F27AS00009 2027 Multistate Conservation Grant Program Announcement

The Multistate Conservation Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in coordination with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This federal funding opportunity supports large-scale conservation initiatives that address regional or national priorities identified by state fish and wildlife agencies. The program is authorized under federal wildlife and sport fish restoration legislation and is designed to fund projects that go beyond the capabilities of a single state, requiring collaboration across multiple jurisdictions. The initiative reflects a coordinated national strategy to conserve wildlife, enhance habitats, and promote public engagement in outdoor recreation. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that align with annually established Strategic Priorities developed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. These priorities include landscape-scale habitat connectivity, applied research and management, and recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters, anglers, and target shooters. Projects must directly support conservation outcomes for wild birds, mammals, or sport fish, or enhance public access and participation in related activities. The program emphasizes science-based approaches, multi-state collaboration, and measurable conservation impact. Funding is divided into two primary categories: Traditional Multistate Conservation Grants and Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Multistate Conservation Grants. Traditional funding supports research, conservation, restoration, and management efforts, while R3 funding focuses specifically on increasing participation in hunting and shooting sports. Funds may be used for a wide range of eligible activities including habitat improvement, applied research, education programs, outreach campaigns, and infrastructure development. There is no cost-sharing requirement, allowing applicants to request full federal funding for eligible project costs. Eligible applicants include state governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and other qualified entities. Projects must demonstrate benefits to at least 26 states, or a majority of states within a defined region or regional association. Applicants must clearly describe the geographic scope and demonstrate how the project addresses one of the designated strategic priorities. The program encourages partnerships among state agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to maximize impact and scalability. The application process involves a two-phase submission. First, applicants must submit a grant proposal through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies portal, including a project narrative and budget information. Selected proposals are then invited to submit a full application through the GrantSolutions platform. Required application components include federal forms, detailed narratives, budget justifications, and compliance documentation. Applicants must also complete system registrations such as SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier prior to submission. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process that includes eligibility screening, technical review, and final selection. Technical Review Teams score proposals based on criteria such as need, multi-state benefit, feasibility, innovation, impact, and budget justification. Final selections are made from a prioritized list approved by state agency directors and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The review process ensures that funded projects align with national priorities and demonstrate strong potential for measurable outcomes. The application deadline for initial proposals is July 14, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified in late September 2026 and invited to submit full applications. Awards are anticipated to be issued by January 2027, with project performance typically spanning one year. Applicants are encouraged to plan for realistic timelines and may propose multi-year efforts, although funding is generally awarded annually. For additional information, applicants may contact the program coordinator via email or phone as provided in the funding announcement.

Align closely with AFWA Strategic Priorities; clearly demonstrate multi-state impact; provide measurable objectives and strong technical approach; ensure budget justification is detailed and reasonable