FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps - Bureau wide

The Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps funding opportunity is administered by the Bureau of Land Management within the U.S. Department of the Interior. This program is authorized under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 and reflects a long-standing federal effort to engage young people in the stewardship of public lands. The BLM collaborates with qualified youth corps organizations to carry out projects that support natural and cultural resource management across federally managed lands. Through this initiative, the agency aims to build a future workforce while advancing its multiple-use mission and strengthening community engagement with public lands. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that provide employment, training, and educational opportunities for youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 30, as well as veterans up to age 35. Projects are designed to immerse participants in hands-on conservation and resource management work, fostering both technical skill development and a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. Activities funded under this program include trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction, cultural resource preservation, and scientific data collection related to land and ecosystem health. Funding is structured as cooperative agreements, meaning the Bureau of Land Management maintains substantial involvement in project implementation. This includes coordination on participant recruitment, safety training oversight, and collaboration on project execution and evaluation. Individual awards range from 30000 to 220000 dollars, with a total program funding estimate of 900000 dollars distributed across approximately eight awards. Projects may span multiple years but must not exceed three years in duration, with anticipated project start dates beginning in late 2026 and potential completion extending into 2031 depending on project scope. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement applies to all awards under this program. Recipients must provide a 25 percent match, which can include cash or in-kind contributions, in accordance with federal regulations. All budget items must be allowable, reasonable, and necessary, and must comply with federal cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200. Applicants are also required to justify all costs in a detailed budget narrative, including indirect costs and any third-party contributions. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit organizations are explicitly excluded. Applicants must also be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission, and must complete required federal forms including the SF-424 and associated budget and certification documents. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and only authorized representatives may complete the submission process. The application process includes submission of a project narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials such as abstracts, biographical sketches, and compliance statements. Proposals are evaluated through a merit review process that considers criteria such as statement of need, recruitment strategies, technical approach, organizational qualifications, and alignment with program goals. Applications are first screened for eligibility and completeness before undergoing detailed evaluation and risk assessment. The funding opportunity follows a structured timeline with two application rounds. The program opened on June 12, 2026, with Round One applications due August 14, 2026, and Round Two applications due October 16, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the respective deadlines. Awards are expected to be finalized following a multi-step review process, with project start dates anticipated by December 31, 2026. Applicants may contact program officials for guidance, including the Grants Management Officer and National Youth Programs Lead, whose contact information is provided within the funding announcement.

Focus strongly on statement of need and resource leveraging; clearly define recruitment strategies and measurable outcomes; ensure budget justification aligns with project scope