eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants FAQs

NOAA and NAAEE are interested in forging lasting partnerships between environmental education providers, aquaculture industry experts, and NOAA to achieve greater impacts at several levels. This competitively-based funding opportunity aims to support such partnerships by funding the development of aquaculture education programs that are responsive to the following goals of the Community of Practice for Aquaculture Literacy (CoPAL):

• Bringing aquaculture education programming to institutions and/or target audiences currently lacking resources; 
• Building the capacity of environmental education providers to offer high-quality programming in nonformal and formal settings by matching aquaculture communication needs with existing research; and 
• Developing creative approaches for public engagement that promote a culture that values innovation, exploration, and community-relevant learning as a context for improving public aquaculture literacy.

The Fiscal Year 2021 Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants funding opportunity is now open. This “FAQ” is meant to supplement the funding announcement. Please read the entire funding announcement for all requirements and information on submission of an application.

For the eeBlue Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants, pre-applications are not required. The deadline for full applications is 11:59 PM ET on Friday, April 2, 2021. Review of applications will occur from April through May 2020. It is anticipated that recommendations for funding under this announcement will be made by early summer 2021. Projects funded under this announcement will start no earlier than July 2021.

For more information about this opportunity, please watch the informational webinar.

If you have any other questions, please email eeBLUE@naaee.org. 

Q: Are there any models for the budget-related elements of the application?
A: Yes, a model for the budget table is available here. 

Q: Are there any checklists to help me ensure I submit a complete application?
A: Yes, a checklist for completing a full application is available here. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

Q: My question is not on this list and is not answered in the Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity. What should I do?
A: Contact the Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants team at eeBLUE@naaee.org. 

Q: How do I submit my application package?
A: The Lead PI on the proposed project should submit their application package as a PDF file to eeBLUE@naaee.org. Please include your project title as the subject line of the email. Formatting guidance can be found here. For information about merging multiple PDF documents, you can review this website.

Q: What types of project activities are allowed?
A: NOAA will consider funding a wide range of project types, but all projects must support innovative approaches to aquaculture and related environmental topics. Project proposals must identify a target audience(s) within a community, and explain how the creation of proposed resources will benefit that community. Projects should create opportunities that build the collective aquaculture literacy necessary for communities to become more understanding of the aquaculture sector and more comfortable discussing related environmental topics. Projects that build sufficient aquaculture literacy within a community will aid community members in developing their knowledge, skills, and confidence to: (1) reason about the ways that aquaculture connects to human and natural systems, both globally and where they live; (2) participate in scientific and/or civic processes that help them understand aquaculture topics; and (3) consider scientific uncertainty, cultural knowledge, and diverse community values in aquaculture-related decision making.

Q: How can I learn more about state aquaculture activities and programs?
Contact NOAA’s Regional Aquaculture Coordinators (RACs). If you are having trouble connecting with RACs, please contact our team at eeBLUE@naaee.org. 

Q: Do projects need to focus on a single community and a single aquaculture topic within that community?
A: No. Projects may focus on a single aquaculture related topic or a range of topics that may be relevant to the community or communities. Therefore, a project may focus on any of the following:

• A single community and an aquaculture topic or environmental topic associated with that community’s location;
• A single community and a range of aquaculture topics associated with that community’s location; 
• Multiple communities and a single aquaculture topic associated with the locations of those communities; or
• Multiple communities and a range of aquaculture topics associated with the locations of those communities.

Q: Is it required that my project reach groups from underserved communities? 
A: No. However, there is an interest in projects that specifically engage highly vulnerable members of the community the project serves. Underserved members of a community, such as minority, low income, homeless, persons with disabilities, and rural, tribal, and Indigenous populations, often have fewer resources to prepare aquaculture messaging, learning opportunities, and educational materials.

Q: Is it required that my project reach children and youth?
A: No. However, engaging youth in community conversations about aquaculture and other environmental topics can benefit the planning process. Children strengthen efforts that involve them since they are positive influencers, can become leaders, and are more confident discussing sustainable aquaculture decisions (i.e. becoming consumers) when they feel prepared for it. We expect projects involving children and youth to address their need for improved scientific skills and provide opportunities for them to engage in the process of building collective knowledge about aquaculture.

Q: What is the goal of this funding opportunity? 
A: The goal of this funding opportunity is to build working partnerships that enhance public aquaculture literacy so that the target audiences become more knowledgeable of the ways in which aquaculture relates to their community, and can become involved in discussions about sustainable aquaculture.

Q: At what scale should projects be implemented? 
A: Projects will likely be implemented on the local level (e.g., county, city, or township), but projects may be implemented in more than one locality. Projects should clearly identify and describe the geographic location(s), the aquaculture topic(s) that will be the focus of the project, the target audience(s), and how groups living in those location(s) may be in need of support to develop such knowledge.

Projects can occur anywhere within the United States and US territories. However, projects must be implemented only within the United States and its territories – which include Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It does not include Freely Associated States—the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau. 

Q: Must my project focus on or include impacts that occur in coastal communities?
A: No, this funding opportunity does not have a focus on coastal communities. Projects can choose to focus on coastal communities, but it is NOT a requirement.

Q: Will there be funding in the future for these projects?
A: No, not at this time. This is currently a one-time funding opportunity.

Q: Is a Logic Model a required component of my application package?

A: No, a logic model is not required for this application package. The Program Logic Model that is provided on the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grant page was created at the beginning of this aquaculture literacy effort. It is meant to be a reference for applicants to understand our larger efforts.

Q: My question is not on this list and is not answered in the Notice of Federal Funding. What should I do?
A: Contact the Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants team at eeBLUE@naaee.org.

Q: How do I access the application package in Grants.gov?
A: The application package is now available on the NAAEE website on the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants Program page. 

Q: I am having technical problems submitting my application. What do I do?
A: Please email eeBLUE@naaee.org for further help submitting your application.

Q: When are the full applications due?
A: The deadline for full applications is 11:59 PM ET on April 2, 2021. After this deadline passes, we will no longer accept applications. We will only accept applications submitted to eeBLUE@naaee.org. (Please note: staff will only be available to answer questions Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM Eastern Time.)

Q: Are original ("wet") signatures required on any part of the full application?
A: No, wet signatures are not required on any part of the full application. Certified digital signatures are required.

Q: May I submit a full application by mail, email, or fax?
A: No. We will only accept full applications submitted through eeBLUE@naaee.org.

Q: What if my institution's Internet connection is unavailable at the submission deadline?
A: Please avoid this problem by submitting early. If you choose not to submit until the last minute, you do so at your own risk.

Q: Can I request an extension of time to submit a full application?
A: No.

Q: I submitted my full application to eeBLUE@naaee.org, but later discovered a mistake or missing element in my application. What should I do?
A: As long as the problem was discovered before the posted full application deadline, you may re-submit the corrected application to eeBLUE@naaee.org. Please notify the Aquaculture Literacy grants team by including it in the subject line [CORRECTION!]. Once the full application deadline has passed, submitted applications may not be corrected or updated.

Q: My question is not on this list and is not answered in the Notice of Federal Funding. What should I do?
A: Contact the Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants team at eeBLUE@naaee.org.

Q: What counts as Aquaculture Education and Outreach? 

What doesn’t count (for this effort)

Formal and Informal programming for K-12 and General Public audiences.

Research of gear technology (unless it is an assessment of public perception).

Consumer, Industry, and Network Outreach and outreach technology (phone apps, etc)

Lobbying or outreach to businesses to market products or for commercial campaigns.

Information that disseminates complex aquaculture topics in ways that are digestible to a broader audience.

Refining permitting guidelines

Enhancing connectivity in existing workforce development efforts. This can include:

• Career awareness
• Career resources pipeline
• Scholarships and fellowships
• Higher education/Community College collaboration.

Creating a new degree program or workforce training certificate (it’s just too large of an undertaking for mini-grants you’ll learn about).

Q: What types of applicants are allowed to apply to this funding opportunity?
A: Eligible applicants are limited to institutions of higher education; K-12 public and independent schools and school systems, other nonprofits, including community-based organizations and informal education institutions such as museums, zoos, and aquariums; state and local government agencies; for-profit aquaculture organizations and operations; and Indian tribal governments in the United States. Federal agencies, foreign institutions, and individuals are not eligible to apply; however, federal agencies, foreign institutions, and individuals may participate with an eligible applicant as a project partner.

Q: Who may serve as a PI or a co-PI?
A: Principal Investigators (PIs) are required to be employees of the organization submitting an application. Principal Investigators (or Project Directors) should have a vested interest in the outcome of the project, and are typically subject matter experts in the field being studied/addressed, and must have financial and programmatic control of the project on behalf of the applying organization. Because consultants or contractors of an organization do not typically have this level of authority, they cannot serve as PIs. Also, federal employees cannot serve as PIs or co-PIs for this solicitation. However, many applicant organizations have restrictions about who can serve as co-PIs. PIs should check with the sponsored projects office or equivalent to inquire about possible restrictions.

Q: How do I know who counts as an informal learning institution, NOAA, and aquaculture industry partner?
A: Please reference this table to help you determine eligible partnerships:

NOAA

Industry

Informal Learning
Institutions

Line Offices, HQ

Shellfish, Seaweed, and Finfish Growers/Farmers

CELC Member Institutions

Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Programs

Grower Associations

An informal learning institution that is engaging the public on coastal and marine issues.*

Sea Grant Programs**

Hatcheries and Hatchery Staff (including state run)

*Including Tribal Organizations and Centers

National Estuarine Research Reserves

Aquaculture Organizations, such as Minorities in Aquaculture

Regional Fisheries Science Centers

Tribal Associations and Organizations

Scholars and Fellows

Chefs and sustainable seafood restaurateurs

*Federal employees can not receive direct funding for these projects.

**In addition to a letter of commitment, Sea Grant partners must submit a statement/indication of support from their Program Director.

Q: May a federal employee serve as a PI or co-PI?
A: Federal employees may not serve as PIs or co-PIs on any application; however, they may be included as key personnel or project partners.

Q: May NOAA personnel (both federal employees and contractors) serve as co-PIs?
A: No, NOAA federal employees cannot serve as co-PIs, but should be listed as project partners.

Q: Are individuals unaffiliated with an institution allowed to apply?
A: No, individuals are not eligible to apply; only institutions may submit applications.

Q: May foreign (non-US) or for-profit institutions apply?
A: No, foreign institutions or for-profit institutions are not allowed to apply to this funding opportunity. However, they may serve as project partners.

Q: May graduate students serve as PIs for this funding opportunity?
A: No; however, they may serve as co-PIs or key personnel.

Q: How many applications can an investigator or institution submit to this funding opportunity?
A:  It is strongly encouraged that an individual/institution serve as a PI on only one application submitted to this funding opportunity. Institutions may submit more than one application where individuals serve as Co-PIs or key personnel on more than one application.

A given project idea may only be submitted once. In the event a project is submitted multiple times, the Office of Education staff will contact the applying institution(s) to ask them which application should be withdrawn.

Q: Would the National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) or Sea Grant Programs be considered eligible applicants? 
A: NERRs and Sea Grant Programs are eligible applicants and can also serve as a NOAA partner.

Q: Can federal agencies apply for funds?
A: Federal agencies cannot apply for funds. 

Q: Can I partner with entities and/or collaborators outside of the United States?
A: Project funds, project activities, PIs, and co-PIs must be in the United States but materials can be shared internationally. Projects can occur anywhere within the United States and U.S. territories. However, projects must be implemented only within the United States and its territories – which include Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It does not include Freely Associated States – the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of Palau.

Q: My institution fits under multiple project partner categories. Can we use our facilities to fill each requirement?
A: No, this project requires programs and institutions to partner with external collaborators.

Q: Does Sea Grant Extension Count?
A: Yes! Sea Grant Extension counts. Depending on the expertise and program, they may count as a NOAA partner or an aquaculture industry partner.

Q: My question is not on this list and is not answered in the Notice of Federal Funding. What should I do?
A: Contact the Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants team at eeBLUE@naaee.org.

Q: What is the total amount of funding for which I may apply?
A: The total amount requested for each project must be no more than $15,000 for the duration of the project, including direct and indirect costs. A collaborative multi-institution project may be considered if it (1) represents a joint submission of two distinct but complementary proposals, and (2) includes two informal learning institutions, one of which must be a CELC member institution.

Funding requested should be appropriate for the number of sites and/or audiences to be served with the proposed program model, and applicants should provide a justification for the scale of program implementation in their proposals. 

Q: If my project is chosen, how will funds be distributed?
NAAEE will provide awardees with a template and instructions for grantee invoicing. Grantees will submit invoices for reimbursement on a quarterly basis, with the option of submitting monthly.

Q: Should I include matching funds in my total funding request?
A: Matching funds are not required nor will the proposed project be evaluated on that basis. If matching funds are included voluntarily, the applicant will be required to provide that match as part of the terms of their award.

Q: May equipment be included in the budget?
A: Yes. Equipment that is necessary to carry out the proposed project may be requested and should be justified in the budget table and project description.

Q: Should I provide documentation for my institution's negotiated indirect cost agreement?
A: Yes, if you include indirect costs (other than the de minimis 10% rate, see below for more information) then you must provide documentation of the negotiated indirect cost agreement. Please upload this document with your application package with the other budget information you will provide.

Q: What if my institution does not have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement?
A: Any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. As described in §200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

Q: What categories should be included in the budget table?
A: Categories should match those in the budget table template.

Q: Is there a cap on the amount I can allot for any particular budget category?
A: As long as the costs are justified in the project description, there is no cap on any budget category.

Q: Can funding be allocated to our federal partners on the proposed project?
A: No, you are not allowed to request funding for any federal partner. Federal employees should do all work associated with the proposed project in kind.

Q: Is there guidance on how funding should be distributed across partners?
A: As long as the distribution of funds is justified in the project description, there is no requirement for how they are spread across partners. However, funds from this grant opportunity are meant to support capacity building for informal learning institutions and aquaculture industry partners to enhance public aquaculture literacy. This will be considered during the review.

Q: My question is not on this list and is not answered in the Notice of Federal Funding. What should I do?
A: Contact the Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants team at eeBLUE@naaee.org.

Q: What types of project partners would make a full application more competitive? 
A: Partnerships with NOAA, informal learning center (i.e. aquariums), and aquaculture industry entities are required on all proposed projects. Projects are meant to develop meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations. Also, partnerships with individuals and institutions that are involved in efforts to develop or implement aquaculture materials are encouraged. If the lead institution applying does not possess experience working with the issue of aquaculture, a partner will be needed to provide that expertise. The capabilities and appropriateness of the proposed partnerships will be evaluated by reviewers. The application should clearly articulate the role of each partner and how the partnership will contribute to the success of the project activities. All project partnerships must be supported by letters of commitment.

Q: What NOAA entities are available for partnership?
A: Applicants are encouraged to reach out to their NOAA Fisheries Regional Aquaculture Coordinators as potential partners, or for other aquaculture contacts in their area. NOAA entities include, but are not limited to, programs, offices, and organizations such as the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, National Sea Grant College Program, NOAA Fisheries Offices, NOAA Office of Aquaculture, National Ocean Service, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, National Coastal Zone Management Program, National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices, NOAA Cooperative Institutes, NOAA’s Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments teams, and Regional Associations of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. Websites and contact information for many of these entities can be found on our NOAA Assets for Education Grants page. Please also see NAAEE’s resources page to find NAAEE assets. 

Q: Where can I find more information on NAAEE and NOAA assets that might be used in my project?
A: Applicants can find assets on the NAAEE resources page. A list of NOAA assets can be found on our NOAA Assets for Education Grants page. We also encourage applicants to review the NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture’s Outreach and Educational Materials page for aquaculture education-related assets and contacts.

Q: Who should NOAA letters of commitment come from?
A: Each project partner must submit a letter of commitment. In the case of the NOAA partner being a contractor to NOAA, the letter should come from the person whose expertise is most appropriate for supporting the project. Sea Grant applicants must include a statement/indication of support from their Program Director. Contractors must also include a signed statement of support from their direct supervisors. 

Q: Are project partners required to be in the same region, or can I propose a project that works across regions?
A: Project partners are not required to be in the same region. Applicants may propose projects that reach across regions in the United States as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Q: Would formal educators and institutions also be considered for collaborating with aquaculture experts & NOAA?
A: Teams are required to have a NOAA, aquaculture industry, and informal learning institution representative. You may have other partners and collaborators on the project, such as formal educators and institutions, as long as the three core partners are included as well.

Q: Does Sea Grant Extension Count?
A: Yes! Sea Grant Extension counts. Depending on the expertise and program, they may count as a NOAA partner or an aquaculture industry partner.

Q: My question is not on this list and is not answered in the Notice of Federal Funding. What should I do?
A: Contact the Aquaculture Literacy mini-grants team at eeBLUE@naaee.org.