The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering grants through the Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants program, funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). These grants are targeted at Great Lakes states and tribes to support efforts against aquatic invasive species (AIS) within or affecting the Great Lakes Basin. The initiative focuses on projects that involve pathway intervention, detection activities, and prevention efforts, prioritizing those with a significant benefit to the Great Lakes. A total of $923,809 is available for fiscal year 2025, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to the program's total funding ceiling. The anticipated number of awards is six, and no cost-sharing is required from applicants.

The program’s objective is to fund action-oriented projects that address AIS threats to the Great Lakes Basin. Eligible activities may occur within the basin or adjacent areas where they contribute substantially to preventing AIS introduction. Examples include outreach, inspections at boat ramps, and law enforcement measures. Projects addressing invasive carp are eligible only if vetted through the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee's annual process. Proposals must align with the goals of pathway intervention and detection while demonstrating potential to reduce the impact of AIS in the region.

Eligibility is limited to Great Lakes state and tribal natural resource agencies, though they may designate other entities to apply on their behalf. Applicants must register on SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and also apply through GrantSolutions.gov. The pre-proposal phase requires submission of a project narrative and budget narrative via email within 60 days of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) posting. Full proposals are due within 60 days of funding notification and must include detailed descriptions of project activities, timetables, and compliance with environmental regulations.

The application process involves pre-proposals, reviewed for eligibility and ranked based on state and tribal support, and full proposals, which must meet specific content and format requirements. Applicants must include a project narrative, a detailed budget, and plans for monitoring and evaluation. The merit review criteria assess the level of state and tribal support, potential impact on AIS prevention and control, sustainability, and scientific rigor.

Award notifications are expected by the end of the calendar year, with projects commencing in October 2025 and concluding by September 2027. Recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including semi-annual performance updates, financial reports, and adherence to the terms outlined in the award notice. Grant activities and expenditures will be monitored for alignment with GLRI goals and federal regulations.

For further assistance, applicants may contact Nathan Evans at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Detailed guidance on application procedures, forms, and reporting can be found on the Grants.gov and GrantSolutions platforms.