RFHP anticipates approximately $250,000 in funding for “on-the-ground” projects in FY2025. Grants will be capped at $75,000 but grants for lesser amounts will be considered. Bear in mind that the grant request must be matched by a minimum of 1:1 nonfederal funds. RFHP anticipates funding 4-6 projects @ $10,000-$75,000 each. Given the amount of funding available at this time, RFHP grants should be considered as a partial funding source for projects with multiple funding sources and partners, and special consideration will be given to projects with more than the minimum match. All contributions (cash and/or in-kind) must be expended during the project period. Eligible costs will be paid for work done no earlier than contract approval.

FY2025 project proposals must fall under at least one of the NFHP National Conservation Priorities. In addition, the RFHP prioritizes habitat impairments and subsequent work based on a nationwide survey of fish habitat in reservoirs. Region-specific impairments should be addressed, with emphasis on ultimate causes of impairment such as sedimentation and eutrophication. Likewise, RFHP prioritizes work that benefits important sport fish, and a region-specific list is available for your reference. Finally, RFHP emphasizes projects that not only improve fish habitat, but also enhance public access and knowledge of that habitat. Projects that engage the community through partnerships and outreach will receive special consideration. Full detail of RFHP’s priorities and strategic approach is provided here.

Eligible applicants include state and federal governmental agencies; non-governmental organizations (e.g., sportsman’s groups, community associations, watershed user groups, cooperatives, civic groups), municipalities, universities, schools, state and tribal governments. Projects must be on public reservoirs. Projects on reservoirs with no or limited public access are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to utilize SAMS, ASAP, and Grant Solutions.

Project Duration: Project objectives must be met within the project timeline. Projects with a timeline of two years or less are encouraged but large-scale projects may require a longer timeline. Funding for FY2025 projects will not be appropriated until after January 2025 and will likely not be available to project leaders until March 2025 or later. Actual project start date will be the date funding documents are signed. We suggest April 1, 2025 as a reasonable start date and June 30, 2027 as a project end date.

Eligible Activities: Types of eligible activities may include 1) time spent for project planning, directing project activities, site assessments, travel to and from project, and project oversight, 2) equipment, 3) earthwork and materials, 4) short-term monitoring/evaluation, 5) outreach to advance conservation, and f) easements with an operations and maintenance plan. Projects should meet the RFHP criteria described in more detail in the RFP documentation. NFHP funds can only be used for on-the-ground habitat projects and related design and monitoring activities; funds may not be used for research or solely to support personnel and staff salaries or benefits. Salaries of full-time employees may be part of the grant request as long as they are for only time spent directly on planning, administration and/or “on the ground” work on the project. Grant funds may NOT be used to support overhead, political advocacy, deficit reduction activities, projects that have already been completed, or for activities that constitute legally required mitigation for the adverse effects of an activity regulated or otherwise governed by state or Federal law.

Applicants are strongly urged to discuss project ideas with the Coordinator prior to submitting proposals if questions about eligibility exist.

Projects that develop and/or evaluate reservoir fisheries habitat restoration techniques are encouraged. Proposed projects can be focused on habitat issues in the reservoir proper and/or in watersheds above the reservoir and/or tailwaters below. We suggest that you review the Reservoir Partnership’s Best Management Practices manual “Reservoir Habitat Management” that can be found at https://www.friendsofreservoirs.com/science/best-management-practices-manual/ for assistance in project planning.