ZBGA is a non-competitive, eligibility-based grant program that provides consistent operational support for existing natural heritage collections and interpretive programs, with the goal of elevating and expanding the quantity and quality of natural heritage learning opportunities available to the public.
ZBGA provides reimbursement for expenses related to the care, maintenance, security and interpretation of eligible collections. Funds are made available through an appropriation from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and administered through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).
Applicants must be municipal or not-for-profit organizations that own, house and care for living or systematically organized collections of biological specimens and that primarily provide such services to the general public on a regular and predictable basis. Eligible collections must meet at least one of the below definitions:
Eligible organizations may include, but are not necessarily limited to: zoos, botanical gardens, arboretums, aquariums, bird sanctuaries, natural habitat preserves, natural science museums, and nature and environmental centers.
The following entities, programs and activities are not eligible for funding under the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Program:
Note: Organizations with collections that include both eligible and ineligible categories and otherwise meet all program criteria are eligible only for assistance in areas relating to the natural heritage portions of their collections and public service programs.
The application window for new five-year contracts will open in September 2020 and close in January 2021. Grants will be awarded for a five-year period commencing on April 1, 2021 and expiring on March 31, 2026. Applicants will be asked to provide expenses for the period from April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2020. The expenses that may be included are defined in the Expense Guide for ZBGA 2021-26 RFA, available at the link below. Additional information will be made available in the 2021-2026 Request for Applications (RFA).
To apply for the 2021-26 ZBGA grant opportunity, your organization must be registered in the Grants Gateway. Only applications submitted through
the New York State Grants Gateway
will
be accepted. All not-for-profit applicants must be Prequalified
.
Application Deadline: | January 15, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. EST |
Review and Site visits: | February-March 2021 (Site visits have been indefintely postponed) |
Eligiblity Notice: | April-May (projected) |
Award Letters: | TBD |
Contracting: | TBD |
This program is administered by the Community Programs Unit of the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning.