Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program | F20AS00005

Opportunity Information: Apply for F20AS00005

The Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program (SFR) is a mandatory federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and authorized under the Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act (16 U.S.C. 777-777n, with noted exceptions). Created as a counterpart to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, the program is designed to support the long-term management, conservation, and restoration of sport fishery resources across the United States. Rather than relying on annual appropriations in the traditional sense, SFR operates through a dedicated funding stream that ties the costs of conservation and access improvements to the recreational boating and fishing activities that benefit from them.

Funding for SFR comes from revenues collected through excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and electric outboard motors, along with import duties on fishing tackle, yachts, and pleasure craft, plus a portion of federal gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines. These revenues are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and then distributed (apportioned) each year using a legislatively established formula. This formula-based approach is intended to provide predictable, recurring support for eligible state programs rather than one-time, discretionary awards.

The purpose of SFR funding is broad but focused on public benefits tied to sport fisheries and boating. Grants may be used to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the aquatic habitats and systems they depend on. The program also supports efforts that increase and improve public use and enjoyment of these resources, including boating access to public waters. In addition, SFR funds can be used for education and outreach that help inform the public about aquatic resources, responsible use, and stewardship, reinforcing the connection between recreation, conservation, and sustainable management.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to state governments, specifically state fish and wildlife agencies that participate in the program. Funds are apportioned annually to each eligible participant rather than competed for in a typical open application process, reflecting the program's mandatory and formula-driven structure. The source listing identifies the opportunity as a grant (Funding Opportunity Number F20AS00005) under CFDA 15.605, categorized under education and natural resources, with an award ceiling listed as $1,000,000 and an original closing date of August 30, 2021. More program background and reference information is available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration page at the link provided in the notice.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the education, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.605.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 03, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 30, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for F20AS00005

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