The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering funding under the FY24 Candidate Species Conservation initiative to support conservation efforts for candidate and other at-risk species in the United States. This funding aims to prevent the need to list candidate species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by reducing or eliminating threats to these species through high-priority conservation actions. Eligible projects include habitat restoration, research, surveys, monitoring, and educational outreach that contribute to improving the status of candidate or at-risk species.

The funding for this opportunity totals $500,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $500,000. Projects must be completed within three years, and funds can be provided via either grants or cooperative agreements. In cooperative agreements, there is an expectation of significant involvement from the FWS, which may include joint participation in carrying out project work, approving stages of the project, or collaborating in project staffing. Award dates vary by region, and interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local FWS Ecological Services program field office before applying to discuss project alignment and regional priorities.

Eligible applicants for this funding include state and local governments, tribal entities, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, higher education institutions, and individuals. Importantly, no cost-sharing or matching is required for this funding opportunity, but projects that demonstrate partnership enhancement and leverage additional resources will be given priority. The program also aligns with several key priorities, including climate change mitigation, racial justice, equity, and the America the Beautiful initiative.

Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2024, through Grants.gov or GrantSolutions, and applicants are advised to consult with the local FWS office before preparing their application. Required submission materials include a detailed project narrative, which should describe the project objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected conservation outcomes. Applicants must also submit a budget narrative, specifying how funds will be used and detailing any other sources of funding. For projects requesting over $100,000 in federal funding, certifications regarding lobbying are required.

Applications will be evaluated based on their relevance to conservation goals, technical merit, the qualifications of the applicants, project costs, and the extent of leveraged funds or cost-share contributions. Projects that demonstrate the potential to significantly contribute to species conservation and reduce the need for ESA listing will receive the highest priority. Reviewers will also consider whether the proposed methodology is appropriate for achieving the project’s goals and if the applicant’s team possesses the necessary expertise and capacity.

Award recipients will be required to comply with reporting requirements, including submitting financial and performance reports throughout the project period. The FWS will also monitor compliance with federal policies such as Buy America provisions for infrastructure projects. Recipients are expected to report any significant developments or changes in project conditions, including delays or favorable outcomes that exceed expectations. Additionally, conflicts of interest must be disclosed, and any violations of federal law related to the project must be reported.