F24AS00061 - FY 2024 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program | F24AS00061

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - FY 2024 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program

What is the FY 2024 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program?

The FY 2024 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It supports on-the-ground and strategic conservation work that benefits fish and wildlife species and the habitats they depend on.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is F24AS00061.

What types of activities does C-SWG fund?

Funded work generally falls into two categories: conservation planning and conservation implementation. Planning activities must directly support developing a new Wildlife Action Plan (WAP/SWAP) or modifying an existing, Service-approved plan. Implementation activities support carrying out specific actions identified in the Wildlife Action Plan, such as habitat restoration, species management interventions, applied conservation projects, or other tangible actions that advance plan priorities.

How does this grant relate to a Wildlife Action Plan (WAP or SWAP)?

C-SWG is designed to help state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies (and their partners) carry out conservation efforts directly tied to the jurisdiction's Wildlife Action Plan, which must be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Projects must either strengthen the planning framework behind the plan or implement actions already identified in it.

What counts as eligible conservation planning under this opportunity?

Eligible conservation planning must contribute directly to developing a new Wildlife Action Plan or revising an existing Service-approved plan. The planning work cannot be disconnected general research or broad strategy development; it needs a clear link to updating, modifying, or strengthening the Wildlife Action Plan itself.

What counts as eligible conservation implementation under this opportunity?

Conservation implementation refers to actions that execute the Wildlife Action Plan. Examples described in the notice include habitat restoration, species management interventions, applied conservation projects, and other tangible steps that advance Wildlife Action Plan priorities.

Which species should projects prioritize?

Projects are required to prioritize Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) identified by the applicant, along with the habitats that are important to those species.

Does the program consider whether other funding is available for the targeted species or habitats?

Yes. The program expects applicants to consider how much other funding is available for the species and habitats addressed by the project, encouraging limited funds to be directed toward priorities that are both high-need and comparatively underfunded.

Are education and outreach activities eligible?

Wildlife education and outreach activities are considered ineligible unless they are minor or incidental components that are still critical to the success of an otherwise eligible project. An outreach campaign cannot be the primary purpose of the proposal, but limited outreach may be allowed when it is clearly necessary to achieve the core conservation outcomes tied to the Wildlife Action Plan.

Are law enforcement activities eligible?

Law enforcement activities are considered ineligible unless they are minor or incidental components that are critical to the success of an otherwise eligible project. Enforcement cannot be the main purpose of the proposal under this opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply and receive funding directly?

Eligibility is limited to State, Territory, or District of Columbia fish and wildlife agencies, and to the four regional associations of fish and wildlife agencies: the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (NEAFWA), Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA), Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA), and Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA).

Can nonprofits, universities, tribes, or local governments apply as the lead applicant?

Based on the eligibility list in the notice, these entities are not listed as eligible to apply for and directly receive C-SWG awards under this opportunity. They may still participate as partners, collaborators, or subrecipients.

Can partners be included in a project even if they cannot apply directly?

Yes. The notice indicates that other partners (such as nonprofits, universities, tribes, or local governments) may participate as collaborators or subrecipients, even though they are not eligible to receive an award directly as the applicant.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the main activity area for this grant?

The activity area is Natural Resources.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 15.634.

What is the award ceiling for FY 2024 C-SWG?

The listed award ceiling is $1,000,000.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on October 27, 2023.

What was the application closing date shown in the notice?

The original closing date for applications was February 23, 2024.

Where can applicants find additional guidance and official FAQs?

The notice points applicants to additional guidance and frequently asked questions in the full announcement.

Who should applicants contact for region-specific direction or clarification?

The notice encourages potential applicants to contact their WSFR (Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration) Regional Office for region-specific direction, expectations, and clarification on allowable costs and project design.

What is the overall purpose of the C-SWG Program?

The program is intended to strengthen and advance coordinated wildlife conservation by funding projects that improve the planning framework behind a Wildlife Action Plan or implement specific conservation actions identified in that plan, with a focus on Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their habitats.