The core objective of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is to provide free technical and financial assistance to private landowners, tribes, organizations, and schools to improve wildlife habitat on their land in the United States.
The program targets various types of private landowners (farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, recreational landowners), corporations, schools, non-profits, local governments, and universities.
This is a SECTOR-SPECIFIC grant focusing on environmental conservation, agriculture, and land management.
The geographic scope covers all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Key filtering criteria for initial screening include owning or managing private land and being interested in long-term wildlife habitat restoration projects (minimum 10-year commitment).
This is an ongoing and recurring federal program, reauthorized through Fiscal Year 2025.
Financial Structure
The program provides financial assistance.
There is an implied co-financing or matching fund requirement based on the stated leverage ratio: 'The annual PFW Program leverage ratio is typically at least 1:4'. This means that for every $1 provided by the program, at least $4 in additional funds or resources are leveraged from other sources. This suggests the program typically covers up to 20% of the total project costs.
No specific minimum or maximum grant amounts per project are stated in the provided documents.
Funding is allocated for 'cost-effective habitat projects'. Specific eligible or ineligible costs are not detailed in the provided information.
No information is provided regarding payment schedules, mechanisms, financial reporting, audits, or financial guarantees.
Eligibility Requirements
Organization Type & Status
Any private landowner, including individuals, corporations, recreational landowners, forest landowners, farmers, and ranchers.
Tribes.
Non-profit organizations.
Schools.
Local governments.
Universities.
Geographic Location
Must own or manage land located within one of the 50 U.S. states or territories.
Project Commitment
Willingness to commit to a project duration of at least 10 years.
Land Ownership/Management
Must own or manage private land suitable for wildlife habitat restoration projects.
Application Process
Initial Contact & Inquiry
The application process begins informally by making a phone call or sending an email to your respective state coordinator.
Site Visit & Project Development
After initial contact, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist will schedule an initial site visit to assess your land and discuss potential project ideas.
Service staff provide free technical assistance to help plan, design, supervise, and monitor customized habitat restoration projects.
Required Documentation
Specific formal application forms or required documentation are not detailed as part of the initial contact process, implying they are developed during the collaboration phase.
Application Submission
Applications for this program are not submitted through the GrantSolutions or Grants.gov websites; the process involves direct engagement with local FWS staff.
Project Implementation & Duration
Project implementation timelines are customized based on the project scope.
Projects require a minimum duration of 10 years of commitment from the participating landowner.
Evaluation Criteria
Priority Projects
Projects are prioritized if they are judged likely to provide habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered species.
Habitat Improvement Potential
The potential for the proposed project to significantly improve wildlife habitat is a key factor.
Project Sustainability & Impact
Projects are expected to be designed for long-term ecological benefits, indicated by the minimum 10-year project duration.
Projects benefit federal trust species, including migratory birds, endangered, threatened, and at-risk species.
Landowner Engagement & Collaboration
The voluntary participation and willingness of landowners to work collaboratively with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff (who provide technical assistance) are considered.
Compliance & Special Requirements
Regulatory Framework
The program operates under the authority of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act.
It was reauthorized by Title LIII of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (P.L. 118-159), specifically pertaining to the Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver reauthorization Act.
Property Rights & Public Access
A key reassurance: Participating landowners do not forfeit any property rights by engaging in this program.
Landowners are not required to allow public access to their land for the purpose of the program.
Voluntary & Customized Projects
All projects are voluntary for landowners and are customized to meet their specific needs and land characteristics.
Environmental & Conservation Focus
The primary focus is on restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife habitats on private lands across the United States.
Specific efforts are directed towards federal trust species (e.g., migratory birds, endangered, threatened, and at-risk species).
Conservation activities often occur on working landscapes such as forests, farms, and ranches, and target specific habitats like upland forests, wetlands, native prairies, marshes, rivers, and streams.
Grant Details
habitat restoration
wildlife conservation
environmental protection
land management
private landowners
farms
ranches
forests
wetlands
prairies
rivers
streams
threatened species
endangered species
migratory birds
sustainable agriculture
us fish and wildlife service
usfws
conservation funding
technical assistance
ecological restoration
voluntary conservation
long-term projects
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
N/A
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Programs
ENTERPRISE
NGO
UNIVERSITY
PUBLIC
OTHER
US
AGRICULTURE
ENVIRONMENT
OTHER
DEVELOPMENT
OTHER
SDG15
FUNDING
MENTORSHIP
RESOURCES
TECHNICAL_ASSISTANCE
CAPACITY_BUILDING
OPERATIONAL_SUPPORT
OTHER
Grants8