Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes – Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
🏛 Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Great Lakes states and tribes implementing aquatic invasive species management projects. State and tribal natural resource agencies in the Great Lakes Basin may apply directly or designate another entity to submit on their behalf. Projects must cross state or tribal jurisdictional lines and align with existing Interstate AIS Management Plans. Funding supports both continuing regional projects and new prevention initiatives focused on pathways, detection, and intervention.
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Program description
Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support implementation of interjurisdictional projects that cut across state and tribal Great Lakes Interstate Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (AIS Plans). Grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes states and tribes (or their designee) are eligible. Funding will be prioritized towards target action-oriented projects that support Great Lakes Panel regional priorities and focus on pathway intervention, detection activities, and active prevention. Two categories of projects will be considered for funding: Sustaining Projects and New Projects. Sustaining Projects are projects that continue previously funded interjurisdictional work and are deemed a priority for continued regional AIS management and prevention support. New Projects are previously unfunded work with the potential to improve regional AIS management and prevention.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (specific form TBD by FWS)
- Project narrative describing interjurisdictional scope
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of state/tribal agency support or designation
- Alignment with Interstate AIS Management Plans
- Letters of commitment from partner jurisdictions
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 nathan_evans@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.662 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$17,348,237
-
$15,031,566
-
$14,174,757
-
$10,024,505
-
$9,074,913
-
$9,054,943
-
$8,937,294
-
$7,718,060
-
$7,405,665
-
$7,252,913
Top States by Funding
- IL 10 awards $42.4M
- MI 29 awards $15.6M
- DC 1 awards $14.2M
- OH 12 awards $11.6M
- WI 10 awards $6.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.662). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2019 | $27,000,000 | |
| 2020 | $25,000,000 | |
| 2021 | $26,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $25,000,000 | |
| 2023 | $35,148,701 | |
| 2024 | $35,400,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $35,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $35,000,000 |
FAQ
Who exactly can apply for this grant?
State and tribal natural resource agencies in the Great Lakes Basin can apply. They may also designate any other entity (nonprofit, consultant, etc.) to submit the application on their behalf.
What types of projects are funded?
The program funds two types: Sustaining Projects (continuing proven regional work) and New Projects (previously unfunded initiatives). All projects must address aquatic invasive species and cross jurisdictional boundaries.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards range from $20,000 to $923,809. Amounts depend on project scope and regional priority alignment.
Do I need cost-sharing?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant, making it more accessible than many federal programs.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is December 31, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling, so plan your submission timeline accordingly.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build your application around existing Interstate AIS Management Plans. Regional alignment is critical to competitiveness.
- Clearly explain how your project crosses state or tribal lines. Interjurisdictional work is a core requirement.
- Focus on one of three priorities: pathway intervention, detection, or active prevention. Be specific about which and why.
- Consider applying as a Sustaining Project if you have proven track record. These are deemed a regional priority.
- Include specific deliverables and timelines. Action-oriented projects score better than aspirational ones.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when projects don't cross jurisdictional boundaries or lack clear alignment with Interstate AIS Plans. Weak proposals lack specific timelines and measurable prevention outcomes. Many miss that only states/tribes or their designees are eligible—other entities cannot apply independently.
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