Multistate Conservation Grant Program Overview

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.

 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=GrMlOeV1qk20h91J2lLvuoWnzSp9vZFLuttRojyzBoJURTg4NEZZOTBOWjVUVzE1VkoyTDQyOVFOSy4u

 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.

 

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
Silvana Yaroschuk
MultiState Conservation Grant Program Manager
syaroschuk@fishwildlife.org