Introductions. Traci Giefer Coordinator, Central Partnership Office. Teal Edelen Manager, Central Partnership Office

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2 Introductions Traci Giefer Coordinator, Central Partnership Office Teal Edelen Manager, Central Partnership Office

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5 Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has become one of the world s largest conservation grant-makers. We specialize in bringing all parties to the table individuals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporations. We don t lobby or litigate; our mission is get the best conservation on the ground.

6 The Grant Program funds projects that assist organizations to be effective co-stewards of our Nation s important natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The program provides seed grants to assist starting refuge support groups with formative and/or initial support, help existing friends groups build organizational capacity, and support conservation projects on participating refuges. Since 1998, this program has provided over 380 awards totaling over $1.6 million in federal funds. While matching contributions are not required, over $990,000 has been contributed towards these projects.

7 To assist Refuge Friends organizations gain experience in developing projects, expand and increase their capacity and skills, meet local refuge challenges, gain and build community recognition and support for the refuge and refuge Friends organizations, and build long-term relationships. To assist organizations in being effective co-stewards of important natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The program's goals are to assist refuge Friends organizations in developing projects, expanding and increasing their capacity and skills, meeting local refuge conservation challenges and gaining and building community recognition.

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10 Enbridge recently joined the program as a corporate partner and will be contributing an additional $100,000 to the 2015 Friends Program. This funding will be applied in the Midwest and Southwest regions in select states that contain Enbridge s oil, liquids, and natural gas transportation. To be eligible for the Enbridge funding, Friends groups must be affiliated with National Wildlife Refuges within Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota or Wisconsin. Proposals for Enbridge support includes: 1. Non-profit Capacity Building Grants: Funds will be provided to assist starting refuge Friends organizations with formative and/or initial operational support. 2. On-the-Ground Project Grants, i.e. constructing and maintaining a pollinator garden.

11 Spring 2015 Grant Cycle Eligible applicants are Friends organizations whose primary mission is to support a refuge or a complex of refuges. Applicants must either be tax exempt under section 501(c), OR be in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status and submit with their grant application a copy of the letter from the IRS confirming your application has been filed. Proposals Due by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, May 21 st, 2015 Award Announcements First week in August, 2015 Review Committee Meets to Select Awards End of June, 2015 NFWF Board Notified of Award Recommendations July, 2015 NEW in 2016: The National Wildlife Friends Program will change to a once per year grant cycle (each Fall)

12 Three Types of Projects Funded Non-Profit Capacity Building Grants On-the-Ground Projects Peer-to-Peer Coaching

13 Seed Grants A grant to help your group jump start a project, but the expectation is that there is a sustainability plan in place for future maintenance. Please briefly include that in your application.

14 Non-Profit Capacity Building Assist starting refuge Friends organizations with formative and/or initial operational support, i.e. membership drives, tuition for training, brochure and newsletter development, logo design, or consultant fees for planning a mission. Funds will also be provided to existing refuge Friends organizations for activities that improve and enhance an organization s ability to achieve its mission and sustain itself over time, i.e. communications strategy, strategic plan, membership development.

15 On-the- Ground Projects Project Specific provided to organizations seeking support for projects they initiate and manage. For example, habitat restoration projects, building an observation tower, developing and providing interpretive materials and programs, or watchable wildlife programs.

16 Peer-To-Peer Mentoring Refuge Friends organizations who propose to coordinate and execute a Friends peer-to-peer coaching for a minimum of four other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Friends organizations. Applications must contain a proposed agenda, which includes at least one session either led or co-led with USFWS staff. Agendas MUST include at least 3 of the following topics: Board development and management Board/member/volunteer engagement and retention Developing community partnerships Planning: Goal setting, annual work planning, strategic planning Communication and cooperation Overview of the USFWS/NWRS/Refuges Overview of the role and responsibilities within the USFWS-Friends partnerships

17 Applications and Funding? Each grant cycle we get an average of proposals. With additional corporate funding, we are hoping to increase that number. Will award roughly $100,000 in Spring Grant range has been expanded to $10,000!!!

18 What We Cannot Fund We are not able to fund the following: Political advocacy or litigation activities; Fund raising activities Travel (EXCEPT FOR PEER-TO-PEER); Salaries; Non-profit filings; Food or beverages (EXCEPT FOR PEER-TO-PEER); Shortfalls in government agency budgets

19 1 - Go to: Easygrant-10 Steps to Success! 2 Login, or register if you have never had an EasyGrants account. 3 - Start a New Application 4 - Choose National Wildlife Refuge Friends Spring Submit Eligibility Quiz 6 - Under your To Do list, select the Full Proposal task for the National Wildlife Refuge Friends Spring 2013 program with a due date of April 1, Complete all sections (contact info, project info, uploads, matching contributions) and click on save and continue in each section when it is complete *You may save and return to application 8 - Review and Submit on the left hand side of page and make sure the status of all sections is complete 9 - Select View PDF to review the completed proposal in its entirety *Recommend saving proposal on your computer from this view 10 - Click SUBMIT

20 The Uploads Along with the Easygrants application, you will be required to upload a Friends specific proposal, spatial data, a Refuge Manager signature page, and a statement of litigation.

21 $$$ Budget $$$ VERY IMPORTANT-make sure anything reflected in the budget is described in the narrative.

22 Other Budget Info If hiring contractors or consultants, please include some quotes to show you ve done the legwork and the budget is accurate.

23 Tips For Success Keep it concise Make sure your budget does not include prohibited items and make sure it matches the narrative Include your maintenance plan Have someone read it who doesn t know about the project. Ask them if they can describe the project to you afterwards.

24 Questions? Comments? Complaints? 24

25 We d love to hear from you! Teal Edelen, Program Manager teal.edelen@nfwf.org / Traci Giefer, Coordinator traci.giefer@nfwf.org/