F26AS00068 Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY26

Background
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program aims to assist private landowners in restoring and protecting habitats for fish and wildlife. The program provides both technical assistance and financial support primarily through cooperative agreements. Established in 1987, the PFW Program has approximately 220 staff across all 50 states and territories, collaborating with project partners to identify key conservation areas and set habitat goals.

The program's mission aligns with the Department of the Interior's goals to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of the American people.

Grant Details
The PFW Program supports voluntary habitat restoration projects that benefit federal trust species, including migratory birds and endangered species. Projects funded under this program will restore wetlands, streams, grasslands, and other essential habitats on private lands. The program emphasizes on-the-ground conservation efforts that improve ecosystem health while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Each project is guided by an approved agreement outlining specific goals, expected outcomes, activities, budget details, and terms of funding. Eligible projects must restore ecological function and improve habitat quality for federal trust species while supporting working landscapes.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, individuals, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and unrestricted entities.

Projects must be located on private lands.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project start date is April 8, 2026, with an end date of September 30, 2030. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, 2026.

Grant Value
The estimated total program funding is $15 million with an expected number of awards totaling 500. The award ceiling is $750,000 while the award floor is set at $1.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed across all states and territories in the United States.