Trout Stream Improvement Projects

Request for Proposals for Spring 2008 Funds

Use the following guidelines to help determine whether your project proposal will meet the criterion for One Fly funding. Grant applications must be received by February 15, 2008, 5:00 PM PST.

Any and all questions should be directed to Krystyna Wolniakowski via email at wolniakowski@nfwf.org or by phone at 503-417-8700 extension 22.

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation Board (JHOFF) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) have entered into a conservation program partnership to co-fund streamNFWF Logo improvement/native trout conservation projects.  We are requesting proposals for spring 2008 projects from eligible governmental, Tribal or non-governmental organizations. All proposed projects must advance the Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s missions of conserving, protecting and restoring native trout fisheries and their watersheds and must meet the specific criteria outlined below.  Preference will be given to projects in the tributaries and main stem Snake and Yellowstone basins of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Other native trout habitat restoration projects in the intermountain west may also be considered as funds allow.

The Stream Improvement Program of the JHOFF/NFWF Conservation Partnership focuses on providing support for “on the ground” type projects that protect, enhance and/or restore habitat for native trout species; however, applied research projects may be considered if results could be used to inform and be of benefit to natural resources management agencies.

II. PROJECT EVALUATION

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the Stream Improvement Committee comprised of NFWF staff, JHOFF volunteer representatives and scientific advisors. Final funding decisions are made by the Stream Improvement Committee, NFWF Board and the JHOFF Board of Directors.

Grant applications are evaluated according to overall clarity and merit of the proposal and must address the questions regarding scope, significance, feasibility, and cost.  Without this basic information, the Committee cannot evaluate the application. Outlined below are the criteria for each project type that the JHOFF/NFWF will support.  Please use the attached Application Form to prepare the proposal.

A. Resource Project Criteria

Eligible resource projects include the protection, enhancement, and/or restoration, and management of native trout fisheries and their habitats.  The Stream Improvement Program cannot fund land acquisition efforts, including conservation easements. Applications for projects must include:

  • a description of activities and expected outcomes;
  • review and approval by at least one credible fisheries scientist or manager and by appropriate government agencies that are involved in administering or regulating the project (see External Reviewer Guidelines on the application form); and,
  • scheduled completion of the project (or stage of the project) within two (2) years of the initiation date.
B. Research Project Criteria

Eligible research projects include the study of native trout fisheries and habitats and can involve data collection, evaluation, and analysis. Applied research that deals with the causes of fisheries problems and the development of solutions is a particularly high priority. Research applications must include:

  • demonstration that the proposed project involves new research (a review of recent scientific literature to determine the uniqueness of the project should be conducted);
  • review and approval by at least one credible fisheries scientist or manager (see External Reviewer Guidelines on the application form) to determine that the project has merit and is within the capabilities of the applicant;
  • completion of the project within two (2) years of the initiation date and a publication strategy to    document and distribute the results of the project to the public (e.g., a journal article).

III. APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND RULES

A. Funding Policies

The following are the JHOFF/NFWF funding policies:

  • Grants are awarded for a single project that can be completed within two years. The JHOFF/NFWF recognize that some larger-scale projects may warrant consecutive multi-year requests and will consider these requests on a year-by-year basis. Grant size has ranged from $10,000 to $60,000 per project.

  • The JHOFF/NFWF will not provide reimbursement for any project expenditures prior to the grant award project period. However, to capture match related to a project, the grant period can be backdated to one year prior to the submission of the proposal.

  • Applicants must provide non-federal cash or in-kind match of at least $1 for every $1 of JHOFF/NFWF grant funds requested. For example, for a total project budget of $20,000, the applicant can request up to $10,000 of JHOFF/NFWF funds.  Matching sources can include cash gifts, in-kind donations, and/or volunteer labor. Larger match is encouraged to demonstrate partnership in the applicant’s conservation efforts.  Federal match for projects is encouraged and accepted, but is optional.

  • The JHOFF/NFWF will support projects that use graduate students, contractors and/or consultants if their portion of the project meets the criteria previously outlined and if there is sufficient support from the applicant.

For additional funding rules, see the below section titled “Project Budget Form.”

B. Required Information -- Grant requests must include the following:

Application Guidance (please use and fill out the separate application form attached to submit proposal)

All signatures requested on the attached forms are mandatory. Applications without all required signatures will be ineligible for funding and automatically rejected. The form should be placed at the beginning of all your proposal documents.

Proposal Narrative

I.   Project Summary

Summarize the project in two sentences.

II.   Project Abstract

The application must be include a short executive summary (i.e., eight to ten sentences) that summarizes how the proposed project addresses the criteria below regarding scope, significance, feasibility, and cost. The executive summary is an essential component of the application. The Committee will refer to it frequently during the review process. The executive summary should appear after the application form and before the full proposal. (see application form for detailed instructions)

III.   Proposal

Proposals must address the following criteria and questions. Please keep these in mind as guidance as proposals are being written.  Preference will be given to projects in the tributaries and main stem Snake and Yellowstone basins of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, however other intermountain west areas will be considered as resources allow:

Scope - What is the purpose of the project? Is the project nationally or regionally important in terms of the native trout fisheries resource, partnerships, and/or approaches to fisheries issues? How does the project use innovative or unique solutions to address fisheries problems?

Significance - What are the resulting benefits for native trout fisheries conservation; the degree and significance of JHOFF/NFWF funding participation; and the potential for public recognition of the JHOFF/NFWF program? Does the project have a formal strategy for documenting and publicizing results and benefits? If the project is a cooperative effort with other organizations, define the degree of JHOFF/NFWF funding participation in overall project. Is the project addressing goals identified as priorities in watershed plans, state wildlife plans, and/or the Western Native Trout Fish Habitat Partnership strategic plan (see www.fishhabitat.org for more information).

Feasibility - Does the project include clear goals and objectives; a realistic work plan; and a strategy for evaluation?  What are the capabilities of the project participants and are they sufficient to meet the project tasks? The names of key cooperators and/or those providing technical guidance, along with their qualifications for involvement in the project, must be stated.

Cost - Are there provisions for at least a one-to-one non-federal match of the grant request? Does the expenditure of funds justify the expected return of the project?

IV.   Project Budget Form (attached with application form)

The Budget Form is intended to assist applicants in writing and planning project budgets relative to project activities and needs for funds in various phases of the project. Applicants must identify all matching contributions and indicate the type and amount of matched costs (e.g., $500 cash, U.S. Forest Service, or $1000 in-kind labor) for each category.  Donated contractor services can be valued at current market rates, but general volunteer labor must be valued at no more than $17/hour.

Personnel Salaries - Specific tasks and work to be performed by personnel are to be outlined. Total fees should be broken down according to the amount of time spent on the project (e.g., hourly, weekly, or monthly rates).  Funding for salaries for federal government agency personnel is not allowed, but other costs are eligible.

Equipment - Identify specific equipment valued at more than $5,000 necessary to complete the project. Capital equipment expenditures are highly discouraged – rental of such items should be considered instead.

Other Expenses - Identify any other specific costs associated with the project such as travel, materials, printing, and contractual services.  For contractual services, identify all work to be completed by the contractor and their rates. If a commitment to contract a particular vendor has been made prior to application for funding, explain how the vendor was selected, type of contract, deliverables, time frame, cost, and basis for the cost.  “Indirect costs/overhead” at a set rate is not allowed; however, costs such as rent, supplies, and other direct project related administrative costs are allowed if described separately under the “other” category.

C. Deadline and Schedule

All applications must be received by February 15, 2008 at 5:00 pm PST.  Please note that extensions will not be granted since the Committee will meet in early March to make grant decisions. Please send one electronic copy by e-mail to wolniakowski@nfwf.org and one signed original (please use paperclips and not staples) by mail to the following address:

Krystyna Wolniakowski, Director
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Western Partnership Office
Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation/Stream Improvement Program
806 SW Broadway #750
Portland, OR 97205

Faxed submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants will be notified of the status of their proposal by April 15, 2008.

For questions or clarifications on the application process, please email Krystyna at wolniakowski@nfwf.org.

This document is subject to change and modification as directed by the NFWF and the JHOFF. The most up to date version is posted at this web site.

You can download and view this document (Microsoft Word format) on the Apply for a Grant page.
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