Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026

USDA-NRCS Posted USDA-NRCS–NHQ-VPA-26-NOFO001448

Description

NRCS is announcing the availability of up to $52 million in Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) funding through One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21 to create or enhance state and Tribal government programs that encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make that land available for access by the public for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. VPA-HIP is a competitive grant program and only state and tribal governments may apply. Projects may be up to 3 years in duration. The maximum amount for a single award is $3 million. Up to 25% of the funding for each award may be used to provide incentives to improve wildlife habitat on enrolled public access program lands. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for information about steps required before submitting an application through Grants.gov. Application deadline: Submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 8, 2026.

Eligibility

State government
Actions
View on Grants.gov
Funding Details
Award Floor
$100,000.00
Award Ceiling
$3,000,000.00
Total Estimated Funding
$52,000,000.00
Expected Awards
30
Key Dates
Posted
April 24, 2026
Closes
June 8, 2026
Archive Date
July 8, 2026
Agency Information
Agency Name
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Agency Code
USDA-NRCS
Funding Instrument
Other