The Candidate Species Conservation Fund is a program managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), dedicated to supporting conservation efforts for candidate species that are at risk of becoming endangered. The FWS aims to protect and recover species and their habitats through grants, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including state, tribal, and local governments, non-profits, and other entities. The goal of the fund is to implement conservation actions that prevent species from becoming endangered and to promote healthy ecosystems. Applicants are encouraged to engage with the local Ecological Services program field office or regional personnel to ensure their projects align with regional priorities. This initiative, though not regularly funded through recurring appropriations, provides critical support for species conservation on a rolling basis, addressing ecological concerns at the national level.

The Candidate Species Conservation Fund provides grants for projects focused on the conservation of candidate species. These species are those that are at risk of being listed as endangered and are in need of proactive management. The funding aims to support actions that will improve the species’ chances of survival and reduce the risk of further decline. While the exact number of awards varies by region, grants are awarded based on regional priorities, availability of funding, and project proposals. The program encourages applicants to contact the local Ecological Services program field office or regional office before applying to ensure alignment with regional conservation efforts. The fund plays a key role in preventing species from being added to the endangered species list by addressing threats early.