Opportunity Information: Apply for EPA R3 CBP 23 14
The Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) titled "Small Watershed Grants Program and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Program" is a discretionary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA R3 CBP 23 14) focused on supporting Chesapeake Bay restoration work through two major grant programs: the Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program and the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) grants program. Rather than directly funding individual on-the-ground projects through this announcement, EPA is seeking organizations that can operate and manage these grant programs on EPA's behalf under cooperative agreements, meaning EPA expects substantial involvement, coordination, and oversight during implementation.
EPA intends to make two cooperative agreement awards in total, with an expected award count of two and an award ceiling of up to $55,000,000 per award. The combined total estimated funding available under this RFA is $110,000,000 across the multi-year period. Funding is structured with approximately $20,000,000 anticipated for Year 1 and up to $30,000,000 per year for Years 2 through 4, contingent on appropriations, satisfactory performance, and other federal funding conditions. The assistance listing tied to the opportunity is CFDA 66.466, and the activity category is Environment, aligning the work with watershed protection and pollution reduction priorities.
The core purpose of the awards is to select entities capable of administering the Planning, Assistance and Implementation - Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program and the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program. In practice, this management role typically includes designing and running competitive subaward processes, conducting outreach to potential subrecipients, providing technical assistance to applicants and grantees, reviewing and selecting projects consistent with program goals, tracking performance and compliance, and reporting results in a way that demonstrates measurable nutrient and sediment reductions and other environmental outcomes. The programs themselves are aimed at accelerating restoration actions that reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, often through locally driven watershed projects and innovative approaches that can be replicated or scaled.
A key feature of this opportunity is the required coordination with another related Chesapeake Bay Program Office competition: RFA EPA-I-R3-CBP-23-13. EPA is signaling that the organizations chosen under this RFA must actively coordinate with the organizations selected under the companion RFA to ensure the SWG and INSR programs work together efficiently and produce the strongest possible results. That coordination expectation implies shared planning, alignment on program priorities, minimizing duplication, and ensuring that funded projects and technical support efforts complement each other across the broader Chesapeake Bay restoration portfolio.
The application process rules also clarify that an applicant is allowed to pursue funding under both RFAs, but must submit separate applications for each. This is important for organizations that believe they can effectively manage multiple components of the Chesapeake Bay grantmaking ecosystem, but it also means each proposal must stand on its own merits with distinct narratives, budgets, workplans, and staffing plans tailored to the requirements of the specific RFA.
Administratively, the opportunity was created on August 2, 2023, with an original closing date of September 18, 2023. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full RFA text (not included in the excerpt provided). In federal grant announcements, this "Others" category often signals that eligibility may extend beyond state or local governments to include nonprofits, academic institutions, interstate entities, or other qualified organizations, but the definitive list and any restrictions would be in the RFA's eligibility section.
Overall, this RFA represents a large, multi-year investment intended to strengthen Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration by funding capable program managers to run the SWG and INSR grant programs, ensure rigorous project selection and oversight, and coordinate closely with related EPA-funded partners so that nutrient and sediment reduction efforts are strategically aligned and deliver measurable environmental improvements.Apply for EPA R3 CBP 23 14
- The Environmental Protection Agency in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications for: Small Watershed Grants Program and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 66.466.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 02, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 18, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $55,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official title of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is the Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) titled "Small Watershed Grants Program and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Program."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is EPA R3 CBP 23 14.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
What type of award is EPA planning to make under this RFA?
EPA intends to make cooperative agreement awards. This means EPA expects substantial involvement, coordination, and oversight during implementation rather than a hands-off grant relationship.
How many awards does EPA expect to make?
EPA intends to make two awards total under this RFA (an expected award count of two).
What is the maximum funding amount per award?
The award ceiling is up to $55,000,000 per award.
What is the total estimated funding available under this RFA?
The combined total estimated funding available is $110,000,000 across the multi-year period.
How is the funding expected to be distributed across years?
Funding is structured with approximately $20,000,000 anticipated for Year 1 and up to $30,000,000 per year for Years 2 through 4. These future amounts are contingent on appropriations, satisfactory performance, and other federal funding conditions.
What programs does this RFA support?
This RFA supports two major Chesapeake Bay restoration grant programs: the Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program and the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) grants program.
Is this RFA intended to directly fund on-the-ground restoration projects?
No. Rather than directly funding individual on-the-ground projects through this announcement, EPA is seeking organizations that can operate and manage the SWG and INSR grant programs on EPA's behalf.
What is EPA looking for applicants to do under these cooperative agreements?
EPA is seeking entities capable of administering and managing the SWG and INSR programs. In practice, this typically includes running competitive subaward processes, conducting outreach, providing technical assistance to applicants and grantees, selecting projects consistent with program goals, tracking performance and compliance, and reporting results.
What kinds of environmental outcomes are these programs meant to achieve?
The SWG and INSR programs are aimed at accelerating restoration actions that reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and demonstrating measurable nutrient and sediment reductions and other environmental outcomes.
What is meant by the Small Watershed Grants (SWG) program in this context?
Based on the opportunity description, SWG refers to the Planning, Assistance and Implementation - Small Watershed Grants program, which supports locally driven watershed work as part of Chesapeake Bay restoration.
What is meant by the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program?
INSR refers to the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grants program, focused on innovative approaches that can be replicated or scaled to accelerate nutrient and sediment reductions.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The assistance listing tied to the opportunity is CFDA 66.466.
What is the activity category for this opportunity?
The activity category is Environment.
Is coordination with another EPA competition required?
Yes. The organizations selected under this RFA must actively coordinate with the organizations selected under the companion Chesapeake Bay Program Office competition RFA EPA-I-R3-CBP-23-13.
What does EPA mean by "coordination" with the companion RFA?
EPA signals that SWG and INSR should work together efficiently and produce strong results. The expectation implies shared planning, alignment on program priorities, minimizing duplication, and ensuring funded projects and technical support efforts complement each other across the broader Chesapeake Bay restoration portfolio.
Can an organization apply to both this RFA and the companion RFA?
Yes. An applicant is allowed to pursue funding under both RFAs.
If applying to both RFAs, can an applicant submit one combined application?
No. The rules state that applicants must submit separate applications for each RFA.
What does "separate applications" mean in practice?
Each proposal must stand on its own merits with distinct narratives, budgets, workplans, and staffing plans tailored to the requirements of the specific RFA.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on August 2, 2023.
What was the original closing date for applications?
The original closing date was September 18, 2023.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full RFA text (not included in the information provided here).
Does the term "Others" specify exactly which organization types can apply?
No. The excerpt indicates that further eligibility details are in the full RFA text. The definitive list and any restrictions would be found in the eligibility section of the RFA.
What is the overall purpose of EPA making these awards?
The core purpose is to select entities capable of administering the SWG and INSR grant programs, ensuring rigorous project selection and oversight, and coordinating closely with related EPA-funded partners to deliver measurable Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration improvements.
What makes this opportunity "multi-year"?
The estimated funding is described across multiple years, with Year 1 funding anticipated and Years 2 through 4 funding projected (subject to federal conditions). This indicates the work and funding are planned over a multi-year period rather than a single-year award.
Are future-year funding amounts guaranteed?
No. Funding beyond the initial period is described as contingent on appropriations, satisfactory performance, and other federal funding conditions.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment
Next opportunity: WINDOWS ON THE UNIVERSE: THE ERA OF MULTI-MESSENGER ASTROPHYSICS
Previous opportunity: Service Area Competition
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for EPA R3 CBP 23 14
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (EPA R3 CBP 23 14) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Oceans Plastics - Solid Waste Management Program Apply for 72051723RFA00006 Funding Number: 72051723RFA00006 Agency: Agency for International Development, Dominican Republic USAID-Santo Domingo Category: Environment Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Environmental Cultural Resources Survey, Draughon Range (DR), Misawa Air Base, Japan Apply for W911KB 23 2 0013 Funding Number: W911KB 23 2 0013 Agency: Department of Defense, Alaska District Category: Environment Funding Amount: $220,000 |
| Tribal Support for E-Enterprise for the Environment, 2024-2029 Apply for EPA OCFO OEE 23 02 Funding Number: EPA OCFO OEE 23 02 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Archaeological Site Evaluation, MMRP, Fort Huachuca, Arizona Apply for W9124A 23 2 0001 Funding Number: W9124A 23 2 0001 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Environment Funding Amount: $95,000 |
| Native American Consultation Meeting Apply for W9124A 23 2 0002 A Funding Number: W9124A 23 2 0002 A Agency: Department of Defense Category: Environment Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Management, Wetland/Floodplains (BFMVA5323915) MGT, Invasive Species, Beach Dunes (BFMVA53236121) at Bellows Air Force Station (BAFS), Waimanalo, Hawai’i Apply for W911KB 23 2 0014 Funding Number: W911KB 23 2 0014 Agency: Department of Defense, Alaska District Category: Environment Funding Amount: $733,850 |
| Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications for: Chesapeake Bay Outreach and Engagement Support Apply for EPA I R3 CBP 23 16 Funding Number: EPA I R3 CBP 23 16 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Region 8 Fiscal Years 2023/2024 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA REG08 WPDG 23 01 Funding Number: EPA REG08 WPDG 23 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $2,722,000 |
| Region 2 Fiscal Year 2023 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA REG2 WPDG 23 24 Funding Number: EPA REG2 WPDG 23 24 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,588,000 |
| FY23 and FY24 Region 1 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA REG1 WPDG 23 01 Funding Number: EPA REG1 WPDG 23 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $2,722,000 |
| FY24 GUIDELINES FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBAL NATIONS AND ENTITIES ADDRESSING BROWNFIELDS GRANT Apply for EPA OLEM OBLR 23 10 Funding Number: EPA OLEM OBLR 23 10 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program Apply for EPA OW OGWDW 23 01 Funding Number: EPA OW OGWDW 23 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $6,650,000 |
| Region 5 Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA R5 WPDG 2023 Funding Number: EPA R5 WPDG 2023 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $2,824,553 |
| Urban Stormwater Workgroup Coordination Support for the Chesapeake Bay Program Apply for EPA R3 CBP 23 17 Funding Number: EPA R3 CBP 23 17 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,146,000 |
| Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 2 Apply for EPA EE 23 02 Funding Number: EPA EE 23 02 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 1 Apply for EPA EE 23 01 Funding Number: EPA EE 23 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 4 Apply for EPA EE 23 04 Funding Number: EPA EE 23 04 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 3 Apply for EPA EE 23 03 Funding Number: EPA EE 23 03 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 8 Apply for EPA EE 23 08 Funding Number: EPA EE 23 08 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 6 Apply for EPA EE 23 06 Funding Number: EPA EE 23 06 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EPA R3 CBP 23 14", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.