2020 Small Research Grant Opportunities at Point Reyes National Seashore, the Tomales Bay Watershed, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Deadline February 24, 2020

Each year, nearly 150 independent research projects are conducted within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Tomales Bay. While these areas provide a natural laboratory for ecological and other scientific research, many of these projects provide key information for the conservation and informed management of natural resources. To encourage partnerships with the research community and to support National Park Service (NPS) and partner information needs, we are pleased to offer three grant competitions this year:

1. The Neubacher Fund for Marine Science at Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) accepts requests of up to $3,000 for marine research conducted in the immediate vicinity of PRNS and Tomales Bay (Between Bolinas and Tomales Point and up to 5 km from shore). Studies that strive to understand long-term changes and patterns in marine and estuarine ecosystems are encouraged. We anticipate awarding two grants in 2020.
2. The Golden Gate Science Into Action Fund at Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) funds small grants of up to $3,000 on research projects within the boundaries of GGNRA. There are no restrictions on topics other than within the natural sciences. We anticipate awarding up to four grants in 2020. A copy of research priorities for the Golden Gate Science funds can be found at:https://www.ptreyes.org/learn-about-seashore/seashore-science
3. The Tomales Bay Watershed Council Science Fund will provide up to $4,500 for a proposal that addresses or advances one of the Watershed Council’s top 4 science priorities which are (1) Human use patterns in Tomales Bay, (2) Sea level rise mitigation, planning and management, (3) Understanding coho salmon habitat use in Tomales Bay, and (4) Long-term monitoring of eelgrass habitats. We will award one grant in 2020.

Proposals will be rated on the following factors:

• The proposal is sound and feasible in terms of time frame, access to National Park or natural area resources, and personnel.
• The proposal advances scientific knowledge of the region.
• The project deliverables are clearly articulated and appropriate in scope.
• The applicant is well qualified to undertake the proposed research. Graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, faculty, and other professional scientists are eligible to apply.
• The proposal is clearly written and complete.
• The budget appropriately maps onto project objectives and tasks.
• The proposed research addresses conservation or management needs.
• Educational opportunities for students and the public.
• Researcher will present findings at an appropriate local meeting or conference.

Prior to submitting a proposal, researchers should inquire with [e-mail] about research needs, logistics, permitting, and subject matter contacts within NPS or the Tomales Bay Watershed Council. There is reasonable overlap in subject area for grants 1 and 3 above, therefore you may use a single proposal to apply to more than one grant source. We do not anticipate awarding more than one grant to a single project, unless the project is unusually compelling and comprehensive.

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SMALL GRANTS APPLICATION INTRUCTIONS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Feb 24, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARDS: March 20, 2020

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A completed proposal and all supporting materials (or questions) should be emailed to [e-mail]. A single PDF of all documents is preferred, but not required.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

The application should have four sections: (1) Applicant information, (2) Project Description, (3) Budget, and (4 ) Curriculum Vitae. If possible, the overall package should not exceed seven pages.

• Use the formatting from numbers 1-4 below to create application (Ideally PDF).
• Font size must be 11 point or higher.
• For students and post-docs only–One short letter of support that your advisor supports the project. The letter may be submitted by email to [e-mail] or attached to the application as an additional page.

1. APPLICANT INFORMATION (ONE PAGE)

Which grant(s) you are applying for (Neubacher, GGNPC or Tomales Bay Watershed Council):
Name:
Project Title:
Present positionor degreebeing sought:
Institution:
Mailing address:
Telephone number:
E-Mail address:
Research advisor (if applicable):
Who letter of supportwill be submitted by (if applicable):
NPS Staff or Watershed Council members you have discussed your research with:

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (THREE PAGE LIMIT)

The project description shouldhave the following sections:

A. Title.

B. Introduction.

Briefly state the problem/questions to be studied, and current status of knowledge.

C. Research Description.

Briefly describe the research, include hypotheses and general experimental design. Address sample sizes and statistical approaches when necessary. Description of field methods and study site(s). Include a general timeline of the project.

E. Describe the significance of the proposedwork and benefits to park and local management.

F. Anticipated scientific and popular publications.

G. Describe potential educational opportunties for local students (i.e., talk to a local school, field trip). We can help plan this or suggest opportunities.

D. Collecting/research or other permits:

Include a statement as to their status. NPS Research Permits can be applied for at: irma.nps.gov/rprs/
(It is not required to apply for a permit prior to submitting this grant application). Projects in Tomales Bay may require permits from the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the State of California.

H.Literature Cited (may be short or compact format).

3. PROJECT BUDGET (ONE PAGE LIMIT)

Place the Project Budget on a separate page in table format. It can be simple but should include the following:

A. Total projected costs of the entire research projectbroken down into salaries, supplies & equipment, travel, and other. The budget should specify potential and secured sources of additional funding (or in-kind match) and costs requested from this grant source.

i. If travel by automobile is required, an allowance of up to 58cents per mile may be used.
ii. The following items ARE allowable: consumable supplies, expendable equipment, living expenses in the field, funds for field assistants, travel expenses of the principal investigator.
iii. The following ARE GENERALLY NOT supported: permanent equipment, salary for principal investigator, overhead/indirect costs greater than 5%, conference or meeting costs.

B. Brief budget justification for any expenses that are not obvious. (<250 words).

4. CURRICULUM VITAE (TWO PAGE LIMIT)