Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU partner organizations conducting research on aquatic species and freshwater ecosystems. Eligible applicants must be participating members of the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Program. The funding supports development, evaluation, and synthesis of species distribution models, habitat condition mapping, and biogeographic information at national scale.
Research must focus on freshwater organisms and align with DOI conservation priorities. Applicants should have expertise in aquatic ecology, species distribution modeling, geospatial analysis, or ecological data synthesis. The project emphasizes collaborative, nationally relevant science that supports species management and conservation decision-making.
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Program description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the development, evaluation, and synthesis of national-scale biogeographic information for fish and other aquatic organisms. This project supports research that improves how species distributions, habitat conditions, and conservation needs are mapped and analyzed across the United States. The project focuses on three technical areas: (1) advancing statistical and analytical methods that integrate multiple lines of evidence to improve species distribution models for freshwater organisms; (2) evaluating the accuracy, uncertainty, and environmental sensitivity of habitat models; and (3) using modern synthesis tools, including artificial intelligence, to assemble and maintain up-to-date information on species traits, conservation status, and habitat preferences. These activities will help resource managers make informed decisions about conserving aquatic species and freshwater ecosystems.
The USGS intends to provide support for work that directly aligns with Department of the Interior (DOI) scientific and conservation priorities, including the development and application of actionable science for species management and cooperative conservation with local communities and Tribes. This opportunity supports DOI strategic objectives related to conserving land and water resources, improving ecological data and analysis, and strengthening shared stewardship across agencies and partners.
The proposal objectives clearly supports, informs, and benefits the following:
- SO 3447 – Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Depart of the Interior Lands and Waters (January 7, 2026)
- SO 3442 – Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior September 4, 2025),
- EO 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025)
- SO 3441 –Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, May 23, 2025 (August 29, 2025)
- SO 3444 – Leading Interior’s Path to Artificial Intelligence Transformation (September 17, 2025), and SO 3435 – Implementation of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act June 25, 2025).
This funding opportunity is appropriate for applicants with expertise in aquatic ecology, species distribution modeling, geospatial analysis, and ecological data synthesis. Prospective applicants should review the focus areas above to determine alignment of their capabilities with project needs and assess their interest in contributing to collaborative, nationally relevant biogeographic science.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- CESU partnership confirmation (proof of participating partner status)
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- CV or qualifications for key personnel
- Letters of support from resource manager partners or Tribes (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 katherine_calder@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 8 awards $247.1M
- CA 23 awards $73.1M
- AK 15 awards $34.2M
- FL 6 awards $22.8M
- WA 4 awards $16.6M
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.
| 2024 | $125,066,719 | |
| 2025 | $54,713,074 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible for this grant?
Your organization must be a participating partner of the Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU. Typically this means academic institutions, nonprofits, or state agencies already partnered with the CESU network.
What types of research projects are supported?
Projects developing species distribution models, evaluating habitat models, and synthesizing aquatic organism data using statistical methods and AI tools. Work must focus on freshwater species at national or regional scales.
What is the typical project timeline?
Grant descriptions typically indicate 1-2 year projects, but consult the full RFP for exact duration options and any multi-year continuation language.
What makes a competitive application?
Clear alignment with DOI science and conservation priorities. Strong technical team with aquatic ecology or geospatial expertise. Demonstrated partnership with resource managers or Tribes who will use the results.
What is the award range?
Individual awards range from $1,000 to $150,000. Total program funding is $150,000, so awards are competitive and may be smaller depending on proposal scope and competition.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your project directly supports DOI strategic objectives on species conservation or ecological data analysis. Reference the specific secretarial orders mentioned in the RFP.
- Highlight collaboration with Tribes, state agencies, or resource managers who will use your research for real conservation decisions. USGS prioritizes actionable science.
- Demonstrate technical capability in species distribution modeling, geospatial analysis, or AI-based data synthesis. Include team member expertise relevant to your proposed work.
- Keep your proposal nationally relevant. Frame local or regional research within broader biogeographic or species management contexts.
- Start early. Confirm your organization's CESU partnership status before investing proposal effort. Contact the Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU coordinator if unclear.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail to demonstrate clear alignment with DOI conservation priorities or executive orders listed in the RFP. Proposals lack evidence of end-user engagement with resource managers or Tribes who will apply the research. Applicants underestimate technical demands of species distribution modeling and geospatial data synthesis work.
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