Partnering For Bat Conservation in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks | P17AS00729

Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00729

The grant opportunity titled "Partnering For Bat Conservation in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks" (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00729) is a National Park Service (NPS) effort under the U.S. Department of the Interior to support bat conservation and public education in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It is categorized as a discretionary opportunity and will be administered through a cooperative agreement, which signals that NPS staff will be actively involved in the project rather than simply providing funds and stepping back. The work falls under the Natural Resources funding activity category (CFDA 15.954) and is centered on strengthening conservation outcomes for bat species and the broader nocturnal ecosystems they depend on in the Sierra Nevada.

At its core, the project is designed around a collaboration between personnel from SPC and the NPS. The partnership has two main components that reinforce each other: monitoring bats to improve understanding and management of their populations and habitats, and building public awareness and appreciation for nocturnal ecology, with bats as the flagship focus. On the science and resource management side, the work involves coordinated monitoring efforts that can help parks track bat presence, activity, and potential stressors, which is especially important given the ecological role bats play in insect control and overall ecosystem balance. While the notice does not list specific field methods, the stated objective is clear: gather and support information that helps protect and enhance key elements of Sierra Nevada ecosystems tied to bats and their habitat needs.

The public engagement side of the project emphasizes education, interpretation, and outreach aimed at helping visitors and surrounding communities better understand bats and night ecology. The opportunity specifically highlights creating public opportunities to learn about bats, increasing enjoyment and understanding of nighttime natural resources, and growing appreciation for habitats that are often overlooked because they are most active after dark. In practical terms, this kind of work commonly includes guided night programs, talks, demonstrations, interpretive materials, and other visitor-facing activities that make nocturnal wildlife more accessible and less misunderstood. A notable piece of the project is the plan to collaboratively develop conservation messages about nocturnal ecosystems, meaning SPC and NPS will work together to craft consistent, effective communication that encourages stewardship and supports conservation goals.

In terms of funding and award structure, the announcement states an award ceiling of $50,000, with one expected award. Importantly, this is not a request for applications. It is a Notice of Intent to Award, issued to provide public notice that the National Park Service plans to fund the project under an existing cooperative agreement with SPC. Eligibility information is included for context, listing nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), but because the announcement is not soliciting proposals, the typical competitive application process is not part of this opportunity. The notice was created on August 25, 2017, with an original closing date of September 15, 2017, reflecting the administrative timeline for the public notice rather than an open competition.

Overall, the opportunity supports a blended approach: pairing on-the-ground bat monitoring with visitor and public education to protect and enhance Sierra Nevada nocturnal ecosystems. The intended outcome is both ecological and cultural: better conservation of bats and their habitats, alongside a stronger public connection to, understanding of, and enjoyment of nighttime park resources.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Partnering For Bat Conservation in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.954.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 25, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 15, 2017 Not a request for applications NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD. This funding announcement is to provide public notice that the National Park Service will fund the following project under an existing Cooperative Agreement with SPC. (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 $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for P17AS00729

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