Native Plant - Section 6 - Segment 32

The Native Plant - Section 6 - Segment 32 grant opportunity is administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. This program is authorized under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and is designed to support state-led conservation initiatives focused on threatened and endangered species. In Arizona, the program is specifically directed toward rare and imperiled native plant species, reflecting the state's ecological priorities and biodiversity challenges. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable the development and implementation of conservation programs that contribute to the recovery and long-term sustainability of listed plant species under federal jurisdiction. Projects supported through this program may include habitat restoration, species monitoring, research, propagation, and conservation planning. Because many endangered plant species exist partially or entirely on non-federal lands, the program emphasizes cooperative partnerships between state agencies and local stakeholders to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes. Funding for this opportunity ranges from a minimum of 5000 dollars to a maximum of 20000 dollars per award, with approximately 181440.69 dollars available for distribution. Applicants are required to provide matching contributions equal to at least 40 to 50 percent of the requested federal funds. These matching contributions may include cash or in-kind resources such as personnel time, travel, supplies, or equipment, but may not include other federal funds. This cost-sharing requirement ensures local investment and commitment to project success. Eligible applicants for this grant include a wide array of entities such as state and local governments, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, Native American tribes, school districts, private sector organizations, and consortia. The inclusive eligibility structure reflects the program’s collaborative approach and recognizes that conservation efforts benefit from diverse participation across sectors. Individuals are also referenced in broader program descriptions, suggesting potential eligibility depending on project scope and alignment. The submission process requires applicants to prepare and submit project proposals that align with program objectives, including detailed descriptions of conservation activities, budgets, and matching contributions. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the provided materials, proposals are expected to demonstrate ecological impact, feasibility, and alignment with endangered species recovery goals. Program oversight and administration are handled by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, with Ashley Estes serving as the Grants Manager and primary point of contact. Applicants may direct inquiries to section6@azda.gov or by phone at 602-316-6775. The program does not explicitly state award notification timelines or performance periods, but given its alignment with federal funding cycles, applicants can reasonably expect structured review and implementation phases following submission. This grant program appears to be part of a recurring funding mechanism tied to federal conservation funding cycles, though specific recurrence language is not explicitly stated. Interested applicants should monitor future announcements through the Arizona Department of Agriculture for subsequent funding opportunities. The program represents a critical funding source for advancing plant conservation efforts in Arizona through coordinated, science-based, and community-supported initiatives.

Ensure strong alignment with endangered plant conservation goals and clearly document matching contributions