The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering grants through the Fiscal Year 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grants program, funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). This opportunity supports state-level implementation of approved State AIS Management Plans, focusing on the prevention, detection, and management of AIS in and around the Great Lakes Basin. The total program funding is $3,799,000, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $800,000. No cost-sharing is required. The grants aim to assist states in developing and implementing science-based strategies to manage AIS threats effectively.

Only state natural resource agencies in the Great Lakes Basin or their designees are eligible to apply. Funded activities must directly or indirectly support AIS management within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach, inspections, and enforcement efforts outside the basin if they contribute to preventing AIS transfer. Projects targeting invasive carp are eligible only if vetted through the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee's action plan process. Applications should demonstrate their alignment with state AIS plans and GLRI objectives to prevent or mitigate AIS impacts.

Applicants must register on SAM.gov and GrantSolutions.gov to apply. Pre-proposals, including a project narrative and budget narrative, are due via email within 60 days of the NOFO's posting. Following the ranking of pre-proposals, successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals via GrantSolutions within 60 days of notification. Full proposals must include a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, environmental compliance information, and monitoring and evaluation plans. The narrative is limited to 25 pages and must articulate goals, objectives, activities, and timelines.

Applications will undergo eligibility and merit reviews, with criteria assessing collaboration, potential impact, sustainability, and scientific soundness. The highest-rated projects will be funded at the requested level, with lower-tier projects receiving a reduced percentage if funding requests exceed available resources. Budgets will be reviewed for reasonableness, alignment with project objectives, and compliance with federal guidelines. Risk assessments will be conducted to evaluate financial and administrative capabilities before awards are finalized.

Award notices are expected by the end of the calendar year, with project implementation beginning in October 2025 and concluding by September 2027. Award recipients are required to submit periodic performance and financial reports, adhere to environmental compliance regulations, and follow the reporting guidelines under the GLRI measures. Additional post-award requirements include conflict-of-interest disclosures and transparency in expenditures and lobbying activities.

For assistance, applicants can contact Nathan Evans at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Further details and guidance are available on Grants.gov and GrantSolutions platforms, where application forms and instructional resources are also provided.