Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) research partners. Only organizations that are participating members of the North Atlantic Coast CESU can apply. The program supports research on GeoAI-enabled data infrastructure for hydrology and elevation data. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, government agencies, or tribal organizations affiliated with the North Atlantic Coast CESU partnership.
This opportunity focuses on developing next-generation geospatial data systems. Research proposals should advance semantic enrichment and AI capabilities. The geographic scope covers the North Atlantic coastal region and related hydrological systems.
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) research partners. Only organizations that are participating members of the North Atlantic Coast CESU can apply. The program supports research on GeoAI-enabled data infrastructure for hydrology and elevation data. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, government agencies, or tribal organizations affiliated with the North Atlantic Coast CESU partnership.
This opportunity focuses on developing next-generation geospatial data systems. Research proposals should advance semantic enrichment and AI capabilities. The geographic scope covers the North Atlantic coastal region and related hydrological systems.
Program description
The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research focused on developing the next generation of authoritative, semantically enriched GeoAI-enabled data infrastructures for sharing of hydrology and elevation data and knowledge.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) research partners. Only organizations that are participating members of the North Atlantic Coast CESU can apply. The program supports research on GeoAI-enabled data infrastructure for hydrology and elevation data. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, government agencies, or tribal organizations affiliated with the North Atlantic Coast CESU partnership.
This opportunity focuses on developing next-generation geospatial data systems. Research proposals should advance semantic enrichment and AI capabilities. The geographic scope covers the North Atlantic coastal region and related hydrological systems.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (USGS or federal standard)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational information (501c3 status, CESU partner verification)
- Institutional commitment letter
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 rachel_miller@ios.doi.gov
- 📞 916-278-9331
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.808 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$240,000,000
-
$11,148,115
-
$10,533,234
-
$10,055,533
-
$8,476,627
-
$8,454,102
-
$7,659,261
-
$6,894,612
-
$6,800,079
-
$6,644,228
Top States by Funding
- CO 4 awards $245.0M
- CA 18 awards $70.3M
- AK 12 awards $32.6M
- FL 6 awards $22.8M
- WA 3 awards $16.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.808). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2021 | $35,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $157,201,151 | |
| 2023 | $263,107,440 | |
| 2024 | $125,066,719 | |
| 2025 est. | $110,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Only participating members of the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit can apply. You must have an existing partnership agreement with the CESU.
What types of organizations can apply?
Universities, nonprofits (501c3), government agencies, and tribal organizations that are CESU partners are eligible. For-profit companies are typically not eligible.
What research topics are funded?
The program supports development of GeoAI-enabled data infrastructures for hydrology and elevation data. Projects should focus on semantic enrichment and knowledge sharing systems.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is July 5, 2026. No rolling acceptance—submit before this date.
What is the typical funding amount?
Awards range from $1 to $49,995. The total program funding is approximately $50,000, so expect individual awards on the smaller end.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your organization is a current CESU partner before investing time in an application. Contact the North Atlantic Coast CESU directly to confirm eligibility.
- Focus your proposal on GeoAI and semantic data enrichment—this is the core research priority. Generic hydrology or elevation research may not be competitive.
- Emphasize how your project advances data sharing and interoperability across institutions. Collaboration is central to CESU mission.
- Budget carefully given the small award size ($1-50K). Plan a focused, achievable scope.
- Highlight partnerships and institutional support. CESU values multi-institutional collaboration and leveraged resources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirming CESU partnership status—ineligible proposals get rejected immediately. Proposing research outside the GeoAI/semantic data infrastructure focus area, even if hydrology-related. Underestimating administrative burden for a small award or failing to secure institutional commitment letters.
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