The FY 2025 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Conservation Planning Assistance grant program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides financial support to State agencies for developing and implementing Habitat Conservation Plans and Conservation Benefit Agreements. These initiatives are aimed at conserving endangered, threatened, or at-risk species under the Endangered Species Act by addressing conservation needs on non-Federal lands.

The primary goal is to develop new Habitat Conservation Plans and Conservation Benefit Agreements, renew or amend existing agreements, and provide administrative support for permitted Conservation Benefit Agreements. Habitat Conservation Plans enable non-Federal landowners to comply with Endangered Species Act requirements by authorizing the take of listed species incidental to otherwise lawful activities. Conservation Benefit Agreements offer landowners assurances and incentives for implementing conservation measures that benefit species recovery.

Eligible applicants are State agencies that have entered into cooperative agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for endangered and threatened species conservation, as outlined in section 6(c) of the Endangered Species Act. Non-State entities such as local governments, private organizations, and landowners may participate as subrecipients or partners. Projects funded under this opportunity must focus on species listed as endangered or threatened, candidate species, or species considered at risk. The program emphasizes the development of conservation planning tools, scientific studies, and technical guidance that address the needs of at-risk species.

The grant supports projects that include but are not limited to the development and implementation of Habitat Conservation Plans, biological assessments, environmental reviews, and stakeholder coordination efforts. Activities should result in measurable conservation benefits that contribute to the long-term recovery of listed or at-risk species. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the project’s contribution to species conservation, the scientific integrity of their methods, and the cost-effectiveness of their approach.

The total funding available for this opportunity is dependent on annual Congressional appropriations. Individual award amounts may vary based on project scope and merit. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as the project’s significance to species conservation, technical quality, cost-effectiveness, and the capacity of the applicant to successfully implement the proposed activities. Collaboration with local governments, landowners, and other stakeholders is encouraged to enhance the project’s impact.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by the specified deadline, which will be outlined in the official funding announcement. Submissions must include a detailed project narrative, budget justification, and any required supporting documentation. Successful applicants will be notified of their award and will be required to submit periodic performance and financial reports to ensure compliance with program objectives and Federal grant regulations.

The program offers a significant opportunity for State agencies to advance species conservation efforts through comprehensive planning and collaboration. By supporting the development and implementation of conservation agreements, the program helps address habitat loss, species decline, and other critical conservation challenges on non-Federal lands.