Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY26
Can you apply?
This grant is for private landowners and conservation organizations seeking to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats. Eligible applicants include individual landowners, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, tribal organizations, and other entities working on private lands (including tribal lands, Hawaiian homelands, and non-governmental properties). Projects must align with regional strategic habitat conservation plans and Secretary of the Interior priorities. Applicants MUST consult with their local Partners for Fish and Wildlife office before applying.
This grant is for private landowners and conservation organizations seeking to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats. Eligible applicants include individual landowners, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, tribal organizations, and other entities working on private lands (including tribal lands, Hawaiian homelands, and non-governmental properties). Projects must align with regional strategic habitat conservation plans and Secretary of the Interior priorities. Applicants MUST consult with their local Partners for Fish and Wildlife office before applying.
Program description
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program helps private landowners restore and protect habitats for fish and wildlife. It offers both technical assistance and financial support, mainly through cooperative agreements.The PFW Program has approximately 220 staff working in all 50 states and territories. They work together with project partners and stakeholders to find key areas for conservation and set habitat goals. These focus areas guide the program on where to direct resources for conserving important habitats for federal trust species. The Program also has strategic plans that help determine which projects receive funding.Since it began in 1987, the PFW Program has successfully assisted many landowners. When choosing projects, the Program aims to support specific priorities set by the Secretary of the Interior and identified in regional strategic habitat conservation plans. All projects will promote the goals of the Program, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These goals focus on using sound biological principles and voluntary partnerships to accomplish the mission of the Service to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the PFW Program are required to consult with a local Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application by visiting our website.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Conservation Organization
- County Government
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for private landowners and conservation organizations seeking to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats. Eligible applicants include individual landowners, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, tribal organizations, and other entities working on private lands (including tribal lands, Hawaiian homelands, and non-governmental properties). Projects must align with regional strategic habitat conservation plans and Secretary of the Interior priorities. Applicants MUST consult with their local Partners for Fish and Wildlife office before applying.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application Form (SF-424 or equivalent)
- Project Narrative describing conservation goals and habitat benefits
- Budget and budget justification
- Letters of support from partners and stakeholders
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable)
- Tribal resolution (if tribal applicant)
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 andreas_moshogianis@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.631 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,314,524
-
$2,490,397
-
$2,077,971
-
$1,970,324
-
$1,900,000
-
$1,468,320
-
$1,427,906
-
$1,423,929
-
$1,236,480
-
$1,220,895
Top States by Funding
- OR 17 awards $10.2M
- GA 6 awards $8.9M
- WA 6 awards $5.9M
- MT 9 awards $5.3M
- AK 7 awards $5.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.631). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $15,000,000 | |
| 2023 | $31,500,000 | |
| 2024 | $15,000,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $15,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $15,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for Partners for Fish and Wildlife grants?
Private landowners, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, and conservation groups can apply. Applicants must own or partner on private lands (not state or federal government property).
Do I need to contact the program before applying?
Yes. Applicants must consult with their local PFW office before developing or submitting an application.
What types of projects does this program fund?
Projects that restore and protect habitats for fish and wildlife through habitat restoration, conservation easements, and related activities on private lands.
Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required for this program, though partnerships with other organizations are encouraged.
What are the typical award amounts?
Awards range from $1 to $750,000 depending on project scope and regional priorities.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your local PFW office early in the process to discuss habitat priorities and ensure project alignment with regional strategies.
- Focus on private lands and clearly identify ownership or partnership arrangements before applying.
- Align your project with the Secretary of the Interior's conservation priorities and regional strategic habitat plans.
- Provide strong biological justification for habitat restoration or protection activities using sound scientific principles.
- Document partnerships and stakeholder engagement to demonstrate collaborative conservation effort.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting an application without consulting the local PFW office first. Not aligning projects with regional strategic habitat conservation plans and Interior Department priorities. Proposing work on state or federally owned lands instead of private lands.
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