National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements

Refuges and Wildlife
CFDA 15.654 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$40M FY2026
$75.7M
FY24
$121.2M
FY25
$40M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 Program received 98 applications and issued 88 awards.
FY2026 Program anticipates receiving 90 applications and issuing 80 awards.

Program Objective

To provide technical and financial assistance to identify, conserve, manage, and enhance the natural, historical, and cultural resources and physical infrastructure of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS); deliver public access and high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities; build a volunteer cadre, and inspire the next generation of hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts through work on and off NWRS managed lands and waters.

This program also encourages coordination and integration of efforts between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) programs and interested parties to accomplish successful prevention or management of invasive species. Projects must conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife and plants on and off NWRS managed lands for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Unrestricted by Entity Type

State Government, County Government, City or Township Government, Special District Government, Regional Organization, U.S. Territory or Possession, Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education, Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized), Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized), Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization, Nonprofit with 501C3 IRS Status (Other than institution of Higher Education), Nonprofit without 501C3 IRS Status ( Other than Institution of Higher Education), For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business), Small Business, Private Institution of Higher Education, Hispanic Serving Institution, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Notice of Grant Award (NGA) will be sent electronically to the recipient by GrantSolutions.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 60 to 90 days

Awards should be issued within 90 days of application receipt in GrantSolutions.

Program details & compliance

Description

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is the only federal government agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources for current and future generations of Americans. FWS is one of 11 bureaus within the Department of the Interior. Our employees work to fulfill our mission on more than 573 National Wildlife Refuges, 71 National Fish Hatcheries, and numerous regional and field offices on thousands of active conservation projects across the country.

Mission Categories

Primary: Fish and Wildlife Preservation

Other categories:
Water ConservationLand and Forest ConservationRecreation

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funds may be used for approved activities that support the objectives of the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). Awards issued under this program will support NWRS efforts to effectively engage with the visiting public, enhance visitor services, improve facilities, manage invasive species on and off NWRS managed lands, and support priority public uses such as hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife observation, and photography. Program awards endeavor to leverage funds with local industries and community organizations to conduct on-the-ground projects that support shared conservation goals and reduce barriers to outdoor recreation.

Matching Requirements

No matching is required; however, matching funds are encouraged.

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

Linh Phu, Division Chief, Visitor Services & Communications
(571) 423-6698
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: NWRS, Falls Church, VA 22041
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-08-07. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-08-08 03:01:23.