F25AS00332 Highlands Conservation Act – Competitive Funding Round
This grant supports land conservation projects in CT, NJ, NY, and PA, providing up to 50% funding for eligible state or local entities to protect natural resources in the Highlands Region.
Funder: Fish and Wildlife Service
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: $3,850,000 total funding; typical awards $25,000–$3,850,000; up to 4 awards; 50% non-federal match required.
Summary: Supports land acquisition projects to conserve high-value natural resources in the Highlands Region (CT, NJ, NY, PA).
Key Information: Only designated Lead State Agencies in Highlands states may apply; subawards to counties/municipalities allowed.
Description
The Highlands Conservation Act – Competitive Funding Round is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in protecting land and natural resources within the Highlands Region. The grant supports land conservation projects where a state, county, or municipal entity acquires land or interests in land from willing sellers to conserve resources of high conservation value. Projects must align with state and local goals for outdoor recreation, agricultural and forest resource protection, drinking water supply protection, and wildlife habitat conservation.
Governors of the four Highlands States may submit proposals for up to 50% of the total cost of eligible land conservation projects. Funding is divided into Base and Competitive rounds, with this opportunity covering the Competitive round only. Projects may not be proposed for both funding opportunities.
