The FY25 Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) Grants program is aimed at supporting the long-term conservation of neotropical migratory birds and their habitats. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this grant focuses on fostering public-private partnerships to implement conservation efforts across the Americas. It promotes international collaboration, with at least 75 percent of the funding directed to projects outside the United States, reflecting the program’s emphasis on conserving birds throughout their full life cycles.

The purpose of this grant is to protect and restore critical habitats, enhance the survival of migratory bird species, and support climate resilience through sustainable conservation projects. The program encourages the involvement of diverse stakeholders and leverages funds through a required 2:1 partner-to-grant dollar match. Projects should demonstrate how partners will contribute to long-term conservation success and address the specific threats facing neotropical migratory birds.

For FY2025, the program has allocated an estimated total funding amount of $5 million, with individual awards ranging between $10,000 and $250,000. The program expects to issue between 20 and 35 awards, with funding decisions anticipated by July 1, 2025. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and small businesses, as well as foreign entities. Applicants are required to provide matching funds at a 2:1 ratio, ensuring that projects have substantial partner contributions.

Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2024, through the appropriate grant platforms, either Grants.gov or GrantSolutions. The submission must include a completed Standard Form (SF-424), a project narrative, a budget, and a project abstract summary. The abstract must provide a clear, concise description of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes in plain language. Additionally, applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the project’s potential to achieve measurable conservation outcomes, its alignment with NMBCA goals, the degree of collaboration with partners, and the ability to address specific threats to migratory bird populations. The review process also includes an assessment of the proposed budget to ensure that costs are reasonable, linked to the project’s objectives, and adhere to federal guidelines.

Successful applicants will be required to submit regular financial and performance reports throughout the project’s duration, as well as a final report within 120 days of project completion. This reporting ensures that projects are progressing as planned and that funds are being used appropriately.