[Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/)

September 30, 2025

Estimated total program funding: $500,000. Award amounts and number vary by region; no set minimum or maximum.

Supports proactive, voluntary conservation of at-risk species and habitats to prevent the need for Endangered Species Act listing.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with local or regional FWS contacts before applying.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports projects that proactively conserve at-risk plant and animal species and their habitats, aiming to prevent the need for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) seeks to collaborate with a wide range of partners—including federal and state agencies, Tribes, NGOs, private landowners, and industry—to implement voluntary conservation actions. These efforts are intended to stabilize or increase populations of candidate or at-risk species, reduce stressors, and ideally avoid the need for future ESA protections, thus reducing regulatory burdens while improving species status and habitat quality. --- ## Due Dates - Applications must be submitted electronically by **September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM ET**. - Awards are made and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, depending on regional priorities and available funding. --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated total program funding:** $500,000. - **Award amounts:** Vary by region; there is no set minimum or maximum (award ceiling and floor are not specified). - **Number of awards:** Varies by region and available funding. - **Cost sharing/matching:** Not required. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and private institutions of higher education - Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Individuals - Small businesses - Other organizations as specified **Additional eligibility requirement:** Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the biology and ecosystem of the involved candidate or at-risk species, preferably with fieldwork experience. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online through [GrantSolutions.gov](https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/). - Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgment of receipt. - It is strongly recommended to contact your local Ecological Services program field office or regional FWS personnel before applying to discuss regional priorities and funding availability. --- ## Additional Information - There is no regular or recurring funding associated with this program; funding and priorities may vary by region and year. - Awards are made on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed and funds are available. - Proposals should focus on proactive, voluntary conservation actions for candidate or at-risk species and their habitats. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Opportunity Synopsis (F25AS00228)](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358355) - [Fish and Wildlife Service Home](https://www.fws.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Role/Notes | |---------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Patrick McKenney | [fws_es_grants@fws.gov](mailto:fws_es_grants@fws.gov) | Grant Program Administrator | | General Inquiries | [fws_es_grants@fws.gov](mailto:fws_es_grants@fws.gov) | Program Contact |

F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund

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