F25AS00285 FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 1

The FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program for Region 1 is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under Funding Opportunity Number F25AS00285. This program supports the development and implementation of State programs aimed at conserving and recovering species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). FWS provides financial assistance to State agencies with cooperative agreements under section 6(c) of the ESA. The program emphasizes cooperative conservation on non-federal lands where many listed species reside and prioritizes activities that prevent extinction, aid in recovery, or preclude the need to list species. The grants may be used to support a wide range of activities that directly benefit federally listed species, eligible unlisted species (such as candidates or those with positive 90-day or 12-month findings), and species that have been delisted due to recovery in the past five years. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, species surveys, genetic research, captive propagation, public education and outreach efforts, and monitoring of listed or recently delisted species. Priority is given to actions identified in recovery plans, outlines, or Recovery Implementation Strategies. Public outreach components must demonstrate high potential for improving public understanding and participation in conservation. Funding for this opportunity totals $4,525,074, and around 40 awards are expected. Award amounts may range from $1,000 to the total program ceiling, though the specific maximum amount for a single applicant aligns with the program ceiling. Applicants must provide a non-federal cost share of at least 25% of the total project cost. However, when two or more States collaborate, the required match is reduced to 10%. The match may be in cash or in-kind contributions, and pre-award costs may be reimbursed under certain conditions. Matching requirements are waived for U.S. territories such as Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Only State agencies with an active or pending section 6 cooperative agreement are eligible to apply. While funding is directed to States, they may subcontract with local governments or organizations. Applications must be submitted electronically via GrantSolutions.gov by 11:59 PM ET on September 19, 2025. Required documents include forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-LLL (if lobbying is involved), a project abstract, narrative, and detailed budget justification. Additional compliance information regarding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), ESA, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and permits may be required. All projects must align with the goals of relevant recovery or conservation plans. The merit review process evaluates applications based on species listing status, relevance to program goals, scientific and technical merit, and budget realism. Projects must clearly demonstrate a direct benefit to listed or eligible species. States are encouraged to confer with program contacts early to ensure project alignment. Final awards are made by the Regional Director and may be subject to adjustments based on scope, funding availability, and regional priorities. Risk assessments and past performance reviews may influence funding decisions. For further information, applicants should contact Sole Diaz at jimenaines_diaz@fws.gov or (503) 231-2349. The anticipated project start date is September 30, 2025, and grants may span up to three years. Extensions of up to 12 months may be requested. Funded projects and summaries may be publicly announced via media releases coordinated with the Department of the Interior.

States are encouraged to contact the FWS early in the process to ensure mutual priorities are addressed. Applications should clearly tie proposed work to species recovery and be detailed and specific.