FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps - Bureau wide
This grant funds projects engaging youth and veterans in hands-on natural and cultural resource conservation, restoration, and education on public lands through the BLM Youth Conservation Corps nationwide.
Funder: Bureau of Land Management
Due Dates: August 14, 2026 (Round One) | October 16, 2026 (Round Two/Final)
Funding Amounts: $900,000 total | $30,000–$220,000 per award | ~8 awards | Up to 5 years
Summary: Supports youth corps-led natural and cultural resource projects on BLM-managed public lands, emphasizing hands-on conservation, restoration, and stewardship training.
Key Information: 25% non-federal cost match required; only eligible organizations (not individuals/for-profits) may apply.
Description
This opportunity funds projects that engage youth and veterans in hands-on conservation, restoration, and stewardship activities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands across eligible states. Projects are implemented through partnerships with qualified Youth Conservation Corps and similar organizations under the Public Lands Corps Act. The program’s goals are to provide work experience in public lands management, foster stewardship, promote natural resource careers, and support BLM’s multiple-use mission.
Supported activities include:
- Trail building, maintenance, and recreation facility improvements
- Habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and invasive species removal
- Riparian and watershed monitoring
- Cultural and historic resources preservation
- Resource inventories, research, and educational outreach
- Wildfire risk reduction and post-disaster restoration
- Development of stewardship plans and interpretive materials
Projects must include a substantial fieldwork component (minimum 120 hours), offer skill development and mentorship, and demonstrate clear public benefit. Awards are issued as cooperative agreements, meaning BLM staff will provide technical guidance, mentoring, and oversight.
