Candidate Species Conservation

CFDA 15.660 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$3.5M FY2026
$4.1M
FY24
$4.4M
FY25
$3.5M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 Program received 10 applications and issued 10 awards.
FY2026 Program anticipates receiving 10 applications and issuing 10 awards.

Program Objective

The objective is to secure candidate and other at-risk species information or undertake restoration actions that will help avert federal listing of species. The purpose is to provide a means by which the ecosystems upon which candidate and at-risk species depend may be conserved, to provide a program for the conservation of these species.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Other

Anyone except Federal Agencies.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Awards will be announced via letters sent directly to the applicants. No work may begin on a project until the appropriate legal contracting or procurement documents, and the required environmental compliance documents, have been signed by the authorized FWS official. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified either by letter, fax, email or by telephone.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance

Description

Grants awarded through the Candidate Species Conservation Fund help keep wildlife and plants from becoming endangered by addressing threats before species need federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. The goal is to prevent listings and reduce future regulatory burdens by taking proactive conservation steps now. By acting early, this program helps avoid costly ESA listings, supports healthy ecosystems, and provides flexibility for landowners and partners while safeguarding America’s natural heritage.

Mission Categories

Primary: Fish and Wildlife Preservation

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

The assistance can be used for Candidate Conservation. Funding maybe used for actions related to: (1) the development of scientific information that is useful in supporting candidate assessments, conservation actions and candidate conservation agreements; (2) reduce threats to a candidate and other high priority species, such as propagation of imperiled freshwater mussels; or (3) conservation of candidate species, such as biological field work to conduct species surveys; or (4) in a spotlight species action plan. These are discretionary funds that are used for project purposes to help ensure the use of the best available scientific information in making management decisions. Funding is not used for real property acquisition or construction.

Required Documentation

.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Kelly Niland
(703) 358-2171
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, 5275 Leesburg Pike (MS: ES), Falls Church, VA 22041
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-07-07. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-07-08 03:01:37.