The FY2025 round of large fish habitat grant applications will close in one month!
The Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP) is proud to announce our Request for Proposals for federal FY2025 funding of fish habitat enhancement projects in reservoirs. The RFHP is a nationwide partnership established to promote and facilitate the conservation of habitat for fish and other aquatic species in reservoirs and is one of 20 federally recognized National Fish Habitat Partnerships in the U.S. It is the only one dedicated to manmade reservoirs, which are products of society’s need for water and its many uses. Many habitat impairments come along with reservoirs, and RFHP seeks projects that address large-scale habitat issues, implement best practices, foster partnerships across the landscape, and enrich quality of life through fishing and reservoir improvement.
Available Funding
RFHP anticipates approximately $250,000 in funding for “on-the-ground” projects in FY2025. Grants will be capped at $75,000 but grants for lesser amounts will be considered.
Bear in mind that the grant request must be matched by a minimum of 1:1 nonfederal funds. RFHP anticipates funding 4-6 projects @ $10,000-$75,000 each. Given the amount of funding available at this time, RFHP grants should be considered as a partial funding source for projects with multiple funding sources and partners, and special consideration will be given to projects with more than the minimum match. All contributions (cash and/or in-kind) must be expended during the project period. Eligible costs will be paid for work done no earlier than contract approval.
Deadline
Applications are due by 11:59pm Central time on February 10, 2024.
Proposal Requirements: Review the grant requirements here or download the PDF directly at the bottom of this page. Grants must be submitted using the online submission form below. Timelines may use an April 1, 2025 starting date, but the actual start date will be determined by completion of the contract document.
Take a look at the application form now, as it has changed somewhat to better align with the American Conservation Enhancement Act. There are more specific sections asking for particular information (e.g., how you plan to improve angler access, if that's part of the project), but with clear word limits. Hopefully, these limits help you avoid spending excess time on individual sections, while still giving us what we need to score your project. Please contact Rebecca if you have any issues with the new application form, and remember that you must enter your email to "Save and Continue Later".