White-Nose Syndrome Grants to State Willidfe Management Agencies. Endangered Species Conservation Recovery Implementation | F18AS00111

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the White-Nose Syndrome Grants to State Wildlife Management Agencies opportunity?

It is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, focused on strengthening and adapting state-level capacity to manage and control white-nose syndrome (WNS) and its causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is F18AS00111.

Which federal agency runs this grant program?

The program is run by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.

What is the source of funds (CFDA) for this opportunity?

The opportunity uses CFDA 15.657 funds under the Endangered Species Conservation Recovery Implementation authority.

What is the legal authority for this grant program?

The legal foundation is the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and subsequent amendments passed in 1978 and 1982, which support conservation and recovery efforts for imperiled species and the ecosystems they rely on.

What fiscal year does the information provided cover?

The details provided are for the fiscal year 2018 cycle.

How much funding was available in FY 2018?

For FY 2018, the Service set aside up to $1,000,000 in internally directed funding for this opportunity.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the funding activity area for this opportunity?

The funding activity area is categorized under Natural Resources.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments, consistent with the program goal of building and expanding state wildlife agency WNS management programs.

When did the FY 2018 application period open and close?

For the 2018 cycle, the application window opened on April 9, 2018 and closed on May 9, 2018.

How many awards were expected in FY 2018?

The program anticipated making about 50 awards.

What was the maximum award amount (award ceiling) per grant?

The award ceiling was $30,000 per grant.

What does the award structure suggest about the program's approach?

With modest award ceilings and an anticipated high number of awards, the program design indicates an intent to support practical, targeted capacity and coordination across many states rather than concentrating funds in a small number of large projects.

What is the main purpose of the FY 2018 priorities?

The core purpose is to help state partners build new WNS programs or expand existing ones, with emphasis on readiness, surveillance, coordination, conservation actions, and communication.

What kinds of activities were intended to be supported with these grants?

Supported activities were intended to help state agencies with WNS-related readiness and response, surveillance and monitoring, coordination with partners, conservation actions for affected or vulnerable bats, outreach and communications, and participation in key meetings that align management approaches across jurisdictions.

Does the program support work related to identifying WNS treatment research sites?

Yes. One intended activity area is identifying and sharing information about sites that could be used for WNS treatment research and development.

Does the program support preparation and response when Pd is detected?

Yes. The grant priorities include preparing for and responding when Pd is detected or becomes established.

Does the program fund coordination among agencies and partners involved in bat conservation?

Yes. Maintaining coordination among agencies and partners involved in bat conservation is an intended use, including facilitating WNS-related research through collaboration.

Are monitoring and surveillance activities eligible under this opportunity?

Yes. Monitoring bat populations and conducting surveillance specifically for WNS and Pd are included among the intended funded activities.

Does the program support conservation actions for bats impacted by WNS?

Yes. Implementing conservation actions for bats that are already affected by WNS or considered vulnerable to it is part of the intended scope.

Is outreach or public communication an intended use of funds?

Yes. Conducting outreach to inform the public and stakeholders about WNS and bats is explicitly included.

Are applicants expected to participate in meetings related to WNS coordination?

Participation in the Fish and Wildlife Service Annual WNS Meeting and regional bat working group meetings is included among the intended activities to keep management approaches aligned and to promote information sharing.

What overall outcomes is this opportunity trying to achieve?

Overall, the opportunity aims to build capacity and improve coordination so states stay prepared for Pd detections, strengthen bat and disease monitoring coverage and quality, encourage collaboration that speeds management tool development and testing, and support conservation and outreach that reduce risks to bat populations while keeping partners connected through recurring meetings and working groups.

Is this program primarily for research, or for capacity and coordination?

Based on the description provided, it is best understood as a capacity-building and coordination-focused grant program, with support for activities that can facilitate research and development (such as identifying treatment research sites and enabling coordination), rather than being described as a stand-alone research grant program.