2026 Multistate Conservation Grant Program Strategic Priorities Update
Each year, AFWA invites feedback from States, the Office of Conservation Investment (OCI), and partners to update the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MSCGP) Strategic Priorities to address emerging trends and conservation needs.
As such, we are requesting that AFWA Standing Committees, Regional Associations, OCI, and partners review the current strategic priorities and send any suggested revisions to Silvana Yaroschuk at syaroschuk@fishwildlife.org by COB, February 10, 2025.
Please provide recommendations that could enhance the proposals we solicit and amplify the program's impact on conservation. We would appreciate a brief explanation of your suggestions.
An open meeting will be held with all stakeholders on February 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST to discuss the feedback we receive. Please register for the event if you would like to participate at the link listed below.
The National Grants Committee and the AFWA Executive Committee will evaluate all proposed changes and determine updates to include in the Strategic Priorities for the 2026 MSCGP cycle.
For your reference, click HERE for the current 2025 MSCGP Strategic Priorities.
Thank you for your time and valuable input.
The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.) and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.) as amended by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-408, 114 STAT. 1766 §113 and 114 STAT. 1722 §122) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to make up to $6,000,000 available annually to fund Multistate Conservation project grants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will cite this traditional program as the Traditional Multistate Conservation Grant Program (T-MSCGP).
In addition, the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act (Modernizing PR Act, 16 U.S.C. 669) amended the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to, among other measures, authorize the Service to make hunter recruitment and recreational target shooter recruitment grants that promote a national hunting and shooting sports recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities. The Service will cite this program as the R3 Multistate Conservation Grant Program (R3-MSCGP). Up to $5,000,000 will be available specifically for the R3-MSCGP grants.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the Service work cooperatively to manage T-MSGCP and R3-MSGCP. Administratively, both programs function similarly. AFWA sets the strategic priorities for project activities and provides the Service with a list of recommended projects to be considered for awards. The Service administers the program and manages the awards.

2025 MultiState Conservation Grant Program
APPLICATION IS CLOSED
Recorded MSCGP Full Grant Proposal Application/Budget Training
MSCGP Timeline
April | USFWS Posts Notice Of Funding Opportunities |
June | Proposals are due to the AFWA Portal |
AFWA reviews proposals for eligibility | |
July | Technical Review Teams score/discuss proposals and provide the NGC with a preliminary list of potential proposals |
August | NGC/OCI reviews the potential proposals |
September | Applicants address NGC/OCI feedback/concerns and resubmit in the AFWA Portal |
Priority List of Proposals is reviewed and finalized | |
October 1, 2024 | Priority List of Proposals is sent to USFWS |
Applicants submit their Proposals and the required Federal Forms to GrantSolutions | |
October – December | USFWS reviews and awards the 2025 MSCGP grants |
AFWA Contact
General Information
- MultiState Conservation Grant Program FAQ
- 2024 MSCGP Final Priority List of Projects
- 2024 Multistate Conservation Grant Program Grants Abstracts
- 2025 MSCGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
- 2 CFR 200 CHANGES!!!!!!
Federal Forms (to be submitted with Full Grant Proposal)
- Required Statements
- Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
- Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
- Completing SF-424A (instructions on how to complete the form)