New York Ag Connection - $100,000 Grants Available for Marine and Coastal Projects

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$100,000 Grants Available for Marine and Coastal Projects
New York Ag Connection - 11/12/2018

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant announced the availability of $100,000 for small grants for projects that will result in fulfillment of the mission of the Marine and Coastal District of New York Conservation, Education and Research Board. Applications for these small grants are due by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16.

DEC and New York Sea Grant are soliciting proposals that promote marine and coastal resources, increase participation in marine sport fishing, increase public awareness and appreciation of marine and coastal resources, encourage conservation of marine fisheries resources, or promote research to increase knowledge about the state's marine and coastal resources. Eligible projects may include activities that involve youth marine fishing camps or clubs, beach and bay clean-ups, and other coastal restoration activities to improve shoreline access, citizen science, signage, programs to increase public awareness about marine and coastal sport fishing and heritage, piloting technology or methods to support conservation, and developing tools to improve public access to marine and coastal resources and related services.

Projects that introduce limits on user access, promote a specific private entity, are focused on freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers, or are not directly related to marine and coastal resource usage are not eligible for funding.

Approximately $100,000 is available for these awards. A minimum of five projects will be awarded. These grants are administered as a Cost Reimbursable Award (CRA), and project budgets must not exceed $15,000. Projects selected for funding must be completed within 12 months.

Private entities and individuals are not eligible to apply for this funding. Proposals will be accepted from not-for-profit entities located in New York, whose purpose is to "promote sport fishing, increase participation in recreational angling, increase public awareness and appreciation of aquatic natural resources, encourage conservation of fisheries resources, or promote research relating to the marine and coastal district of New York" (NYS ECL 13-0501). Not-for-profit entities include: non-government Organizations; K 9-12 educational institutions; museums or nature centers and other outdoor educational facilities; trade associations, community and civic groups, marine-related fishing clubs; and family and youth organizations such as scouts, guides, and family centers.

DEC was authorized through NYS Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to establish this small grants program. For more information, visit the New York Sea Grant website.

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