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.Apply for S21AS00571
- 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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Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP) Not-for-Profit Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Reclamation Projects (S21AS00571) - FAQs
What is this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP) Not-for-Profit Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Reclamation Projects. It is a discretionary federal funding program administered by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) to support projects that address watershed impacts from polluted streams and acid mine drainage.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is S21AS00571.
Is this a grant or something else?
Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement. This generally means the agency is expected to have an active role in working with awardees during project implementation, rather than providing a traditional grant with minimal federal involvement.
What is the program category and Assistance Listing number?
The opportunity is in the natural resources funding category and is associated with CFDA/Assistance Listing 15.253.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Institutions of higher education are specifically excluded.
Are colleges or universities allowed to apply?
No. Institutions of higher education are excluded from eligibility under the information provided.
What proof of nonprofit status is required?
Applicants must be able to prove 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, typically using IRS documentation. In some cases, a qualifying tribal resolution can also serve as proof where appropriate.
Does the project site or project type have to meet any additional eligibility requirements beyond nonprofit status?
Yes. 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.
What does SMCRA Section 404 certification mean for applicants?
It means the proposed AML/AMD reclamation project must be recognized as eligible by the appropriate state or tribal authority under established SMCRA eligibility rules before it can be funded under this opportunity.
What kinds of impacts or benefits should the application describe?
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, tying planned activities to outcomes such as improved water quality, restored aquatic habitat, reduced contamination, better public health and safety conditions, and broader community benefits (for example, recreation, aesthetics, or local environmental resilience).
Is the program focused only on technical remediation?
No. The emphasis includes technical remediation, but also demonstrating public value and community benefit in areas harmed by mining-related pollution.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling listed is $100,000, meaning individual cooperative agreements are not expected to exceed $100,000.
When was this opportunity posted and when was it due?
The creation date shown is July 1, 2021, and the original closing date listed is September 7, 2021.
Does the listing specify how many awards will be made?
The provided information does not specify the number of awards expected.
Is a right-of-access agreement required?
Yes. If the project requires work on or access across private or otherwise controlled lands, the applicant must secure a written right-of-access agreement with the property owner or owners.
Why is a written right-of-access agreement important for this opportunity?
This requirement is intended to ensure the project can be implemented as proposed and that access issues do not stall or prevent on-the-ground reclamation activities.
Are letters of support required?
Yes. Applicants must include copies of letters of support from local community groups, businesses, and individuals to demonstrate community backing and partnerships.
What is the purpose of including letters of support?
Letters of support help demonstrate local buy-in and that the project is responsive to real community needs rather than developed in isolation. They may strengthen the case for the project.
What problem area is this program trying to address?
The program focuses on watershed impacts tied to polluted streams and acid mine drainage, supporting AMD reclamation efforts that address environmental harm from mining-related pollution.
What should a strong proposal emphasize based on the listing details?
Based on the provided information, a strong proposal should: (1) confirm applicant eligibility as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (not a higher education institution), (2) show the project is SMCRA Section 404 certified as eligible by the state or tribal authority, (3) clearly explain community and ecosystem benefits tied to AMD/polluted stream impacts, (4) include written right-of-access agreements where needed, and (5) provide letters of support from local stakeholders.
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