Frequent Questions: FY2022 Ruth Gates Coral Innovation Grants

When will proposals be due?

The deadline for proposals is February 23, 2022.

Are pre-proposals required?

No. There is no pre-proposal requirement for this funding opportunity.

Will match or cost-share be required for this grant opportunity?

NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program financial assistance awards are subject to statutory and regulatory matching fund policies. Federal funds for any coral conservation project under 16 U.S.C. § 6403(b) may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the award. Therefore, projects funded under this grant opportunity require a 1:1 contribution of non-federal matching funds.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant opportunity?

Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education; non-profit organizations; commercial (for-profit) organizations; U.S. territories, and state, local, and Native American tribal governments. All in-water work must be conducted within the U.S. coral jurisdictions. Applications from federal agencies or employees of federal agencies will not be considered. Federal agencies are strongly encouraged to work with states, tribes, non-governmental organizations, municipal and county governments, and others that are eligible to apply.

Will there be any educational resources (webinars, phone calls, etc.) on how to apply or improve applications?

No, we do not plan to hold an applicant webinar. Applicants may reach out directly to the federal program officer to have one on one conversations about the application process. Applicants may also request feedback about how to improve an application after the competitive process is complete. 

What is the minimum and maximum NOAA funding request?

NOAA will accept proposals with a NOAA federal funding request of between $100,000 or and $1 million over a 3-year award period.

When can funded projects start?

September 1, 2022, is the earliest potential start date for awards. 

Are there ineligible project types?

Yes, a complete list is in Section III.C of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Some examples include activities that:

1. Alleviate the liability associated with legally required mitigation
2. Constitute compensatory restoration
3. Are required by a separate consent decree, court order, statute, or regulation. 

Is there a limit on the number of proposals from any one applicant, geographic area, or region?

No. There is no limit on the number of proposals from any one applicant, geographic area, or region. 

Will a letter from my state or territory’s governor be required?

No, a letter from your state or territory governor is not required. However, applicants who propose in-water pilot testing of coral intervention/restoration methods are requested to provide evidence of project support or collaboration with relevant representatives of states or government authorities who manage the areas where the work takes place. 

Will NOAA ensure geographic distribution of selected awards?

The NOAA Selecting Official will recommend applications for funding in rank order unless there is justification to select out of rank order based upon standard selection factors outlined in the funding opportunity, including the availability of funding and balanced distribution of funds according to geography, type of institution, type of partner, research/focus area, and project type.

Will there be another Ruth Gates Coral Restoration Innovation Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity issued next year (FY23)?

NOAA is not expecting to have a new funding announcement in FY23. Availability of funds for future competitions is based on the annual federal appropriations process and the final budget. Depending on the level of funding made available by Congress, NOAA anticipates an additional $500,000 to $1,500,000 may be available over the next 2 years (FY23 - FY24) to support selected awards.