The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is offering funding through the Wolf Livestock Loss Demonstration Project Grant Program under the funding opportunity number F25AS00226. This program, authorized by Subtitle C of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, provides federal financial assistance to states and federally recognized Native American tribes to mitigate the impact of wolf predation on livestock. The primary goals of the program are to provide financial support for both proactive, non-lethal preventive measures and for compensating livestock producers for losses due to wolf depredation. The funding opportunity is competitive, and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate a need for assistance based on the prevalence of wolf depredation in their regions.

The total estimated program funding is $900,000, with an expected number of 13 awards. The funding does not have a specified award ceiling or floor, as grants are allocated based on the specifics of the proposals submitted. In the fiscal year 2024, awards were distributed among states, with grants for depredation compensation ranging from $60,000 to $110,000 and prevention grants ranging from $5,000 to $114,900. The program requires a cost-sharing component, where applicants must contribute 50% of the total project cost through either cash or in-kind contributions.

Eligible applicants for this funding include state governments and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. To be considered, states and tribes must designate an appropriate agency to administer the grant program, maintain financial records of claims, and report annually to the USFWS on activities funded through the grant. For depredation compensation, states and tribes must demonstrate their ability to document, verify, and fairly evaluate livestock loss claims. For prevention funding, applicants must show they have implemented effective non-lethal strategies such as fencing, range riders, and livestock guard dogs.

The application process is conducted online through GrantSolutions.gov. Applicants must register in SAM.gov and ensure their compliance with federal regulations regarding financial assistance. The deadline for submission is March 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. The review process includes an eligibility check, merit review, and risk assessment. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as the rate of wolf depredation, effectiveness of proposed prevention techniques, financial planning, and transparency in reporting. Successful applicants will be notified of pre-award status by September 30, 2025, with funding obligated within 120 days.

Grants awarded under this program are expected to start on October 1, 2025, and end by September 30, 2027. Recipients are required to comply with reporting requirements, including submitting financial and program performance reports. The funding includes adherence to federal policies such as the Buy America Act for infrastructure projects. For further information, applicants can contact the program administrator Patrick McKenney at fws_es_grants@fws.gov or regional contacts based on project location.