April 21, 2025
FY 26 Handshake Partnership Program Request for Nominations, SUSP: 31 Aug 2025
Please see the attached memorandum, signed by Stephen L. Hill, Director of Operations and Regulatory Programs, that announces the call for proposals for the FY 26 Handshake Partnership Program. The program is in its twenty-third year and offers an additional funding source (i.e., seed money up to $25,000 per project) to USACE facilities for worthwhile partnership projects. The Handshake Program provides an excellent opportunity to leverage local partnerships with USACE dollars outside of the usual O&M budget to help complete recreation and environmental stewardship projects that benefit both lands, waters, and visitors.
Electronic applications with district and MSC coordination must be sent from the MSCs to Mr. Phil Manhart, Phil.J.Manhart@usace.army.mil , representative on the Partnership Advisory Committee, NLT 31 August 2025.
The memo, application instructions, and a copy of the application are included in this e-mail and will be posted on the NRM Gateway Handshake Program page at htt ps://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/employees/handshake/handshake.cfm
Handshake Program webinars will be conducted:
May 14: 2:00-3:00 Eastern June 18: 12:00-1:00 Eastern July 16: 11:00-12:00 Eastern Call-in/Web meeting information will be sent at least one week prior to each webinar.
Please support and encourage the widest participation in this program that will represent a broad range of projects. My point of contact for this effort is Ms. Heather Burke at heather.d.burke@usace.army.mil or (678) 972-3824. You may also reach out to your division Partnership Advisory Committee member if you have any questions: (NAD-Jared Gagnon; SAD- Cassie Cross; MVD-Phil Manhart; LRD- Mike McCoy; SWD-Vacant; SPD-Taylor Baughn; NWD- Keith Hyde)
Jeff
Jeffrey F. Krause
Chief, Natural Resources Management
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