Opportunity Information: Apply for F16AS00050
The R2 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program is a mandatory federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the authority of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Originally passed as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 (and effective starting July 1, 1938), this program was created to provide consistent funding to support core wildlife conservation and management work carried out at the state level. Over time, it has become one of the primary federal mechanisms for helping states sustain and improve wildlife resources and the habitats they depend on.
At its core, the program funds projects tied to the selection, restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of wildlife habitat. It also supports wildlife management research, which can include studies and monitoring efforts that help states make informed decisions about wildlife populations and habitat needs. Another major component is funding for the distribution of information produced by these projects, meaning states can also use the program to share findings, guidance, and educational materials that come out of grant-funded work.
A significant expansion of the program occurred through a 1970 amendment, which broadened eligible activities to include hunter safety programs. That same amendment also added support for the development, operation, and maintenance of public firearm and archery ranges, recognizing that safe and well-managed recreational shooting opportunities and hunter education are closely tied to responsible wildlife management and conservation funding structures.
Eligibility is limited strictly to state governments, specifically state game and fish agencies, as indicated in the opportunity title and eligibility field. The funding activity category is listed as Environment and Natural Resources, and the relevant CFDA number is 15.611. The opportunity is identified by Funding Opportunity Number F16AS00050 and is categorized as a mandatory grant program rather than a discretionary competition, reflecting its statutory basis and structured distribution approach. The posting shows an original closing date of September 30, 2016, and an award ceiling of 0, which typically signals that awards are not defined by a single maximum cap in the standard way because funding levels are determined through the program formula, allocations, or other statutory rules rather than a conventional competitive ceiling.
For further program background and administrative details, the notice points applicants to the Wildlife Restoration Grant Program page hosted by the Fish and Wildlife Service at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/WR/WR.htm, which is where states generally find guidance, requirements, and related program materials.Apply for F16AS00050
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "R2 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program (TO STATE GAME AND FISH AGENCIES ONLY)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.611.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2015-12-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-09-30. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
R2 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program FAQs
What is the R2 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program?
The R2 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program is a mandatory federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It operates under the authority of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (also known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act).
What law authorizes this grant program?
This program is authorized by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, originally passed as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 and effective starting July 1, 1938.
Why was the program created?
The program was created to provide consistent funding to support core wildlife conservation and management work carried out at the state level. Over time, it has become a primary federal mechanism for helping states sustain and improve wildlife resources and the habitats they depend on.
Who administers the program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Is this a mandatory or discretionary grant opportunity?
This is a mandatory grant program rather than a discretionary competitive opportunity, reflecting its statutory basis and structured distribution approach.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited strictly to state governments, specifically state game and fish agencies (as reflected in the opportunity title and eligibility field).
Are local governments, nonprofits, tribes, universities, or individuals eligible?
Based on the opportunity information provided, eligibility is limited strictly to state governments (state game and fish agencies). No other applicant types are identified as eligible in the provided description.
What types of projects does the program fund?
The program funds projects tied to the selection, restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of wildlife habitat. It also supports wildlife management research, including studies and monitoring efforts that help states make informed decisions about wildlife populations and habitat needs.
Does the program fund wildlife research and monitoring?
Yes. Wildlife management research is an eligible purpose, including studies and monitoring efforts that support informed state decision-making related to wildlife populations and habitat needs.
Can grant funds be used to share information or educational materials?
Yes. The program supports the distribution of information produced by grant-funded projects, meaning states may share findings, guidance, and educational materials that result from funded work.
Does the program support hunter safety programs?
Yes. A 1970 amendment expanded eligible activities to include hunter safety programs.
Can the program fund public shooting ranges?
Yes. The 1970 amendment also added support for the development, operation, and maintenance of public firearm and archery ranges.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is listed as Environment and Natural Resources.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 15.611.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F16AS00050.
What is the closing date shown in the posting?
The posting shows an original closing date of September 30, 2016.
What does it mean that the award ceiling is listed as 0?
An award ceiling of 0 typically indicates that awards are not defined by a single maximum cap in the standard way. Instead, funding levels are determined through the program formula, allocations, or other statutory rules rather than a conventional competitive ceiling.
Where can applicants find more guidance or official program materials?
For further program background and administrative details, the notice directs applicants to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Grant Program page at: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/WR/WR.htm.
How has the program changed over time?
Originally focused on supporting state wildlife conservation and habitat work, the program expanded significantly through a 1970 amendment that added hunter safety programs and support for public firearm and archery range development, operation, and maintenance.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment, Natural Resources
Next opportunity: FY 2016 Request for Concept Notes for NGO Programs Benefiting Benefitting Refugees and Other Vulnerable Populations in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey
Previous opportunity: Major Opportunities for Research in Epidemiology of Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Resilience (R01)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F16AS00050
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F16AS00050) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Sport Fish Restoration Program (Region 5 - Northeast Region) Apply for F16AS00054 Funding Number: F16AS00054 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 Northeast and Midwest Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR NORTHEAST MIDWEST Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR NORTHEAST MIDWEST Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 Southern and IITF Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR SOUTHERN IITF Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR SOUTHERN IITF Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program 2025 West Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR WEST Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR WEST Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| 2025 Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Tribes Apply for USDA FS 2025 LSR NATIONAL TRIBAL Funding Number: USDA FS 2025 LSR NATIONAL TRIBAL Agency: Forest Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Round 3 Apply for NOAA NMFS HCPO 2025 29044 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS HCPO 2025 29044 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| NOAA's Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law- Round 3 Apply for NOAA NMFS HCPO 2025 29043 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS HCPO 2025 29043 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (Annual Appropriations and IIJA Funds) Apply for NOAA NMFS WCRO 2025 29229 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS WCRO 2025 29229 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| NOAA's Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Round 3 Apply for NOAA NMFS HCPO 2025 29526 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS HCPO 2025 29526 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Alaska Native Organization Comanagement Grant Program Apply for NOAA NMFS AK 2025 29367 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS AK 2025 29367 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Support Local Capacity with Counties to Enhance Military Readiness Apply for HQ003425NFOEASD09 Funding Number: HQ003425NFOEASD09 Agency: Washington Headquarters Services Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,350,000 |
| Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (Annual Appropriations and IIJA Funds) Apply for NOAA NMFS WCRO 2026 33121 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS WCRO 2026 33121 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F16AS00050", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.