Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Hawaii-Pacific Island Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Can you apply?
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in ecosystem research and conservation to establish or strengthen affiliated partnerships with the Hawaii-Pacific Island Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (HPICESU). Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct research on topics relevant to Hawaiian and Pacific island ecosystems, resource management, and biodiversity. The program supports collaborative research that addresses natural resource management priorities across Hawaii and Pacific island territories, with a geographic focus on Hawaii, Pacific island territories, and affiliated island ecosystems. Funded activities include research projects, monitoring programs, capacity building, and technical assistance that advance ecosystem understanding and inform conservation and management decisions.
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in ecosystem research and conservation to establish or strengthen affiliated partnerships with the Hawaii-Pacific Island Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (HPICESU). Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct research on topics relevant to Hawaiian and Pacific island ecosystems, resource management, and biodiversity. The program supports collaborative research that addresses natural resource management priorities across Hawaii and Pacific island territories, with a geographic focus on Hawaii, Pacific island territories, and affiliated island ecosystems. Funded activities include research projects, monitoring programs, capacity building, and technical assistance that advance ecosystem understanding and inform conservation and management decisions.
Program description
The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research work intended to evaluate the economic impact of brown treesnake caused power outages in Guam. The work will also evaluate potential economic tradeoffs between different control approaches based on the number and type of outages they prevent.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in ecosystem research and conservation to establish or strengthen affiliated partnerships with the Hawaii-Pacific Island Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (HPICESU). Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct research on topics relevant to Hawaiian and Pacific island ecosystems, resource management, and biodiversity. The program supports collaborative research that addresses natural resource management priorities across Hawaii and Pacific island territories, with a geographic focus on Hawaii, Pacific island territories, and affiliated island ecosystems. Funded activities include research projects, monitoring programs, capacity building, and technical assistance that advance ecosystem understanding and inform conservation and management decisions.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (Assurances and Certifications)
- Project narrative (research approach, management relevance, and partnership details)
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Letters of commitment from USGS scientist and partner agencies
- Institutional support letter demonstrating organizational commitment
- Curriculum vitae or biosketches of key personnel
- Documentation of institutional capacity and relevant experience
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?
Universities, colleges, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, and government agencies with research capacity and interest in Hawaiian and Pacific island ecosystem issues are typically eligible. Applicants must have the ability to conduct rigorous scientific research.
What is the typical deadline and application window?
The application deadline is June 12, 2026, with applications opening May 13, 2026. This gives applicants approximately one month to prepare and submit their proposals.
What types of activities and research are supported?
Funded activities include ecosystem research, natural resource monitoring, conservation planning, environmental assessment, capacity building, and applied research that supports management decisions for Hawaiian and Pacific island ecosystems.
How competitive is this grant?
Cooperative agreements with CESU units are moderately competitive. Success depends on research quality, alignment with USGS and agency management priorities, partnership strength, and demonstrated regional expertise.
What is the typical funding range?
While specific amounts vary, CESU cooperative agreements typically range from $50,000 to $250,000+ annually, depending on project scope and duration. Multi-year funding is common.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish strong partnerships with USGS scientists and Hawaii-Pacific island resource management agencies before applying; this grant explicitly requires affiliated partnerships with the CESU network.
- Clearly articulate how your research addresses specific natural resource management needs identified by Hawaii or Pacific island resource agencies, demonstrating applied relevance.
- Emphasize capacity building and workforce development, as CESU programs prioritize training the next generation of ecosystem scientists and managers.
- Include letters of commitment from partner agencies and USGS scientists indicating their engagement in the project and willingness to collaborate.
- Highlight any existing relationships with Hawaiian communities, Pacific island governments, or tribal nations; these partnerships strengthen cultural relevance and implementation success.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when applicants underestimate the importance of established partnerships—this grant requires affiliated status with the CESU unit, and weak partner engagement is a leading rejection reason. Another common issue is proposing research that lacks clear connections to management decisions or agency priorities; reviewers prioritize applied science outcomes. Finally, insufficient detail on how the research will build capacity or develop workforce skills in the Hawaii-Pacific region often results in low competitiveness scores.
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