Grants & Agreements: Initiating Mission Delivery

Grant funding plays a pivotal role in the NWTF’s mission, serving as a vital lifeline that fuels conservation efforts. Yet, despite its significance, the grant process is often a behind-the-scenes, unsung endeavor that paves the way for essential on-the-ground work.

Tara Moon, director of conservation administration, grants and planning at the NWTF, sheds light on the initial work.

“There is somewhat of an enigma surrounding grants and agreements,” she said. “The process can be daunting when there are many requirements to the application and agreement process. Breaking down all the requirements into smaller pieces can make it seem easier to process and handle.”

The process begins when the NWTF encounters needs that exceed existing funding. By seeking partnerships with other like-minded groups aligned with these needs, whether for conservation or R3 (recruitment, retention, and reactivation) plans, the NWTF taps into a diverse pool of supporters. Public and private granting entities offer funds to partnering organizations like the NWTF for many projects and events, and each one has specific criteria and guidelines. These criteria may include project types, matching fund requirements, project timelines, eligible expenses, geographic priorities and other factors.

Notable funders like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), L.L. Bean and the Arbor Day Foundation have been longstanding supporters of the NWTF’s initiatives. NFWF, for instance, provides various conservation-focused funding opportunities, covering expenses from staff costs to habitat work. L.L. Bean’s grants support R3 efforts and outreach goals, while the Arbor Day Foundation has facilitated the planting of approximately 1 million trees across the country, often in collaboration with other project partners such as state agencies or the USDA Forest Service.

The grant process typically follows a similar pattern. It begins with a request for proposals, aka RFP, or the publication of program information on the grantor’s website. Upon identifying a potential match for its mission-related work, the NWTF submits a proposal adhering to the grantor’s requirements. The grantor reviews all received applications before the deadline and subsequently notifies applicants of their approval or denial.

Denials, though disappointing, often come with valuable feedback on why the request didn’t align with current funding priorities or suggestions on improvements for future application cycles. If approved, the NWTF enters into a formal agreement with the funder, detailing expectations for grant fund usage. This agreement encompasses programmatic deliverables, timelines, payment procedures, and requirements for matching funds, indemnity and insurance, compliance with federal or state laws, among many other relevant considerations.

Matching funds, a common consideration, entails the grantee’s commitment to contribute resources to the project, thus “matching” the grant funding. The level and type of match required can vary significantly.

While some grantors may not need any match at all, others may require up to 100%. Match sources can be federal or non-federal. For instance, when the NWTF enters into a stewardship agreement with the Forest Service, only non-federal funds can be used to match the Forest Service funding. Fortunately, the NWTF has a robust network of partners, enabling them to leverage their contributions as match. Types of match typically include cash or in-kind contributions. Cash contributions involve direct payments for project expenses such as seed, subcontractor work or tree seedlings, while in-kind contributions encompass indirectly paid project expenses like labor, travel and administrative costs.

During the course of the agreement, various factors can impact the NWTF’s ability to adhere to the initial plan, necessitating amendments to the original grant agreement. These changes might be required due to factors like cost fluctuations or project timeline disruptions caused by weather or supply chain issues. Amendments serve as a formal agreement between the grantor and grantee, acknowledging and agreeing to the necessary modifications to successfully complete the project. Amidst smooth project progress and fulfilment of all commitments, the NWTF will submit a final report for project closure.

The NWTF grants and agreements team includes Moon; Beverly Quarles, director of special events, accounts receivable and grants; Stacie Scott, lead financial assistant; and financial assistant Olivia Owens-Tyler.

Over the past decade, NWTF grant funding has seen substantial growth. Approved grant applications have increased from around nine in 2014, with total awards of approximately $2.2 million, to active grants today exceeding $21 million, not including match. This figure pertains strictly to grants and excludes Forest Service agreements, although it encompasses USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service agreements totaling approximately $7.4 million.

Currently, the NWTF’s agreements with the Forest Service, a partner of more than four decades, totals nearly $94 million. This significant increase in funding is a testament to the NWTF’s success in securing external support through collaboration and teamwork, particularly by field staff who consistently exceed expectations and deliver exceptional project work, Moon said.

“While those are certainly substantial amounts of funding, it doesn’t mean the NWTF doesn’t have other current or future needs because all that funding is tied to very specific projects,” Moon said. “NWTF staff continue searching for new funding opportunities whether it be for additional habitat work or R3 efforts because ours is a perpetual mission.”

The significant growth in grant funding over the past decade underscores the pivotal role this process plays in sustaining NWTF’s mission-driven work. By leveraging external support through grants and agreements, NWTF can continue its pursuit of conservation excellence, safeguarding wildlife habitats, and preserving our hunting heritage.

“In essence, the grant process is not merely a means of acquiring financial support; it is an indispensable component of NWTF’s mission to conserve our natural heritage for future generations,” Moon said.