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State Wildlife Grant Program R5 (F12AS00041) - FAQs

What is the State Wildlife Grant Program R5 (F12AS00041)?

The State Wildlife Grant Program R5 (Funding Opportunity Number F12AS00041) is a mandatory federal grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It supports state-level wildlife conservation work, with an emphasis on long-term, science-based conservation strategies rather than one-time efforts.

Who runs and administers this grant program?

The program is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to fund state conservation programs that benefit wildlife and the habitats they depend on, especially species that are not typically supported by hunting or fishing-related funding sources (often referred to as non-game species) and broader habitat efforts that help multiple species.

What kinds of projects does the grant support?

The grant supports two broad categories of work: planning and implementation. Planning work must contribute directly to developing, updating, or modifying the state Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan (the Wildlife Action Plan). Implementation work funds on-the-ground or programmatic actions that execute priorities and actions identified in the Wildlife Action Plan.

What is a Wildlife Action Plan, and how does it relate to this grant?

A Wildlife Action Plan (also called the state Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan) is the state plan this program is designed to develop and carry out. Funded activities must tie directly to developing or implementing that plan, and implementation projects must clearly trace back to priorities, species, threats, and actions identified in the plan.

Are there specific planning requirements for funded activities?

Yes. Planning activities funded under this program must directly contribute to developing, updating, or modifying the state Wildlife Action Plan, and the work must be approved by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Are implementation projects required to link back to the state plan?

Yes. Implementation activities must be actions proposed specifically to carry out the Wildlife Action Plan. The work should clearly connect to the plan's priorities, target species, identified threats, and recommended conservation actions.

Which species are expected to be prioritized for funding?

States are expected to prioritize spending on species identified as having the greatest conservation need.

Does the program focus on species that do not receive hunting or fishing-related funding?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly emphasizes species that are not typically supported through hunting or fishing-related funding streams, helping steer resources toward overlooked or underfunded conservation needs.

How should states think about other funding sources when using these grant funds?

The program expects states to consider what other funding sources are available for particular species. The grant funds should be used where conservation needs are high and alternative resources are limited.

Can this grant be used for habitat conservation projects?

Yes. The program supports conservation work that benefits wildlife and the habitats they depend on, including broader habitat initiatives that support multiple species, as long as the work aligns with the Wildlife Action Plan.

Are wildlife education projects eligible for funding?

Generally, no. Wildlife education activities are typically ineligible. The only exception described is when education is a minor or incidental component that can be justified as critical to the success of a project that directly conserves species of greatest conservation need and their habitats, and that fits within development or implementation of the Wildlife Action Plan.

Are law enforcement activities eligible for funding?

Generally, no. Law enforcement activities are typically ineligible. A limited exception may apply only when enforcement is minor or incidental and is critical to the success of an otherwise eligible conservation project tied directly to species of greatest conservation need and the Wildlife Action Plan.

Can education or enforcement be included as part of a proposal at all?

Yes, but only in a limited way. Education or enforcement cannot be the main purpose of a proposal. They may be allowed only when they are minor/incidental and essential to achieving measurable conservation outcomes for species of greatest conservation need and their habitats within the Wildlife Action Plan framework.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The opportunity uses a grant funding instrument.

What program category is this opportunity listed under?

The opportunity is categorized under Natural Resources.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are state governments, including the District of Columbia and eligible U.S. commonwealths and territories (as described in the opportunity).

How many awards are anticipated?

The listing anticipates about 50 awards.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required for this program.

Is the dollar amount of funding (total, ceiling, or floor) provided in the listing information?

No. In the provided opportunity details, the listing does not specify the total program funding amount, or a per-award ceiling or floor.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The opportunity references CFDA 15.634 (State Wildlife Grants).

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

Posted date: January 25, 2012. Closing date: August 31, 2013. Archive date: August 31, 2014.

Where were additional details available?

Additional details were available through Grants.gov, according to the listing information provided.

Who should be contacted for access issues related to the opportunity details?

The contact listed for access issues is Judy Driscoll, Grants Fiscal Officer at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Phone: 413-253-8409. Email: judydriscoll@fws.gov.