F25AS00289 FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 2

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering funding through the Fiscal Year 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund’s Traditional Conservation Grants Program, specific to Region 2, under opportunity number F25AS00289. This grant opportunity is part of a larger federal initiative under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which aims to support the development and implementation of conservation programs by U.S. State agencies. Region 2 encompasses the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The total estimated program funding for this opportunity is $1,428,564, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $1,428,564. Ten awards are expected to be granted. Cost sharing is required at 25% of the total project cost, although this requirement decreases to 10% when two or more states collaborate on a project. Matching requirements are waived for U.S. territories including Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The goal of the Traditional Conservation Grant Program is to support high-priority recovery actions for species listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. It provides financial assistance to states with cooperative agreements with FWS to conduct projects that contribute to the recovery or prevent the listing of resident federally listed, candidate, eligible unlisted, or recently delisted species. Eligible projects may include species management, monitoring, habitat enhancement or restoration, propagation, public education, or research activities such as genetic analysis. Projects must align with existing recovery plans or conservation strategies, and any research or outreach-only applications must demonstrate a high likelihood of measurable conservation impact. Eligible applicants are limited to U.S. State agencies that have signed or will sign a cooperative agreement with the FWS under ESA Section 6(c) within 30 days of the application deadline. While only State agencies may apply directly, local entities and conservation organizations can partner with them as subgrantees. Projects must occur on voluntary terms and align with ESA recovery plans. Projects cannot use funds to meet regulatory compliance requirements such as those outlined in Section 7 or Section 10 of the ESA or under the Clean Water Act. Land acquisition is not eligible for funding under this opportunity. Applicants must submit a completed application by 11:59 PM ET on October 20, 2025. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and GrantSolutions.gov. Required application materials include SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a budget narrative, a detailed project narrative addressing need, purpose, objectives, methods, timeline, compliance considerations, and personnel, as well as lobbying disclosures if applicable. Indirect costs must be justified, and pre-award costs are allowable only with prior written approval. Applications will undergo an eligibility screening and merit review. The merit review evaluates species priority, project importance, technical merit, and cost realism. Projects addressing endangered species and implementing recovery plan actions will receive higher scores. Regional staff and the Regional Director will select proposals, potentially prioritizing factors like matching funds above minimum requirements, geographic diversity, and the applicant’s history with previous awards. The final award decisions for projects requesting over $50,000 must be approved by the Director of the FWS and the Department of the Interior. Successful applicants will receive their Notice of Award through GrantSolutions. Anticipated project start and end dates are October 20, 2025, and October 20, 2028, respectively. Projects may receive a one-time extension of up to 12 months with proper justification. Federal reporting requirements will apply, including performance and financial reports, conflict disclosures, and FFATA reporting if applicable. For program-related questions, applicants may contact Angela Anders at angela_anders@fws.gov or 505-248-7953.

Submit clear, detailed projects aligned with recovery plans; coordinate early with FWS staff.