding source in California, so this particular funding source is usually not very competitive.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP): Funds are available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service for the acquisition of conservation easements on agricultural lands. Both permanent and 30-year easements can be purchased under the WRP, with priority given to projects that maximize wildlife values. Funds for wetland restoration are also available. Contact: Alan Forkey, Wetlands Biologist, 530-792-5653 or your local NRCS field office.

NRCS Farm Bill: Significant funds are available to Joint Venture partners through Farm Bill funding even if they have a project that remotely qualifies. Applicable Farm Bill programs include WHIP, WRP and NRCS (above).

NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP): WHIP is a voluntary program for private landowners who want to develop or improve fish and wildlife habitat on their property. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program, providing technical assistance and up to 75% of the cost of the project. Contact your local NRCS field office for more information.

USDA "Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program: Evaluating the Effects of Conservation Practices on Water Quality within the Biophysical Setting of a Watershed CSREES and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are seeking applications to evaluate the effects of watershed conservation practices, with a focus on understanding how the suite of conservation practices, the timing of these activities, and the spatial distribution of these practices throughout a watershed influence their effectiveness for achieving locally defined water quality goals.

USDA State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement: On March 22, 2007, FSA announced a new initiative, SAFE, to allow State Offices to address local wildlife conservation needs. SAFE allows producers to install practices that benefit high priority State wildlife conservation objectives through the use of targeted restoration of vital habitat. This cooperative conservation effort is based on locally developed conservation proposals that address the highest priority wildlife objectives in the State before the practice may be implemented. The proposals will be considered by FSA STC after a review by the State Technical Committee. CEPD will review all STC recommendations. Under SAFE (which are Conservation Reserve Program funds set aside for nontraditional CRP activities),  active agricultural producers are paid for practices that benefit high priority State wildlife conservation objectives through the use of targeted restoration of vital habitat.  SAFE provides an opportunity to develop grassroots cooperative conservation projects to address high priority wildlife needs through habitat restoration. The practices must be used to address wildlife habitat that can be enhanced through the restoration of eligible cropland through CRP. Enrollment is available under continuous signup criteria. SAFE practices can be used to restore threatened and endangered species habitat or habitat for species that have suffered a significant population decline, including restoration of habitat for game species such as pheasant or quail, salmon or steelhead stream habitat, or for other economically significant species. SAFE practice proposals must afford measurable and tangible benefits to the desired species.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (various grants): The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program provides financial and technical assistance for voluntary restoration of native habitats primarily on private lands. Interested parties are invited to submit a request for assistance.

Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program: The Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program provides technical and cost-share financial assistance to private landowners, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, watershed groups, Tribes, and city and county agencies to voluntarily enhance or restore native habitats such as wetlands, streams and riparian areas, grasslands, woodlands and other upland habitats.  Emphasis is given to on-the-ground activities that improve native habitat for Federal trust species, including migratory birds, anadromous fish, and other listed and special status animal and plant species.  Up to 50% implementation costs may be available, not to exceed $25,000 per project under a formal cooperative agreement.  For more information on this program or to discuss your project ideas, contact Kate Symonds, SF Bay Partners Biologist, at (707) 578-8515,kate_symonds@fws.gov.  Visit the Conservation Partnerships webpage at http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/Partnerships/index.htm for more information.

Science Support Partnership and Quick Response Programs: Contact Diane Elam at 916-414-6453 | Diane_Elam@fws.gov.

Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Requests Proposals for 2009 Tribal Wildlife Grants - Three grant writing workshops will be held in California and Nevada

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the fiscal year (FY) 2009 Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG). The grants provide technical and financial assistance for the development and implementation of efforts that benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished. Proposals for the 2009 Tribal Wildlife Grants are due September 2, 2008. For more information (e.g., application kits and related materials) regarding FY 2009 TWG, please visit our Web site at: http://www.fws.gov/grants/tribal.html.

More than $34 million has gone to Native American tribes through the Tribal Wildlife Grants program in the past six years, providing funding for 175 conservation projects administered by 133 participating Federally-recognized tribes. The grants have enabled tribes to develop increased management capacity, improve and enhance relationships with partners including State agencies, address cultural and environmental priorities, and heighten interest of tribal students in fisheries, wildlife and related fields of study. Some grants have been awarded to enhance recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species. This year the Yurok Tribe of the Klamath River Reserve in northern California received a $200,000 grant to study the feasibility of reintroducing federally endangered California condors to the Yurok Ancestral Territory.

To assist Tribes in the development of a successful TWG proposal, the Service¹s California and Nevada regional office will offer three workshops at the locations listed below. These workshops will provide detailed information on TWG ranking criteria and how to incorporate the criteria into the development of a successful TWG proposal. Speakers from several other federal agencies will give presentations to detail assistance they can provide tribes in managing natural resources.

Carson City, NV
June 12, 2008
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Western Nevada Agency
1677 Hot Springs Road
Carson City, NV 89706
Start - 8:30 am
End ­ 4:30 pm

Redding, CA
June 17, 2008
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Northern California Agency
1900 Churn Creek Road, Suite 300
Redding, CA 96002
Start - 8:30 am
End ­ 4:30 pm

Riverside, CA
June 19, 2008
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Southern California Agency
1451 Research Park Drive, Suite 100
Riverside, CA 92507
Start - 8:30 am
End ­ 4:30 pm

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State Programs

CALFED Science Fellowships Announced - The CALFED Science Program has up to 12 Science Fellowships for graduate and postdoctoral students. Fellowships must focus on one or more of the following topics for the California Bay-Delta system:

1. Trends and Patterns of Habitats, Populations and System Response to a Changing Environment
2. Aquatic Invasive (Exotic) Species
3. Water Supply, Water Quality
4. Developing Indicators and Performance Measures

Deadline: June 6, 2008 (5 p.m.)

Awards are available in the amount of $45,000 per year for postdoctoral researchers, plus eligible expenses up to $30,000; or $25,000 per year for graduate fellows, plus eligible expenses up to $19,500. Fellowships will begin September 2008.

For more details, please visit: http://www.science.calwater.ca.gov/research/research_fellows.html

CALFED Bay-Delta Program: The CALFED Agencies solicit for and fund projects that carry out the CALFED objectives and have awarded grant money for projects that improve the Bay-Delta Estuary. Collectively these agencies have allocated nearly $2 billion for projects to expand groundwater storage, ensure efficient water use, increase water cycling, and restore ecosystems. Monies to fund these grant projects have come from Propositions 204, 13, and 50-- bonds voted in by California residents.

	Photo Courtesy of Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

California Bay-Delta Authority (CBDA) Science Program Grants: The CALFED Science Program's goal is to invest in knowledge that will fundamentally advance the understanding of the complex environments/systems within the scope of the CALFED program to aid resource managers.

CALFED Science Fellows Program: In collaboration with the California Sea Grant College Program, the CALFED Science Program has initiated a fellows program for doctoral graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The aim of the program is to bring together these junior scientists with CALFED Program agency scientists and senior research mentors in collaborative data analysis and research projects relevant to ecosystem management and water supply reliability questions, including analyses of the immense monitoring data collected and maintained by the implementing agencies.For additional information contact: CALFEDfellow@seamail.ucsd.edu.

California Coastal Commission Whale Tail Grants: The Whale Tail Grants Program distributes funds from sales of the Whale Tail License Plate. The grants support programs that teach California’s children and the general public to value and take action to improve the health of the state’s marine and coastal resources. Adopt-A-Beach programs, as well as other beach maintenance and coastal habitat restoration projects that have an educational component, are also eligible for these grants. This grants program focuses on reaching communities that are currently poorly served in terms of marine and coastal education.

California Coastal Conservancy: The Conservancy has grant funding for the acquisition, restoration and enhancement of significant coastal and Bay Resource and habitat lands through the Bay Area Conservancy Program. Grants are also available for the preparation of plans for the enhancement and restoration of wetlands, dunes, rivers, streams, and watersheds. State and local agencies and non-profits may apply. Contact the State Coastal Conservancy at 510-286-1015.

WRP Small Grant Program: The Small Grant Program provides grants of $1,000 - $30,000 for community based restoration projects.

San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program: The Conservancy's Bay Program was established in 1998 to address the natural resource and recreational goals of the nine-county Bay Area in a coordinated and comprehensive way. For more information about the Conservancy and the Bay Program, please see the Conservancy's website at http://www.scc.ca.gov.

Cal/EPA Targeted Site Investigation program (TSI): Targeted Site Investigation program (TSI) funds are intended to assist local municipalities, school districts and non-profit organizations with such site assessment activities as Preparing a sampling plan, Field work, Preparation of a follow-up report, Conducting a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA). For more information, please visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Brownfields/ or call Megan Cambridge, DTSC Statewide Brownfields Coordinator and TSI Grant Coordinator at (916) 255-3727 or Linda Dorn, State Water Resources Control Board at (916) 341-5780.

California Farmlands Conservancy Program: The CA Farmlands Conservancy Program (formerly the Agricultural Land Stewardship Program) within the State Department of Conservation provides long-term protection of farmland through grants to for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, fee title acquisition projects, policy/planning projects and land improvement projects. Local agencies and non-profits are eligible to apply. Contact: Charles Tyson, Program Coordinator, Office of Land Conservation, 801 K Street, MS 13-71, Sacramento CA 95814. 916-324-0862.

California Sea Grant College Program: California Sea Grant is continuing to move in a strategic direction for 2006-2010. In recognition of recent and anticipated challenges and opportunities, California Sea Grant is focusing on the following new integrated themes: Healthy Marine Ecosystems; Sustainable Resource Use; Sustainable Coastal Communities; New Technologies; Education, Training & Public Information.

Caltrans Mitigation: Caltrans frequently looks for wetlands projects that can be used to mitigate approved highway projects. Contact your local Caltrans office.

Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD)

Department of Conservation Watershed Coordinator Grant Program: The California Department of Conservation is pleased to announce the release of the 2007 Watershed Coordinator Grant Program Request for Proposals (RFP). The purpose of this grant program is to fund watershed coordinator positions which facilitate watershed improvement efforts affecting the CALFED Solution Area. The RFP, associated documents and more information can be obtained at www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/RCD/Pages/Index.aspx. If you have questions, please send an email to:  WCGP2007@conservation.ca.gov. The deadline for January 4, 2008 has passed

The preliminary decision for the 2007 Watershed Coordinator Grant Program has been released. More information can be found at the Department of Conservation’s website: http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/RCD/Pages/Index.aspx

Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Restoration Grant Program: The focus of the FRGP is to restore anadromous salmonid habitat with the goal of ensuring the survival and protection of coho salmon, steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and cutthroat trout in coastal watersheds of California. Grants are made to a variety of public entities, nonprofits, and Indian tribes. Amounts vary from under $1,000 to over $500,000.  For more information, contact Ethan Rotman, Fishing in the City Coordinator, San Francisco Bay Area, (415) 892-0460 or erotman@dfg.ca.gov for more information.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Fines: DFG collects fine monies for fish and game code violations. County fish and game committees typically administer these funds. Contact your local Fish and Game office for information.

Department of Water Resources: Proposition 50 Funding: Water Use Efficiency: The key function of the Financial Assistance Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to implement cost effective water use efficiency measures. The Financial Assistance Program works collaboratively with other units of the Department of Water Resources, the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation and CALFED agencies to develop proposal solicitation packages for the grant and loan programs and to conduct the review and selection processes.

Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEM): Established in 1989, the EEM Program requires the state to spend an additional $10 million a year over a 10-year period from FY 1991-92 to FY 2000-01 beyond what is legally required to mitigate the effects of transportation facility development. Grants are available for projects that mitigate, directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of transportation facilities. This program awards funds in the following three categories: Highway Landscape and Urban Forestry, Resource Lands, and Roadside Recreation. Local, state, or federal agency, non-profit organizations, or public/private partnership are eligible to apply. Requests are generally limited to $250,000. No matching funds are required, although matching funds greatly strengthen your application. Contact: Bill Borden, California Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1311, Sacramento, 95814, 916-653-5656.

Habitat Conservation Fund: The California Department of Parks and Recreation administers this grant program for local public agencies for the acquisition and restoration of wildlife habitats and significant natural areas. Eligible projects include acquisition/restoration of deer/mountain lion, rare, threatened and endangered species, wetlands, riparian, anadromous fish and trout habitat and urban trail/wildlife corridor projects. Contact Odel King at 916-653-8758, California Department of Parks and Recreation; PO Box 942896; Sacramento, 94296-0007.

Proposition 12 Funding: Passage of Proposition 12 in March 2000 increased funding to existing programs or established new sources of funds for parks and recreational resources. Following is a list of the agencies administering Proposition 12 funds, names of funding programs, and contact information.

• Department of Parks and Recreation: Urban Recreational and Cultural Centers, Museums, and Facilities for Wildlife or Environmental Education Program: Please call (916) 653-7423.
• California Conservation Corps: Please call (916) 341-3153
• Wildlife Conservation Board: Please call (916) 653-7664
• Department of Conservation:Please call (916) 322-1080
• Department of Fish and Game: Please call (916) 653-7664
• Resources Agency: Please call (916) 653-5656

Proposition 13 Funding: The Water Bond, Proposition 13, substantially increased funding for water resources throughout the State. Following is a list of agencies administering these funds, funding programs, and contact information:

• Department of Water Resources: Flood Protection Corridor Program (916) 445-7979 - Urban Streams Restoration Program (916) 327-1664 - River Protection Program (916) 327-1617.
• Department of Fish and Game: Coastal Watershed Salmon Habitat Program: Please call (916) 327-8842.
• State Water Resources Control Board: Three programs: Watershed Protection Program; Nonpoint Source Control Program; and Coastal Nonpoint Source Control Program. Please call (916) 657-0876 or 510-622-1015.

Proposition 40/50 Awards Website

Proposition 84 Funding:

• Urban Streams Restoration Program: The objectives of the Urban Streams Restoration Program are to assist communities in reducing damages from stream bank and watershed instability and floods while restoring the environmental and aesthetic values of streams, and to encourage stewardship and maintenance of streams by the community.

San Francisco Estuary Project: SFEP seeks proposals for projects that educate and involve people in ways to improve the health of the Estuary, restore and protect existing wetland or wildlife habitats, or monitor the health of fish and wildlife populations.

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

SWRCB Clean Beaches Initiative Projects is continuously accepting applications for its Proposition 40 Clean Beaches Initiative Grant Program.

Nonpoint Source & Water Quality Planning Programs: State Water Resources Control Board Federal 319 Program.  The program is an annual federally-funded nonpoint source pollution control program focused on controlling activities that impair beneficial uses of state waters, and on limiting pollutant effects caused by those activities.   Because under federal law states must establish priority rankings for impaired waters and develop action plans (known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), project proposals that address TMDLs and impaired waters will be favored in the selection process.  There is also a focus on implementing management activities that lead to reduction and/or prevention of pollutants that threaten impaired waters.   Nonprofit organizations, local governments including special districts, Indian tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to apply.  State or federal agencies may apply if they are collaborating with local entities and are involved in watershed management or are proposing a statewide project.  Eligible projects can include: technology transfer; restoration; demonstration projects; technical assistance; citizen monitoring; and public education/outreach.   

Integrated Coastal Watershed Management Planning Grants Program

EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant Program: Capacity-building grants provide for education and training, whereas implementation grants involve actions such as protection and preservation. Under the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program, EPA has awarded nearly $40 million to 46 watershed organizations since 2003. In excess of $2 million has gone to five watershed capacity-building organizations to further the activities of more than 3,000 local watershed groups. The EPA also released its 2005 Targeted Watersheds Grant Annual Report. It provides examples of how grant funding helps watershed partnerships advance the goals of the Clean Water Act through sound watershed plans. Comprised of informative fact sheets and colorful maps, the report highlights 34 community efforts to reach measurable clean-water goals. The report also includes summaries of grantees focused on capacity-building efforts.

EPA's Targeted Watersheds Grants Program - Implementation Grant Program: The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program (TWG) promotes successful community-based approaches and management techniques to protect and restore the nation's waters. The program is an integral approach to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S.EPA) watershed approach to clean water by providing assistance to watershed groups and service provider organizations working to protect and restore watersheds valued for fishing, swimming, drinking and other important uses. For further information, please check the Water Resources Control Board web site at: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/watershed/index.html#new.

The Agricultural Water Quality Grant Program: This is a consolidated grant program - both Irrigated Ag and 319h program. Important points from the guidelines: Irrigated Agricultural Lands (as defined in glossary in Appendix A in guidelines) Land where water is applied to produce, but not limited to, crops in rows and fields, tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, managed wetlands and rice production. For the purpose of this program, irrigated pasture is also considered irrigated agriculture. For Section 319 funds, irrigated agriculture projects will be given a priority in the selection process. However, projects that address other categories of NPS pollution will also be considered. For Section 319 funds, projects must: 1. Implement activities to achieve pollutant reductions consistent with established TMDLs or TMDLs under development; and 2. Be consistent with watershed plans that address the USEPA-required elements for watershed-based plans (see Appendix B in the guidelines). Contact Carrie M. Austin, P.E.

	Bisso Ranch property

Transportation Enhancement Activities Program: The federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) extends the life and intent of ISTEA through 2003, including the requirement that states spend a minimum of 10% of their Surface Transportation Program funds on "transportation enhancements" or conservation-related projects such as the acquisition of scenic lands, easements, and historic sites, construction of bicycle trails, removal of outdoor advertising, and archeological/historic preservation. Eligible projects must relate to a transportation facility and be above and beyond normal transportation projects or mitigation. Non-federal matching funds are required. California's TEA funds are separated into four pots, with the bulk of the funding available through regional transportation planning agencies. Local, state, and federal agencies are eligible to receive funding; non-profits are encouraged to submit joint applications. Application deadlines vary. Contact: Marsha Mason, Caltrans TEA Office, 1120 N Street, Sacramento, 95814, 916-654-5275 or your local regional transportation planning agency.

Urban Park Program: The Urban Park Act of 2001 will finance the acquisition and development of parks, recreation areas, and facilities in neighborhoods currently least served by park and recreation providers.  These neighborhoods are often the same areas that suffer most from high unemployment and destructive or unlawful conduct by youth.  The Urban Park Act program will also encourage community participation in, and responsibility for, new urban parks, new recreational or mulitipupose facilities.  These facilities will provide safe recreational opportunities for children, positive outlets for youth, the special recreational and social needs of senior citizen, and other urban poplulation groups.

Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund (for Implementing State Wildlife Action Plans): With funding provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), The Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund provides competitive grants to conservation organizations that are focused on implementing priority conservation actions and strategies identified in State Wildlife Action Plans.

Wildlife Conservation Board: WCB acquires and restores wildlife habitat throughout California.

Wildlife Conservation Board Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands (ERAL):
The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) now has funding for grants specific to Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands (ERAL). Under Proposition 84 the WCB received $5 million dollars to “Assist Farmers in Integrating Agricultural Activities with Ecosystem Restoration and Wildlife Protection. Eligible funding applicants include agricultural and conservation related non-profit groups, along with public entities involved in working with private agricultural land owners. The types of projects to be funded are restoration and enhancement projects that provide long-term, durable habitat benefits to wildlife on working agricultural lands, with a special focus on private farms.  The following statement references some of the principles that were applied in developing the guidelines: Agricultural lands function as habitat for a wide array of wildlife species in California, representing significant natural landscapes and in many cases providing important wildlife corridors and linkages with protected habitat areas. Many members of the farming community have a deep connection with the natural attributes of their land and are interested in maintaining and enhancing these habitat values in conjunction with the sustained operations of their farms.  Their challenge, however, may be a lack in capital or expertise to enhance and restore these habitat areas. The funding provided under ERAL will be for those farmers interested in enhancing or restoring portions of their land for habitat in ways that co-exist and potentially complement the continued operations of their farms.  Additional information regarding how to apply for these funds, including project selection and time-lines are available on the WCB’s web page at http://www.wcb.ca.gov/Pages/eral_project.asp.  Applications will be accepted on a year-round basis. The WCB meets four times each year, normally in February, May, August and November to consider approval of funding for projects.

Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB): Inland Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Conservation Programs: WCB also manages the Inland Wetlands Program for the acquisition and restoration of wetlands in the Central Valley and the Riparian Habitat Conservation Program that focuses on protecting and restoring riparian systems throughout the state. For more information on available funding, contact Marilyn Cundiff-Gee (Inland Wetlands) or Scott Clemons (Riparian) at 916-445-8448 or visit WCB's web page at http://www.wcb.ca.gov/Pages/inland_wetlands_conservation_program.asp. The WCB meets four times a year, usually in February, May, August and November. Processing time for applications can vary depending on completeness of the application, project benefits, and funding availability. Allow a minimum of six months from submittal of application to project approval.

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Local/Regional Sources

Assessments: An assessment may also be referred to as a "special" or "benefit" assessment, and involves the levying of a charge on property owners to provide financing for public improvements. A Landscaping and Lighting Act Assessment District is specifically designed to fund landscaping, street lighting, and open space acquisition/improvement projects. For example, Proposition KK approved by voters in 1994, created a landscaping and lighting assessment district in Eastern Contra Costa County that is used by the East Bay Regional Park District and its municipal partners to fund open space and trail improvements in this portion of the Park District.

Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund Grants: The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund is entirely supported by fine revenues which result from violations of the Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations in Contra Costa County. Expenditures made from the Fund must benefit the fish and wildlife resources of the County. Projects awarded funds from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund must meet the requirements of Section 13103 of the Fish and Game Code which describes the types of projects that may be eligible. Though all projects which meet the requirements of Section 13103 will be considered, the Fish and Wildlife Committee strongly encourages applications relating to activities to protect and conserve fish and wildlife, including improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, public education about fish and wildlife conservation, and scientific fish and wildlife research in Contra Costa County. The Fish and Wildlife Committee generally does not recommend funding for operating costs and overhead. Examples for these may include benefit such as health insurance, and operation cost such as electricity to run an office. If an hourly rate is listed, overhead cost needs to be itemized separately. The funds also need to be expended within a year of receiving funds from the Committee (i.e. spring of 2009). Grant applicants need to submit their final project report at that time. Contact Kae Ono at (925) 335-1230 or kono@cd.cccounty.us.

Community Watershed Stewardship Grant Program: The Community Stewardship Grant Program encourages and facilitates grassroots community actions that prevent stormwater pollution and enhance the health of local watersheds, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay. For more information, contact Michelle LeBeau, The Watershed Project, (510) 665-3597, michelle@thewatershedproject.org

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP GRANT

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program Invites You to Apply for a Community Stewardship Grant

The Community Stewardship Grant Program encourages and facilitates grassroots community actions that prevent stormwater pollution and enhance the health of local watersheds, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay. The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program will provide grants in the range of $1,000 - $4,000 during this 2008-2009 grant cycle. Applications must be received by 12:00pm on Friday, May 9, 2008.

WHO CAN APPLY: The Community Stewardship Grant Program was established for community groups, educators, home-owners associations, youth organizations, environmental groups, and others to conduct projects that support the grant program goals.

PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING: The Community Stewardship Grant Program provides resources for projects in Alameda County watersheds that contain a stormwater pollution prevention message and produces a community/public outreach element. Sample projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Outreach and education projects with a stormwater pollution prevention message such as watershed protection, household hazardous waste disposal, Integrated Pest Management techniques, etc.
• Development and distribution of outreach materials such as video, newsletter, website, brochures, etc.
• Art projects
• Creek side restoration/revegetation projects
• Wildlife habitat projects

HOW TO APPLY: Please read the grant application packet carefully for full grant guidelines. The complete grant packet may be downloaded at www.cleanwaterprogram.org or by contacting Doria Robinson, The Watershed Project, (510) 665-3508, doria@thewatershedproject.org.

Applications must be submitted to the Watershed Project by Friday, May 9, 2008.

Flood Control Districts: The acquisition and restoration of wetlands is increasingly recognized as providing both environmental and flood control benefits. Contact your local district to determine if funds are available.

General Obligation Bonds: Cities, counties, and recreation and park districts have authority to issue bonds for park and open space purposes. If approved, bonds and the interest they incur are re-paid through an increase in property taxes. Current law requires passage by a 2/3 vote - bonds issued to fund specific, popular projects are more likely to be approved.

Local Park Districts: Many local or regional park districts are actively involved in acquiring and restoring wetland and riparian habitat. For more information, contact your local park district office.

San Mateo County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP): SMCWPPP encourages and facilitates grassroots community action that enhances and protects the health of local watersheds, creeks, the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Community Action Grant Program was established for community groups, educators, environmentalists, nonprofit groups, and others to conduct projects to support these goals. Eligible projects must 1) be implemented in San Mateo County or within a San Mateo County watershed, 2) have an evaluation component, 3) If applicable, groups must have legitimate access to the project site (must have written support of property owner), and 4) Non-Profit groups, community organizations, agencies, teachers and student groups, service clubs, environmental groups, youth organizations, and homeowner associations are encouraged to apply. For profit groups and city/county government agencies are not eligible. The Community Action Grant Program provides funding for projects that contain a stormwater pollution prevention message and produce a community/public outreach element. SMCWPPP encourages using the tenants of social marketing for behavior change (identifying barriers and benefits, designing behavior change tools such as commitments, incentives, prompts, social norms, and evaluation of the program).

San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board: The Regional Board makes an effort to direct Administrative Civil Liability fines to local projects. For more information, contact Will Bruns at 510-622-2327 or Carol Thornton at 510-622-2419.

San Francisco Estuary Project: The San Francisco Estuary Project seeks proposals for projects that educate and involve people in ways to improve the health of the Estuary, restore and protect existing wetland or wildlife habitats, or monitor the health of fish and wildlife populations. Contact Carol Thornton at SFEP (510) 622-2419 or cthornton@waterboards.ca.gov.

Solano County Endangered Species Conservation Program Request for Proposals: The Solano County Water Agency and the Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, developed the 2006 Solano County Endangered Species Conservation Program (SCCP) to address the critical needs of special status species in Solano County.  The primary goal of the SCCP is to provide long term protection and management of habitat important to the recovery of threatened and endangered species through habitat acquisition, habitat restoration, and research. For questions and additional information, please contact Chris Lee (707) 455-1105.

Willis Evans Watershed Habitat Improvement Grant Program: The Willis Evans Watershed Habitat Improvement Grant Program is a competitive grant program, with funding awarded to applicants that are selected by the board following an evaluation process. The intention is to provide financial assistance to groups or individuals seeking to conduct habitat improvement projects in watersheds that are of interest and benefit to the overall goals of MMWD. Eligible projects include activities such as on-the-ground habitat enhancement work, educational and public outreach programs, and environmental research. Call (415) 945-11542 for information.

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Private Organizations

Alcoa Foundation Fellowships - Launch of Round 4: IUCN is one of the three “Sustainability Institutes” for the Alcoa Foundation Conservation and Sustainability Fellowship Programme.  This is designed for mid-career conservationists, primarily from NGOs, who would be able to use US$ 10,000 to complete, carryout, or prepare for publication a piece of applied research in the following areas that are key to our work:

• Detailed Case Study of One or More Biodiversity Compensation Schemes
• Exploring the Relationship between Alternative Forms of Energy and their Impacts on Biodiversity
• Review and Synthesis of Corporate Biodiversity Management and Reporting Systems (including Indicators)
• Biomimicry – The Use of Biological Systems to Help Design New Approaches to Sustainability
• Biodiversity-Friendly Ways of Adapting to Climate Change  
  
  This Fellowship Programme provides numerous opportunities for our Members, Commissions and the IUCN Secretariat, as we have seen with earlier successful Fellows.  We might even have some of them reporting back at the World Conservation Congress in 2008.  Though we cannot provide Fellowship opportunities for our own IUCN staff, interested colleagues are encouraged to apply to the other Sustainability Institutes – WWF-USA and Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITSEM), Mexico.
  
  Further information on the Fellowship requirements, including application forms and procedures, can be found at http://www.alcoafoundationfellows.org. The completed application should be sent to http://www.alcoafoundationfellows.org/page/97012/ no later than February 14, 2008.  Applications received after this date will not be accepted.

American Bird Conservancy's William Belton Fund: Americas' longest running bird conservation grants program. Contact Dr. Robert Chipley (rchipley@abcbirds.org).

American Rivers Offers Community-Based Restoration Grants: Funding is provided for community-driven dam removal and fish passage projects that restore habitat of anadromous (migratory) fish such as alewife, American shad, coho salmon, and steelhead, all of which spend their adult lives in salt water before returning up rivers to spawn. Support is specifically for local communities utilizing dam removal or fish passage strategies to restore and protect the ecological integrity of their rivers and improve freshwater habitats important to migratory (anadromous) fish. Application deadlines are on April 1 and November 1 of each calendar year. 

NOAA and American Rivers Habitat Restoration Partnership:  The partnership program between American Rivers and NOAA focuses on removing instream barriers to salmon and steelhead passage, including funding preliminary analysis and design essential to barrier removal.  Projects located in California and interior Oregon will receive selection preference.  Any federal or non-federal organization may apply. Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per barrier.  A match is not required, but is recommended.  

Busch Entertainment Corporation Conservation Fund: The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit charitable organization, was created in 2003 in order to increase and strengthen the long-standing commitment of Busch Entertainment Corp. (BEC) to the cause of wildlife conservation. Through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, guests at the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, BEC's corporate partners, and the general public will be able to join with BEC to support wildlife conservation around the globe. Grant applications are accepted year-round, but the Board of Directors meet once a year each Spring to review all grant applications and award funds. All applications must be received in an electronic format by December 1.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund supports conservationists advocating for the permanent protection of intact wildlands on both public and private lands in order to help preserve California's wilderness and native biological diversity. CWGF defines "wildlands" as natural habitats, privately or publicly owned, that are (or have the potential to be) permanently preserved through legislation or deed restrictions. Eligible organizations must be California-based 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or fiscally sponsored organizations with budgets under $100,000.  There is an open deadline for these grants.

The Candle Foundation: Seeks innovative, high-impact, low-overhead projects for which beneficiaries are chosen on a nonreligious, nonpolitical, nonethnic basis. A sample program that has been funded in the past is watershed education for inner-city students. The Candle Foundation supports grant-seekers throughout North America with some preference given to areas in which there are Candle offices. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are awarded in five categories: Community investment; Education and information dissemination; Hunger and homelessness; Medical research; Preventive health services. Contact 310) 727-4041 or candle_foundation@candle.com. There is an open deadline for these grants.

Captain Planet Foundation: The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) is to support hands-on environmental projects for youth