F26AS00068 Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY26

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, within the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, a long-standing federal initiative established in 1987 to support voluntary conservation efforts on private lands. The program operates nationwide with staff located across all 50 states and territories, working directly with landowners and partners to restore and enhance habitats that benefit federal trust species. These species include migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and other at-risk wildlife. The program is grounded in strategic habitat conservation planning, which guides funding decisions and ensures that investments align with regional and national conservation priorities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support on-the-ground habitat restoration and conservation projects on private lands. Projects may include restoration of wetlands, streams, grasslands, and other critical ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, ecological resilience, and habitat connectivity. The program emphasizes voluntary partnerships and seeks to balance conservation outcomes with the continued productivity of working lands such as farms and ranches. Through both technical and financial assistance, the program aims to achieve durable conservation outcomes that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Funding is provided primarily through cooperative agreements and grants, with substantial involvement from federal staff throughout the project lifecycle. Program biologists collaborate with applicants to identify restoration opportunities, develop project plans, and implement conservation practices. Funding can be used for activities directly related to habitat restoration and conservation, but certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including land acquisition, foreign travel, pre-award costs, unauthorized equipment purchases, and excessive indirect costs. Each project is governed by an agreement that outlines goals, deliverables, timelines, and budget parameters. The program does not require cost sharing, although historically partners contribute significant in-kind or financial support, often exceeding federal contributions. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, academic institutions, individuals, and for-profit entities including small businesses. However, all projects must occur on private lands, defined as lands not owned by federal or state governments, including tribal and municipal lands. Applicants must coordinate with local program staff prior to submission to ensure alignment with regional priorities and program requirements. The application process requires early engagement with local Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program staff, which is mandatory before developing or submitting a proposal. Applications are submitted through GrantSolutions.gov, and applicants must complete required registrations such as SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, unless applying as an individual. Required application components include standard federal forms such as SF-424 and budget forms, a project abstract, a detailed project narrative, and supporting documentation depending on project type. The narrative must address project goals, activities, beneficiaries, conservation challenges, partnerships, and monitoring plans. Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage process that includes eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Projects are evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, contribution to conservation priorities, biological soundness, cost-effectiveness, and ability to leverage partnerships and additional funding. Priority may be given to projects with long-term benefits, strong partner contributions, and alignment with strategic conservation plans. Final award decisions are made by program field staff with appropriate approvals. This funding opportunity operates on a rolling basis with a final closing date of September 30, 2026, although applications must be submitted by May 30, 2026, to be considered for fiscal year 2026 funding. Projects are expected to begin around April 8, 2026, and may extend through September 30, 2030. Applicants are encouraged to maintain ongoing communication with program staff throughout the year for technical support and to better understand funding cycles and priorities.

Align projects with regional conservation plans and federal trust species priorities; demonstrate strong partnerships and cost effectiveness; ensure early coordination with program staff; focus on long term habitat impact