DFW-2022-010 Climate Change Resilience Grant Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the MassWildlife Climate Change Resilience Grant Opportunity (CCRGO). This is a competitive reimbursement grant program that seeks qualified applicants to receive funding for projects that restore and manage wildlife habitat on private and municipal protected lands in Massachusetts, with the goal of increasing climate resilience. Eligible applicants include owners of private or municipal conserved lands. Grant awards will range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000 per project, with no grantee match required. Proposals are due by November 22, 2021, and all work must be completed by June 30, 2022 with no extensions allowed. MassWildlife will evaluate proposals based on criteria such as the project's protection status, mapping and budget details, the net benefit to climate change resilience and target wildlife species, the appropriateness of the treatment area size, the project's landscape context and feasibility, partnerships and outreach, and whether the project benefits an Environmental Justice community.

This grant program is open to private or municipal landowners, excluding municipal parks and recreation departments. Multiple project units can be combined into a single application, and applicants may apply even if they have received funding through the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program, as long as the projects are distinct. The funding for these grants originates from capital sources and must be expended by the end of the Commonwealth's fiscal year on June 30th. MassWildlife reserves the right to reject any proposals deemed not the best value to achieve its program goals, as well as the right to re-score or reject proposals affected by the final funding level and timing.