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RFP Open for White-Nose Syndrome Small Grants Program 2018-2019

October 2018 Edition | Volume 72, Issue 10

Published since 1946

RFP Open for White-Nose Syndrome Small Grants Program 2018-2019

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which can grow on bats while they are hibernating, causing them to burn energy at a time they should be inactive. It has been observed in North America since at least 2006 and has spread rapidly across the United States and Canada. The disease has killed millions of bats and continues to spread. In response to the continued threat of WNS to bat populations, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has committed $200,000 to fund the WNS Small Grants Program for the 2018-2019 year. These funds will support priority research and communications needs outlined in the White-Nose Syndrome National Plan. This funding will help advance conservation efforts to manage the spread of the disease and its effect on bat species throughout North America.

White Nose Syndrome Logo

On behalf of the (USFWS), The Wildlife Management Institute is currently accepting proposals for the 2018-2019 WNS Small Grants Program, and the deadline is Tuesday, October 23, 2018. Grant proposals may request up to $25,000, must commit to non-federal matching funds of at least 35 percent of the grant request, and projects will need to be completed within one year. This funding opportunity is open to non-federal government entities.

Applicants must address one of three priority topics:

  • Topic 1: Outreach, education programs and tools for communicating about WNS and the products developed by working groups of the WNS National Response.
  • Topic 2: Gaps in knowledge of bat life history, habits and ecological interactions relevant to managing WNS
  • Topic 3: Tools and strategies to improve survival rates for bats vulnerable to, or affected by WNS

The complete RFP contains instructions for submission of proposals and frequently asked questions as well as contact information for USFWS WNS working groups and coordinators.

Author
Meghan Gilbart
|
October 15, 2018