F25AS00294 FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 8

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), through its Region 8 office, has released the FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program under the funding opportunity number F25AS00294. The initiative is part of the broader Endangered Species Act (ESA) conservation framework, specifically authorized by Section 6 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. §1535). Its core mission is to support the development and implementation of state-level programs that conserve and recover threatened and endangered species under FWS jurisdiction. This grant program is open exclusively to state agencies that have executed or will execute a cooperative agreement with the FWS pursuant to Section 6(c) of the ESA within 30 days of the application deadline. This grant program is competitive and provides federal financial assistance to support activities that yield direct benefits to federally listed species, candidate and eligible unlisted species, and recently delisted species. Eligible activities include habitat enhancement or restoration, species status surveys, genetic research, propagation efforts, monitoring efforts, and public outreach or education—provided these efforts directly impact species recovery. Projects must align with approved or draft recovery plans and cannot conflict with these plans. Notably, land acquisition is not eligible for funding under this opportunity. The program prioritizes projects that address high-priority recovery actions for endangered species and encourages collaborations between states to achieve broader regional conservation goals. The total estimated funding for FY 2025 is $2,455,587, with an expected distribution of approximately 15 awards. The minimum award amount per project is $1,000 and the maximum is equal to the total program funding. Cost-sharing is required, with a 25% non-federal match for single-state applications and a reduced 10% match requirement for projects involving multiple state collaborations. Match waivers are applicable to territories such as Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands under 48 U.S.C. 1469(a). Funds must be expended during the designated performance period, but pre-award costs may be reimbursed under specific conditions with prior approval. To apply, eligible state agencies must register in SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and complete registration in GrantSolutions.gov. The application package must include several components, including the SF-424, SF-424A, Project Narrative, Budget Narrative, Project Abstract Summary, and other relevant documentation like the SF-LLL if lobbying activities are involved. Project narratives must address project goals, need, methods, compliance, and timelines. Applications are submitted electronically and must be received by 11:59 PM ET on September 19, 2025. Evaluation of applications involves both eligibility screening and a merit review. Proposals are assessed on species prioritization, alignment with recovery actions, project importance, scientific merit, and cost realism. Final funding decisions are made by the FWS Regional Director and forwarded for Department of Interior review if over $50,000. Award notices will be issued through GrantSolutions, and the anticipated project start date is September 30, 2025, running for a maximum period of three years. A one-time extension may be granted for up to 12 additional months. Contact for this funding opportunity is Karen (Kitti) Jensen at karen_jensen@fws.gov or 916-404-2947.

Ensure applications align with ESA recovery priorities. Complete system registrations early. Budget must be realistic and justified.