Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Nov 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Chesapeake Watershed CESU partners conducting science communication work on watershed topics.
Eligible recipients must be current participating partners of the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. Your organization must have an established partnership agreement with the CESU.
The grant funds collaboration between USGS and CESU partners to translate peer-reviewed research into communication products like fact sheets. Funded activities address clean water, wildlife protection, and state/local priority support in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Geographic focus is the Chesapeake Bay watershed and surrounding areas.
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Program description
USGS Chesapeake Bay studies seeks to collaborate with the Chesapeake Watershed CESU to strengthen science communication to support decision-making in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The CESU partner will work closely with the USGS to collect and translate peer-reviewed publications (including journal articles and USGS reports) into communication products (such as USGS approved fact sheets) that address Department of Interior strategic priorities. This agreement is urgently needed to support communication of the following priorities: (1) providing clean water for people and communities, (2) protecting fish and wildlife to support a heritage of outdoor recreation, and (3) addressing the needs and priorities of state and local partners.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project narrative/statement of work
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organization background and CESU partnership documentation
- Proposed communication products (examples or descriptions)
- Letters of support from state or local partners
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 9 awards $247.6M
- CA 24 awards $73.6M
- AK 17 awards $35.1M
- FL 7 awards $23.2M
- 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.
| 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 current participating partners of the Chesapeake Watershed CESU may apply. You must already have an established partnership agreement with the CESU.
What activities does this grant fund?
The grant funds translating peer-reviewed science into USGS-approved communication products like fact sheets. Work focuses on supporting clean water, wildlife protection, and regional decision-making.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $1 to $250,000. Total program funding is $250,000, so individual awards depend on competitive selection.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. All eligible project costs can be fully funded through the cooperative agreement.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 30, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling acceptance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's existing CESU partnership status in your application materials.
- Focus proposals on translating existing peer-reviewed research rather than conducting new studies.
- Highlight how your science communication products will support state and local watershed decision-making.
- Align your work clearly with USGS and Department of Interior strategic priorities around clean water and wildlife.
- Demonstrate capacity to produce USGS-approved communication products (fact sheets, reports, etc.).
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications from non-CESU partners will be rejected regardless of project quality. Proposals that focus primarily on new research rather than science translation will not be competitive. Failing to address Department of Interior strategic priorities or show state/local stakeholder engagement reduces competitiveness.
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