Opportunity Information: Apply for S21AS00571

The Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP) Not-for-Profit Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Reclamation Projects opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number S21AS00571) is a discretionary federal funding program administered by the Office of Surface Mining. It provides support through a cooperative agreement, meaning the agency is likely to have an active role in working with awardees during project implementation rather than simply issuing a grant with minimal involvement. The program sits in the natural resources funding category (CFDA/Assistance Listing 15.253) and is focused on addressing watershed impacts tied to polluted streams and acid mine drainage.

Eligibility is tightly limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Applicants must be able to prove their nonprofit status, typically through IRS documentation, although a qualifying tribal resolution can also serve as proof where appropriate. Beyond basic nonprofit eligibility, the project itself must be formally certified as eligible at the state or tribal level under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), specifically Section 404. This requirement signals that projects must align with established AML/AMD reclamation eligibility rules and be recognized by the appropriate governmental authority before they can be funded under this opportunity.

The application is expected to clearly explain how the proposed work will benefit both communities and ecosystems affected by polluted streams and/or acid mine drainage. In practical terms, proposals should connect planned reclamation activities to measurable or well-supported outcomes such as improved water quality, restored aquatic habitat, reduced contamination, better public health and safety conditions, and broader community benefits like improved recreation, aesthetics, or local environmental resilience. The emphasis is not only on technical remediation but also on demonstrating public value in areas that have experienced environmental harm from mining-related pollution.

Because projects may require work on or access across private or otherwise controlled lands, applicants must secure a written right-of-access agreement with the property owner or owners. This condition is meant to ensure that the project can actually be implemented as proposed and that access issues will not stall or prevent on-the-ground reclamation activities. The opportunity also places weight on community backing: applicants must include copies of letters of support from local community groups, businesses, and individuals. These letters help demonstrate local buy-in and partnerships, and they can strengthen the case that the project is responsive to real community needs rather than being developed in isolation.

In terms of funding size and timing, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of $100,000, indicating that individual cooperative agreements are not expected to exceed that amount. The posting shows an original closing date of September 7, 2021, with a creation date of July 1, 2021. While the listing does not specify the number of awards expected in the provided text, the ceiling and eligibility requirements make it clear the program is designed for targeted, project-based AMD reclamation efforts led by qualified nonprofits that can document legal eligibility, site access, and community support.

  • The Office of Surface Mining in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP) Not- for-Profit Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Reclamation Projects." and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.253.
  • This funding opportunity was created on 2021-07-01.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
  • Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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