F24AS00197 FY 2024 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 3 | F24AS00197

Opportunity Information: Apply for F24AS00197

F24AS00197 is a FY 2024 discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (CFDA 15.615) under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, specifically the Traditional Conservation Grants Program for Region 3. The core purpose of this program is to strengthen and support state-led conservation programs that conserve and help recover threatened and endangered species under the Service's jurisdiction. In practice, the funding is meant to help states carry out on-the-ground and programmatic work that produces clear, measurable conservation value for species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and, importantly, for species that are not yet listed but may be at risk.

The program focuses on projects that provide direct benefits to species or their habitats. Funding can be used for a range of conservation approaches, including species and habitat management actions, applied research, population or habitat monitoring, and outreach or education efforts. Projects may target federally listed resident species covered by a state's cooperative agreement, and states may also propose monitoring and related work for candidate species, at-risk species, and species that have been recently delisted. A strong application is expected to explain, in specific terms, how the proposed activities will contribute to recovery objectives for listed species or reduce threats enough to prevent a species from needing ESA listing in the first place. The emphasis is on clarity and defensible links between the proposed work and outcomes for the species or habitat.

Eligibility is restricted to state governments and, more specifically, to state agencies that have an active cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under ESA section 6(c). A state agency that does not yet have one may still be eligible if it enters into or reconfirms such an agreement within 30 days of the application deadline, but the Service must have a complete and signed agreement before it can obligate federal funds. This requirement is tied to applicable federal regulations cited in the notice (including 50 CFR 81.3, 50 CFR 81.5, and 43 CFR 12.50(b)(3)). While only states can receive awards directly, the opportunity also recognizes that implementation often involves partners; local governments, conservation organizations, and other groups can participate through a state agency as subgrantees when their work supports shared conservation goals.

Key logistics included in the notice are that the funding instrument is a grant, the opportunity category is discretionary, and the application deadline (OriginalClosingDate) was April 29, 2024. The listed award ceiling is $659,613. The opportunity was created on November 30, 2023. Overall, this program is designed to channel federal support into state-directed, species-focused conservation projects that can demonstrate concrete biological benefits and a strong connection to recovery or pre-listing prevention outcomes.

• The Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "F24AS00197 FY 2024 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 3" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.615.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-11-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-04-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $659,613.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for F24AS00197

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