The Bureau of Land Management Headquarters Threatened and Endangered Species Program has announced the funding opportunity L25AS00167 for fiscal year 2025. The initiative focuses on conservation and recovery efforts for federally listed, Bureau-sensitive, and rare species and their habitats. This opportunity aligns with Department of the Interior priorities, including protecting biodiversity, increasing resilience to climate change, and engaging diverse communities to promote economic opportunities and wildlife conservation. The program also supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals, such as conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 and advancing equity for underserved communities.

The total program funding is $500,000, with an expected number of three awards. Individual awards will range between $10,000 and $250,000. Cost-sharing or matching is not required. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, public and private higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. The closing date for applications is February 14, 2025, and all applications must be submitted via Grants.gov.

The program seeks projects that implement on-the-ground conservation actions, targeted inventory and monitoring, and research to gain knowledge about species ecology, genetics, and threats. Examples include seed collection, habitat management, species propagation, public education, and program outreach. Projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit and address national-scale objectives that cross state boundaries. Activities must align with BLM policies and priorities outlined in manuals like the Special Status Species Manual 6840 and adhere to federal environmental compliance requirements, such as the National Environmental Policy Act.

The application package must include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, budget documents (SF-424A), a detailed project narrative of no more than 15 pages, and a budget justification. The project narrative should outline the statement of need, goals and objectives, technical approach, milestones, public benefits, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant BLM district or program lead to determine project eligibility and alignment with program goals prior to submission. Special conditions, including Buy America provisions for infrastructure projects, may apply.

Eligible applications will undergo an eligibility review and merit review, where proposals will be rated on factors such as statement of need, technical approach, public benefit, applicant qualifications, and leveraging of resources. Final funding decisions will include a risk assessment to evaluate the applicant’s financial and administrative capacity.

Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Federal Award, detailing reporting requirements, including submission of financial and performance reports. Compliance with federal policies, such as conflict of interest disclosures and reporting on executive compensation for subawards exceeding $30,000, is required. Projects are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2025, and must be completed no later than September 30, 2030.

For additional questions, applicants can contact the program lead, Laura Romin, at lromin@blm.gov, or refer to the Grants.gov support resources for submission guidance.