F25AS00015 - FY25 Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Grants | F25AS00015

FAQs: FY25 Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) Grants (F25AS00015)

What is the FY25 Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) Grants opportunity?

It is a competitive, discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) through its Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (DBHC). The program was created under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act to fund on-the-ground projects that conserve neotropical migratory birds and the habitats they depend on across their full range.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is F25AS00015.

Is this grant program competitive?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a competitive grant program, with proposals submitted during a single annual funding cycle and final selections made through the program process.

How often is this funding opportunity offered?

It is offered once per year, with proposals submitted during the program's single annual funding cycle.

Which agency administers the program?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) administers the program, specifically through the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (DBHC).

What is the main purpose of the NMBCA Grants program?

The purpose is to support on-the-ground conservation projects for neotropical migratory birds and the habitats they rely on across breeding, migration, and wintering seasons. The program supports collaborative conservation that protects and manages natural resources by working with partners to conserve land and water, and it may also support broader public benefits such as outdoor recreation and access where appropriate.

Where can NMBCA-funded projects take place?

Projects can be based in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This reflects that many migratory bird species depend on habitats in multiple countries across their annual cycle.

What types of projects does the program expect to fund?

Projects are expected to produce bird and habitat conservation outcomes and align with the program's highlighted priorities. Examples of the kinds of activities described include habitat restoration, habitat enhancement, habitat protection, reducing key threats along migratory routes, and coordinating multi-partner conservation efforts that generate measurable benefits for bird populations and the ecosystems they use.

How does this opportunity connect to broader conservation priorities?

The opportunity positions NMBCA proposals as a way to strengthen climate resilience, leverage partnerships, support land conservation, and advance biodiversity conservation, consistent with Department of the Interior (DOI) and FWS conservation goals.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 15.635.

What activity area is this grant associated with?

The opportunity is listed under the Natural Resources activity area.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status); small businesses; and other entities. The opportunity also notes that foreign entities may be eligible.

Are foreign organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The opportunity specifically notes that foreign entities may be eligible, consistent with the program's international scope across the Western Hemisphere.

What is the maximum award amount for this opportunity?

The award ceiling listed is $250,000 per award.

When is the application deadline?

The posted closing date for applications is October 31, 2024.

Who makes the final funding decisions?

Final funding decisions are made by the FWS Director from among the projects recommended through the program process.

Where can applicants find additional background or reference information?

Additional program background and reference information is available from FWS at https://fws.gov/service/neotropical-migratory-bird-conservation-act-nmbca-grant.

Does the opportunity emphasize partnerships and collaboration?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes collaborative conservation and working with partners to conserve land and water, and it highlights leveraging partnerships as a key theme.

What outcomes are projects expected to demonstrate?

Projects are expected to contribute to bird and habitat conservation outcomes and to produce measurable benefits for bird populations and the ecosystems they use, as described in the opportunity overview.

Is this a discretionary grant?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.