R2 State Wildlife Grant Program to State Fish and Game Agencies Only | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is the R2 State Wildlife Grant Program to State Fish and Game Agencies Only, Funding Opportunity Number F12AS00072. It is a mandatory federal grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under CFDA 15.634 (State Wildlife Grants).

What is the purpose of the R2 State Wildlife Grant Program?

The program provides federal funding to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. commonwealths, and U.S. territories to develop and carry out wildlife conservation work that benefits wildlife and their habitats, with an explicit emphasis on species not traditionally supported through hunting and fishing programs. It is intended to support long-term, strategic conservation efforts rather than one-off or disconnected projects.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments, specifically state fish and game agencies and equivalent governmental entities in eligible jurisdictions (states, the District of Columbia, U.S. commonwealths, and U.S. territories).

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

Does this program require cost sharing or matching funds?

Yes. The opportunity indicates there is a cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning recipients should expect to provide non-federal match consistent with program rules.

What kinds of projects or activities can be funded?

Funded activities fall into two broad categories: planning and implementation. Planning funds support development or modification of a jurisdiction's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan (also known as the Wildlife Action Plan). Implementation funds support on-the-ground and related work to carry out priorities and actions identified in the Wildlife Action Plan.

What are "planning" funds intended to support?

Planning funds must directly support development or modification of the jurisdiction's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan (Wildlife Action Plan). Any plan development or updates supported with these funds must be approved by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What are "implementation" funds intended to support?

Implementation funds are intended for the actual conservation work a state proposes to carry out to execute priorities and actions identified in its Wildlife Action Plan. Examples described in the posting include habitat work, species management actions, and research or monitoring needed to guide conservation decisions, as long as the work is clearly tied back to the plan.

How does the Wildlife Action Plan relate to eligibility of activities?

The Wildlife Action Plan is central to the program. Planning awards are specifically for developing or updating the plan, and implementation awards are for carrying out priorities and actions identified in the plan. Activities are expected to be consistent with the development or implementation of the jurisdiction's plan.

Is the program focused on any particular types of species?

Yes. A central expectation is that states prioritize species with the greatest conservation need, with an emphasis on species not traditionally supported through hunting and fishing programs.

How should applicants think about project selection and funding priorities?

The announcement indicates project selection should focus first on species with the greatest conservation need, while also considering what other funding sources are already available for conserving them. The grant is meant to fill gaps and elevate conservation for species and habitats that might otherwise receive limited support, rather than duplicating well-funded efforts.

Are wildlife education activities eligible for funding?

Wildlife education is generally considered ineligible. A narrow exception may apply if an education component is minor or incidental, is critical to the success of a project, directly contributes to conserving species of greatest conservation need and their habitats, and is consistent with the development or implementation of the jurisdiction's Wildlife Action Plan.

Are law enforcement activities eligible for funding?

Law enforcement is generally considered ineligible. A narrow exception may apply if a law enforcement component is minor or incidental, is critical to the success of a project, directly contributes to conserving species of greatest conservation need and their habitats, and is consistent with the development or implementation of the jurisdiction's Wildlife Action Plan.

What does "minor or incidental" mean for education or law enforcement components?

The posting does not provide a specific definition or threshold. It states that such components may be allowable only if they are minor or incidental, are critical to project success, directly contribute to conserving species of greatest conservation need and their habitats, and align with the jurisdiction's Wildlife Action Plan.

Does the program support one-time projects?

The program is described as being designed to help jurisdictions maintain and execute long-term, strategic conservation efforts rather than one-off or disconnected projects.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number listed is 15.634 (State Wildlife Grants).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is F12AS00072.

Where can applicants find additional information?

The listing references Grants.gov as the additional information source.

Who is the contact person for questions or access issues?

The named contact is Leanne Bonner, Grant Manager. Phone: 505-248-7459. Email: leannebonner@fws.gov.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The posting and creation date is February 14, 2012. The original and current closing date listed is August 31, 2013. The archive date is August 31, 2014.

The listing shows award ceiling/floor and estimated total funding as 0. Does that mean there is no funding?

Not necessarily. The information provided indicates that the 0 values typically reflect posting or system limitations rather than a statement that no funding exists. Applicants are expected to confirm available funding levels through the full announcement or agency guidance.