F26AS00068 Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY26

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, a long-standing initiative established in 1987 to support voluntary conservation efforts on private lands across the United States and its territories. The program operates through a decentralized network of approximately 220 staff working in all 50 states and territories, collaborating with landowners, Tribes, nonprofits, and local stakeholders to identify and implement habitat restoration priorities. The funding opportunity represents an initial announcement under this program and is designed to advance federal conservation goals using science-based strategies and partnerships. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to restore, enhance, and protect habitats for federal trust species, including migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and other at-risk wildlife. The program emphasizes voluntary participation and focuses on private lands, broadly defined to include tribal lands, municipal lands, and non-government-owned properties. Projects are expected to align with regional strategic habitat conservation plans and priorities established by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Activities commonly supported include restoration of wetlands, streams, and grasslands, with the goal of improving ecosystem health, biodiversity, and long-term landscape resilience. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements and grants, with substantial involvement from federal program staff. These staff members assist with project design, budgeting, monitoring, and performance tracking. While financial assistance is available, the program also delivers significant technical support. Certain costs are explicitly unallowable, including land acquisition, foreign travel, pre-award costs, unauthorized equipment, and excessive indirect costs beyond negotiated rates. Although cost sharing is not required, the program notes that partners often contribute significant additional resources, historically exceeding a 3:1 ratio relative to federal funds. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, educational institutions, individuals, and for-profit entities. However, all proposed projects must occur on private lands and align with regional conservation priorities. Applicants are required to coordinate with local Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program staff prior to developing or submitting an application. This coordination is a mandatory precondition to ensure alignment with program goals and to receive technical guidance. The application process requires submission through GrantSolutions.gov unless applicants qualify for simplified procedures. Required application components include standard federal forms such as SF-424, budget forms, a project abstract, and a detailed project narrative outlining goals, activities, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes. Additional documentation may be required depending on project type, such as real property forms or research-related disclosures. Applicants must also comply with federal regulations, executive orders, and Department of the Interior directives. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but key deadlines govern funding cycles. For fiscal year consideration, applications should be submitted by May 30, 2026, while the final closing date for submissions is September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Projects are evaluated through a multi-step review process including eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Evaluation criteria focus on alignment with strategic conservation goals, benefits to priority species, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to leverage partnerships and additional resources. Awards are expected to begin around April 8, 2026, with project periods extending through September 30, 2030. Recipients must comply with post-award requirements including financial and performance reporting, adherence to federal regulations, and ongoing coordination with program staff. While no specific contact individual is named, applicants are directed to consult local program offices via the official website prior to submission. The program operates continuously with recurring funding cycles and emphasizes long-term partnerships and sustainable conservation outcomes.

Align projects with regional conservation priorities; demonstrate measurable habitat benefits; emphasize partnerships and cost-effectiveness; coordinate early with program staff