Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations participating in the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. Eligible partners include universities, nonprofit research institutions, and other entities formally affiliated with CESU. The research focuses on assessing aquatic contaminant risks to insectivorous birds across the U.S. and Europe.
Projects must address the specific research topic: spatial patterns of contaminant exposure and prey loss affecting aerial insectivorous birds. Geographic scope includes the U.S. and Europe. This is a research synthesis opportunity requiring strong scientific expertise in aquatic ecology, toxicology, or ornithology.
No cost-sharing is required. Awards range from $1,000 to $100,000.
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Program description
U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Powell Center solicits research on “A spatially explicit framework to assess the risk of aquatic contaminants to insectivorous birds.” This project will predict how contaminant and nutrient fluxes by adult aquatic insects contribute to a landscape of risk for aerial insectivorous birds. The research synthesis project will map areas of elevated risk for aerial insectivorous birds across the U.S. and Europe from contaminant effects on aquatic insect prey. Specifically, this project will elucidate the spatial patterns of risk due to prey loss and contaminant exposure through diet. This synthesis will enhance understanding of the spatial extent of aquatic contaminant fates and the impacts of those contaminants on aerial insectivores. This work will support species and habitat management by equipping decision makers with the tools to anticipate where and to what extent aquatic-borne contaminants and their (re)distribution across the landscape pose risks to environmental health at local, regional, and continental scales.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Cooperative Agreement application form (USGS-specific)
- Project narrative describing research synthesis approach
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capability statement
- Proof of CESU partnership status
- Letters of collaboration from team members
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 can apply for this grant?
Only organizations already participating as partners in the Rocky Mountain CESU can apply. You must have an existing affiliation with the CESU network.
What is the research focus?
The grant supports synthesis research on how aquatic contaminants and nutrient changes affect insectivorous bird populations across landscapes.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is November 14, 2026. Typically, USGS Cooperative Agreement programs do not accept rolling submissions.
What award amounts are available?
Awards range from $1,000 to $100,000. Total funding pool is $100,000 for all awards in this solicitation.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from applicants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your organization is an active Rocky Mountain CESU partner before investing effort in an application.
- Ground your proposal in existing literature on aquatic contaminants, insect prey dynamics, and bird population impacts.
- Use spatial analysis and mapping tools to demonstrate how your work will help land managers make decisions.
- Clearly explain how your research synthesis addresses both U.S. and European contexts if multi-regional.
- Contact USGS Powell Center program staff early to clarify expectations and strengthen your research framing.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a non-CESU partner organization and having your application rejected immediately. Proposing primary research rather than research synthesis. Failing to demonstrate how outputs will be actionable for wildlife managers and decision-makers.
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