Great Ape Conservation Fund | F18AS00091

Opportunity Information: Apply for F18AS00091

The Great Ape Conservation Fund (GACF) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) grant and cooperative agreement opportunity created under the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000, a law passed in response to serious declines in ape populations across Africa and Asia. The main purpose of the fund is to conserve and protect great apes by supporting on-the-ground conservation programs in the countries where these species naturally occur, as well as supporting projects led by individuals and organizations that can show real experience and expertise in ape conservation. USFWS emphasizes working in coordination with national governments, other U.S. agencies, and a wide range of conservation partners, with an emphasis on strategies that are deliberate, results-based, and geared toward measurable conservation outcomes.

This funding opportunity solicits project proposals focused on the conservation of gorillas (Gorilla species), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), bonobos (Pan paniscus), orangutans (Pongo species), and gibbons (the family Hylobatidae) throughout their ranges. In practical terms, proposals are expected to target conservation needs where these apes live, which can include actions that directly reduce threats, improve habitat protection, strengthen law enforcement and compliance, support scientifically sound monitoring and research tied to management decisions, build local capacity for long-term protection, and improve coordination among agencies and stakeholders working in the same landscapes. While the notice does not list specific project types in the excerpt provided, the stated intent is clearly oriented toward tangible conservation results and partnerships that increase effectiveness across regions.

The opportunity is administered by the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, and is listed as a discretionary program. The funding instruments available are Grants and Cooperative Agreements, which generally means some awards may involve closer federal involvement and coordination depending on project needs and structure. The activity categories associated with the program are broad and include environment, natural resources, science and technology research and development, education, community development, business and commerce, and law/justice-related services, reflecting the reality that ape conservation often requires a mix of ecological work, enforcement, community engagement, and institutional strengthening rather than a single narrow approach.

Eligibility is relatively open compared to many federal opportunities. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, individuals, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. This wide eligibility is consistent with the program's goal of supporting capable actors with demonstrated conservation expertise, whether they are universities, local or international NGOs, community-linked organizations, independent experts, or private entities involved in conservation delivery.

For this specific posting (Funding Opportunity Number F18AS00091), the notice was created on March 27, 2018, and applications were due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 30, 2018. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $250,000, and the agency anticipated making around 25 awards. The program is associated with CFDA number 15.629, which is the federal assistance listing that applicants and administrators typically use for tracking and reporting purposes.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the business and commerce, community development, education, environment, law, justice and legal services, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Great Ape Conservation Fund" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.629.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 27, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 30, 2018 Complete applications are due before 1159pm EDT on April 30, 2018. (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 $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for F18AS00091

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