Opportunity Information: Apply for FWS NCTC 2010 1
Apply for FWS NCTC 2010 1
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Nature Rocks US FIsh and Wildlife Service Cooperative Agreement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.649 Service Training and Technical Assistance (Generic Training).
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 2, 2009 and posted on Nov 2, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 16, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $50,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- The USFWS is not seeking applications. The USFWS plans to award this cooperative agreement under the Department Manual 505 2, using the following criteria to justify a single source award. 2.14 B (1) and (4) to the ecoAmerica 2.14 B (1) Unsolicited proposal The proposal award is the result of an unsolicited assistance application which represents a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach which is not the subject of a current or planned contract or assistant award but which is deemed advantageous to the program objectives. The USFWS s Connecting People with Nature Priority has a need of to work with a partner to assist with a major national campaign. The campaign will assist in moving millions of parents to reconnect their children with nature, leading to healthier families and building support for healthy ecosystems and establishing a partnership with the USFWS and the USFWS s National Conservation Training Center. ecoAmerica is anchoring the campaign, the Nature Rocks brand which is designed to tap key motivators and for broad partner use. To make the program scale, Nature Rocks will leverage the co marketing of national corporate, NGO and federal partners. In addition, it will be a grassroots and viral campaign so it will spread from family to family. Marketing will also include online outreach, PSAs, and both earned and paid media. 2.14 B (4) Unique Qualifications The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capability, cost sharing ability, if applicable, technical expertise, or other such unique qualifications. ecoAmerica is an environmental nonprofit focused in 2005 (TIN 20 3895611) that uses consumer research, partnerships, and engagement marketing to connect mainstream Americans to nature and the environment in their everyday lives. Nature Rocks is in partnership with Richard Louv (acclaimed author of the NY Times best seller Last Child in the Woods), the Children Nature Network (CNN), the Nature Conservancy and REI, Inc.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Nature Rocks US Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Agreement (Funding Opportunity Number: FWS NCTC 2010 1) was a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) funding opportunity designed to support a national public engagement campaign focused on connecting people, especially families and children, with nature. Framed within an education and training context (CFDA 15.649, Service Training and Technical Assistance), the purpose was to build broader public support for conservation by encouraging outdoor experiences that contribute to healthier families while also strengthening long-term commitment to healthy ecosystems. The work tied directly to the USFWS priority area often described as "Connecting People with Nature," and it was structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning USFWS expected to play an active partnership role rather than simply issuing a standard grant with minimal federal involvement.
Financially, the opportunity was straightforward and narrowly scoped: the estimated total funding was $50,000, with an award floor and ceiling both set at $50,000, indicating a single fixed-size award. The announcement anticipated just one award and explicitly stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement. Key dates show it was posted and created on November 2, 2009, with a closing date of November 16, 2009, and it was archived the next day, November 17, 2009, which aligns with the fact that it was not a competitive, open application process.
Eligibility is the most defining feature of this notice. Although the listing includes a general category of eligible applicants as "Others," the eligibility section makes clear that USFWS was not seeking applications from the public. Instead, the Service planned to make a single-source cooperative agreement award under Departmental Manual 505 DM 2, relying on specific justification criteria: 2.14 B (1) and 2.14 B (4). The 2.14 B (1) justification was based on an unsolicited proposal, described as a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach that was not already part of a current or planned contract or assistance award but was considered advantageous to USFWS program objectives. The 2.14 B (4) justification was based on unique qualifications, meaning the intended recipient was viewed as uniquely capable of performing the work due to factors such as specialized expertise, proven capacity, partnerships, or other distinguishing strengths.
The intended single-source recipient was ecoAmerica, an environmental nonprofit established in 2005, identified in the notice with TIN 20 3895611. According to the announcement, ecoAmerica was anchoring the Nature Rocks campaign and brand, positioned as a scalable platform meant for broad partner use. The campaign concept emphasized applying consumer research and engagement marketing to reach mainstream Americans, not just traditional conservation audiences. The approach was described as both national and grassroots, designed to spread "family to family" through viral and community-driven sharing, while also leveraging co-marketing with national corporate, NGO, and federal partners. The planned marketing mix included online outreach, public service announcements (PSAs), and a combination of earned and paid media to increase reach and visibility.
The opportunity also highlighted that Nature Rocks was already connected to notable partners and influencers, which served as part of the unique qualifications rationale. Those cited partners included Richard Louv (author of "Last Child in the Woods"), the Children and Nature Network, The Nature Conservancy, and REI, Inc. The USFWS role was also linked to internal capacity through the National Conservation Training Center, suggesting the cooperative agreement would involve coordination, content alignment, and possibly training or technical assistance elements consistent with the CFDA category.
For administrative reference, the awarding agency was the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the listed point of contact for access issues was Georgia Jeppesen, Branch Chief, Program Support, reachable by phone at 304 876 7388 or by email at GeorgiaJeppesen@fws.gov. Overall, this notice describes a targeted, one-time, single-recipient cooperative agreement intended to accelerate a national nature-connection campaign through a specialized nonprofit partner, with the broader aim of improving public health outcomes for families and strengthening societal support for conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Nature Rocks US Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Agreement (FWS NCTC 2010 1)?
It is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) cooperative agreement funding opportunity designed to support a national public engagement campaign called Nature Rocks. The campaign focused on connecting people, especially families and children, with nature to build broader public support for conservation.
What was the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose was to encourage outdoor experiences that contribute to healthier families while also strengthening long-term commitment to healthy ecosystems. It was framed within an education and training context and aligned with the USFWS priority area often described as "Connecting People with Nature."
What type of award was this?
This was structured as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant. That means USFWS expected to play an active partnership role in the work instead of providing funding with minimal federal involvement.
Which CFDA program was this associated with?
The opportunity was associated with CFDA 15.649, Service Training and Technical Assistance.
How much funding was available?
The estimated total funding was $50,000.
Was there an award floor and ceiling?
Yes. Both the award floor and the award ceiling were set at $50,000, indicating a single fixed-size award.
How many awards were anticipated?
The announcement anticipated one award.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. The notice explicitly stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Was this an open, competitive opportunity?
No. The notice indicates it was not a competitive, open application process.
Were applications accepted from the public?
No. The eligibility section makes clear that USFWS was not seeking applications from the public.
Who was eligible to receive the award?
While the listing included a general category of eligible applicants as "Others," the notice specifies that USFWS intended to make a single-source award to a specific recipient rather than accept applications broadly.
Who was the intended recipient of the cooperative agreement?
The intended single-source recipient was ecoAmerica, an environmental nonprofit established in 2005 (listed with TIN 20 3895611).
Why was a single-source cooperative agreement used?
The Service planned to make a single-source award under Departmental Manual 505 DM 2, using justification criteria 2.14 B (1) and 2.14 B (4).
What does the 505 DM 2.14 B (1) justification refer to in this notice?
It was based on an unsolicited proposal described as a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach that was not already part of a current or planned contract or assistance award but was considered advantageous to USFWS program objectives.
What does the 505 DM 2.14 B (4) justification refer to in this notice?
It was based on unique qualifications, meaning the intended recipient was viewed as uniquely capable of performing the work due to factors such as specialized expertise, proven capacity, partnerships, or other distinguishing strengths.
What was Nature Rocks, as described in the notice?
Nature Rocks was described as a public engagement campaign and brand anchored by ecoAmerica. It was positioned as a scalable platform intended for broad partner use.
Who was the campaign intended to reach?
The campaign aimed to reach mainstream Americans, not only traditional conservation audiences, with an emphasis on families and children.
What approach did the campaign plan to use to engage the public?
The notice described using consumer research and engagement marketing, combining national visibility with grassroots participation. It was designed to spread "family to family" through viral and community-driven sharing.
What kinds of outreach or media were included in the planned marketing mix?
The planned marketing mix included online outreach, public service announcements (PSAs), and a combination of earned and paid media.
Did the notice mention partnerships or influencers connected to Nature Rocks?
Yes. The notice cited partners and influencers including Richard Louv (author of "Last Child in the Woods"), the Children and Nature Network, The Nature Conservancy, and REI, Inc.
What role was USFWS expected to play?
Because it was a cooperative agreement, USFWS expected to be actively involved as a partner. The notice also linked the work to internal capacity through the National Conservation Training Center, suggesting coordination, content alignment, and possibly training or technical assistance elements consistent with the CFDA category.
Which agency was responsible for awarding this opportunity?
The awarding agency was the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
It was posted and created on November 2, 2009, and the closing date was November 16, 2009.
When was the opportunity archived?
The notice was archived on November 17, 2009.
Who was the point of contact listed in the notice?
The listed point of contact for access issues was Georgia Jeppesen, Branch Chief, Program Support.
How could the point of contact be reached?
By phone at 304 876 7388 or by email at GeorgiaJeppesen@fws.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: Improving Education Quality in Senegal
Previous opportunity: Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Exploratory/Developmental Projects in Translational Research (R21)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for FWS NCTC 2010 1
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FWS NCTC 2010 1) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Improving Education Quality in Senegal Apply for USAID SENEGAL685 10 A 01RFA Funding Number: USAID SENEGAL685 10 A 01RFA Agency: Senegal USAID Dakar Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| New Scholarship Program Apply for 263 10 02 Funding Number: 263 10 02 Agency: Egypt USAID Cairo Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Centers for International Business Education Program CFDA 84.220A Apply for ED GRANTS 110509 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 110509 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| International Research and Studies (IRS) Program CFDA 84.017A 1 Apply for ED GRANTS 111009 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111009 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| International Research and Studies (IRS) Program CFDA 84.017A 3 Apply for ED GRANTS 111009 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111009 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education Overview Information Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) CFDA 84.200A Apply for ED GRANTS 111709 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111709 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $175,020 |
| Office of Postsecondary Education Overview Information Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program CFDA 84.016A Apply for ED GRANTS 111709 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111709 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Phase II of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) program 84.394A Apply for ED GRANTS111709 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS111709 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Phase II of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) program. 84.394A Apply for ED GRANTS 111709 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111709 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education Overview Information Business and International Education (BIE) Program CFDA 84.153A Apply for ED GRANTS 111809 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111809 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $95,000 |
| Youth Education Program Apply for USAID MOROCCO 608 10 002 Funding Number: USAID MOROCCO 608 10 002 Agency: Morocco USAID Rabat Category: Education Funding Amount: $9,500,000 |
| National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Research Fellowships Program CFDA 84.133F 1 Apply for ED GRANTS 120109 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 120109 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Indian Education Demonstration Grants for Indian Children CFDA 84.299A Apply for ED GRANTS 120309 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 120309 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Overview Information Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities Regional Resource Center CFDA Number 84.326R Apply for ED GRANTS 120309 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 120309 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pakistan Childrens Television Apply for USAID PAKISTAN 391 10 004 RFA Funding Number: USAID PAKISTAN 391 10 004 RFA Agency: Pakistan USAID Islamabad Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA 84.060A Apply for ED GRANTS 120909 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 120909 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Projects CFDA 84.133P 1 Apply for ED GRANTS 121109 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121109 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program Apply for DTFH61 10 RA 00001 Funding Number: DTFH61 10 RA 00001 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Education Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education High School Equivalency Program (HEP) CFDA 84.141A Apply for ED GRANTS 121509 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121509 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $475,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) CFDA 84.149A Apply for ED GRANTS 121509 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 121509 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $425,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "FWS NCTC 2010 1", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.