Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS#8211NHQ VPA 26 NOFO001448
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering a competitive grant opportunity for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 under the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), NRCS is making available up to $52 million in total funding authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21. The core purpose of this program is to help build, expand, or strengthen state and Tribal government-run initiatives that encourage private landowners and land operators to voluntarily open privately held farm, ranch, and forest lands to the public for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. In practical terms, the funding is meant to support programs that create more places where the public can legally and safely access private lands for outdoor recreation, while respecting landowner participation and local program rules.
Eligibility is limited to government applicants: only state governments and Federally recognized Tribal governments may apply. This is not an individual, nonprofit, or local government grant competition. NRCS is using a discretionary grant instrument, and the program is listed under CFDA 10.093 with funding activity tied to agriculture and conservation outcomes. The opportunity is identified as "Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026" with funding opportunity number "USDA NRCS#8211NHQ VPA 26 NOFO001448," and it was created on April 24, 2026.
Awards are capped at $3,000,000 per project, with projects allowed to run for up to three years. NRCS expects to make about 30 awards, meaning funding will be distributed across multiple states and Tribes rather than concentrated in a small number of very large grants. A notable program feature is that each award may allocate up to 25 percent of its funding toward incentives that improve wildlife habitat on lands enrolled in the public access program. This habitat incentive component is designed to pair access with conservation benefits, supporting on-the-ground habitat improvements while those lands are being made available for public use.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and the deadline is June 8, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Applicants that are new to Grants.gov are directed to review Section D of the NOFO for required registration and submission steps, since federal grant systems often require advance setup before an application can be successfully filed.Apply for USDA NRCS#8211NHQ VPA 26 NOFO001448
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.093.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-04-24.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-06-08. (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 $3,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) competitive grant opportunity for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 under the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). It is a discretionary grant competition announced through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
What is the purpose of VPA-HIP funding?
The purpose is to help build, expand, or strengthen state and Tribal government-run initiatives that encourage private landowners and land operators to voluntarily open privately held farm, ranch, and forest lands to the public for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. The intent is to increase legal and safe public access while respecting landowner participation and local program rules.
How much total funding is available?
NRCS is making available up to $52 million in total funding for this competition.
What law authorizes the funding?
The funding is authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to government applicants: only state governments and Federally recognized Tribal governments may apply.
Are individuals, nonprofits, local governments, or private organizations eligible to apply directly?
No. This is not an individual, nonprofit, or local government grant competition. Only state governments and Federally recognized Tribal governments are eligible applicants under this opportunity.
What types of lands and activities does the program focus on?
The program focuses on privately held farm, ranch, and forest lands being voluntarily opened for public hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation through state or Tribal initiatives.
What is the maximum award amount per project?
Awards are capped at $3,000,000 per project.
How long can a project last?
Projects are allowed to run for up to three years.
How many awards does NRCS expect to make?
NRCS expects to make about 30 awards.
Can grant funds be used for wildlife habitat improvements?
Yes. Each award may allocate up to 25 percent of its funding toward incentives that improve wildlife habitat on lands enrolled in the public access program.
Is the habitat funding separate from the access program?
No. The habitat incentive component is tied to lands enrolled in the public access program and is designed to pair increased public access with conservation benefits.
What is the funding opportunity number and official title?
The opportunity is identified as "Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026" with funding opportunity number "USDA NRCS#8211NHQ VPA 26 NOFO001448."
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The program is listed under CFDA 10.093.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on April 24, 2026.
How do applicants submit an application?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 8, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
What should a first-time Grants.gov applicant do?
Applicants that are new to Grants.gov are directed to review Section D of the NOFO for required registration and submission steps, since federal grant systems often require advance setup before an application can be successfully filed.
Is this a competitive grant?
Yes. NRCS describes this as a competitive grant opportunity using a discretionary grant instrument.
What is the main practical outcome NRCS is trying to achieve with these awards?
The practical goal is to support programs that create more places where the public can legally and safely access private lands for outdoor recreation, while maintaining voluntary landowner participation and following applicable state or Tribal program rules.
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