The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering this grant to promote proactive conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants. This initiative aims to improve conditions for at-risk species and their habitats before they warrant federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). By fostering voluntary actions and collaborating with diverse partners, including Federal and State agencies, Tribes, private landowners, NGOs, and industries, the FWS seeks to stabilize or increase species populations. The core purpose is to proactively conserve species, reduce environmental stressors, and ideally avoid the need for ESA listing, thereby improving species status and their habitats while also reducing regulatory burdens for all involved.
Opportunity ID: 358355
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F25AS00228 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | Number of awards and award amounts vary by region. The Candidate Species Conservation Fund currently does not have any regular reoccurring funding associated with any allocation or appropriations bill. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Ecological Services program field office or the Regional Office personnel before applying |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.660 — Candidate Species Conservation |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 3 |
| Posted Date: | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Last Updated Date: | May 21, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Sep 30, 2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Awards will be announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, based on regional priorities and funding (See regional contacts in the Basic Information Section for details). |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Sep 30, 2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Awards will be announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, based on regional priorities and funding (See regional contacts in the Basic Information Section for details). |
| Archive Date: | Oct 01, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $500,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $0 |
| Award Floor: | $0 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Small businesses State governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education County governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Independent school districts Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Private institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Special district governments City or township governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Individuals |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Applicants are expected to have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the biology of the involved candidate or at-risk species and its ecosystem, including preferably having worked with the species in the field. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | Listing a plant or animal as federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is proven to be successful in preventing extinction. However, this level of protection is America”s last line of defense. Before a species may warrant listing and protections under the ESA, many voluntary conservation opportunities can be undertaken. Voluntary actions can improve conditions for species and improve habitats for at-risk, listed, and common species alike. At-risk species conservation is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service”s (FWS) initiative promoting proactive conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants with partners before the species warrant protections under the ESA. The FWS collaborates with all partners (Federal and State agencies, Tribes, private landowners, non-government organizations, and industries) across all landscapes to implement this initiative. The FWS”s at-risk species efforts are intended to encourage and support voluntary actions that proactively conserve species and their habitats. We believe that if we work with partners to improve the status of species before they come to the FWS for review under the ESA, we may be able to reduce the impact of stressors and stabilize or increase populations. Ideally, this proactive conservation work may help us avoid listing these species, thus improving species and their habitat, while simultaneously reducing regulatory burden. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Patrick McKenney
fws_es_grants@fws.gov Email:fws_es_grants@fws.gov |
Version History
| Version | Modification Description | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
| updating nofo. | May 21, 2025 | |
| Updated Synopsis/adjustments to nofo | Jan 21, 2025 | |
| Jan 21, 2025 |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 3
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F25AS00228 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | Number of awards and award amounts vary by region. The Candidate Species Conservation Fund currently does not have any regular reoccurring funding associated with any allocation or appropriations bill. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Ecological Services program field office or the Regional Office personnel before applying |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.660 — Candidate Species Conservation |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 3 |
| Posted Date: | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Last Updated Date: | May 21, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Sep 30, 2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Awards will be announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, based on regional priorities and funding (See regional contacts in the Basic Information Section for details). |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Sep 30, 2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Awards will be announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, based on regional priorities and funding (See regional contacts in the Basic Information Section for details). |
| Archive Date: | Oct 01, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $500,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $0 |
| Award Floor: | $0 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Small businesses State governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education County governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Independent school districts Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Private institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Special district governments City or township governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Individuals |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Applicants are expected to have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the biology of the involved candidate or at-risk species and its ecosystem, including preferably having worked with the species in the field. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | Listing a plant or animal as federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is proven to be successful in preventing extinction. However, this level of protection is America”s last line of defense. Before a species may warrant listing and protections under the ESA, many voluntary conservation opportunities can be undertaken. Voluntary actions can improve conditions for species and improve habitats for at-risk, listed, and common species alike. At-risk species conservation is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service”s (FWS) initiative promoting proactive conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants with partners before the species warrant protections under the ESA. The FWS collaborates with all partners (Federal and State agencies, Tribes, private landowners, non-government organizations, and industries) across all landscapes to implement this initiative. The FWS”s at-risk species efforts are intended to encourage and support voluntary actions that proactively conserve species and their habitats. We believe that if we work with partners to improve the status of species before they come to the FWS for review under the ESA, we may be able to reduce the impact of stressors and stabilize or increase populations. Ideally, this proactive conservation work may help us avoid listing these species, thus improving species and their habitat, while simultaneously reducing regulatory burden. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Patrick McKenney
fws_es_grants@fws.gov Email:fws_es_grants@fws.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 2
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F25AS00228 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | Number of awards and award amounts vary by region. The Candidate Species Conservation Fund currently does not have any regular reoccurring funding associated with any allocation or appropriations bill. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Ecological Services program field office or the Regional Office personnel before applying |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.660 — Candidate Species Conservation |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 2 |
| Posted Date: | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Last Updated Date: | Mar 03, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Sep 30, 2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Awards will be announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, based on regional priorities and funding (See regional contacts in the Basic Information Section for details). |
| Archive Date: | Oct 01, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $500,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $0 |
| Award Floor: | $0 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | County governments City or township governments Small businesses Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Special district governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education State governments Private institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Individuals Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Independent school districts |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Applicants are expected to have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the biology of the involved candidate or at-risk species and its ecosystem, including preferably having worked with the species in the field. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | Listing a plant or animal as federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is proven to be successful in preventing extinction. However, this level of protection is America’s last line of defense. Before a species may warrant listing and protections under the ESA, many voluntary conservation opportunities can be undertaken. Voluntary actions can improve conditions for species and improve habitats for at-risk, listed, and common species alike. At-risk species conservation is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) initiative promoting proactive conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants with partners before the species warrant protections under the ESA. The FWS collaborates with all partners (Federal and State agencies, Tribes, private landowners, non-government organizations, and industries) across all landscapes to implement this initiative. The FWS’s at-risk species efforts are intended to encourage and support voluntary actions that proactively conserve species and their habitats. We believe that if we work with partners to improve the status of species before they come to the FWS for review under the ESA, we may be able to reduce the impact of stressors and stabilize or increase populations. Ideally, this proactive conservation work may help us avoid listing these species, thus improving species and their habitat, while simultaneously reducing regulatory burden. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Patrick McKenney
fws_es_grants@fws.gov Email:fws_es_grants@fws.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 1
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F25AS00228 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | Number of awards and award amounts vary by region. The Candidate Species Conservation Fund currently does not have any regular reoccurring funding associated with any allocation or appropriations bill. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Ecological Services program field office or the Regional Office personnel before applying |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.660 — Candidate Species Conservation |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Last Updated Date: | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Sep 30, 2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgement of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Awards will be announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, based on regional priorities and funding (See regional contacts in the Basic Information Section for details). |
| Archive Date: | Oct 01, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $500,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $0 |
| Award Floor: | $0 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | State governments |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Applicants are expected to have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the biology of the involved candidate or at-risk species and its ecosystem, including preferably having worked with the species in the field. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | Listing a plant or animal as federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is proven to be successful in preventing extinction. However, this level of protection is America’s last line of defense. Before a species may warrant listing and protections under the ESA, many voluntary conservation opportunities can be undertaken. Voluntary actions can improve conditions for species and improve habitats for at-risk, listed, and common species alike. At-risk species conservation is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) initiative promoting proactive conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants with partners before the species warrant protections under the ESA. The FWS collaborates with all partners (Federal and State agencies, Tribes, private landowners, non-government organizations, and industries) across all landscapes to implement this initiative. The FWS’s at-risk species efforts are intended to encourage and support voluntary actions that proactively conserve species and their habitats. We believe that if we work with partners to improve the status of species before they come to the FWS for review under the ESA, we may be able to reduce the impact of stressors and stabilize or increase populations. Ideally, this proactive conservation work may help us avoid listing these species, thus improving species and their habitat, while simultaneously reducing regulatory burden. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Patrick McKenney
fws_es_grants@fws.gov Email:fws_es_grants@fws.gov |
Related Documents
Folder 358355 Full Announcement-Full Announcement -> FOA_Content_of_F25AS00228.pdf
Folder 358355 Revised Full Announcement-Revised Full Announcement -> Foa_Content_of_F25AS00228_revised2.pdf
Folder 358355 Revised Full Announcement-Revised Full Announcement -> Foa_Content_of_F25AS00228_revised1.pdf
Packages
| Agency Contact Information: | Patrick McKenney fws_es_grants@fws.gov Email: fws_es_grants@fws.gov |
| Who Can Apply: | Organization Applicants |
| Assistance Listing Number | Competition ID | Competition Title | Opportunity Package ID | Opening Date | Closing Date | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.660 | F25AS00228 | F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund | PKG00290265 | Jan 21, 2025 | Sep 30, 2025 | View |
Package 1
Mandatory forms
358355 SF424_4_0-4.0.pdf
358355 ProjectNarrativeAttachments_1_2-1.2.pdf
358355 Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-2.0.pdf
Optional forms
358355 SF424A-1.0.pdf
358355 SFLLL_2_0-2.0.pdf
358355 AttachmentForm_1_2-1.2.pdf
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