Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants 2026: US Conservation Funding – Apply by October 30. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is accepting applications for land acquisition projects supporting habitat conservation under approved and permitted Habitat Conservation Plans.
Background & Grant Description
The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grants 2026 are administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
The program provides matching grants to states and territories for acquiring land or permanent conservation easements associated with approved and permitted HCPs. The goal is to protect habitat for federally listed species and support long-term conservation.
What the Grants Support
Funding can support:
- Fee-simple acquisition of conservation land
- Permanent conservation easements
- Habitat protection for federally listed species
- Conservation projects associated with approved HCPs
- Voluntary conservation efforts within the United States
The acquired land must complement, rather than replace, the mitigation, minimization and monitoring commitments of an HCP.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The primary eligible applicants are U.S. state governments and territories that have, or enter into, the required cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior under Section 6(c) of the Endangered Species Act.
The FWS requires a minimum 25% non-federal cost share, or 10% when two or more states or territories implement a joint project. Conservation organisations and local governments may participate as subgrantees through an eligible state or territorial agency.
Proposed land must benefit at least one eligible federally listed species covered by an active Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit. Applications also need to identify and sufficiently describe the land proposed for acquisition.
Additional Information
Funding programme: Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund
Agency: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
FY2026 funding: $26 million
Expected awards: 10
Award range: $10,000 to $26 million
Geographic scope: United States
Cost sharing: Required
Application deadline: October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Funding opportunity number: F26AS00071
This is not a general grant for individual conservationists or ordinary nonprofit projects. Funding is primarily awarded to eligible state and territorial agencies.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should review the FY2026 funding opportunity and submit their applications electronically through GrantSolutions.gov, following the application instructions and required forms.
Official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service information
Official FY2026 grant announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants?
They are federal conservation grants supporting states and territories in acquiring land or permanent conservation easements connected to approved Habitat Conservation Plans.
Who can apply?
Eligible state and territorial government agencies can apply. Conservation organisations and local governments may participate through eligible state agencies as subgrantees.
How much funding is available?
The FY2026 programme has $26 million in total funding, with individual awards listed from $10,000 to $26 million. Approximately 10 awards are expected.
Is matching funding required?
Yes. The standard non-federal cost share is 25%, reduced to 10% for qualifying joint projects involving two or more states or territories.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 HCP Land Acquisition Grants provide federal support for strategic land acquisition and permanent conservation easements that protect habitat for federally listed species. Eligible state and territorial agencies should review the requirements early, particularly the cost-sharing and land-identification requirements.
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