Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes - Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

DOI-FWS

About this grant

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates awarding grants under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to support implementation of interjurisdictional projects that cut across the state and tribal Great Lakes Interstate Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (AIS Plans). The problem addressed is the spread of aquatic invasive species across jurisdictional boundaries in the Great Lakes Basin, which requires coordinated regional management rather than action by a single agency. Funding is prioritised for target action-oriented projects that support Great Lakes Panel regional priorities. The notice names three focus areas: pathway intervention, detection activities, and active prevention. Two project categories are considered. Sustaining Projects continue previously funded interjurisdictional work that is a priority for continued regional AIS management and prevention. New Projects are previously unfunded work with the potential to improve regional AIS management and prevention. The opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement with an estimated total programme funding of $923,809, a stated award ceiling of $923,809 and an award floor of $20,000. The notice anticipates six awards and lists Assistance Listing 15.662 (Great Lakes Restoration). No cost sharing or matching is required. The original and current closing date for applications is 31 December 2026.

Eligibility

Only Great Lakes states and tribes, acting through their state or tribal natural resource agencies in the Great Lakes Basin, are eligible. FWS is seeking one application from each such agency. The agency may designate another entity of any type to apply on its behalf. The funding opportunity is otherwise listed as unrestricted, subject to this eligibility clarification.

How it's scored

Awards are made through a competitive process. The notice states that funding is prioritised toward action-oriented projects that support Great Lakes Panel regional priorities and focus on pathway intervention, detection activities, and active prevention, with separate consideration of Sustaining and New Projects. The page does not specify scoring weights or panel composition.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicants must be Great Lakes states or federally recognized tribes, or their designated agencies, in the Great Lakes basin
• ✓Projects must address aquatic invasive species prevention, control, or management consistent with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
• ✓Federal cost-share and reporting requirements apply under the CFDA 15.662 program

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does DOI-FWS offer?

Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes - Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative offers $20K – $924K.

When is the Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes - Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative deadline?

Applications close 31 Dec 2026.

Who can apply for Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes - Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative?

Eligibility covers organisations in US; local-authority, indigenous-community, nonprofit. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.