F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants
Description
Established by Congress in fiscal year (FY) 1997, the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grant program was designed to reduce conflicts between the conservation of listed species and competing land uses on specific parcels of land associated with approved and permitted HCPs. Under this program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides matching grants to State agencies in support of land acquisition projects that will conserve species habitat in perpetuity through fee simple acquisition or the acquisition of permanent conservation easements. FWS considers the use of Federal acquisition dollars by States for habitat protection associated with HCPs to be an important and effective mechanism to promote species recovery, prevent extinction, and preclude the need to list species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the future. All land acquired through these grants complements, but does not replace, the mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring commitments of the HCP. Thus, this work is additive to the conservation commitments entered into when HCPs are permitted and serves as a meaningful way to leverage non-Federal investment in species recovery and connect conservation lands across the landscape.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
Established by Congress in fiscal year (FY) 1997, the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grant program was designed to reduce conflicts between the conservation of listed species and competing land uses on specific parcels of land associated with approved and permitted HCPs. Under this program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides matching grants to State agencies in support of land acquisition projects that will conserve species habitat in perpetuity through fee simple acquisition or the acquisition of permanent conservation easements. FWS considers the use of Federal acquisition dollars by States for habitat protection associated with HCPs to be an important and effective mechanism to promote species recovery, prevent extinction, and preclude the need to list species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the future. All land acquired through these grants complements, but does not replace, the mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring commitments of the HCP. Thus, this work is additive to the conservation commitments entered into when HCPs are permitted and serves as a meaningful way to leverage non-Federal investment in species recovery and connect conservation lands across the landscape.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $26,000,000
- Award Floor
- $10,000
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $26,000,000
- Expected Number of Awards
- 10
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from Fish and Wildlife Service is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this Fish and Wildlife Service program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363691).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by Fish and Wildlife Service — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on October 30, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for federal programs such as those from Fish and Wildlife Service are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants?
This opportunity from Fish and Wildlife Service is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants provide?
Award amounts for F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants range from $10,000 to $26,000,000.
When is the deadline for F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants?
The application deadline for F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants is October 30, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants?
Apply for F26AS00071 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363691). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
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