Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Fish and Wildlife Service
- Award Range
- $2,000 to $500,000
- Deadline
- 2026-10-13
- Time Remaining
- Closing soon: about 10 days left as of October 3, 2026.
- CFDA Number
- 15.688
The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062) program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application before the 2026-10-13 deadline.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062) program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: The proposal activities (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) must be within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research, assessment) present in the Great Lakes Basin to be eligible for funding. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Private institutions of higher education; other applicants described in the notice; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Special district governments; Independent school districts; Small businesses.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.
Businesses can apply. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program; the notice's other requirements still apply. Not sure your business fits? Run the free Grant Finder check →
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit before the 2026-10-13 deadline. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062) |
| Funding Agency | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| CFDA Number | 15.688 |
| Award Minimum | $2,000 |
| Award Maximum | $500,000 |
| Deadline | 2026-10-13 |
| Category | Environment |
| Matching Required | Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds |
| Application Link | Apply on Grants.gov |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Environment grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062) program?
Details from the notice: The proposal activities (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) must be within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research, assessment) present in the Great Lakes Basin to be eligible for funding. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Private institutions of higher education; other applicants described in the notice; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Special district governments; Independent school districts; Small businesses. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.
Can a for-profit business apply for the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062) program?
Yes. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program. The notice's other eligibility requirements still apply, so confirm them on the official listing.
What is the deadline for Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062)?
The current deadline is 2026-10-13. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.
Does Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026 (F26AS00062) require matching funds?
Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.