LIS Futures Fund

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has announced that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2013 Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) has been released at www.nfwf.org/lisff.  Please read over the RFP carefully for details on available funding, deadlines, and to find out where your proposed project might fit.

What is the Long Island Sound Futures Fund?

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund supports projects in local communities that aim to protect and restore the Long Island Sound. It unites federal and state agencies, foundations and corporations to achieve high-priority conservation objectives. Funded activities demonstrate a real, on-the-ground commitment to securing a healthy future for the Long Island Sound.

Since 2005, the  Long Island Sound Futures Fund has invested $10.5 million in 262 projects in communities surrounding the Sound. The projects will open up 128 river miles for fish passage, and restore or acquire more than 959 acres of critical fish and wildlife habitat. This habitat includes lakes, underwater grasses, woodlands, meadows, wetlands, beaches, dunes and river and park frontage. With grantee matches of almost $24 million, the Long Island Sound Futures Fund has generated a total of almost $35 million for locally-based conservation.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF manages the Long Island Sound Futures Fund in partnership with the Long Island Sound Study through U.S. EPA’s Long Island Sound Office. Major funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Long Island Sound Study, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Funding Availability and Grand Size

• At the time of this announcement, the LISS partners anticipate awarding approximately $1 million in grants through this solicitation, although the final total award amount is dependent upon the availability of federal and non-federal funds.
• Grant awards will be made in two categories: Large grants between $20,000 and  $150,000 and mini-grants between $3,000 and $10,000.
• Grant awards support projects that span one year (12 months) to 15 months. Projects must be completed within that time frame.

Fund Partners

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation manages the Long Island Sound Futures Fund in partnership with the Long Island Sound Study through U.S. EPA’s Long Island Sound Office. Major funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Long Island Sound Study, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

EPA Regions I and II, FWS, NRCS, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, New York and Connecticut Sea Grant programs, Interstate Environmental Commission, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration review proposals and provide technical assistance to applicants, and assist in the review of the proposals.

Where Can I Get More Information on the 2012 Grant Program?

Visit the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sound Futures Fund Grant  web page to find out what projects are eligible, and details on how to apply.

 Questions?

For more information please contact Lynn Dwyer at 631-627-3488 or email Lynn at lynn.dwyer@nfwf.org or John Wright at john.wright@nfwf.org.