Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants 2025 Request for Proposals

RFP GUIDANCE

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.

The ability and extent to which NFWF makes awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Funding decisions will be made based on level of funding and timing of when it is received by NFWF.

TIMELINE

Dates of activities are subject to change. Please check the Program page of the NFWF website for the most current dates and information (http://www.nfwf.org/chesapeake).

WILD Proposal Labs (Register)	Now through May 8, 2025
Applicant Webinar (Recording available)	Thursday, April 3, 2025
FieldDoc Webinar (Registration)	Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 11:00 am ET
Proposal Due Date	Tuesday, May 13, 12:00 pm (noon) ET
Proposal Review Period	May–August 2025
Awards Announced	September 2025 (anticipated)

While NFWF does not require consultation prior to application, we strongly encourage interested applicants to schedule a virtual proposal lab with NFWF and FWS staff here or contact a NFWF contracted field liaison to receive constructive feedback about developing a competitive proposal and to obtain guidance on the most appropriate funding opportunity for project consideration. Applicants are also encouraged to review the CBSF Quick Reference Guide and Applicant Toolbox for further guidance on proposal development.

OVERVIEW

NFWF, in partnership with FWS, is soliciting proposals through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF) to restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.

Chesapeake WILD Grants is administered under CBSF and offers three distinct grant opportunities. All proposals must clearly address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of Chesapeake WILD PROGRAM PRIORITIES (Figure 1).

WILD Implementation grants of $75,000 to $500,000 will be awarded for proposals that result in direct and measurable on-the-ground conservation, stewardship of fish and wildlife habitats and related conservation values.
WILD Collaborative Conservation grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded to support existing multi-party partnerships and/or networks of partners collaborating and coordinating to implement conservation actions that measurably contribute to WILD Program priorities. We encourage proposals that advance cross-jurisdictional conservation efforts aimed at scaling placed-based actions toward greater landscape-scale habitat conservation and restoration outcomes.
WILD Planning and Technical Assistance grants up to $75,000 will be awarded for projects that help advance future on-the-ground actions to conserve, steward, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats and related conservation benefits in the Bay watershed through community-based assessment, planning, design, and other technical assistance-oriented activities.

GRANT AWARD INFORMATION

In 2025 NFWF will award grants through the Chesapeake WILD Program. Major funding for Chesapeake WILD Grants is provided by FWS, along with important contributions by Altria Group, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

In general, match expended on or after January 1, 2024, is considered eligible under the Chesapeake WILD Grants program and all funding matches must be expended within the project’s proposed period of performance.

* Up to 50% of Implementation grants match requirement may be met through federal match from non-Department of Interior sources.

All proposed projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, to facilitate necessary grant contracting, quality assurance, and environmental compliance activities. Chesapeake WILD Implementation grants should be completed within three years of award, Chesapeake WILD Collaborative Conservation grants should be completed within two years of award, and Chesapeake WILD Planning and Technical Assistance grants should be completed within 18 months of award.

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS alt

All projects must occur wholly within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. NFWF developed a CBSF Applicant Toolbox with resources to help applicants target proposed actions to understand and maximize outcomes and benefits for associated program priorities. Applicants are also encouraged to consult NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Business Plan mapping portal and the Chesapeake WILD Project Mapper in informing potential geographic focus.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

All proposals must clearly address how projects will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of one or more Chesapeake WILD Program Priorities ( figure 1). At a minimum, all proposals must address Pillar 1: Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Selection priority will be given to projects that include diverse partnerships that will collaboratively address one or more Chesapeake WILD Program Pillars.

We encourage proposals that (1) leverage other funding opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships in support of actions to connect, conserve, and restore wildlife habitats and/or (2) demonstrate nature-based benefits to human communities.

Figure 1. Chesapeake WILD Program Pillars (Credit: Sophia Seufert, USFWS)

In all cases, NFWF and FWS will prioritize applicant proposals that effectively incorporate community stewardship into proposed project activities by directly and meaningfully engaging affected local communities in the identification, prioritization, selection, and implementation of proposed actions. Examples of direct and meaningful engagement include:

Co-create project with community members
Empower community members with knowledge and decision-making authority
Ensure the project team includes community members and leads to collaborative management with the community
Include specific, active engagement strategies such as workshops, classroom activities, field trips, volunteer opportunities and citizen science
Address a specific and localized harm such as pollution, flooding or wildfires
Create jobs in the target community or perform job training and certification

NFWF and FWS explicitly encourage applications that incorporate community-based organizations as key project partners to ensure a broad spectrum of community interests are represented and reflected in proposed activities. Furthermore, NFWF and FWS encourage the use of grant funding to enhance the internal capacity and expertise of applicant organizations and their partners to engage with, mentor, and support community partners.

WILD PROGRAM PILLAR 1: FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT

The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes the country’s largest estuary and a mosaic of culturally and ecologically important natural resources: headwater creeks and streams flow into large rivers, intact forests and forested riparian buffers, grasslands and pollinator habitat, freshwater wetlands, tidal marshes, and submerged aquatic vegetation.

For the Chesapeake WILD program, all proposals must meaningfully address WILD Program Pillar 1: Fish and Wildlife Habitat through efforts to advance voluntary actions to restore, conserve, steward, and/or enhance important Chesapeake Bay watershed habitats and ecosystems for imperiled fish and wildlife. Competitive proposals restore, connect, or expand existing habitat hubs and travel corridors for imperiled fish and wildlife, and proposals that advance other WILD Program Pillars alongside fish and wildlife habitat outcomes will be the most competitive.

For the purposes of the Chesapeake WILD Program, imperiled species are fish, wildlife, invertebrate, and plant species of concern dependent upon important Chesapeake Bay watershed habitats and living resources, and include species include species identified as At-Risk, State designated Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SCGN) in State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs), Regional SGCNs by the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, and/or species identified in tribal stewardship or fish and wildlife plans.

Proposal narratives should incorporate conservation action recommendations consistent with Federal, Tribal, or State habitat conservation or species recovery plans, or with actions identified in State Wildlife Action Plans, NFWF’s Business Plan, and/or fish and wildlife habitats identified as important by Chesapeake Bay Program. Prior coordination with and letters of support from Federal, Tribal, and/or State fish and wildlife representatives are highly encouraged.

Competitive proposals should address (1) how the proposed activities will contribute toward the improved conservation of the priority fish and wildlife and habitats, (2) how project efficacy will be measured or monitored (refer to APPENDIX B for suggested metrics), and (3) how any potential adverse impacts will be addressed and mitigated.

Example projects that align with Chesapeake WILD Program Pillar 1:

Restore habitat structures and ecological functions to terrestrial and aquatic habitat.
Design and build, restore, or reconnect aquatic and terrestrial wildlife travel corridors and passages for imperiled fish and wildlife.
Conserve high-value lands and waterways that connect and enhance habitats for imperiled fish and wildlife, especially those identified in respective conservation plans. For instance, voluntary easement or fee simple purchase.
Deliver expertise and technical assistance and/or training to implement habitat management best practices, such as managing invasive species, creating forested riparian buffers, tidal and non-tidal wetland restoration, and floodplain and stream/river reconnection.
Address science and research gaps and needs to effectively restore, conserve, and connect habitat quality and resiliency for imperiled fish and wildlife.
Address science and research gap needs identified in respective imperiled fish and wildlife conservation plans, including surveys, propagation, and monitoring.
Perform or provide staff trainings and certifications necessary to perform on-the-ground conservation, restoration, and/or monitoring actions (e.g., chainsaw and prescribe fire safety, invasive species, habitat/species surveys).
Build organizational and community capacity to advance fish and wildlife habitat restoration, conservation, and stewardship activities, including ways to connect people and communities with living resources. For instance, provide expertise or training in restoration, conservation and/or spatial sciences, organizational development and partnership management, and/or grant writing and administration responsibilities.
Direct community/people outreach and involvement activities that result in conservation benefits to imperiled fish and wildlife, such as Citizen Science data collection, co-developing conservation plans, and shared implementation of conservation actions.

WILD PROGRAM PILLAR 2: CLEAN WATER

Partners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed have worked for decades to address nutrient and sediment pollution impacting the health of the Bay’s estuarine habitats, most notably through the efforts of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. To supplement those efforts, Chesapeake WILD Grants can be utilized to address nutrient and sediment pollution, as well as a wide range of other stressors (e.g. abandoned mine drainage, toxic contaminants) that are directly impacting imperiled species populations, associated habitats, and other priority living resources across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Projects aimed principally at reducing nutrient and sediment pollution to the Bay and its tributary rivers and streams should consider applying for funding through NFWF’s companion Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants program.

Example projects that align with Chesapeake WILD Program Pillar 2:

Prioritize stream and floodplain restoration efforts that provide direct benefit for imperiled fish and wildlife, as well as flood mitigation and water quality benefits to human and wildlife communities.
Emphasize water conservation and management measures with direct benefits to imperiled fish and wildlife.
Support water quality monitoring programs and outreach campaigns to promote clean water for fish and wildlife and empower local community scientists across rural, urban, and Tribal areas within the watershed.
Planning projects that result in shovel-ready designs for nature-based solutions, living shorelines, bioswales, and other designs that will improve water quality, mitigate pollution, and provide valuable habitats for fish and wildlife.

WILD PROGRAM PILLAR 3: NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS

Enhance the ability of Chesapeake Bay living resources to changing landscape conditions using nature-based solutions that restore or expand natural features, such as coastal marshes and wetlands, forests, forested stream buffers, and floodplains, which minimize the impacts of storms and other naturally occurring events on human communities and benefit fish and wildlife. Nature-based stormwater infrastructure projects can be funded through companion CBSF programs.

Example projects that align with Chesapeake WILD Program Pillar 3:

Replace or right-size culverts or otherwise improve road and stream crossings to reduce downstream erosion of nutrients, minimize flooding, and restores aquatic passage for imperiled fish.
Engage partners and communities to improve preparation and response planning to natural disasters and changing landscape conditions.
Establish local finance authorities to focus on resilience, conservation, and investment planning activities to further long-term imperiled species habitat resilience, including (but not limited to) efforts aligned with nature-based solutions that support protection, readiness, and resilience for human communities.
Restore, conserve or reconnect important natural habitats for imperiled species that may be negatively impacted by changing landscape conditions.
Emphasize habitats that help protect coastal and inland communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural hazards and enable them to recover more quickly (e.g., tidal marshes, nontidal wetlands, forested riparian areas, and floodplains); especially, habitats that benefit rural, urban, and Tribal communities by reducing nuisance flooding and decreasing stormwater runoff using nature-based solutions.

WILD PROGRAM PILLAR 4: PUBLIC ACCESS

Because of its location within a densely populated part of the country, the Chesapeake Bay watershed offers diverse mountains-to-sea outdoor recreation opportunities to millions of people. Chesapeake WILD Grants support projects that enable public access to a variety of outdoor recreation experiences, especially wildlife-related outdoor activities to improve people’s physical and mental health, and support participation in wildlife-related outdoor activities. Project proposals should be compatible with the conservation of natural resources and habitat needs of imperiled fish and wildlife.

Example projects that align with Chesapeake WILD Program Pillar 4:

Prioritize actions and investments that make public lands and open spaces more welcoming and accessible.
Develop new low or no-cost public access points and wildlife-associated recreation opportunities in the watershed through collaborative projects and programs in rural and urban communities.
Increase public access and participation in wildlife-associated recreation activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing) using voluntary fee simple purchase or conservation easement.
Create new or enhance existing interpretive programming at public access sites focused on the watershed’s natural history, especially emphasizing traditional and place-based knowledge.
Invest in nature-based recreation infrastructure and maintenance that directly supports access to outdoor recreation opportunities for urban and rural communities, such as a networked terrestrial and aquatic recreation trail system.

WILD PROGRAM PILLAR 5: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

A healthy and connected network of lands and waters across the watershed requires investment in building the skills, knowledge, and expertise of organizations, communities, and people to engage in and support conservation actions that restore, conserve, and steward living resources. Explicit and intentional partnership-based approaches offer a critical mechanism to achieve and sustain desired Chesapeake WILD Program priority outcomes through strategic leveraging of collective capacities and resources. Such partnerships can take many forms and may often include nonprofit organizations, local governments, public agencies and institutions, and/or businesses, among other entities, with a shared focus that includes Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and conservation.

Example projects that align with Chesapeake WILD Program Pillar 5:

Directly support the maintenance of existing partnerships and networks of partners leveraging their strengths and resources to advance Chesapeake WILD Program priorities (e.g., strategic conservation planning, organizational development, partnership management, grant writing and administration, outreach, communications).
Strengthen community capacity, knowledge and skills to restore and conserve fish and wildlife habitats and connect people and communities with nature and outdoor recreation (e.g., provide expertise or training in conservation and restoration science and/or spatial science, organizational development, partnership management, and/or grant writing and administration responsibilities).
Enhance community and organizational capacity to collaborate and coordinate to implement conservation actions across jurisdictions and landscapes (e.g., workshops, activities or webinars in landscape conservation and restoration design, spatial mapping/modeling, targeted outreach and communications).
Create and deliver innovative outdoor education opportunities that increase public awareness of the recreational, educational, and economic contributions made by the Chesapeake Bay and its ecosystems through experiential learning and actions by involving place-based or local communities in fish and wildlife habitat connectivity, conservation, and restoration planning and implementation.
Incorporate volunteer opportunities that lead to job creation.
Support local economy by hiring or contracting with local businesses and service providers.

PROJECT METRICS

To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grants, the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund has a list of metrics in Easygrants for proposal applicants to choose from for future reporting. For implementation projects, awardees will be required to report both project-level metrics via Easygrants and more detailed site and practice-level data via FieldDoc (see below for additional details), as applicable.

We ask that applicants select only the most relevant metrics from the list for their project (all possible program metrics are shown in the table in APPENDIX B). If you do not believe an applicable metric has been provided, please contact Tori Sullens at tori.sullens@nfwf.org, or (202) 857-0166 to discuss acceptable alternatives.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility Considerations for Land Acquisition and Conservation Easement Activities

Direct costs for land conservation (fee title, land acquisition, conservation easements, etc.) are eligible costs for the Chesapeake WILD program. Proposals for land conservation projects should describe in as much detail as possible specific parcels to be conserved (if known), specific fish and wildlife conservation and habitat values of those parcels, and proposed plans for ongoing management and stewardship of conserved habitats. For proposals where specific parcels are not yet know, applicants should describe priorities, eligibility criteria, and other considerations that will guide landowner outreach and selection of parcels for conservation action.
If funded, grantees requesting funds for direct land conservation costs will be required to provide documents at least 60 days prior to anticipated closing to allow NFWF and FWS staff to review and approve proposed transactions prior to payment for associated costs.
NFWF and FWS requires the below language be incorporated into the grant agreement and land use records (e.g., deed, conservation easement).
- “One of the main purposes of this easement is to perpetually protect an important wildlife area. Therefore, as its purchase is partially funded by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grant, with federal funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, notification must be provided to NFWF of any future circumstance that arises resulting in 1) the termination or extinguishment, in whole or in part, of the conservation easement or 2) the condemnation of the Property, in whole or in part, through an exercise of eminent domain. Under any such circumstance, the amount of the compensation to which the holder of the easement shall be entitled from any sale, exchange, or involuntary conversion of all or any portion of the Property shall be apportioned to provide NFWF its percentage share interest in the Property on the date the easement is recorded. NFWF will use such recovered funds to purchase, restore, or enhance similar wildlife habitats.”

Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds

Applicants are encouraged to rent equipment where possible and cost-effective or use matching funds to make those purchases. NFWF acknowledges, however, that some projects may only be completed using NFWF funds to procure equipment. If this applies to your project, please contact the program staff listed in this RFP to discuss options.
Federal funds and matching contributions may not be used to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems (including entering into or renewing a contract) that uses telecommunications equipment or services produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities) as a substantial or essential component, or as critical technology of any system. Refer to Public Law 115-232, section 889 for additional information.
NFWF funds and matching contributions may not be used to support political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
NFWF funds may not be used to support ongoing efforts to comply with legal requirements, including permit conditions, mitigation and settlement agreements. However, grant funds may be used to support projects that enhance or improve upon existing baseline compliance efforts.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with NFWF and funding source policies. Proposals will then be evaluated uniquely based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria:

Evaluation Criterion #1 – Conservation Outcomes

Implementation: Project will clearly and demonstrably result in meaningful on-the-ground implementation of conservation and/or restoration actions that contribute to one or more of the identified program priorities. Where possible and appropriate, the proposal simultaneously contributes measurable and meaningful implementation actions supporting multiple priority outcomes.
Collaborative Conservation and Capacity Building: Project will clearly and demonstrably enhance collaborative coordination and capacity to accelerate conservation, stewardship, and/or enhancement of imperiled fish and wildlife populations and associated habitats. Proposed investments and activities have a direct benefit to enhanced collaborative conservation action.
PTA: Project will result in the delivery of planning and technical assistance products and services that meaningfully advance potential conservation or restoration implementation efforts that would contribute to one of more of the identified program priorities. In considering who benefits from requested services, there is a demonstrated need for services and a clear commitment to utilize services to support future implementation efforts.
All Funding Opportunities: Project incorporates meaningful engagement of affected communities, advanced established community interests, and incorporates community members and stakeholders in project activities.
All Funding Opportunities: Project supports new and existing partnerships working to advance conservation and restoration actions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
All Funding Opportunities: Project incorporates plans and approaches to implement, verify and sustain conservation and restoration actions and outcomes beyond the timeframe of the grant.

Evaluation Criterion #2 – Partnership and Community Impact

The applicant organization partners and engages collaboratively with local community members, leaders, community-based organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement the proposed project. This ensures long-term sustainability and success of the project, integration into local programs and policies, and community acceptance of proposed restoration actions.
Partners or communities are enlisted to broaden the sustained impact from the project.
Proposal describes the community characteristics of the project area, identifies any communities impacted, and describes outreach and community engagement activities and how those will be monitored and measured.
Proposal uses data to support descriptions and submit letters of support from community partners and/or collaborators demonstrating their commitment to the project and engagement in project activities as proposed.

Evaluation Criterion #3 – Budget

Costs are allowable, reasonable and budgeted in accordance with NFWF’s Budget Instructions cost categories. Federally funded projects must be in compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance as applicable.
Matching contributions consist of cash, contributed goods and services, volunteer hours, and/or property raised and spent for the project during the period of performance. Larger match ratios and matching fund contributions from a diversity of partners are encouraged and will be more competitive during application review.
Cost-effectiveness analysis identifies the economically most efficient way to meet project objectives. Project includes a cost-effective budget that balances performance risk and efficient use of funds. Cost-effectiveness evaluation includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of effective direct/indirect costs across all categories in the proposed budget according to the type, size and duration of project and project objectives. Project budgets will be compared to similar projects to ensure proposed costs across all budget categories are reasonable for the activities being performed and the outcomes proposed.
Budget clearly indicates the degree of partnership in conducting the proposed work, including funding for project partners, stakeholders, and community members, as appropriate.
The federal government has determined that a de minimis 15% indirect rate is an acceptable minimum for organizations without a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), as such NFWF reserves the right to scrutinize ALL proposals with indirect rates above 15% for cost-effectiveness.

Evaluation Criterion #4 – Technical

Project is technically sound and feasible, and the proposal sets forth a clear, logical, and achievable work plan, milestones, and timeline. All proposed projects must begin on or after September 1, 2025, to facilitate necessary grant contracting and quality assurance activities.
Project engages appropriate technical experts throughout project planning, design and implementation to ensure activities are technically sound and feasible.
Proposal demonstrates an understanding of necessary permitting and environmental compliance requirements and the ability to obtain necessary approvals consistent with the proposed work plan and timeline.
Project spatial data submitted to NFWF’s online mapping tool accurately represent the location(s) of conservation activity(ies) at the time of proposal submission. Successful projects will be required to submit improved spatial data for each conservation activity within the period of performance as necessary.
Applicant organization has demonstrated an ability to manage and implement similar projects on time and within budget.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Environmental Services – NFWF funds projects in pursuit of its mission to sustain, restore and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. NFWF recognizes that some benefits from projects may be of value with regards to credits on an environmental services market (such as a carbon credit market). NFWF does not participate in, facilitate, or manage an environmental services market nor does NFWF assert any claim on such credits.

Intellectual Property – Intellectual property created using NFWF awards may be copyrighted or otherwise legally protected by award recipients. NFWF may reserve the right to use, publish, and copy materials created under awards, including posting such material on NFWF’s website and featuring it in publications. NFWF may use project metrics and spatial data from awards to estimate societal benefits that result and to report these results to funding partners. These may include but are not limited to: habitat and species response, species connectivity, water quality, water quantity, risk of detrimental events (e.g., wildfire, floods), and carbon accounting (e.g., sequestration, avoided emissions).

Procurement – If the applicant chooses to specifically identify proposed Contractor(s) for Services, an award by NFWF to the applicant does not constitute NFWF’s express written authorization for the applicant to procure such specific services noncompetitively. When procuring goods and services, NFWF recipients must follow documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable laws and regulations.

Publicity and Acknowledgement of Support – Award recipients will be required to grant NFWF the right and authority to publicize the project and NFWF’s financial support for the grant in press releases, publications and other public communications. Recipients may also be asked by NFWF to provide high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) photographs depicting the project.

Receiving Award Funds – Award payments are primarily reimbursable. Projects may request funds for reimbursement at any time after completing a signed agreement with NFWF. A request of an advance of funds must be due to an imminent need of expenditure and must detail how the funds will be used and provide justification and a timeline for expected disbursement of these funds.

Compliance Requirements – Projects selected may be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s). Applicants should budget time and resources to obtain the needed approvals. As may be applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal, state, or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.

Permits – Successful applicants will be required to provide sufficient documentation that the project expects to receive or has received all necessary permits and clearances to comply with any Federal, state or local requirements. Where projects involve work in the waters of the United States, NFWF strongly encourages applicants to conduct a permit pre-application meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers prior to submitting their proposal. In some cases, if a permit pre-application meeting has not been completed, NFWF may require successful applicants to complete such a meeting prior to grant award.

Tracking Implementation – Upon grant award, NFWF will require all projects submitted under this solicitation to utilize FieldDoc for tracking and reporting of applicable habitat conservation and restoration activities during the course of their grant project. When setting up proposed projects in FieldDoc, please be sure to list your application’s 5-digit Easygrants number in the FieldDoc project title. For technical support on FieldDoc utilization during the proposal development process, please contact the Commons at support@chesapeakecommons.org or visit the FieldDoc Help and Resource Center.

Practice Specifications – Unless otherwise noted, all water quality improvement practices implemented must conform to established and recognized standards and practice specifications (e.g., NRCS practice standards, state stormwater manuals and retrofit guidance, approved CBP BMP Expert Panel reports). Applicants must note where proposed practices will deviate from established standards and provide reasonable justification for why an alternative is necessary.

Monitoring – NFWF may implement independent monitoring efforts in the future to measure the environmental outcomes from projects funded under this solicitation. Award recipients may be asked to facilitate granting of access to project sites for NFWF or its designees for future environmental monitoring purposes.

HOW TO APPLY

All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Easygrants system.

Go to easygrants.nfwf.org to register in our Easygrants online system. New users to the system will be prompted to register before starting the application (if you already are a registered user, use your existing login). Enter your applicant information. Please disable the pop-up blocker on your internet browser prior to beginning the application process.
Once on your homepage, click the “Apply for Funding” button and select this RFP’s “Funding Opportunity” from the list of options.
Follow the instructions in Easygrants to complete your application. Once an application has been started, it may be saved and returned to at a later time for completion and submission.

APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

Tip Sheets are available for quick reference while you are working through your application. These documents can be downloaded at https://www.nfwf.org/programs/chesapeake-wild/

Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website’s Applicant Information page. Please disable the pop-up blocker on your internet browser prior to beginning the application process.

For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact Jake Reilly (jake.reilly@nfwf.org) or Tori Sullens (tori.sullens@nfwf.org) via e-mail.

For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:

Easygrants Helpdesk

Email: Easygrants@nfwf.org
Voicemail: 202-595-2497
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.
Include: your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.

APPLICATION AND PROPOSAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

NFWF also offers on-demand, field-based project and partnership development support through field liaisons, providing broad geographic coverage across the Bay region for agricultural conservation, urban stormwater management, wetland and watershed science, and habitat experience and expertise relevant to Bay restoration goals. Applicants may also contact these field liaisons using the information below to discuss potential projects: