F26AS00051_FY 2026 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program_Funding Opportunity Announcement

The Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. This program represents a federal investment in proactive conservation strategies designed to prevent species from becoming endangered. By supporting early intervention through state and territorial wildlife agencies, the program reduces the need for more restrictive regulatory actions under the Endangered Species Act while promoting collaborative, science-based conservation across jurisdictions. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the design and implementation of conservation projects that benefit species of greatest conservation need and their habitats as identified in approved State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans. The program emphasizes landscape-scale conservation and encourages partnerships that cross state or regional boundaries. Funded activities may include habitat restoration, species monitoring, biological research, conservation planning, and addressing emerging wildlife issues. Activities such as education, outreach, or law enforcement are generally not eligible unless they are minor components necessary for project success. Funding is provided through cost-sharing grants, with a total estimated program funding of over seven million dollars and individual awards ranging from fifty thousand to one million dollars depending on partnership tier. The federal share typically may not exceed seventy five percent of total project costs, requiring a minimum twenty five percent non federal match. However, certain insular areas may qualify for a waiver of this requirement. Matching contributions may include cash or in kind support and must be documented with formal commitments from contributing partners. Eligibility is restricted to state, territory, and District of Columbia fish and wildlife agencies, as well as four regional associations of such agencies. While other entities such as nonprofits, academic institutions, and private organizations cannot apply directly, they may participate as partners or subrecipients. Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with Wildlife Action Plans and include measurable objectives, scientific methodologies, and detailed implementation strategies. Applications must also comply with federal regulations including environmental and historic preservation requirements. The application process requires submission through federal systems such as Grants.gov or GrantSolutions and includes multiple required components such as the SF 424 application form, budget forms, a project narrative, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must address need, objectives, methods, expected results, and evaluation metrics. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process that considers alignment with conservation priorities, scientific rigor, partnership strength, and anticipated impact. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is September 18, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants may request pre deadline feedback from regional offices. Awards are anticipated to begin in late September 2026, with project periods typically lasting two to three years. Final award decisions are made by the Service Director following a competitive review process. The program is funded annually by congressional appropriations, indicating a recurring opportunity subject to future funding availability.

Align projects clearly with Wildlife Action Plans; demonstrate strong multi state or cross jurisdiction partnerships; include measurable conservation outcomes and scientifically sound methods; justify funding tier and cost share thoroughly