Highlands Conservation Act – Competitive Funding Round
Can you apply?
This grant is for state agencies in four specific Highlands states acquiring land for conservation. Only the Lead State Agency designated by each state's Governor may apply directly. Eligible states are Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The Lead State Agency may subward all or part of funds to counties, municipalities, or other state conservation agencies within the Highlands Region. Applicants fund up to 50% of total project costs. Projects must involve willing sellers and protect land of high conservation value.
A project cannot be proposed for both the Competitive and Base funding opportunities. Contact your state's designated Lead Agency for application coordination and regional eligibility details.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
The Highlands Conservation Act Program (HCA) is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to assist Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the protection of land and natural resources in the Highlands Region. HCA grants support land conservation projects in which a State, County, or Municipal entity acquires land or an interest in land from a willing seller to conserve resources of high conservation value.Governors of the four Highlands States may submit proposals for up to 50% of the total cost of land conservation projects in the Highlands Region.Funding appropriated under the HCA is typically divided into two separate categories – Base and Competitive. Eligible applicants may submit requests for the Competitive Funding Round in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. A separate Notice of Funding Opportunity will be posted for Base Funds. A project may not be proposed for funding in both funding opportunities.More information on the HCA program is available at www.fws.gov/program/highlands-conservation-act-grant
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application Form)
- Project Narrative
- Budget Narrative
- Proof of willing seller intent
- Cost-sharing documentation
- Highlands Region conservation value assessment
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 Shelley_DiBona@ios.doi.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.667 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$17,120,240
-
$5,832,538
-
$4,031,500
-
$3,000,000
-
$2,710,000
-
$2,710,000
-
$2,710,000
-
$2,670,000
-
$2,564,650
-
$2,425,000
Top States by Funding
- PA 13 awards $33.2M
- CT 15 awards $24.4M
- NY 12 awards $20.7M
- NJ 9 awards $5.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.667). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,700,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $9,700,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,700,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only the Lead State Agency designated by your state's Governor in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania. States may subward to counties, municipalities, or conservation agencies.
What projects are eligible?
Land acquisition or interest-in-land projects that conserve high-value natural resources. The willing seller requirement is essential.
What percentage of costs does the grant cover?
The grant covers up to 50% of total project costs. Recipients must provide matching funds for the balance.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is October 31, 2026 for this competitive funding round. A separate Base Funding round opens at a different time.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $25,000 to $3,850,000, depending on project scope and available pool funding.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your state's Lead Agency early to confirm you're the right applicant. Governors designate specific agencies, and this is non-negotiable.
- Plan co-funding sources now. You must match 50% of project costs, so secure partner commitments before submitting.
- Include willing seller documentation. Proof that the landowner agrees to sell is essential for competitive scoring.
- Do not propose the same project for both Competitive and Base funding. Choose one track and stick with it.
- Emphasize conservation value clearly. Projects protecting rare habitat, water resources, or wildlife corridors score strongest.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants from ineligible counties or non-lead state agencies submit directly instead of coordinating with the designated Lead Agency. Projects without secured willing-seller agreements or clear matching funds fail. Proposals duplicate land or funding requests across both Competitive and Base funding rounds.
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