Opportunity Information: Apply for F21AS00175
The FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 4) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) discretionary grant opportunity designed to help states build and carry out strong conservation programs for threatened and endangered species covered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The main goal is to fund on-the-ground and supporting work that directly contributes to conserving and recovering federally listed species under FWS jurisdiction, while also supporting proactive efforts for species that are not yet listed but may be headed that way. In practical terms, the program is meant to help states take measurable actions that improve species status, reduce threats, and strengthen habitat conditions so that recovery is more likely and new listings can be avoided.
Grant funds may be used for projects that provide direct conservation benefits to several categories of species. This includes federally listed species (threatened or endangered), candidate species, certain defined "at-risk" species, and recently delisted species. Candidate species are those that FWS has found warrant listing, but listing is delayed due to higher-priority actions. For this funding opportunity, the "at-risk" category is broader than candidates alone and includes: (1) species with a positive 90-day finding on a petition but no proposed rule yet, (2) species with a proposed listing rule but no final rule, (3) species currently undergoing an ESA status review that has been announced in the Federal Register, and (4) species included on the National Listing Workplan. The notice points applicants to an attachment (Attachment A) for the full at-risk list. The program can also fund work on recently delisted species, defined here as species delisted within the last five years, but only if they were delisted because they recovered (not for other reasons such as taxonomy changes). Applicants are directed to the FWS ECOS Delisted Species page for reference on delisted species and delisting dates.
Project types are intentionally broad, as long as the proposal clearly explains how the work will advance recovery goals or prevent the need to list a species under the ESA. Funded work can include management actions, research, monitoring, and outreach, either as stand-alone efforts or in combination. Examples of eligible activities include reintroducing or introducing species into suitable habitat within their historic range, restoring or enhancing habitat, conducting surveys and inventories (including habitat surveys and species status surveys), propagating plants and animals for conservation purposes, and conducting research such as genetic analyses to evaluate genetic health and population structure. The program also recognizes the value of targeted public education and outreach when it addresses a specific conservation threat, such as developing tools like websites or organizing coordination workshops with local landowners. Monitoring is explicitly highlighted as an eligible activity for candidate, at-risk, and recently recovered species, reflecting the program's emphasis on early detection of declines and tracking post-delisting stability.
Eligibility is restricted to state governments, specifically state agencies that have entered into a formal cooperative agreement with FWS under ESA section 6(c). A state agency that does not already have such an agreement can still be eligible if it enters into or reconfirms the agreement within 30 days of the application deadline, but FWS must have a complete and signed cooperative agreement in place before it can obligate federal funds to any project, consistent with the cited federal regulations (including 50 CFR 81.3, 50 CFR 81.5, and 43 CFR 12.50(b)(3)). Although only states can receive the award directly, the program anticipates collaboration: local governments, nonprofits, conservation organizations, and other partners can participate through the state as subgrantees or collaborators, provided the state remains the official applicant and grant recipient.
Key administrative details from the opportunity listing include the following: the funding opportunity number is F21AS00175, the assistance listing (CFDA) number is 15.615, the funding instrument is a grant, and the activity area is natural resources. The eligible applicant type is state governments, and the awarding agency is the Fish and Wildlife Service. The original application closing date was August 2, 2021. The posted award ceiling was $3,073,024. The opportunity record shows a creation date of November 12, 2020. Overall, the program is structured to channel federal support through state wildlife agencies so they can implement practical, science-based conservation actions that produce tangible benefits for imperiled species and the habitats they depend on, especially within the Service Legacy Region 4 context referenced in the title.Apply for F21AS00175
- 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 4)" 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 2021-08-02. (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 $3,073,024.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
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FAQs: FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 4)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is the FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 4), a discretionary grant opportunity run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). It is designed to help states build and carry out strong conservation programs for species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
What is the main purpose of the CESCF Traditional Conservation Grants Program?
The main purpose is to fund on-the-ground and supporting work that directly contributes to conserving and recovering federally listed threatened and endangered species under FWS jurisdiction. It also supports proactive efforts for species that are not yet listed but may be trending toward listing, with the intent to improve species status, reduce threats, strengthen habitat conditions, and help avoid new ESA listings where possible.
Which agency is offering and awarding this grant?
The awarding agency is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is F21AS00175.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 15.615.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the activity area for this opportunity?
The activity area is natural resources.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is restricted to state governments, specifically state agencies that have entered into a formal cooperative agreement with FWS under ESA section 6(c).
Can a state agency apply if it does not already have a section 6(c) cooperative agreement in place?
Yes. A state agency that does not already have a cooperative agreement can still be eligible if it enters into or reconfirms the agreement within 30 days of the application deadline. However, FWS must have a complete and signed cooperative agreement in place before it can obligate federal funds to any project.
Does FWS require the cooperative agreement to be fully signed before funds can be awarded?
Yes. The notice states that FWS must have a complete and signed cooperative agreement in place before it can obligate federal funds to any project, consistent with the cited federal regulations (including 50 CFR 81.3, 50 CFR 81.5, and 43 CFR 12.50(b)(3)).
Can local governments, nonprofits, or other partners apply directly?
No. Only states can receive the award directly. The program anticipates collaboration, but local governments, nonprofits, conservation organizations, and other partners would participate through the state (for example as subgrantees or collaborators), with the state remaining the official applicant and grant recipient.
What kinds of species can projects focus on?
Grant funds may be used for projects that provide direct conservation benefits to: federally listed species (threatened or endangered), candidate species, certain defined "at-risk" species, and recently delisted species (with specific conditions).
What is a federally listed species under this opportunity?
Federally listed species are species listed under the ESA as threatened or endangered.
What is a candidate species in the context of this program?
Candidate species are those that FWS has found warrant listing under the ESA, but listing is delayed due to higher-priority actions.
What does "at-risk" mean for this funding opportunity?
For this opportunity, the "at-risk" category is broader than candidate species alone. It includes: (1) species with a positive 90-day finding on a petition but no proposed rule yet, (2) species with a proposed listing rule but no final rule, (3) species currently undergoing an ESA status review that has been announced in the Federal Register, and (4) species included on the National Listing Workplan.
Where can applicants find the official list of "at-risk" species for this opportunity?
The notice points applicants to an attachment (Attachment A) for the full at-risk list.
Can projects support recently delisted species?
Yes, the program can fund work on recently delisted species, but only under specific conditions described in the opportunity.
How does the program define "recently delisted species"?
Recently delisted species are defined here as species delisted within the last five years.
Are all delisted species eligible for funding?
No. Recently delisted species are only eligible if they were delisted because they recovered (not for other reasons such as taxonomy changes).
Where does the opportunity direct applicants to verify delisted species and delisting dates?
Applicants are directed to the FWS ECOS Delisted Species page for reference on delisted species and delisting dates.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Project types are intentionally broad as long as the proposal clearly explains how the work will advance recovery goals or prevent the need to list a species under the ESA. Eligible work can include management actions, research, monitoring, and outreach, either as stand-alone efforts or in combination.
What are examples of eligible conservation activities?
Examples listed in the opportunity include reintroducing or introducing species into suitable habitat within their historic range, restoring or enhancing habitat, conducting surveys and inventories (including habitat surveys and species status surveys), propagating plants and animals for conservation purposes, and conducting research such as genetic analyses to evaluate genetic health and population structure.
Is monitoring an eligible activity?
Yes. Monitoring is explicitly highlighted as an eligible activity for candidate, at-risk, and recently recovered (recently delisted due to recovery) species.
Does the program allow funding for outreach and education?
Yes. The program recognizes targeted public education and outreach as eligible when it addresses a specific conservation threat. Examples mentioned include developing tools like websites or organizing coordination workshops with local landowners.
Does a proposed project have to be strictly on-the-ground conservation work?
No. While the program emphasizes on-the-ground and supporting work that contributes to conserving and recovering species, the eligible activity examples also include research, monitoring, surveys, propagation, and targeted outreach, as long as the proposal clearly ties the work to recovery goals or listing-prevention outcomes.
What is the posted award ceiling?
The posted award ceiling is $3,073,024.
When was the application closing date?
The original application closing date was August 2, 2021.
When was this opportunity record created?
The opportunity record shows a creation date of November 12, 2020.
What geographic or regional context is referenced in the title?
The title references "Service Legacy Region 4," indicating the opportunity is framed within that FWS regional context as provided in the listing.
How should applicants justify that their project fits the program goals?
Based on the opportunity description, proposals should clearly explain how the work will advance recovery goals for federally listed species under FWS jurisdiction or prevent the need to list a species under the ESA, with an emphasis on measurable actions that improve species status, reduce threats, and strengthen habitat conditions.
Can a single project combine multiple activity types (for example, habitat restoration plus monitoring and outreach)?
Yes. The opportunity states that management actions, research, monitoring, and outreach can be proposed as stand-alone efforts or in combination, as long as the proposal explains how the combined work supports recovery or listing-prevention outcomes.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F21AS00175) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 3) Apply for F21AS00174 Funding Number: F21AS00174 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $572,066 |
| FY 2021 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Traditional Conservation Grants Program (Service Legacy Region 8) Apply for F21AS00179 Funding Number: F21AS00179 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,163,585 |
| 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 |
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