The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for community-based engagement and stewardship projects in the APNEP region.
Only proposals for projects or initiatives that take place within or primarily impact areas within the APNEP management boundary in North Carolina and Virginia will be accepted. Proposals must assist in implementing at least one of the engagement actions from the 2025 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and align with at least one of APNEP’s focus areas:
- Water quality
- Wetlands
- Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
- Oyster habitats
- Community resilience
Up to a total of $300,000 in funds may be awarded, subject to continued funding availability. Awards may range from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects with an expected 1-2 year duration. Projects with lesser funding needs are encouraged to apply. Recent awards for similar RFPs have ranged from $20,000 - $30,000 for 1-year projects.
| Dates | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 2, 2026 | Request for proposals open |
| April 30, 2026 | Deadline for submission |
| May 29, 2026 | Notice of funding award |
| June 30, 2026 | Contracted funds (anticipated) |
| December 31, 2027 - June 30, 2028 | Spend funding by date (anticipated) |
Review the full RFP on APNEP's website linked below. Learn more about eligibility requirements, prior funded projects, and more information about the review process. More information can be found here.