National Wildlife Refuge System
“Preserve America” Grant Program
Request for Proposal
Executive Order 13287, Preserve America, calls
for Federal agencies to improve their protection of historic properties
and to foster visitor programs through partnerships. The Fish and
Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recognize
the importance of protecting and interpreting the National Wildlife
Refuge System's (Refuge System) rich history and historic sites. As
such, we are requesting proposals to help foster interpretive, education
and visitor initiatives that incorporate history and historic sites into
the Refuge System's mission. This program seeks to protect historic
sites, integrate history into refuge interpretive and education
programs, and build partnerships with communities and organizations
interested in supporting refuge programs. National wildlife
refuges conserve not only some of our nation’s best fish and
wildlife habitat, but also protect tens of thousands of important
historic sites that reflect significant events in our nation’s
history and local community traditions and values. Further, national
wildlife refuges are destinations for nearly 40 million visitors each
year, providing Americans with special places to connect with our
natural world.
This National Wildlife Refuge System Preserve
America Grant program provides competitive grants ($10,000 - $15,000) to
help fund:
• National wildlife refuge
interpretive and education projects focusing on history and historic
sites and how they contribute to our conservation and understanding of
cultural and natural resources.
• New for 2008, Interpretive and
educational projects, which help to connect elementary and high school
age children to the outdoors, through projects focusing on history
and historic sites and collections and how they contribute to our
conservation and understanding of cultural and natural resources.
Suggested projects submitted under this category can focus on: (1)
development of oral histories for Refuges, (2) collection of land use
data, including GPS data where needed, (3) creation of on-line
information (such as web pages or podcasts) for use for public
visitation and education. Other project topics are welcome and
proposals that use existing partnerships between the Refuge and local
schools are encouraged.
Who is eligible to apply?
Non-profit organizations interested in partnering with national wildlife
refuges. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations or
organizations that have applied for non-profit status, including Refuge
"Friends" organizations, cooperative and interpretive associations,
local historical societies, academic institutions, or other citizen
support organizations interested in assisting a Refuge or group of
Refuges and the Refuge System as a whole. State, county and local
government agencies are not eligible. Applicants must either be tax
exempt under section 501(c), or be in the process of applying for
501(c)(3) status and submit with their grant application a copy of their
501(c)(3) application filing.
To see what information should be included
in the proposal go to: Application and Guidelines for Preserve America Grant
Proposal.
What are the funding limitations for
this grants program?
The Refuge System Preserve America Grant Program will NOT fund requests
for:
- Printing;
- Political advocacy or litigation
activities;
- Travel;
- Non-profit filings;
- Food, beverages, and events;
- Shortfalls in government agency
budgets;
- Work associated with the Service’s
compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act
Non-Federal matching funds are required
on at least a 1:1 basis. Applicants are encouraged to work with
other state or local non-profit organizations to accomplish proposed
projects. In-kind contributions and other federal funds may be noted in
the total project budget to demonstrate additional leverage.
Applications must also include a written endorsement from the
appropriate refuge manager. Proposals will be reviewed to ensure that
they meet the applicable Secretary of the Interior standards and
guidelines for historic preservation. Projects must be completed within
1 year from the project award date and final project reports detailing
accomplishments along with photos must be submitted to the FWS
headquarters office no later than 90 days after the completion of the
project.
When are proposals due and when will
applicants be notified of award status?
Proposals must be postmarked no later than
November 1, 2008, with final funding decisions and
applicant notification by February 27, 2009.
For more information, contact Mr. Eugene
Marino, Service Archaeologist for the Fish and Wildlife Service, at
(703) 358- 2173, or Ms. Ellen Gabel, National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation, at (202) 857-0166.
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