HQ NWRS System Enhancements | F19AS00099

Opportunity Information: Apply for F19AS00099

The HQ NWRS System Enhancements grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F19AS00099, CFDA 15.654) is a discretionary funding program run by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, through Headquarters of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). Its purpose is to fund projects that align with DOI and Fish and Wildlife Service priorities by improving both the physical infrastructure and ecological health of the National Wildlife Refuge System, while also strengthening public access and the quality of visitor experiences on refuge lands and waters. The program is grounded in multiple federal authorities that collectively cover wildlife conservation and management, refuge administration and recreation, youth and conservation corps activities, cultural and archaeological resource protection, and certain transportation-related authorities tied to access and facilities.

At its core, this opportunity is looking for partners that can work collaboratively with HQ NWRS to deliver on-the-ground improvements and public-facing benefits. The kinds of activities the program emphasizes include enhancing visitor services, improving and expanding access, upgrading or maintaining facilities, and addressing ecological needs such as managing invasive species on and off refuge-managed lands and waters. Projects are also expected to support and expand priority public uses commonly associated with the Refuge System, including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife observation, and photography. A consistent theme throughout the announcement is reducing barriers to outdoor recreation, particularly through projects that broaden participation and make refuge experiences easier to access and more welcoming.

A notable focus is on projects that serve specific groups and build long-term stewardship. The program explicitly encourages proposals that provide recreational opportunities for disabled persons, youth, and veterans. It also prioritizes efforts that build a volunteer cadre and help inspire the next generation of hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts, including through work conducted both on refuge lands and in surrounding communities where activities can still support refuge-related conservation and recreation goals. Proposals that leverage partnerships with local industries and community organizations are encouraged, especially when those partnerships help stretch federal dollars further and produce shared conservation outcomes.

Funding is typically targeted at smaller, practical projects. Individual project funding is generally limited to under $50,000, although applicants may request more if they can justify the need, recognizing that amounts above that threshold may not be approved without additional review and authorization. The stated award ceiling is $250,000, and the opportunity anticipated making around 30 awards. Most projects are designed to run for one to three years, with the possibility of extending a project period up to five years when longer timelines are justified by the scope of work.

This program primarily uses cooperative agreements rather than standard grants, which signals that the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to be substantially involved in the project. In practice, that means projects are often developed or adjusted in coordination with the recipient, and implementation typically includes meaningful engagement from HQ NWRS staff rather than operating at arm's length. Past and current recipients are allowed to apply again, but they must submit new projects and compete alongside other applicants each funding cycle.

Eligibility is broad and includes state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofits (excluding institutions of higher education under that category), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and other qualifying entities listed in the notice. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required, but the program encourages applicants to include them when possible as a way to leverage public-private partnerships and increase project impact.

On the application handling side, submissions under this program are posted by HQ NWRS to an internal website for review. The announcement notes a 60-day open period for consideration; if an application is not selected for review during that window, the applicant will be notified that no further action will be taken on the submission. Overall, the program is designed for organizations that can collaborate closely with the Refuge System to deliver tangible improvements to refuge infrastructure, habitat and invasive species management, and visitor access and services, with a strong emphasis on inclusive recreation and building future conservation-minded communities.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "HQ NWRS System Enhancements" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.654.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 12, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 31, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for F19AS00099

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