Kingman Rangers Workforce Development Program

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) of the District of Columbia is soliciting applications for the Kingman Rangers Workforce Development Program. This initiative aims to enhance the natural environment of Kingman and Heritage Islands in the Anacostia River while creating meaningful employment opportunities for District residents facing barriers to employment. Established in 2022, the program focuses on habitat restoration, visitor engagement, maintenance, safety improvements, and workforce development. The Natural Resources Administration – Watershed Protection Division of DOEE administers this competitive grant. The purpose of the grant is to support operations, maintenance, and ecological restoration of the Islands; provide safe, inclusive, and welcoming visitor experiences; strengthen communication and storytelling efforts; and create employment pathways for adult District residents with barriers to employment and for students attending public and charter high schools in the Anacostia Watershed with low graduation rates. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities or educational institutions, and private enterprises. The total available funding for the program is $467,211, with the project period beginning on the date of the Director’s signature and ending September 30, 2027. DOEE may extend the period for up to two additional years based on performance and available funds. Allowable costs include personnel, equipment, training, supplies, communications, and related operational expenses. Non-allowable costs include major equipment purchases, lobbying, entertainment, most food, and land purchases. Matching funds are encouraged and can earn additional scoring points, but they are not required. Applicants must submit proposals through DOEE’s Grants Application Portal by 11:59 p.m. on September 12, 2025. Pre-application information will be provided during an online session on August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Questions must be submitted by email no later than one week before the deadline. All required documents, including a certificate of good standing, clean hands certification, IRS W-9, tax exemption verification (if applicable), current fiscal year budget, financial statements, and other organizational information, must be included for the application to be considered complete. Applications will be scored based on clarity and feasibility of the implementation plan, experience in recruiting and training target populations, environmental restoration expertise, ability to ensure safe environments, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The scoring rubric allocates up to 100 points, with possible additional points for including a 20% or greater match or being a District entity. For additional information or to request a copy of the RFA, applicants can email 2025KingmanRangers.grants@dc.gov with “Request copy of RFA-FY25-WPD-876” in the subject line. The program contact is Marissa O’Neill. DOEE anticipates announcing awards within six to twelve weeks after the application deadline.