F26AS00051_FY 2026 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program_Funding Opportunity Announcement

The Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program provides Federal cost-sharing awards to help State and Territory fish and wildlife agencies and their partners implement projects for the benefit of wild animal species and their habitats. The program supports the design and strategic implementation of proactive conservation actions that can help avert more prescriptive Federal regulatory requirements associated with listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). • The program prioritizes implementation of conservation actions described in the State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans (Plans). • Projects must benefit one or more species of greatest conservation need or their habitats as identified in the Plans. • The program requires most recipients to contribute non-federal resources. • Eligible activities include implementing conservation actions, surveys, monitoring, and related activities to determine whether to include a species as a SGCN in a Plan, and activities to address an emerging wildlife issue. • Ineligible activities include wildlife education, recreation, outreach, and law enforcement activities, unless they are minor or incidental components that are critical to the success of a project.