Invasive Carp removal and monitoring in the Upper Mississippi River (CAFWS-181)
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for invasive carp removal and monitoring in the Upper Mississippi River region. Applicants must align projects with Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office goals. State and federal agencies, nonprofits, and universities can apply.
Activities supported include fish and wildlife management, habitat restoration, and invasive species control. Projects must directly address carp removal or monitoring on the Upper Mississippi River or its tributaries.
Geographic focus is the Upper Mississippi River watershed. Funding supports both one-time removal projects and ongoing monitoring programs.
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Program description
Conduct fish and wildlife management activities that align with the conservation, restoration, and management goals and priorities of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices. USFWS Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance
Funding opportunity for CAFWS-181 only Federal Assistance Listing: 15.608. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0108).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project narrative with specific goals and methods
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational background and qualifications
- Letters of support from partner organizations
- Timeline and work plan
Program contact
- 👤 Melissa Cooper Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
- 📧 Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.608 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$12,023,301
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,292,215
-
$8,000,000
-
$6,863,680
-
$4,852,445
-
$4,244,024
-
$4,238,994
-
$4,000,000
-
$3,970,758
Top States by Funding
- KY 6 awards $21.7M
- AK 15 awards $21.6M
- AL 6 awards $17.3M
- FL 4 awards $14.5M
- TN 5 awards $12.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
State agencies, federal agencies, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations working on conservation. Projects must align with USFWS Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office priorities.
When is the deadline?
This is a rolling program with no fixed deadline. Applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis as they arrive.
What activities does this funding support?
Invasive carp removal, population monitoring, habitat restoration, and fish management. Projects must be in the Upper Mississippi River system.
What's the typical award amount?
Awards range from $30,000 to $2,000,000 depending on project scope and complexity.
Do I need matching funds?
No cost sharing is required for this grant. However, leveraging additional resources strengthens your application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project explicitly with USFWS Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office management goals. Review their strategic plans before writing.
- Show proven experience with invasive species management or fish monitoring. Include staff credentials and past project results.
- Develop a clear monitoring plan with measurable outcomes. Document how you'll track carp removal success and population changes.
- Build partnerships with state agencies, universities, and conservation groups. Multi-partner projects are often competitive.
- Address both short-term removal outcomes and long-term sustainability. Explain how results will persist after grant funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague project goals without measurable carp removal targets. Unclear alignment with USFWS conservation office priorities and strategies.
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- ROLLING Invasive Carp Management Control in IL Waterway GLRI (FY26) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
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