The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) work cooperatively to manage T-MSGCP and R3-MSGCP (“R3 MSCGP”).
The primary goal of both programs is to fund projects that address regional or national priority needs of the State fish and wildlife agencies (States) and their partners that are beyond the scope and capabilities of a single State. Eligible grant proposals are reviewed by the Association’s National Grants Committee (NGC) with the assistance of one or more technical committees. Proposals must address eligible activities in one or more of the Association’s selected Strategic Priorities to be considered. Strategic Conservation Priorities are developed annually by the Association and are used to guide proposal development and grant selection for the program.
Projects awarded under T-MSCGP may use the funds for sport fisheries and wildlife management and research projects, boating access development, hunter safety and education, aquatic education, aquatic R3 programs, fish and wildlife habitat improvements, and other purposes consistent with the enabling legislation.
Recipients awarded under the R3-MSCGP can only use the funds for making hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment projects that promote a national hunting and shooting sport recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities.
Grant awards issued under this program typically include projects for biological research, training, species population status assessment, fish and wildlife conservation outreach, data collection regarding hunter and angler participation, hunter and aquatic education, assessing the economic value of fishing and hunting, and regional or multistate habitat needs assessments. Many of the projects that will be conducted under these types of projects either directly or indirectly support Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. For example, regional or habitat needs assessments will support climate resilience, land conservation, and biodiversity efforts, including the 30 x 30 initiative.
An applicant’s Initial Proposal must address at least one of the current MSCGP Strategic Priorities.
FY 2024 MultiState Conservation Grant Program Strategic Priorities:
For more information about priorities, including definitions and potential projects, see https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/5716/8183/6686/2024_MSCGP_Background_and_General_Information.pdf#page=4
Estimated Total Program Funding: