Funding Wizard

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of funding for research and conservation in 2021 to support issues related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS). The Service provides financial and technical assistance to non-governmental, university, and private researchers, as well as state and local governments, Native American tribes, and federal agencies, for the management of WNS and conservation of bats. Funded projects will investigate priority questions to improve our ability to manage the disease and implement management actions that will help to conserve affected bat species. As of May 10, 2021, WNS is confirmed or suspected in bats in 38 states and seven Canadian provinces, and evidence of the causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been detected in at least two additional states without additional sign of the disease. Numerous North American and Eurasian species of bats have been confirmed with WNS or detected carrying Pd. For information on WNS and previously funded projects, please see: http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ Funding through WNS Research for Conservation Grants provides critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of conservation efforts for bats. These actions are focused on minimizing the impacts of WNS and compounding stressors on federally listed species, prioritizing actions to conserve species that are susceptible to the disease, including those that may be assessed for listing due to the impacts of WNS, and understanding how different species are likely to respond when exposed to the pathogen. Projects submitted tor this opportunity should concentrate on efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Priorities for this funding opportunity are designed to develop and apply tools that maximize persistence of WNS-affected bat populations, minimize the range and impacts of Pd, support collaborative actions of the WNS National Response, and inform management decisions in preparation for, or in response to, WNS. Scientific research conducted in collaboration with management authorities is encouraged. Funding in 2021 will support projects that address the following objectives and priorities: Objective: Support research to produce critical knowledge relevant to management decisions and actions for hibernating bats. Understand mechanisms of survival between and within bat species, including variability in susceptibility to WNS and non-lethal effects to health and reproduction. Mechanisms may involve environmental, physiological, behavioral, genetic and other factors affecting hosts, pathogen, and environments, as well as interactions among them. Understand effects of non-disease factors influencing viability of hibernating bats. Factors may include stressors (e.g. prey scarcity, contaminants, etc.) that introduce additive or compounding impacts to populations and should produce information needed to enact comprehensive management strategies for bats. Develop tools to improve survival and persistence of WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species; especially tools that can be applied during summer. Vulnerable species include hibernating bats likely to be susceptible to WNS in the future even if they have not yet been exposed to Pd. Objective: Leverage resources (expertise, funds, partnerships, etc.) to implement adaptive management efforts aimed at building resiliency and promoting recovery in hibernating bat populations. Implement strategies to support biological and ecological needs of hibernating bats, including establishing baseline information relevant to implementing management actions and monitoring their effects. Implement adaptive management programs to improve survival and persistence of species impacted by or vulnerable to WNS using existing options for management. This priority includes work with species that are not yet confirmed to be susceptible to WNS but can reasonably be anticipated to be in the future. Through this funding opportunity, we aim to support research to inform management decisions for WNS, and to implement those strategies for the greatest benefit to affected and vulnerable species. Due to the urgency of this threat to bats and the rapid progress of related science, we seek to fund projects that are likely to produce impactful results within a two year project period. The WNS Research for Conservation Grants opportunity accompanies two additional funding opportunities from the Service’s WNS National Response in 2021: 1) WNS Grants to States and Tribes 2021 (through June 1, 2021: www.grants.gov); and 2) Bats for the Future Fund (managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; closed April 29, 2021: www.nfwf.org/bats). Contact the Service WNS coordinator in your region (below) for more information about these funding opportunities. NOTE: Grantees are encouraged to use or allow use of the data management infrastructure of NABat prior to completion of the grant reporting period, if appropriate. Projects involving population monitoring are not required to occur with the specific monitoring protocols of NABat, nor in the highest priority grid cells. Contribution of data entails providing locations only at the resolution of the NABat grid cell (10 km x 10 km), and not precise locations of data or descriptive site names. Standard reports including data visualization outputs generated by NABat are accepted to fulfill award reporting requirements for project activities funded through this opportunity. The use of grant funds requires adherence to established protocols and methodologies developed or espoused by the national WNS working groups for surveillance, diagnostics, population monitoring, conservation and recovery, and disease management (for more information contact the appropriate Service WNS coordinator), as well as the Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. All proposed actions must be in line with the most current guidance, policies, and information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2. The Service’s White-nose Syndrome program is coordinated and funded through the branches of Ecological Services and Science Applications, and will be working with the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program (WSFR) to administer these WNS Research for Conservation Grants. Grants will be competitively awarded based on merit review of proposed projects for their applicability and feasibility to address priorities identified in this notice and for their overall contribution to meeting the objectives of the WNS national plan (White-Nose Syndrome Response Plans).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies of states, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease of bats. State Agencies and Tribal natural resource or environmental management programs are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The most competitive proposals will present actionable plans to manage WNS and bat species that are affected or potentially vulnerable to the disease. WNS is confirmed in at least 12 bat species, including three that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. The northern long-eared bat was listed as Threatened primarily due to impacts of WNS. Concern over population declines resulting from WNS led the Service to schedule status assessments for two additional bat species: little brown bat and tricolored bat. The work funded through the WNS Grants to States and Tribes is expected to assist partners in their efforts to combat the disease and conserve affected species. In addition, the projects funded will provide information that strengthens the scientific information needed to support decisions under the Endangered Species Act. Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts by States. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in, or seeking to engage in, bat management and conservation efforts. Although WNS has decimated several species of bats in North America, efforts taken with the support of funding from the Service’s WNS program have helped the management community to focus efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Through the advances made in understanding WNS over the past decade, we now have multiple tools that management agencies can consider when developing and implementing strategies to combat WNS. In this way, these grants support the actions of States and Tribes working to conserve bats in the United States.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies of states, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease of bats. State Agencies and Tribal natural resource or environmental management programs are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The most competitive proposals will present actionable plans to manage WNS and bat species that are affected or potentially vulnerable to the disease. WNS is confirmed in at least 12 bat species, including three that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. The northern long-eared bat was listed as Threatened primarily due to impacts of WNS. Concern over population declines resulting from WNS led the Service to schedule status assessments for two additional bat species: little brown bat and tricolored bat. The work funded through the WNS Grants to States and Tribes is expected to assist partners in their efforts to combat the disease and conserve affected species. In addition, the projects funded will provide information that strengthens the scientific information needed to support decisions under the Endangered Species Act. Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts by States. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in, or seeking to engage in, bat management and conservation efforts. Although WNS has decimated several species of bats in North America, efforts taken with the support of funding from the Service’s WNS program have helped the management community to focus efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Through the advances made in understanding WNS over the past decade, we now have multiple tools that management agencies can consider when developing and implementing strategies to combat WNS. In this way, these grants support the actions of States and Tribes working to conserve bats in the United States.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Drought conditions across the Western United States (West) impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The West is experiencing its worst drought this century—historic in both duration and severity—threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health. As of July, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the West. Water recycling and desalination are essential tools for stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Water recycling projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse—thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water which increases water management flexibility and makes our water supply more reliable. Desalination projects develop and supplement municipal and irrigation water supplies through the treatment of ocean or brackish water, thereby providing a local supply, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply portfolio. The water recycling and desalination programs also provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and align with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Feasibility studies, planning activities, preliminary design and environmental compliance activities funded under this NOFO support the development of water recycling and desalination projects that will supplement existing fresh water supplies in urban and agricultural areas in the Western United States

The objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite sponsors of projects eligible under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act (Projects) to request cost-shared funding for planning, design, and/or construction of those Projects. A NOFO for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects is being released separately. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water. Through the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (Title XVI), authorized by Public Law (P.L.) 102-575 in 1992, Reclamation provides financial and technical assistance to local water agencies for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. Water recycling is a tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Title XVI projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse—thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water which increases water management flexibility and makes our water supply more reliable. Title XVI water projects are an important part of the WaterSMART Program. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, see https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/. Eligible Projects Planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse facilities that are eligible for funding under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act, P.L. 114-322. In order to be eligible for funding, the Project must have a completed Feasibility Study that has been reviewed by Reclamation and found to meet all of the requirements of Reclamation Manual Release WTR 11-01 by the date that this NOFO is posted. If a feasibility study has been reviewed by Reclamation and found to meet the requirements of WTR 11-01, but the review findings have not yet been transmitted to Congress, Reclamation will transmit those findings to Congress either before project selections are made or concurrently with project selections. Eligibility does not entitle a project to any future Federal funding or create a new project authorization. All applicants should reivew the Full Notice of Funding Opportunity Document attached under the Related Documents tab above this statement. The Document provides full guidance and additional information on the application development process.

The objective of this FOA is to invite sponsors of congressionally authorized water reclamation and reuse projects (Projects) to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those Projects

The objective of this NOFO is to invite sponsors of congressionally authorized water reclamation and reuse projects (Projects) to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those Projects. A separate NOFO for projects eligible under section 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, P.L. 114-322, will be released. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water. Through the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (Title XVI), authorized by Public Law (P.L.) 102-575 in 1992, Reclamation provides financial and technical assistance to local water agencies for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. Water recycling is a tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Title XVI projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water which increases water management flexibility and makes our water supply more reliable. Title XVI water projects are an important part of the WaterSMART Program. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, see https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/. All applicants should reivew the Full Notice of Funding Opportunity Document attached under the Related Documents tab above this statement. The Document provides full guidance and additional information on the application development process.

The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), Public Law (P.L.) 114-322, was enacted in December of 2016 to address water resources infrastructure that is critical to the Nation’s economic growth, health, and competitiveness. Section 4009(a) of Subtitle J of WIIN includes amendments to the Water Desalination Act of 1996 that authorize Reclamation to provide funding for construction of desalination projects. Desalination is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Desalination projects develop and supplement municipal and irrigation water supplies through the treatment of ocean or brackish water, thereby providing a local supply, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply portfolio.. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water and increase water management flexibility, making our water supply more reliable. Desalination projects are an important part of the Department’s WaterSMART Program. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, see www.usbr.gov/watersmart. The objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite sponsors of ocean and brackish water desalination projects (Projects) to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those Projects. Please see the related documents tab of the grants.gov page for this opportunity for the full Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement for additional information

Desalination is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Desalination projects develop and supplement municipal and irrigation water supplies through the treatment of ocean or brackish water, thereby providing a local supply, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply portfolio. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water and increase water management flexibility, making our water supply more reliable. Desalination projects are an important part of the Department’s WaterSMART Program. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, see www.usbr.gov/watersmart. The objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite sponsors of projects eligible under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act (Projects) to request cost-shared funding for planning, design, and/or construction of those Projects. A NOFO for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects is being released separately. All applicants should reivew the Full Notice of Funding Opportunity Document attached under the Related Documents tab above this statement. The Document provides full guidance and additional information on the application development process.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Applied Science projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership. The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible non-Federal entities to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on applied science projects (Project) to improve access to and use of hydrologic data as well as to develop and improve water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities. Results from these projects will be used by water managers to increase water supply reliability, provide flexibility in water operations, and improve water management. Project results must be readily applicable by water managers—resulting in tools and information that can be used to support: water supply reliability, water delivery management, water marketing activities, drought management activities, conjunctive use of ground and surface water, water rights administration, ability to meet endangered species requirements, watershed health, conservation and efficiency, and other water management objectives.