Opportunity Information: Apply for F21AS00179
The FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 8) is a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to help state wildlife agencies strengthen and carry out their endangered species conservation programs under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The central purpose is practical, on-the-ground conservation that directly supports the recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species, while also helping states address species that are headed toward listing. In other words, it is designed to fund work that improves the status of imperiled species and their habitats, either by accelerating recovery for species already listed or by reducing threats early enough that listing can be avoided.
Funding under this program can be used for a wide range of project types, as long as the proposed work clearly produces a direct conservation benefit for the target species or its habitat. The program supports management actions, applied research, monitoring, and outreach, or any combination of these approaches. Competitive proposals are expected to explain, in specific terms, how the activities will contribute to recovery objectives for listed species or how they will address key threats and data gaps for species that are candidates or otherwise considered at-risk. The emphasis is not just on general environmental benefit, but on measurable relevance to species conservation outcomes under FWS jurisdiction.
A key feature of this funding opportunity is the range of species categories that can be addressed. States may propose projects for federally listed resident species covered under the state’s cooperative agreement with FWS. In addition, states may request support for monitoring and conservation work involving candidate species, at-risk species, and recently delisted species. Candidate species are those FWS has determined warrant listing as threatened or endangered, but listing is delayed by higher priority actions. For this solicitation, FWS also recognizes certain “at-risk” species beyond formal candidates, including: (1) species with a positive 90-day finding where a proposed rule has not yet been issued, (2) species with a proposed listing rule but no final rule, (3) species currently under an initiated ESA status review that has been announced in the Federal Register, and (4) species on the National Listing Workplan (with a full list referenced in Attachment A). Recently delisted species are defined here as species delisted within the last five years, and only those delisted due to recovery are eligible for funding under this notice (with reference to the FWS ECOS Delisted Species page for the broader delisted list).
The types of eligible activities are intentionally broad so states can tailor projects to species needs and local conditions. Examples include reintroducing species into suitable habitat within their historic range, restoring or enhancing habitat, conducting habitat surveys and inventories, performing species status surveys, propagating plants or animals to support recovery, and conducting research such as genetic analyses to understand genetic health and population structure. The program also supports public education and outreach when it is directly tied to a conservation need, such as developing targeted outreach tools (including websites) or coordinating workshops with local landowners to address a specific threat. Monitoring is explicitly eligible for candidate, at-risk, and recently recovered species, reflecting the program’s focus on both recovery and prevention of future listing needs.
Eligibility is limited to state governments, specifically state agencies that have entered into a cooperative agreement with FWS under ESA section 6(c). A state that does not yet have an active agreement can still be eligible if it enters into or reconfirms such an agreement within 30 days of the application deadline. Importantly, FWS cannot obligate federal funds unless it has a complete, signed cooperative agreement in place, consistent with cited regulatory requirements (including 50 CFR 81.3, 50 CFR 81.5, and 43 CFR 12.50(b)(3)). While only states can be direct recipients, the program allows for collaboration: counties, conservation organizations, and other groups can participate through the state as subgrantees or project partners when the work supports shared conservation goals.
Administratively, this opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number F21AS00179 under CFDA (now Assistance Listing) 15.615, with the activity category listed as Natural Resources. It is offered as a grant (FundingInstrumentType: Grant) and was administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The original application closing date for this FY 2021 notice was May 12, 2021, and the listed award ceiling was $2,163,585. Overall, the program is structured to push resources toward projects that are specific, science-informed, and clearly tied to ESA outcomes, with an expectation that proposals make a strong case for how the funded work will translate into tangible conservation progress for the species involved.Apply for F21AS00179
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 8)" 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 2020-11-12.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-05-12. (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 $2,163,585.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 8)?
It is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to help state wildlife agencies strengthen and carry out endangered species conservation programs under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The program prioritizes practical, on-the-ground conservation actions that support recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species and help prevent additional species from needing to be listed.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The central purpose is to fund work that improves the status of imperiled species and their habitats. This includes accelerating recovery for species that are already federally listed and reducing threats early enough for candidate or other at-risk species so listing can potentially be avoided.
Who administers this grant program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Is this a discretionary or formula grant?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this notice?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F21AS00179.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) number is 15.615.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The opportunity is offered as a grant (FundingInstrumentType: Grant).
What is the activity category for this opportunity?
The listed activity category is Natural Resources.
Who is eligible to apply as the direct recipient?
Eligibility is limited to state governments, specifically state agencies that have entered into a cooperative agreement with FWS under ESA section 6(c).
Can a state apply if it does not currently have an active cooperative agreement with FWS?
Yes. A state without an active agreement may still be eligible if it enters into or reconfirms a cooperative agreement with FWS under ESA section 6(c) within 30 days of the application deadline.
Can non-state entities apply directly (for example, counties, nonprofits, or conservation organizations)?
No. Only eligible state agencies can be direct recipients. However, counties, conservation organizations, and other groups may participate through the state as subgrantees or project partners when the work supports shared conservation goals.
What kinds of projects are supported under this program?
The program supports a wide range of project types as long as the proposed work clearly produces a direct conservation benefit for the target species or its habitat. Supported approaches include management actions, applied research, monitoring, and outreach, or any combination of these.
Does the program fund on-the-ground conservation work?
Yes. The program is explicitly designed to support practical, on-the-ground conservation that directly supports recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species and addresses species headed toward listing.
What does FWS expect competitive proposals to demonstrate?
Competitive proposals are expected to explain specifically how activities will contribute to recovery objectives for listed species or address key threats and data gaps for candidate or at-risk species. The emphasis is on measurable relevance to ESA conservation outcomes, not just general environmental benefit.
Which species are eligible to be the focus of funded work?
Projects may address federally listed resident species covered under the state’s cooperative agreement with FWS. States may also request support for monitoring and conservation work involving candidate species, at-risk species (as defined in the notice), and recently delisted species that meet the notice criteria.
What is a candidate species in the context of this solicitation?
Candidate species are those FWS has determined warrant listing as threatened or endangered, but listing is delayed by higher priority actions.
How does this notice define “at-risk” species?
For this solicitation, FWS recognizes certain “at-risk” species beyond formal candidates, including: (1) species with a positive 90-day finding where a proposed rule has not yet been issued, (2) species with a proposed listing rule but no final rule, (3) species currently under an initiated ESA status review that has been announced in the Federal Register, and (4) species on the National Listing Workplan (referenced in Attachment A).
Are recently delisted species eligible for funding?
Yes, with limits. Recently delisted species are defined as species delisted within the last five years, and only those delisted due to recovery are eligible for funding under this notice.
Does the program support monitoring for non-listed species?
Yes. Monitoring is explicitly eligible for candidate, at-risk, and recently recovered (recently delisted due to recovery) species, reflecting the program’s focus on both recovery and prevention.
What are examples of eligible conservation actions?
Examples include reintroducing species into suitable habitat within their historic range, restoring or enhancing habitat, conducting habitat surveys and inventories, performing species status surveys, propagating plants or animals to support recovery, and conducting applied research such as genetic analyses to understand genetic health and population structure.
Is outreach or public education an eligible activity?
Yes, when it is directly tied to a conservation need. The notice gives examples such as developing targeted outreach tools (including websites) or coordinating workshops with local landowners to address a specific threat.
Does the program require a direct conservation benefit?
Yes. Proposed work must clearly produce a direct conservation benefit for the target species or its habitat, with a strong link to ESA-related conservation outcomes under FWS jurisdiction.
Are general environmental improvement projects eligible if they are not tied to species recovery needs?
The notice emphasizes that the program is not focused on general environmental benefit alone. Projects are expected to be measurably relevant to species conservation outcomes, such as recovery objectives for listed species or addressing threats and data gaps for candidate or at-risk species.
When was the application closing date for this FY 2021 notice?
The original application closing date was May 12, 2021.
What was the listed award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling was $2,163,585.
Are there conditions related to having a cooperative agreement in place before funds can be obligated?
Yes. FWS cannot obligate federal funds unless it has a complete, signed cooperative agreement in place. The notice references regulatory requirements including 50 CFR 81.3, 50 CFR 81.5, and 43 CFR 12.50(b)(3).
What legal authority is connected to state eligibility for this grant?
Eligibility is tied to ESA section 6(c) cooperative agreements between FWS and state agencies.
What is meant by “federally listed resident species” in this context?
The notice indicates that states may propose projects for federally listed resident species that are covered under the state’s cooperative agreement with FWS.
What is the overall emphasis of the program when choosing projects to fund?
The program is structured to push resources toward projects that are specific, science-informed, and clearly tied to ESA outcomes, with an expectation that proposals make a strong case for how funded work will translate into tangible conservation progress for the species involved.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F21AS00179) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 5) Apply for F21AS00176 Funding Number: F21AS00176 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $755,421 |
| Endangered Species Conservation - Wolf Livestock Loss Compensation and Prevention Grants Apply for F21AS00180 Funding Number: F21AS00180 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| BLM ORWA Secure Rural Schools Program Funding Opportunity Apply for L21AS00235 Funding Number: L21AS00235 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Yukon River Salmon Research and Management Assistance FY 2021 Apply for F21AS00154 Funding Number: F21AS00154 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program - Competitive Funding Round 2 Apply for F20AS00230 Funding Number: F20AS00230 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $6,524,844 |
| Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants Apply for F21AS00170 Funding Number: F21AS00170 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $39,276,000 |
| Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Planning Assistance Apply for F21AS00171 Funding Number: F21AS00171 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grants Apply for F21AS00172 Funding Number: F21AS00172 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $22,324,000 |
| Common Loon Restoration Apply for F21AS00196 Funding Number: F21AS00196 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program Apply for F21AS00249 Funding Number: F21AS00249 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $215,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Invasive and Noxious Management Apply for L21AS00261 Funding Number: L21AS00261 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management ORWA Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L21AS00255 Funding Number: L21AS00255 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Wildlife Resource Management Apply for L21AS00263 Funding Number: L21AS00263 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management ORWA Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management Apply for L21AS00237 Funding Number: L21AS00237 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Threatened and Endangered Species Apply for L21AS00273 Funding Number: L21AS00273 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L21AS00295 Funding Number: L21AS00295 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Forests and Woodlands Resource Management Apply for L21AS00259 Funding Number: L21AS00259 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Rangeland Resource Management Apply for L21AS00267 Funding Number: L21AS00267 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L21AS00270 Funding Number: L21AS00270 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program Activities Apply for L21AS00301 Funding Number: L21AS00301 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $20,000 |
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