| | About the LISS Futures Fund 2008 Large Projects l 2008 Small Projects
2007 Large Projects l 2007 Small Projects
2006 Large Projects l 2006 Small Projects
2005 Project Summaries | The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is now seeking Request for Proposals for the Long Island Sound Futures Fund and Bronx River Watershed Initiative grant programs. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 19, 2008. for more information visit NFWF’s Futures Fund grant page. |
What is the Long Island Sound Futures Fund?
The purpose of the Sound Futures Fund is to support projects that restore and protect the health and living resources of Long Island Sound.
The Fund seeks to:
• Stimulate restoration of important habitats;
• Encourage locally-based projects that improve water quality and protect water resources;
• Support communities in developing and implementing watershed management plans;
• Encourage environmentally sensitive development and land-use planning;
• Develop the capacity of state and local governments, citizens groups, educational, and other organizations to promote community based stewardship;
• Increase public access to water and open space;
• Provide opportunities for direct educational experiences with the Sound; and
• Promote a greater understanding of the estuary and the interrelationship between the health of the Sound and the condition of local watersheds.
Fund Partners?
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with the LISS partner agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. The agencies identify funding priorities, review applications, and provide technical assistance as appropriate to applicants and grantees. Major funding support for this program is provided by EPA, NFWF, the Shell Marine Habitat Program and FWS.
What are the General Funding Priorities?
There are three categories of grant awards available under the Sound Futures Fund:
Large Grants: Awards of $10,000-$150,000 are available through the Sound Futures Fund. Funding priorities include: Restoration and enhancement of coastal habitats and riverine migratory corridors; species conservation; Control and management of invasive animal or plant species; nonpoint source pollution control projects; Watershed planning and management; projects to enhance the values of stewardship; projects that improve public access; and educational programs.
Bronx River Watershed Initiative (BRWI) Grants: Awards of $50,000 to $250,000 are available through the Sound Futures Fund for projects in the Bronx River Watershed. The BRWI is a new source of support for stormwater retrofit projects, including Low Impact Development initiatives, to address the root causes of pollution from stormwater outfalls to improve water quality and river ecology along the Bronx River. The funds come from a $7 million settlement generated by the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Approximately $1.5 million is available during FY 2008.
Small Grants:
Awards of $1,000-$6,000 are available through the Sound Futures Fund in the form of Small Grants. Funding priorities include: environmental festivals, mobile exhibits, boat tours, educational theater, estuary exploration, fishing clinics, beach clean ups, curb your dog campaign, discouraging waterfowl feedings, septic system maintenance, household waste collections, watershed initiatives, storm drain stenciling/marking, monitoring, a guide or curriculum for Long Island Sound exotic species, native plant sales, beach grass plantings, pet store and garden store pollution prevention programs, Long Island Sound curriculum inventory, signage, posters, workshops, videos, National Estuary Day events, school programs, seal census, and spill prevention programs.
What is the Geographic Focus of the Grant Program?
Projects must fall within the coastal area boundary established by the LISS (e.g., the Long Island Sound and its coastal watersheds). This includes the coastal portions of New York City and the counties of Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk in New York that drain to Long Island Sound, and the coastal area of Connecticut. Proposals for watershed protection, stormwater management, and nonpoint source pollution control and anadromous fish passage projects may be in any portion of Westchester County that drains to Long Island Sound, and all of Connecticut, with a special focus on portions of the major drainages (i.e., Connecticut, Housatonic, Quinnipiac, Thames Rivers) emptying into the Sound.
BRWI projects must be within the boundary of that watershed. The Bronx River begins in Valhalla, New York near the Kensico Reservoir and flows south, draining a 56 square-mile watershed and emptying into the East River between Soundview and Hunts Point in the South Bronx.
Who are the Eligible Applicants?
Under the Sound Futures Fund - State and local government, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, educational institutions, and interstate entities or regional water pollution control agencies are eligible for funding. Governmental and for-profit entities are encouraged to partner with local governments or non-profit organizations.
Under the BRWI – Federal, state and local government; non-profit organizations; educational institutions; and interstate entities or regional water pollution control agencies are eligible for funding. Governmental entities are encouraged to partner with local governments or non-profit organizations.
Application
The Request For Proposals (RFP) contains the guidelines needed to submit a proposal.
Schedule
The call for proposals usually goes out in the fall. The deadline for submissions is in mid-February. Applicants are notified of selection the following summer.
Questions?
For more information please contact Lynn Dwyer at 631-289-0250 or by E-mail at LISFF@nfwf.org.
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