F26AS00051_FY 2026 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program_Funding Opportunity Announcement
This grant funds state, territory, and DC wildlife agencies to partner on proactive conservation projects for at-risk species and habitats, with priority for actions in Wildlife Action Plans.
Funder: Fish and Wildlife Service
Due Dates: September 18, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$1,000,000 per award | Total program funding: $7,612,000 | ~16 awards expected | 2–3 year project duration typical
Summary: Federal cost-sharing grants for state, territory, and regional wildlife agencies to implement proactive conservation actions for species of greatest conservation need and their habitats.
Key Information: Only state, territory, DC wildlife agencies, and four regional associations are eligible applicants; cost sharing required for most applicants.
Description
This program provides federal grants to support state, territory, and District of Columbia fish and wildlife agencies, as well as the four regional associations (NEAFWA, SEAFWA, MAFWA, WAFWA), in designing and implementing proactive, landscape-scale conservation actions. The goal is to benefit wildlife species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) and their habitats, as identified in State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans, and to help prevent the need for Endangered Species Act listings. Emphasis is placed on cross-jurisdictional partnerships and collaboration, with award tiers structured to incentivize multi-agency and regional efforts. Projects may include direct management, research, monitoring, and conservation planning; education and outreach are eligible only as minor components.
