The Gulf Coast Environmental Engagement Center (GCEEC) provides funding for projects that align with our mission to promote environmental engagement and resilience in Alabama's coastal communities. This funding aims to support a wide range of initiatives that address the environmental and public health challenges faced by all communities. The projects must meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act, 104(b)(3), which authorizes the award of assistance agreements to conduct and promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution.
Habitat Restoration
Habitat Restoration
Enhancement, protection, and preservation of natural habitats, including dunes, wetlands, forests, and riparian areas.
Urban tree planting and green space creation.
Restorative aquaculture and regenerative agriculture.
Community Resilience
Community Resilience
Development of green or blue infrastructure.
Multi-use conservation/restoration projects.
Flood mitigation, vulnerability assessments, and community planning.
Climate change resilience/adaptation and nature-based resilience strategies.
Water Quality Improvements
Water Quality Improvements
Nutrient reduction, water quality monitoring, and microbial source tracking.
Addressing harmful algal blooms, trash/littering reduction/prevention, and marine debris, including microplastics.
Environmental Education and Outreach
Environmental Education and Outreach
Environmental and nature-based education initiatives.
Climate change education and water quality monitoring education.
STEM curriculum development and training/certification programs in habitat restoration, environmental education, and green infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Compliance with Regulations
Projects must comply with applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 200.
Projects authorized by the Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3), must address environmental challenges and provide opportunities for communities experiencing disproportionate environmental and human health risks.
Project Location:
Projects must be located in Alabama's coastal counties, including Baldwin, Escambia, Geneva, Houston, Mobile, or partial locations in Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Dale, Henry, Monroe, and Washington counties. See the map below:
Budget:
Project budgets should range between $25,000 and $150,000, with a duration of up to 2 years.
Participation in Technical Assistance Program
Applicants are encouraged to participate in the Technical Assistance program before applying for the competitive subaward program.
For more details, please read through the 2nd Round Request for Proposals document.
2nd GCEEC Request for Proposals 2025_Final.pdfHow to Submit a Proposal
How to Submit a Proposal
Preparation of Proposal
Review the Solicitation
Start by carefully reviewing the Request for Proposals provided by GCEEC. This document includes essential information such as the scope of work, timeframe, budget limits, specific qualifications, evaluation criteria, and submission deadlines.
Seek Guidance
GCEEC will organize a Technical Assistance (TA) program and will provide the details regarding time and venue. This program aims to assist applicants in developing strong and compliant proposals. Applicants can seek help and ask questions while drafting their proposals through this program.
Structure Your Proposal
Follow the guidelines provided in the solicitation for formatting and content. Ensure that your proposal includes all required sections, such as project objectives, methodology, budget details, and expected outcomes.
Double-check that your proposal meets all eligibility criteria outlined in the solicitation, including location, budget, and compliance requirements.
Submission Process
Use the Submission Portal: Submit your completed proposal via InfoReady by following the submission guideline before the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Include All Required Documentation: Attach all necessary documents, including letters of support, budget justification, and any other required materials.
Await Notification: Once submitted, your proposal will undergo a thorough review process, including eligibility and merit reviews. The timeline for notifications will be provided in the solicitation.
Review and Evaluation
The Director of Research Coordination will oversee the review and selection process. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel, which may meet in person or virtually. The review process will eligibility review, comprehensive merit review, and risk assessment.
Eligibility Review: The Director of Research Coordination will conduct an initial review to ensure proposals meet all eligibility criteria. Proposals that do not meet these criteria will not proceed to the merit review stage.
Comprehensive Review: Eligible proposals will be scored by a panel of experts using a standardized scoresheet. Each proposal will receive at least three independent reviews, and scores will be ranked.
Risk Assessment: A risk assessment will be conducted to evaluate the applicant’s capacity and identify potential risks. Based on this assessment, monitoring protocols, such as training workshops and on-site reviews, may be implemented.
Final Selection
Proposals that pass both review stages will be ranked, and subawards will be granted based on their scores. The Executive Director will confirm selection results with the team and communicate outcomes to program personnel. Upon confirmation:
Selected subrecipients will receive a “Notice of Award” with instructions for the contracting process and a meeting will be scheduled to facilitate the process.
Non-selected applicants will receive feedback via an official letter.
GCEEC reserves the right to partially fund, fully fund, or decline all proposals in the event of insufficient funding.
Important Dates (Estimated)
Important Dates (Estimated)
Proposal Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
Panel Review Period: Winter, 2025
Notification of Award: January, 2026
Contracting/Authorization to Work: Spring, 2026
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