F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026
About
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) requests interested entities to submit research, restoration, and Regional Project proposals for the restoration of the Great Lakes Basin fish and wildlife resources, as authorized under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (16U. S. C. 941c). The purpose of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) is to provide assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration, research, and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes Basin. Supported in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we expect approximately $3.5 million to support proposals this fiscal year. Available funding and proposal awards are subject to final Congressional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026. Up to 33 and one-third percent of the total Congressional appropriation to the GLFWRA is eligible to fund Regional Project proposals. Expected award funding for Regional Project proposals is between $200,000 to $500,000. Successful restoration and research proposals have ranged from $2,000 to $500,000 with the average proposal at $217,843. Expected award funding for restoration and research proposals is between $10,000 and $250,000. Selected restoration and research proposals and Regional Project proposals will be awarded funding for the duration of the proposal via a grant or cooperative agreement between the recipient and the Servic.
The F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 grant program is designed for states, Indian tribes, and other interested entities committed to restoring and protecting fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, this program funds three types of proposals: research initiatives, restoration projects, and regional projects. With approximately $3.5 million available for FY 2026, this grant supports cooperative conservation efforts that address habitat restoration, barrier removal, species assessment, and wildlife management across the Great Lakes region. Organizations should apply if they have projects that directly impact the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem or species native to the region. Whether you're focused on environmental restoration, scientific research, or large-scale regional conservation initiatives, this program offers flexible funding ranging from $2,000 to $500,000, with average awards around $217,843. Regional projects can receive $200,000 to $500,000, while restoration and research proposals typically range from $10,000 to $250,000. This is an excellent opportunity for conservation-focused organizations to secure federal funding for meaningful ecological work in one of North America's most critical freshwater ecosystems.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 3, 2026
Award Amount
$2K - $500K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$2K - $500K
Deadline
2026-08-03
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (FY 2026 deadline: August 3, 2026)
Best For
States, Indian tribes, and organizations focused on Great Lakes fish and wildlife restoration, conservation research, and habitat management
Eligibility
The proposal activities (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) must be within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research, assessment) present in the Great Lakes Basin to be eligible for funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026?
States, Indian tribes, and other interested entities are eligible to apply. Proposal activities must take place within the Great Lakes Basin or directly impact fish and wildlife species present in the Great Lakes Basin. For specific eligibility details and organizational requirements, visit the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
How much funding does F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 provide?
Approximately $3.5 million is available for FY 2026. Funding varies by proposal type: restoration and research proposals range from $10,000 to $250,000 (average $217,843), while regional project proposals range from $200,000 to $500,000. Up to one-third of total appropriations support regional projects. Final funding is subject to Congressional appropriations.
How do I apply for F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026?
Interested entities should submit research, restoration, or regional project proposals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The application deadline is August 3, 2026. For detailed application instructions, required forms, and submission guidelines, visit the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants page or contact the program office directly.
What can F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 funding be used for?
Funding supports habitat restoration, fish and wildlife research, species assessments, barrier removal, cooperative conservation management, and regional restoration initiatives within the Great Lakes Basin. Projects must directly benefit fish and wildlife resources or species native to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Successful projects are funded via grant or cooperative agreement for the full proposal duration.
Last updated: July 5, 2026