Tribal Wildlife Grants Program
Related Programs
- Partners for Fish and Wildlife
- North American Wetlands Conservation Fund
- Coastal Program
- Tribal Landowner Incentive Program
Examples of Funded Projects
Nooksack Cumulative Watershed Effects Assessment South Fork Nooksack In-Stream Restoration Project; Red Lake Wildlife Habitat Preservation and Maintenance, Enhancement and Evaluation Project; Habitat Use, Seasonal Movements and Stock Structure of Bearded Seals in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 2008, 38 proposals were selected for funding from a pool of 112 submissions. We are expecting a slightly larger number of submissions in FY 09.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Approved activities include those which develop and implement programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Participation is limited to Federally recognized Indian tribal governments.
For the purposes of inclusion under TLIP, tribal trust lands are treated similarly to lands under private ownership.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Anyone/General Public (While direct participation is limited to Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, the general public will ultimately benefit from these wildlife conservation measures).
Credentials/Documentation
Only Federally recognized Tribes in all parts of the United States are eligible to receive grants under this program, including Federally recognized Tribes, pueblos, rancherias, and Alaska native villages or traditional councils as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Federally recognized Tribes are listed in FR/Vol. 73, No. 66, p. 18553/April 4, 2008.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Application procedures are spelled out in the "Tribal Wildlife Grant Application Kit" available electronically at: http://grants.fws.gov/tribal.html. To receive a paper copy, contact the regional Office of the Native American Liaison.
Award Procedures
The Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service or his or her designee approves or disapproves proposed projects. Regional offices are responsible for notification of grant approval to the grantee and will coordinate the development of the grant agreement.
Deadlines
60 days after the request for grant proposals is announced and published on Grants.gov .
Authorization
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY 2004, Title I, Public Law 108-108, Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, 16 U.S.C. 4601-4 through 11.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Proposals will be scored, ranked and selected approximately 90 working days after the deadline for submitting proposals.
Appeals
Any differences of opinion over the eligibility of proposed activities or differences arising over the conduct of work may be appealed to the Director, Fish and Wildlife Service. Final determination rests with the Secretary of the Interior.
Renewals
None. Any requests for future funding must compete with requests for new projects.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
There is no matching requirement, however, the Service will consider matching funds as an indication of tribal commitment to the program and to encourage partnerships. Matching and cost sharing requirements are discussed in 43 CFR Part 12, Section 12.64.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Apportioned funds are available for obligation by the tribe until expended. Reimbursements can be requested on a continuing basis as expenditures are verified. Balances remaining unobligated or unspent after the final grant closeout are returned to the Service for reapportionment.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
A Performance Report and Financial Status Report are required for each grant annually within 90 days after the anniversary date and/or end of the grant.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Cost records must be maintained separately for each project. Records, accounts, and supporting documents must be retained for three years after submission of the final Financial Status Report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-5474-0-1-303.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $6,000,000; FY 08 $6,000,000; and FY 09 est $6,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Awards may be granted up to a maximum of $250,000 and there is no minimum. Tribes may submit more than one proposal however no tribe may receive more than $250,000 in any single TWG cycle.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for FY 2002, Public Law 107-63 language on State Wildlife Grants, and 43 CFR Part 12.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Catalog Appendix IV for addresses.
Headquarters Office
Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of External Affairs, ATTN: Native American Liaison, Mail Stop-3251, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: (202) 208-4133, Fax: (202) 501-3524.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The following criteria is used to select proposals: (1) Benefit: What are the expected benefits to fish and wildlife resources, including species that are not hunted or fished, and their habitat if this program is successfully completed? The Service requires that the Tribe articulate how the benefits of its proposal support the goals and objectives of the TWG and Service and tribal Performance Goals in their proposal narratives. (2) Performance Measures: To what extent does the proposal provide obtainable and quantifiable performance measures and a means to monitor, evaluate, and report on these measures compared to an initial baseline? The measures should be specific and clear, and should provide demonstrable benefits to the target species of the action. These actions must support the goals and objectives of the TWG, the Service and the Tribe. (3) Work plan: Are the program activities and objectives well-designed and achievable? (4) Budget: Are all major budget items justified in relation to the program objectives and clearly explained in the narrative description? (5) Capacity Building: To what extent does the program increase the grantee's capacity to provide for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat? (6) Contributions and Partnerships: To what extent does the applicant display commitment to the project proposal through in-kind contribution or matching funds and to what extent does it incorporate contributions from other nonfederal partners in the form of either cash or in-kind services?
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
