The Candidate Species Conservation Fund (Funding Opportunity Number: F25AS00228) is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and aims to support conservation efforts for candidate and at-risk species. This initiative is designed to promote voluntary conservation activities that can prevent species from requiring protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The program works in collaboration with federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, non-governmental organizations, private landowners, and industries to improve species conservation and habitat protection.

The program offers a total estimated funding of $500,000, with an expected 20 awards distributed across various regions. Funding amounts and the number of awards vary by location, and applicants are encouraged to contact their regional offices for details. There is no award ceiling or floor, as awards depend on regional conservation priorities. Importantly, this program does not operate with regularly recurring funding and does not require cost sharing.

Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), Native American tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, public housing authorities, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and individuals. A key eligibility requirement is demonstrated knowledge of candidate or at-risk species, with a preference for those who have field experience working with these species.

The primary objective of the program is to support conservation efforts that prevent species from being listed under the ESA. Priority is given to projects that provide clear conservation benefits, eliminate identified threats, and improve species populations. Conservation activities may include habitat restoration, species research and monitoring, environmental education efforts, and policy collaboration. Funds may be awarded through grants or cooperative agreements, with cooperative agreements involving active FWS participation.

Applications must be submitted electronically via GrantSolutions.gov. The closing date for applications is September 30, 2025, with awards being announced and obligated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. The anticipated project start date is June 1, 2025, with projects expected to conclude by May 31, 2028. Required documents include SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424A Budget Information, SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable), a Project Narrative, and a Budget Narrative.

The application review process consists of an eligibility review, a merit review, and a risk review. Applications are evaluated based on their importance to conservation objectives (30 points), technical/scientific merit (30 points), applicant qualifications (20 points), project costs (20 points), and cost-share contributions (10 points). Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Federal Award via GrantSolutions or email, outlining funding conditions and reporting requirements.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact the regional FWS offices listed in the funding opportunity document. Special conditions apply to international projects, compliance with federal regulations, and necessary permits for conservation activities.