ISGP 3 Terrestrial and Aquatic Research

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) administers the Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP) under the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Since 2016, this program has been an essential component of New York’s statewide strategy to address invasive species threats, supporting 157 projects with over $9.5 million in total funding. The ISGP’s Round 4 continues this mission by offering multiple categories of funding designed to reduce, manage, and prevent invasive species through applied science, education, and restoration initiatives consistent with the NYS Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan. The Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Research category specifically supports scientific and applied research that improves understanding of invasive species’ biology, distribution, ecological impacts, and effective management techniques. Research projects under this category should focus on generating data and deliverables that can inform state and regional policy, management strategies, and on-the-ground control programs. This includes work related to the development or testing of new control methods, analysis of ecological or economic impacts, and the modeling of prevention or early detection systems. The ultimate goal is to strengthen evidence-based management and to support decision-making at the state and local levels. Approximately $4,000,000 is available across all ISGP categories in Round 4, with $250,000 specifically allocated for research-focused projects. Individual grants range from a minimum of $11,000 to a maximum of $250,000 per project. Funds must be used for eligible costs directly related to research, including personnel, fieldwork, equipment, and analysis, and all expenditures must occur within the contract term. All projects are required to demonstrate measurable outcomes, scientific merit, and relevance to New York’s invasive species priorities. All research projects must be completed within a three-year contract term under a Master Contract for Grants (MCG), subject to approvals by DEC, the Attorney General, and the Office of the State Comptroller. One-year extensions may be approved based on sufficient justification. Applicants may submit up to two proposals under the ISGP, provided they are distinct in scope or location. Costs incurred outside the approved contract period are ineligible. Eligible applicants include New York-based municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and public or private higher education institutions. Projects must be conducted entirely within New York State and demonstrate the capacity to meet scientific and administrative standards for grant-funded research. The program does not allow submissions from individuals or for-profit entities. Applications must be submitted electronically through the NYS Statewide Financial System (SFS) Grants Management portal. All applicants must be registered prior to submission. Instructions for registration are available at https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/transition-SFS. The application deadline for this round is December 17, 2025, at 3:30 PM Eastern Time. For questions, applicants may contact Michelle Higgins, Program Specialist, at dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9405, or John Bolt, CMS Trainee at john.bolt@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9256.

Align research goals with NYS Invasive Species Management Plan; demonstrate measurable outcomes; confirm SFS registration early.