Fish and Wildlife Service Grants

Fish and Wildlife Service · $1–$500K

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program provides technical and financial assistance for projects protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitat in priority coastal ecosystems on public and private lands, through cooperative agreements. Projects must align with regional strategic plans; the program does not fund land acquisition or projects generating compensatory mitigation credits, and will not accept mitigation funds as non-federal cost share. All applicants are required to contact a local program office before applying. The stated maximum is about $500,000.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $1–$750K

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program funds habitat restoration and protection on private lands (including tribal, municipal, and non-governmental properties), mainly through cooperative agreements. Eligible projects must be on private lands and align with regional strategic plans; 501(c)(3) organizations should have IRS proof of status, and tribal applicants may need an authorizing resolution. All applicants are required to contact local PFW staff before applying. The stated maximum is about $750,000.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $25K–$3.9M

This US Fish and Wildlife Service program funds land conservation projects in the Highlands Region of CT, NJ, NY, and PA, where a state, county, or municipal entity acquires land or land interests from willing sellers. Only the Lead State Agency designated by each Highlands state's Governor may apply, so eligibility is restricted to those specific government agencies (funds may be subawarded to counties or municipalities). Awards range from roughly $25,000 to $3.85 million, and the program covers up to 50% of project cost, meaning a non-federal match is required. Nonprofits, businesses, individuals, and most organizations cannot apply directly.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $25K–$2.3M

This US Fish and Wildlife Service program is the Base Funding round of the Highlands Conservation Act, funding land conservation projects in the Highlands Region of CT, NJ, NY, and PA. Only the Governor-designated Lead State Agency in each of the four states may apply, so eligibility is narrowly restricted to those government agencies (funds may be subawarded to counties or municipalities). Each state may request up to about $2.29 million, with awards from roughly $25,000 upward, and the program funds up to 50% of project cost, requiring a non-federal match. Nonprofits, businesses, and individuals cannot apply directly.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $5K–$150K

This Fish and Wildlife Service program funds implementation of approved state and interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species management plans. Eligibility is narrow: only states, territories, or Indian tribes (within an interstate organization) that have an approved ANS management plan may apply, with a specific named list of eligible state entities. A 25% cost-share of total project costs is required, and there is a 5% cap on administrative costs. Awards range from about $5,000 to $150,000.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $100K–$600K

This Fish and Wildlife Service program funds implementation of aquatic invasive species management plans in the Great Lakes states. Eligibility is narrow: only a primary state natural resource agency in each Great Lakes state may apply, though that agency may designate another entity of any type to apply on its behalf. Awards range roughly from $100,000 to $600,000. Most applicants will need an existing state plan and a connection to a state natural resource agency to be eligible.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $20K–$100K

This Fish and Wildlife Service program funds development or implementation of tribal aquatic invasive species management plans in the Great Lakes Basin. Eligibility is narrow: only tribal natural resource agencies or organizations in the Great Lakes Basin may apply, though they may designate another entity of any type to apply on their behalf. Awards range roughly from $20,000 to $100,000. A relevant tribal AIS plan must exist or be developed as part of the work.

Fish and Wildlife Service · $20K–$923.8K

This Fish and Wildlife Service program funds interjurisdictional aquatic invasive species projects spanning Great Lakes state and tribal management plans. Eligibility is narrow: only Great Lakes states and tribes (or their designees) may apply, with one application sought from a state and tribal natural resource agency. Awards range roughly from $20,000 to about $924,000. It is aimed at state and tribal natural resource agencies.

Fish and Wildlife Service · Amount varies

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers Cooperative Agriculture Agreements that let private individuals or small businesses farm, hay, or graze on National Wildlife Refuge lands in support of conservation objectives. This is a non-financial program: no federal funds are awarded, and arrangements are cost-sharing or in-kind (labor, equipment, crop yield) and may involve bids or payments to the Service. Pre-application coordination is required, and only private individuals or small business entities are eligible.