Public Domain Pictures Max Pixel. Wikimedia Commons

Transcription

1 Public Domain Pictures Max Pixel Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons

2 Goal and Objectives Goal: Introduce grant program and share lessons learned Objectives: Share MPA Collaborative Network Small Grants Program overview, timeline, and next steps Identify types of projects Collaboratives received funding for (e.g., outreach and education, enforcement, etc.) Share relevant project tools and templates that other Collaboratives could utilize or build upon Identify challenges in administering and implementing grant projects and ways Collaboratives overcame those challenges Discuss opportunities for collaboration Share lessons learned from Collaboratives past OPC-funded and other funded projects

3 Agenda Introductions and Review Agenda Share Overview on MPA Collaborative Network Small Grants Program Share Past Funded Projects and Relevant Project Tools and Templates Identify Past Grant Challenges Discuss Opportunities for Collaboration Share Lessons Learned Wrap-up and Next Steps

4 MPA Collaborative Network Small Grants Program Overview Projects address four focal areas of MPA Management Program: outreach and education; research and monitoring; enforcement and compliance; and policy and permitting Each Collaborative is eligible to receive a grant of up to $15,000 Grantees will be awarded a one-year grant (12/1/17 12/31/18) Collaboratives are encouraged to contact Coastal Quest for any project inquiries throughout the proposal process, including preliminary concepts, draft applications, etc.

5 Share Past Funded Projects: Outreach and Education Videos, Film, and Animations: Short (3-5 minute) outreach videos highlighting local MPAs; Videos for hotel rooms and airport; Videos on local MPAs and tide pools Online and Mobile Resources: Mobile cart of materials (e.g., puppets, flyers, coloring books) for use at outdoor events and MPA celebrations; Mobile phone application; Blogs and social media Printed Materials: Fishing guides and recreational brochures; Brochures and signs; Newspapers and articles Presentation and Training Support Materials: Supported a series of events scheduled in conjunction with World Oceans Day; Laminated PowerPoint template for scuba diving audiences; Youth art show; Whale watching coastal cruise; Coast and Ocean Lecture series; Photo exhibit Source: Respondent Perception (x=7) Pixabay

6 Share Past Funded Projects: Discussion Opportunity to discuss additional funded projects, tools, and templates Max Pixel

7 Identify Past Grant Challenges: Administrative Challenges Limited Staffing Capacity: Changes in Collaborative members causing a loss in institutional knowledge; limited amount of time members can spend on projects Inconsistent Financial Management: Inconsistent budgets and invoicing procedures; soliciting for matching grants; high costs associated with small grants and lack of funding to support costs Unclear and Inconsistent Grant Reporting Requirements: Lack of clarity over grant reporting requirements (e.g., deadlines); inconsistences in directing grantees to funders resources and templates (e.g., final report template) Ways to Overcome Internal Dedication: Maintain paid position (as MPA Outreach Coordinator); pull together and provide objectives for everyone Grant Flexibility: Funder provides multiple grant extensions; tenacity in looking for matching grant funds; partners apply discretionary funds Clear Communications on Grant Requirements and Reporting: Maintain open lines of communication between funders and grantees and increase outreach; have clear reporting guidelines and dates on website and in RFP; send reminders Source: Respondent Perception (x=8)

8 Identify Past Grant Challenges: Programmatic Challenges Limited Input: Giving Collaborative members an opportunity to provide input; difficulties with obtaining meaningful input from range of Collaborative members Lack of Collaboration: Projects not collaborative enough; work falls on those few individuals who already the ones who deliver Project Management: Role of managing projects and overseeing project completion and deliverables fall on partners and required large investment of time and follow-through Ways to Overcome Frequent and Transparent Communications: Send out regular updates; provide an open comment period for Collaborative members; obtain input and approval early in project process Strategic Partnerships: Invest in and utilize strategic partnerships (e.g., Collaborative members organizations) that can help the Collaborative leverage resources, such as content experts and financial support Meaningful Review and Evaluation: Create small working group dedicated to project and schedule reviews from partners at necessary intervals before project starts to strengthen effectiveness of project management Source: Respondent Perception (x=6)

9 Opportunities for Collaboration Discuss collaboration opportunities Max Pixel

10 Share Lessons Learned Financial Management: Create a better system to track the budget; fund one large project rather than many small projects; allow administrative costs to be received by the fiscal sponsor or grant administrator (3% is unrealistic) Diverse Collaboration: Engage and work with diverse community members (e.g., fishermen, government, indigenous groups, etc.) to gather input and be involved in decision-making process; create collaborative projects and share administrative responsibilities Re-use products: Focus on updating (e.g., reprinting, refreshed) alreadydeveloped materials, rather than create new products and ensure these products are updated to reach intended audiences; create meaningful way to share programmatic successes, lessons learned, input, etc. across the Collaboratives Source: Respondent Perception (x=7) Brocken Inaglory

11 Share Lessons Learned: Discussion Opportunity to discuss additional lessons learned Pixabay

12 Wrap-Up and Next Steps Timeline: Year Date Description June 1 st July 21 st and 25 th August 14 th September 1 st November 30 th December 1 st June 29 th December 31 st RFP release Webinars: RFP Informational Overview Send preliminary project concepts and draft proposals to Coastal Quest for feedback Proposals due Award notification and grant dispersal deadline Projects begin Mid-term reports due Projects close 2019 February 1 st Final grant reports due

13 Wrap-Up and Next Steps Next Webinar - RFP Informational Overview Friday, July 21 at 10-11am Tuesday, July 25 at 5-6pm NOAA Response Restoration, Flickr

14 Wrap-Up and Next Steps Future Workshop Topics Identify where to look for funding Understand tribal needs Increase awareness on MPA laws and regulations Develop effective measurements of impact Other? Dana Murray

15 Contact Information For more information on the MPA Collaborative Network Small Grants Program and the RFP: Submit Grant-Related Questions and Applications to: Tegan Hoffmann and Jennifer Lam Coastal Quest th Street, Suite 202 Oakland, CA info@coastal-quest.org Phone: Submit Questions regarding State Priorities within the MPA Management Program to: Cyndi Dawson and Tova Handelman California Ocean Protection Council 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA cyndi.dawson@resources.ca.gov, tova.handelman@resources.ca.gov Phone:

16 Thank you! Max Pixel