FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Threatened and Endangered Species Program

The FY25 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Threatened and Endangered Species Program is a grant opportunity designed to support actions that conserve and recover threatened and endangered species. The program focuses on projects that align with the Department of the Interior's priorities, including biodiversity protection, reducing species extinction rates, addressing climate change, and advancing conservation goals such as protecting 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Emphasis is placed on projects that engage underrepresented communities, including communities of color, low-income families, rural and Indigenous communities, while leveraging science-based decision-making to achieve these goals. A total of $1,000,000 in funding is available, with individual awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. Approximately ten awards are anticipated, with a project period of up to five years (August 2025 to July 2030). Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments, as well as public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and certain nonprofit organizations. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply. Applicants are encouraged to engage with BLM program leads prior to submission to ensure project alignment with program priorities and eligibility criteria. The program encourages a wide range of activities, such as on-the-ground conservation and recovery actions, inventory and monitoring to assess species status, research on species and habitat threats, and public outreach to increase awareness of threatened and endangered species. Proposals must demonstrate public benefit and alignment with national conservation goals, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Collaborative projects that involve multiple stakeholders and foster partnerships are particularly encouraged. Applicants must register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov to submit applications, and preparation for submission can take several months. Key application components include a project narrative detailing objectives, methodology, and public benefits; a budget narrative justifying costs; and additional supporting documentation such as environmental compliance plans and key personnel qualifications. Proposals are due by February 28, 2025, and must be submitted through Grants.gov. Applications will be evaluated based on technical approach, alignment with BLM priorities, qualifications of the applicant team, and public benefit. Proposals will undergo eligibility and merit reviews, with criteria emphasizing the technical rigor, feasibility, and potential impact of the project. Risk assessments will also be conducted before award decisions are finalized, and additional conditions may be applied based on risk findings. Award notifications will be sent electronically, and projects may begin as early as August 2025. Recipients must adhere to federal reporting requirements, including financial and performance reporting, and comply with policies regarding geospatial data and environmental standards. For further information or assistance, applicants may contact Emmy Ellison at eaellison@blm.gov or visit the Grants.gov announcement.