Request for Proposals for Small Watershed Grants Program 2021

Deadline: 22-Apr-21

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, is soliciting proposals to restore water quality and habitats of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.

NFWF is soliciting proposals under the Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program for projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.

Outcomes

Reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams
Maintain and increase Eastern brook trout populations in stronghold patches
Increase wetland habitat and available food to support wintering black duck populations
Restore access and use of high-quality migratory river and stream habitat
Restore oyster populations in priority Chesapeake Bay tributaries
Motivate individuals in the watershed to adopt behaviors that benefit water quality, species, and habitats

Funding Information

NFWF will award funding through two distinct funding opportunities: SWG Implementation (SWG-I) grants of $50,000-$500,000 will be awarded for projects that result in direct, on-the-ground actions to protect and restore water quality, species, and habitats in the Bay watershed;
SWG Planning and Technical Assistance (SWG-PTA) grants up to $50,000 will be awarded for projects that enhance local capacity to more efficiently and effectively implement future on-the-ground actions through assessment, planning, design, and other technical assistance-oriented activities.

Eligible Entities

Small Watershed Grants – Implementation
- Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and K-12 educational institutions.
- Ineligible applicants include U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, and institutions of higher education, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations.
Small Watershed Grants – Planning and Technical Assistance
- Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions.
- While eligible applicants include state government agencies and post-secondary educational institutions, funded activities are intended to support future implementation efforts of non-profit organizations, local and municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations and K-12 education institutions only. Accordingly, applications submitted by state government agencies or post-secondary educational institutions entities must document support and/or request for proposed activities by appropriate non-profit organizations, local and municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations and K-12 education institutions.
- Non-profit organizations, local and municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations and K-12 education institutions seeking potential service providers may visit our website in March 2021 for an updated listing of technical service providers offering assistance locating potential providers.