Opportunity Information: Apply for F17AS00137
The National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F17AS00137) is a discretionary federal funding action from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the agency expects to have substantial involvement in carrying out the work rather than simply issuing a grant and stepping back. The program sits in the natural resources funding category and is listed under CFDA 15.654, indicating it is tied to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge-related assistance and activities.
The purpose of the opportunity is to support enhancement work across the National Wildlife Refuge System, drawing its legal authority from a broad set of conservation, refuge management, recreation, youth engagement, cultural resource protection, and transportation-related statutes. These authorities include the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1934 and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, which collectively underpin federal fish and wildlife conservation and management efforts. It also relies on the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, both central to managing refuges for wildlife conservation while allowing compatible public uses such as recreation, education, and interpretation. Additional authority comes from the Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1972, signaling that youth or conservation corps style engagement can be part of the approach; the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, which supports protecting and responsibly managing archaeological and cultural resources on federal lands; and major refuge modernizations through the National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1997 and the Volunteer and Community Partnership Act of 2004, which emphasize habitat conservation, compatible visitor services, and partnerships with volunteers and communities. The inclusion of Federal Aid for Highways authorities (23 U.S.C. 201 to 204 and 206, and Public Law 112-141) indicates that some enhancement work may relate to access, roads, or transportation infrastructure connected to refuge management and visitor use, where eligible and appropriate.
Eligibility for this specific funding notice is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). However, the notice is explicitly described as a "Notice of Intent to single sole source" to the American Conservation Experience, meaning it was not designed as an open competitive solicitation. In practice, that indicates the agency intended to make one award to a specific organization rather than accept proposals broadly from the eligible universe.
The anticipated funding level reflects a single, relatively large cooperative agreement. The award ceiling is listed at $2,000,000, with one expected award. The opportunity was created on March 1, 2017, with an original closing date of March 7, 2017, which is a very short response window consistent with a sole-source notice rather than a typical competitive grant cycle.
In plain terms, this opportunity is about implementing on-the-ground refuge enhancement work under the Fish and Wildlife Service umbrella, using a partnership model and leveraging long-standing statutory authorities that cover habitat and wildlife conservation, refuge operations, visitor and recreation programming, volunteer and community partnerships, youth conservation workforce participation, cultural resource protection, and potentially certain transportation-related improvements that support refuge purposes and public access.Apply for F17AS00137
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Wildlife Refuge 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 Mar 01, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 07, 2017 This is a Notice of Intent to single sole source to the American Conservation Experience. (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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements (F17AS00137)
What is the National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements opportunity?
National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements (Funding Opportunity Number F17AS00137) is a discretionary federal funding action from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. It is intended to support enhancement work across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Which federal agency is offering this funding?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?
This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement. That generally means the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to have substantial involvement in carrying out the work, rather than simply issuing funds and stepping back.
What funding category does this opportunity fall under?
The program is listed in the natural resources funding category.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity and what does it indicate?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.654, indicating it is tied to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge-related assistance and activities.
What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to support enhancement work across the National Wildlife Refuge System, using a partnership model under the Fish and Wildlife Service umbrella.
What kinds of activities might be included in "refuge enhancement work" under this notice?
Based on the authorities cited, enhancement work may include habitat and wildlife conservation activities, refuge operations support, compatible visitor services, recreation, education and interpretation, volunteer and community partnership activities, youth conservation workforce participation, protection and management of archaeological and cultural resources, and certain transportation-related improvements that support refuge purposes and public access where eligible and appropriate.
What legal authorities support this opportunity?
The notice cites multiple statutory authorities, including: the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1934; the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956; the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962; the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966; the Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1972; the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979; the National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1997; the Volunteer and Community Partnership Act of 2004; and certain Federal Aid for Highways authorities (23 U.S.C. 201 to 204 and 206, and Public Law 112-141).
How do the refuge recreation and administration authorities relate to this funding?
The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 are central to managing refuges for wildlife conservation while allowing compatible public uses such as recreation, education, and interpretation. The inclusion of these authorities suggests enhancement work may support both conservation and compatible visitor use components.
Does the opportunity allow youth or conservation corps participation?
The notice includes the Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1972 as an authority, signaling that youth or conservation corps style engagement can be part of the approach.
Does the opportunity include cultural or archaeological resource work?
Yes. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 is included as an authority, indicating the work may involve protecting and responsibly managing archaeological and cultural resources on federal lands.
Why are transportation and highway authorities included?
The inclusion of Federal Aid for Highways authorities (23 U.S.C. 201 to 204 and 206, and Public Law 112-141) indicates some enhancement work may relate to access, roads, or transportation infrastructure connected to refuge management and visitor use, where eligible and appropriate.
Who is eligible to apply under this specific funding notice?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.
Is this an open, competitive funding opportunity?
No. The notice is explicitly described as a "Notice of Intent to single sole source" to the American Conservation Experience. That means it was not designed as an open competitive solicitation, and the agency intended to make one award to a specific organization rather than accept proposals broadly.
What does "Notice of Intent to single sole source" mean in practice?
It indicates the Fish and Wildlife Service planned a sole-source award to a named organization (American Conservation Experience) instead of running a typical competition among all potentially eligible applicants.
Who is the intended recipient named in the notice?
The notice indicates an intent to make a sole-source award to the American Conservation Experience.
How much funding is available?
The award ceiling is listed at $2,000,000.
How many awards are expected?
One award is expected.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on March 1, 2017, with an original closing date of March 7, 2017.
Why is the application window so short?
The short window is consistent with a sole-source notice rather than a typical competitive grant cycle.
What does it mean that this is a discretionary federal funding action?
It means the funding is awarded at the discretion of the agency (in this case, the Fish and Wildlife Service) rather than being an automatic or formula-based distribution.
How does the partnership model show up in this opportunity?
The use of a cooperative agreement indicates a partnership approach, where the Fish and Wildlife Service expects substantial involvement in carrying out the work alongside the recipient.
What broader themes does this opportunity emphasize?
Based on the stated purpose and authorities, the opportunity emphasizes habitat and wildlife conservation, refuge management and operations, compatible recreation and visitor services, youth engagement, volunteer and community partnerships, cultural resource protection, and potentially access or transportation improvements that support refuge purposes.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: BLM Idaho and Oregon/Washington Remote Wildfire Detection and Monitoring System
Previous opportunity: Reinforcing HIV Clinical Services within a Network of Public Health Institutions in the Central Plateau and the Lower Artibonite of Haiti under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F17AS00137
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F17AS00137) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| VISTA Intern at Alligator River NWR Apply for F17AS00138 Funding Number: F17AS00138 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 17 FA 0079 Funding Number: USGS 17 FA 0079 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $195,000 |
| Monarch Joint Venture Program Support Apply for F17AS00145 Funding Number: F17AS00145 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $259,167 |
| Bureau of Reclamation, Wyoming Area Office Water Conservation Field Services Program Apply for BOR GP 17 0001 Funding Number: BOR GP 17 0001 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Integrated Modeling Tool Apply for BOR MP 17 N010 Funding Number: BOR MP 17 N010 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $60,778 |
| Planning and Schematic Design Support for the Alcatraz Ferry Embarkation Plan/EIS Apply for P17AS00105 Funding Number: P17AS00105 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Implementation of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Management Plan Apply for P17AS00107 Funding Number: P17AS00107 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Protect Mexican blindcat by prioritizing inventories of cave ecosystems Apply for P17AS00106 Funding Number: P17AS00106 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NOTICE OF INTENT: FY2017 Implementation of Management Plan Apply for P17AS00108 Funding Number: P17AS00108 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $159,983 |
| Restoration Crew Apply for NPSNOISWEPMT1700223 Funding Number: NPSNOISWEPMT1700223 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Wildlife Refuges Friends Support Program Apply for F17AS00151 Funding Number: F17AS00151 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT: FY2017 Implementation of Management Plan Apply for P17AS00111 Funding Number: P17AS00111 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $135,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT: Local Youth Employment for Natural Resource Vegetation Management: Next Generation Ranger Corps Program (NextGen) Apply for P17AS00109 Funding Number: P17AS00109 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $73,758 |
| Hydrologic Assessment of Grand Canyon National Park’s Source Water and Associated Groundwater Monitoring and Modeling Apply for P17AS00113 Funding Number: P17AS00113 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $182,354 |
| CVPIA - Evaluation of White Sturgeon Monitoring Practices Apply for F17AS00116 Funding Number: F17AS00116 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $121,900 |
| Invasive Species Research, Support and Outreach at Haleakala National Park Apply for P17AS00116 Funding Number: P17AS00116 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements Apply for F17AS00155 Funding Number: F17AS00155 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| BLM NV SNPLMA Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans, Round 16B Apply for L17AS00039 Funding Number: L17AS00039 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,218,000 |
| Monitoring soundscapes to investigate interactions between human activities Sonoran pronghorn, and other wildlife. Apply for P17AS00118 Funding Number: P17AS00118 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $37,228 |
| Microbial Defense Against WNS in Bat Microbiota Apply for P17AS00114 Funding Number: P17AS00114 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $35,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F17AS00137", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.