Natural Leaders Network | F17AS00165

Opportunity Information: Apply for F17AS00165

The Natural Leaders Network grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F17AS00165) was a discretionary grant offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. It was created on March 15, 2017, with an original closing date of March 22, 2017, indicating a short application window and a targeted, time-sensitive funding action. The program sits in the natural resources funding activity area and is listed under CFDA 15.676, tying it to federal assistance aimed at conservation-related public benefits.

This funding was initiated because the Fish and Wildlife Service received an unsolicited proposal from the Children and Nature Network. The proposal focused on supporting the Natural Leaders Network and, specifically, its Legacy Camp program. Rather than being framed as a broad, open competition, the structure and language suggest a highly specific award intent centered on implementing a defined set of activities connected to that proposal. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $58,000, and the listing shows expected awards as 0, which commonly reflects that the notice is being posted to document the funding action and its purpose rather than to signal multiple forthcoming awards.

The project objectives were practical and programmatic: first, to support instructor training for Legacy Camp, and second, to implement four regional Legacy Camps. In other words, the funding was meant to strengthen both the capacity behind the program (training and preparing instructors who can deliver the curriculum and mentor participants effectively) and the on-the-ground delivery of camps across multiple regions. By funding regional camps rather than a single event, the effort aimed to broaden geographic reach and create more entry points for participation.

The overarching goal was to expand the Natural Leaders Network's ability to train, support, and mentor young adult leaders so they can drive lasting change in their own communities by increasing access to nature. The emphasis on young adults highlights a leadership pipeline approach, where participants are not only introduced to outdoor experiences but are also developed as community leaders who can organize, advocate, and build programs that connect more people to nature over time. This approach aligns with workforce and civic leadership development in conservation, focusing on long-term community impact rather than one-time engagement.

The opportunity explicitly aligned with the Fish and Wildlife Service priority of connecting people with nature. It also supported broader efforts to introduce youth from diverse backgrounds to nature and to conservation leadership opportunities. That framing signals an intent to reduce barriers to outdoor access, expand representation in conservation spaces, and help participants see pathways into conservation leadership. Eligibility was listed generally as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text (not included in the excerpt), which is consistent with listings that anticipate a specific type of organization or a particular applicant identified through the unsolicited proposal process.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Natural Leaders Network" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.676.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 15, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 22, 2017. (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 $58,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for F17AS00165

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