Endangered Species Conservation and Recovery Grant Program

The Endangered Species Conservation and Recovery Grant Program (Traditional Section 6), administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is a federally funded initiative developed in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. The program supports targeted conservation and recovery efforts for federally listed threatened and endangered species across California. Authority for CDFW to manage this program derives from Fish and Game Code §1501.5. The program distributes approximately $2 million annually, contingent on federal appropriations, to support efforts that align with federal Recovery Plans and related conservation strategies. The grant program specifically funds projects that benefit federally listed inland fish, wildlife, plant species, and certain eligible unlisted or recently de-listed species managed by USFWS and CDFW. Projects concerning marine species and most anadromous fish are excluded, with exceptions for southern sea otters, sea turtles, and tidewater goby. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, species introductions, monitoring, research, public education efforts linked to recovery objectives, and outreach that tangibly enhances recovery outcomes. Proposals must be developed in consultation with both CDFW and USFWS biologists and submitted by a CDFW employee who will serve as the project sponsor and administrator. The program emphasizes projects with direct conservation impacts. Proposals must clearly articulate how project objectives address identified threats and contribute to goals outlined in USFWS Recovery Plans, Species Status Assessments, or other approved strategies. Higher funding priority is given to proposals targeting species at risk of extinction or implementing Recovery Plan actions. While proposals focused solely on research or outreach are considered, they must demonstrate direct applicability to species recovery. Education-based activities are only eligible when they align with Recovery Plan actions and contribute to recovery metrics. To ensure accountability and timely execution, all funded projects must be completed within three years, including any subgrants or contracts issued by CDFW to external partners. Applicants are required to contribute a non-federal match equivalent to at least 25% of the total project budget. Matching contributions may include in-kind services, volunteer time, equipment use, or cash support from non-federal sources. A letter of commitment is mandatory for third-party match providers. Funding cannot be used to satisfy regulatory requirements, mitigation, or obtain federal permits. Only one project phase—either planning or implementation—can be funded per cycle. Applications for the 2026 cycle are due by 5:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Proposals must be submitted through CDFW’s internal upload system using standardized templates. Late or incomplete submissions will be rejected. After submission, proposals undergo administrative screening and technical review based on urgency, relevance to recovery plans, project scope, and methodology. Final selection considers both technical merit and broader conservation priorities across regions. USFWS conducts an independent merit review and makes final funding determinations. Awards are expected to be announced in fall 2026, with funds available to recipients no earlier than early 2027. Additional requirements include adherence to environmental compliance, long-term land tenure documentation for habitat work, and completion of data sharing agreements. Proposals involving species translocation or captive propagation must comply with departmental bulletins and receive internal approvals. For further information or clarification, applicants may contact Daniel Applebee at [email protected]. A direct link to the official Proposal Solicitation Notice PDF is provided for reference.

Highlight direct alignment with Recovery Plan goals; prioritize tangible species recovery impacts.