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.Apply for F20AS00005
- 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.
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Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program (SFR) FAQs
What is the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program (SFR)?
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. It supports the long-term management, conservation, and restoration of sport fishery resources across the United States.
What law authorizes the SFR program?
SFR is 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).
How is SFR different from typical discretionary federal grants?
SFR does not rely on annual appropriations in the traditional sense and is not primarily awarded through a typical competitive application process. Instead, it is a mandatory, formula-driven program with funds apportioned each year to eligible participants.
How is SFR funded?
SFR is funded through revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and electric outboard motors, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts, and pleasure craft, and a portion of the federal gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines.
Where does SFR funding go before it is awarded?
These revenues are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and then distributed (apportioned) annually using a legislatively established formula.
Why does the program use a trust fund and formula-based apportionment?
The formula-based approach is intended to provide predictable, recurring support for eligible state programs rather than one-time, discretionary awards. The funding stream ties conservation and access improvements to recreational boating and fishing activities that benefit from them.
What is the main purpose of SFR grant funding?
SFR grant funding is intended to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the aquatic habitats and systems they depend on, while supporting public benefits tied to sport fisheries and boating.
What kinds of projects can SFR grants support?
Based on the program description, SFR grants may support projects to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and aquatic habitats and systems. The program also supports efforts to increase and improve public use and enjoyment of these resources, including boating access to public waters, as well as education and outreach related to aquatic resources and responsible use and stewardship.
Can SFR funds be used for boating access improvements?
Yes. The program description states that SFR supports efforts that increase and improve public use and enjoyment of sport fisheries resources, including boating access to public waters.
Can SFR funds support education and outreach?
Yes. The description notes that SFR funds can be used for education and outreach that inform the public about aquatic resources, responsible use, and stewardship.
Who is eligible to receive SFR funding?
Eligibility is limited to state governments, specifically state fish and wildlife agencies that participate in the program.
Is this a competitive grant opportunity open to the public?
No. The program is described as mandatory and formula-driven, with funds apportioned annually to each eligible participant rather than competed for in a typical open application process.
Which federal agency administers this program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What is the relationship between SFR and the Pittman-Robertson Act?
The notice describes SFR as a counterpart to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) listed for this opportunity?
The source listing identifies the Funding Opportunity Number as F20AS00005.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program in the notice?
The notice lists CFDA 15.605 for this opportunity.
How is this opportunity categorized in the source listing?
The source listing categorizes it under education and natural resources.
What is the listed award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listing shows an award ceiling of $1,000,000.
What closing date is shown in the original notice?
The original closing date shown is August 30, 2021.
Where can someone find more background information referenced in the notice?
The notice points to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration page for additional program background and reference information.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F20AS00005) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| R2Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education-State Game and Fish Agencies Only Apply for F20AS00009 Funding Number: F20AS00009 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| R2 Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety Program (Section 10 Hunter Education Grant Program)-State Game and Fish Agencies Only Apply for F20AS00010 Funding Number: F20AS00010 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Region 3 Section 10 Hunter Education Grant Program (TO STATE F&G AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F20AS00002 Funding Number: F20AS00002 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Region 6 Wildlife Restoration Grant Program Apply for F20AS00038 Funding Number: F20AS00038 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Region 6 Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program Apply for F20AS00039 Funding Number: F20AS00039 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Region 6 Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety Program Apply for F20AS00040 Funding Number: F20AS00040 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Lyndon B. Johnson Environmental Legacy Apply for P20AS00090 Funding Number: P20AS00090 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $23,760 |
| Monarch Conservation Apply for F16AS00396 Funding Number: F16AS00396 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $22,000 |
| Wildlife Restoration Grant Program Apply for F17AS00050 Funding Number: F17AS00050 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program Apply for F17AS00049 Funding Number: F17AS00049 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| State Wildlife Grant Program Apply for F17AS00051 Funding Number: F17AS00051 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Firearm and Bow Hunter Safety and Education Program (Section 10 Hunter Education Grant Program) Apply for F17AS00047 Funding Number: F17AS00047 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| FY17 Region 7 Section 10 Hunter Education Grant Program - Open to State Fish and Game agencies only Apply for F17AS00075 Funding Number: F17AS00075 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| R3 Firearm and Bow Hunter Safety and Education Program (TO STATE F&G AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F17AS00095 Funding Number: F17AS00095 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| R8 (CA/NV) Wildlife Restoration Grant Program for State Fish and Game Agencies Apply for F16AS00077 Funding Number: F16AS00077 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| R3 WR Hunter Ed Section 10 (TO STATE F&G AGENCIES ONLY) Apply for F16AS00076 Funding Number: F16AS00076 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| R8 (CA/NV) Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program for State Fish and Game Agencies Apply for F16AS00078 Funding Number: F16AS00078 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| R8 (CA/NV) Firearm and Bow Hunter Safety and Education Program for State Fish and Game Agencies Apply for F16AS00080 Funding Number: F16AS00080 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $180,000 |
| R6 Firearm and Bow Hunter Safety and Education Program TO STATE FISH & GAME AGENCIES ONLY Apply for F16AS00057 Funding Number: F16AS00057 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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