Opportunity Information: Apply for F16AS00007
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program is a discretionary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding opportunity that supports on-the-ground habitat restoration and conservation projects, primarily on private lands, through voluntary and incentive-based partnerships. Instead of a regulatory approach, the program focuses on cooperation: it offers both technical expertise and financial support to help landowners and partners restore, enhance, or protect habitat that benefits fish and wildlife, with an emphasis on federal trust resources (species and habitats the federal government has specific responsibility to conserve). Funding is awarded using cooperative agreements, which generally means the Fish and Wildlife Service remains actively involved in project planning and implementation rather than simply providing a pass-through grant.
A central feature of the program is its field-driven structure. The PFW Program is implemented by more than 250 full-time staff working across all 50 states and U.S. territories. These staff collaborate with local partners, stakeholders, and other Fish and Wildlife Service programs to identify geographic focus areas. Focus areas are priority landscapes where the program concentrates resources to make the biggest habitat gains for federal trust species. Within these areas, the program develops habitat conservation priorities and builds project work plans that are strategic, science-based, and strongly shaped by Service field staff input. Projects funded under this opportunity are expected to advance the agency mission, support biological diversity, and follow sound scientific biological principles.
Applicants are encouraged to align proposed projects with the program's strategic plans, because those plans guide what types of restoration or conservation actions are prioritized for funding. The opportunity also strongly advises prospective applicants to contact the appropriate regional PFW office before applying, since regional staff can confirm whether a proposed project fits current priorities, identify relevant focus areas, and help shape a competitive proposal that matches local conservation needs and program capacity.
In terms of eligibility, the program is broad and open to many applicant types, reflecting its partnership-based model. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; individuals; for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other for-profits). The funding activity category is environment and natural resources, and the assistance listing (CFDA) number is 15.631. The funding opportunity number is F16AS00007.
For award characteristics, the listed award ceiling is $500,000. The opportunity information also indicates a very large volume of expected awards (5,000), which is consistent with a nationwide program that funds many relatively localized habitat projects implemented through field offices and partner networks. The original closing date shown for this posting was 2016-09-30, and the record creation date was 2015-10-14, meaning this specific announcement reflects that time period; however, the program itself is an ongoing Service effort that may be reissued under updated announcements and priorities over time.Apply for F16AS00007
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.631.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2015-10-14.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-09-30. (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 $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5,000 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program - FAQs
What is the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program?
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program is a discretionary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding opportunity that supports on-the-ground habitat restoration and conservation projects. It primarily focuses on private lands and works through voluntary, incentive-based partnerships rather than a regulatory approach.
What kinds of activities does this funding support?
This opportunity supports habitat restoration, enhancement, or protection projects that benefit fish and wildlife. Projects are expected to be science-based and designed to advance the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission and support biological diversity.
Where are projects typically carried out?
Projects are primarily conducted on private lands, though the program is implemented nationwide through field staff located across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Is this a regulatory program?
No. A key feature of the PFW Program is that it is voluntary and partnership-driven. It emphasizes cooperation and incentives rather than regulatory enforcement.
What type of funding instrument is used for awards?
Funding is awarded using cooperative agreements. This generally means the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remains actively involved in project planning and implementation, rather than simply issuing a pass-through grant.
What does it mean that awards are made as cooperative agreements?
Under a cooperative agreement, the Service typically plays an active role in the project. Based on the information provided, this involvement is described as participation in planning and implementation, not just providing funds.
What are "federal trust resources" and why do they matter for this opportunity?
The program emphasizes benefits to federal trust resources, meaning species and habitats that the federal government has a specific responsibility to conserve. Projects that support these resources are central to the program purpose.
How is the PFW Program organized and delivered?
The program is field-driven and implemented by more than 250 full-time staff working across all 50 states and U.S. territories. These staff work with local partners and other Service programs to shape priorities and identify where investments can achieve the largest habitat gains.
What are "geographic focus areas"?
Focus areas are priority landscapes where the PFW Program concentrates resources to make the biggest habitat gains for federal trust species. These areas are identified collaboratively by field staff working with local partners and stakeholders.
Do projects need to be located within a focus area?
The opportunity description emphasizes that focus areas are where the program concentrates resources. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate regional PFW office to confirm whether a proposed project fits current priorities and focus areas.
How are project priorities determined?
Within focus areas, the program develops habitat conservation priorities and builds project work plans that are described as strategic, science-based, and strongly shaped by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field staff input.
Are applicants expected to align with any strategic plan?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to align proposed projects with the program's strategic plans, because those plans guide which restoration and conservation actions are prioritized for funding.
Should applicants contact the program before applying?
Yes. The opportunity strongly advises prospective applicants to contact the appropriate regional PFW office before applying. Regional staff can help confirm fit with current priorities, identify relevant focus areas, and help shape a competitive proposal that matches local conservation needs and program capacity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; individuals; and for-profit organizations (including small businesses).
Are nonprofit organizations required to have 501(c)(3) status to apply?
No. The eligibility information states that nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status are eligible applicants.
Are individuals eligible to apply?
Yes. Individuals are explicitly listed among eligible applicant types.
Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. For-profit organizations, including small businesses and other for-profits, are listed as eligible applicants.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is environment and natural resources.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number provided is 15.631.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is F16AS00007.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling is $500,000.
How many awards are expected?
The opportunity information indicates an expected 5,000 awards, which aligns with a nationwide program that funds many localized habitat projects through field offices and partners.
When was the closing date for this specific posting?
The original closing date shown for this posting was 2016-09-30.
When was this opportunity record created?
The record creation date shown is 2015-10-14.
Is this announcement still current?
The dates provided (record created in 2015 and closing in 2016) indicate this specific announcement reflects that time period. The program itself is described as an ongoing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service effort that may be reissued under updated announcements and priorities over time.
What should applicants do if they are interested but the posting dates are old?
Based on the information provided, the program is ongoing and may be reissued with updated announcements. The opportunity also strongly recommends contacting the appropriate regional PFW office to confirm current priorities and fit, which is especially important when an older posting is being referenced.
What makes a project competitive under this opportunity?
The description highlights several elements tied to competitiveness: alignment with the program's strategic plans, fit with geographic focus areas and regional priorities, use of sound scientific biological principles, and coordination with Service field staff who help shape priorities and project work plans.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment, Natural Resources
Next opportunity: FY16 Announcement of Anticipated Availability of Funds for Ensuring Access to Quality Family Planning Services
Previous opportunity: Integration of Portions of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Stormwater Drainage Network into the National Hydrologic Dataset
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F16AS00007
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F16AS00007) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Apply for F16AS00089 Funding Number: F16AS00089 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Region 7 - FY16 State Wildlife Grants Program - Open to State Fish and Game Agency Only Apply for F16AS00103 Funding Number: F16AS00103 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| 2016 State Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Program Apply for F16AS00123 Funding Number: F16AS00123 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2023 Tribes Apply for USDA FS 2023 LSR TRIBES Funding Number: USDA FS 2023 LSR TRIBES Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2023 West Apply for USDA FS 2023 LSR WEST Funding Number: USDA FS 2023 LSR WEST Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2024 West Apply for USDA FS 2024 LSR WEST Funding Number: USDA FS 2024 LSR WEST Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2024 Tribes Apply for USDA FS 2024 LSR NATIONAL TRIBAL Funding Number: USDA FS 2024 LSR NATIONAL TRIBAL Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| IRA - Indigenous Engagement Program (IEP) Apply for NOAA NMFS FHQ 2024 25622 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS FHQ 2024 25622 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| USDA Forest Service - GLRI Forest Restoration 2024 Apply for USDA FS GLRI FR24 Funding Number: USDA FS GLRI FR24 Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| R2 Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program (TO STATE FISH AND GAME AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F16AS00048 Funding Number: F16AS00048 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| R2 Wildlife Restoration Hunter Education Section 10 Grant Program (TO STATE GAME AND FISH AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F16AS00052 Funding Number: F16AS00052 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Wildlife Restoration Program (Region 5 - Northeast Region) Apply for F16AS00055 Funding Number: F16AS00055 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Firearm and Bow Hunter Safety and Education Program Apply for F16AS00056 Funding Number: F16AS00056 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| R2 State Wildlife Grant Program (TO STATE GAME AND FISH AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F16AS00053 Funding Number: F16AS00053 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| R2 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program (TO STATE GAME AND FISH AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F16AS00050 Funding Number: F16AS00050 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Sport Fish Restoration Program (Region 5 - Northeast Region) Apply for F16AS00054 Funding Number: F16AS00054 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 Northeast and Midwest Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR NORTHEAST MIDWEST Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR NORTHEAST MIDWEST Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 Southern and IITF Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR SOUTHERN IITF Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR SOUTHERN IITF Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 West Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR WEST Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR WEST Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| 2025 Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Tribes Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR NATIONAL TRIBAL Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR NATIONAL TRIBAL Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F16AS00007", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.