USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 2026

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is offering funding through the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program. This initiative is authorized by the National Landslide Preparedness Act and is designed to support efforts that reduce landslide risks across the United States and its territories. The program reflects federal priorities related to hazard mitigation, scientific integrity, and interagency coordination, and it plays a critical role in improving public safety by advancing landslide research, mapping, and preparedness activities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to assist state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in understanding and managing landslide hazards. Projects are expected to enhance risk assessments through detailed hazard mapping, improve community preparedness through outreach and education, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Landslides pose widespread risks across all U.S. regions, often occurring without warning and causing significant economic and human impacts. This program addresses those risks by funding projects that generate actionable data and improve decision-making for communities and emergency managers. Funding under this program totals approximately $1,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. Approximately 10 awards are expected. While cost sharing is not required, proposals that include at least 50 percent non-federal matching funds may receive prioritization during final selection. Allowable activities include hazard mapping, data collection, outreach, and planning coordination. However, certain costs are explicitly unallowable, including construction, infrastructure repair, long-term monitoring operations, and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and federally recognized Tribal governments. Universities may apply only on behalf of eligible governmental entities, such as state geological surveys. This ensures that funded projects are implemented by organizations with the authority and capacity to manage public hazard mitigation efforts. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants are required to complete federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must clearly describe objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and alignment with at least one of the program’s Guidance Criteria, which include hazard mapping, planning and coordination, education and outreach, or Alaska-specific hazards. Applications undergo a multi-step review process, including eligibility screening, peer merit review, and risk assessment. The application deadline is June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated to begin around July 1, 2026, with applicants typically notified in mid-June. Projects may have a period of performance of either one or two years. Two-year projects require an annual progress report after the first year, while all projects must submit a final technical report within 90 days of completion. This structured reporting ensures accountability and enables the program to track outcomes such as hazard maps produced, populations impacted, and improvements in preparedness. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in reducing landslide risks through science-based approaches, collaboration, and public engagement. By supporting hazard mapping, education, and coordinated planning, the program aims to safeguard communities, infrastructure, and economic stability across landslide-prone regions of the United States.

Align proposal clearly with one Guidance Criterion; demonstrate strong technical methodology and measurable outcomes; include detailed mapping approach and stakeholder impact; providing cost share may improve ranking