Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund - Option B

The Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund Option B is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This funding option focuses specifically on ecosystem restoration projects that support the conservation of big game species such as elk, mule deer, and pronghorn while improving habitat connectivity, seasonal range quality, and migration corridors. The program builds on priorities identified through Secretarial Order 3362 and expands to include additional states where connectivity action plans have been developed under the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies initiative. The overarching goal is to restore and enhance landscapes in ways that sustain wildlife populations and improve ecological resilience across large geographic regions. Option B is more restricted in applicant eligibility than Option A and is designed exclusively for state governments and federally recognized Tribes. Eligible projects must be located in defined focal areas identified either through state-led priority processes under Secretarial Order 3362 or through Wildlife Movement and Connectivity Initiative action plans. Geographic eligibility includes the 11 western states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, as well as additional eligible areas in Alaska, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. Projects must demonstrate alignment with state or Tribal wildlife priorities and are expected to contribute directly to improving habitat conditions, restoring degraded ecosystems, and enhancing connectivity for migratory species. Funding under Option B is provided by the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is structured with defined cost share requirements that vary by recipient type. For state governments, federal funding may cover up to 90 percent of total project costs, requiring a 10 percent non-federal match, of which at least 2.5 percent must be cash. For federally recognized Tribes, federal funding may cover up to 97 percent of total project costs, requiring a 3 percent non-federal match, with at least 0.75 percent provided as cash. In some cases, Native Americans in Philanthropy may provide matching funds for Tribally led projects, particularly those within a designated funding allocation. Grants typically range from 100000 dollars to 2000000 dollars and may support projects lasting one to three years. Option B projects are subject to additional federal environmental compliance requirements. Selected projects must complete reviews and approvals under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Clean Water Act prior to initiating on-the-ground work. Applicants are expected to plan for the time and resources necessary to complete these requirements and may be asked to produce documentation during the review process. NFWF has contracted environmental consultants to assist grantees with compliance, and successful applicants may also need to secure additional permits or meet state, local, or Tribal regulatory requirements depending on project location. Applications must be submitted through the Easygrants system, where applicants register, select the Option B funding opportunity, and complete all required proposal components. These include a detailed project narrative, budget and budget justification, selection of appropriate project metrics, and submission of spatial data through the mapping tool. Applicants must also demonstrate strong partnerships, community engagement, and alignment with conservation plans or Indigenous Knowledge. Letters of support are strongly encouraged and may significantly strengthen competitiveness, particularly where projects intersect with multiple jurisdictions or stakeholder groups. Proposals are evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including alignment with program goals, technical merit, partnership strength, cost effectiveness, matching contributions, and long-term sustainability. Reviewers score proposals on a scale of one to five across each category, and projects must demonstrate consistency across criteria to be competitive. Additional emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes, strong partnerships, and the ability to sustain project benefits beyond the grant period. The program also prioritizes projects that integrate community engagement and build local capacity for conservation work. For the 2026 cycle, the full proposal due date is April 21, 2026, with a review period extending from April through August and award announcements expected in August 2026. The solicitation does not explicitly confirm a recurring annual schedule, so applicants should monitor the NFWF website for future opportunities. Program contacts are available for technical and programmatic questions, and applicants may also access webinars and guidance materials to support the application process. Overall, Option B provides substantial funding for large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts led by governmental and Tribal entities, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, strategic alignment, and measurable conservation outcomes.

Ensure project aligns with SO 3362 or WAFWA plans; carefully structure required cost share percentages and cash components; plan for NEPA and other federal compliance early; provide strong technical justification and measurable outcomes; demonstrate partnerships and long-term sustainability.