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Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share (CCS) - FAQs

What is the Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share (CCS) opportunity?

The Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share (CCS) opportunity is a cooperative agreement program run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Wildlife Refuge System, Midwest Region (Region 3). It supports on-the-ground natural resource management projects that directly benefit National Wildlife Refuge System programs.

Which USFWS office runs this program?

The program is administered by the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System, Midwest Region (Region 3), with proposals coordinated through Region 3 field offices and forwarded to the Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Grant Coordinator.

Which states are included in the Midwest Region for this opportunity?

The opportunity covers eight Midwest states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.

What types of projects are emphasized for funding?

The program emphasizes practical conservation work in three main areas: (1) inventorying and controlling invasive species, (2) restoring habitat, and (3) delivering conservation outreach. Projects should provide direct benefits to National Wildlife Refuge System programs.

Does a project have to benefit the National Wildlife Refuge System to be eligible?

Yes. The opportunity is geared toward work that directly benefits National Wildlife Refuge System programs, and proposals are shaped to align with refuge system priorities and regional guidance.

Can an applicant submit a proposal independently?

No. A defining requirement is that projects must be built and submitted through a partnership with a USFWS field office in Region 3. The proposal must be developed jointly with the local USFWS unit and submitted by that USFWS office.

What does it mean to apply through a partnership with a USFWS field office?

It means the applicant works directly with a USFWS field office (typically a National Wildlife Refuge, a Wetland Management District, or a Partners for Fish and Wildlife office in the Midwest Region) to co-develop the project scope, budget, match, documentation, and deliverables. The local USFWS unit approves and sponsors the proposal and then forwards it to the regional coordinator.

Which USFWS units typically partner on proposals?

Partnerships typically involve a National Wildlife Refuge, a Wetland Management District, or a Partners for Fish and Wildlife office within the Midwest Region (Region 3).

Why is early coordination with the local USFWS office important?

Because the local USFWS office helps shape the proposal so it aligns with regional guidance and refuge system priorities, and the local office is responsible for submitting the proposal to the Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Grant Coordinator by the deadline.

Is cost sharing (matching funds) required?

Yes. Cost sharing is mandatory under this opportunity.

What is the minimum match requirement?

Successful applicants must provide at least 50 percent of total project costs from non-federal sources.

When must the non-federal match be secured?

The match must be secured before any CCS funds can be spent. The project cannot rely on CCS funds to raise the match later; the non-federal contribution must be committed and available up front.

Can federal funds be used to meet the match requirement?

The opportunity specifies that at least 50 percent of total project costs must come from non-federal sources, which means the match must be non-federal.

How many awards were expected under this funding round?

The opportunity anticipated about four awards.

What was the estimated total funding available?

The estimated total funding pool for this opportunity was $18,000.

What was the expected award size (minimum and maximum)?

Individual awards were expected to range from $2,500 (award floor) to $10,000 (award ceiling).

How competitive is the funding?

The opportunity anticipated a small number of awards (about four) from a limited total funding pool ($18,000), which suggests a competitive process among proposals forwarded by USFWS field offices.

What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing?

The funding opportunity number is F12AS00122, and it is listed under CFDA 15.642 (Challenge Cost Share).

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning any entity type could potentially apply, as long as the project is developed with a Region 3 USFWS field office partner and meets the program requirements (including refuge-system benefit and the 50 percent non-federal match).

What is the practical process for pursuing this type of funding?

Based on the opportunity description, a practical path is to identify a conservation need aligned with invasive species work, habitat restoration, or outreach, then contact a Region 3 USFWS field office to co-develop the scope, budget, match documentation, and deliverables. The USFWS field office then sponsors and submits the proposal to the regional coordinator.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted in April 2012 and had a closing date of May 15, 2012. It is now archived.

Who should be contacted for program questions or coordination?

Questions and coordination for the regional program were directed to Rob Bruesewitz, Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Coordinator (also listed as Invasive Species Coordinator), at 612-713-5403 or RobertBruesewitz@fws.gov.