F26AS00041 Yukon River Salmon Research and Management (R) Assistance

The Yukon River Salmon Research and Management Assistance funding opportunity (F26AS00041) is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its Region 7 Fisheries Program. This grant program implements components of the 2000 Yukon River Salmon Agreement between the U.S. and Canada, which facilitates cooperative research and management initiatives focusing on Chinook and Chum salmon in the Alaska portion of the Yukon River. With an estimated total funding pool of $260,000 available in FY2026, this opportunity seeks proposals that align with specific biological, ecological, and community engagement objectives related to salmon resource conservation. The overarching purpose of the program is to advance understanding and inform management practices for Yukon River salmon stocks. This includes in-season assessments, genetic stock identification, escapement monitoring, and habitat restoration. Priority is given to projects addressing in-season stock estimates, expanding the genetic baseline, and identifying spawning habitats. The program also emphasizes community involvement, seeking proposals that engage and build capacity within the 42 communities in the Yukon River basin. This includes hiring and training local residents and fostering knowledge-sharing between stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and scientists. Two focused priorities are highlighted: genetic assessment of fall Chum salmon and enhancing community participation in salmon management. The performance period for awarded projects begins in July 2026 and extends to December 2028. Applicants should be prepared to start work in early summer following funding approval, though delays in funding receipt have occurred in the past. Applications are due by May 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and must be submitted through GrantSolutions.gov. Required application components include SF-424 forms, a project abstract, a detailed narrative addressing technical approach and relevance, a budget with justification, indirect cost documentation if applicable, and required organizational statements such as conflict of interest and audit reporting. Nonprofits must submit IRS proof of 501(c)(3) or (4) status. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities: individuals, for-profits, nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal organizations, academic institutions, and federal entities. U.S. nonprofit organizations must appear in the SAM.gov assistance listing and provide relevant IRS documentation. International projects are not supported unless compliant with U.S. sanctions, and foreign recipients must secure all applicable approvals for overseas work. The program does not require cost sharing or matching contributions, but applicants are expected to demonstrate adequate technical and administrative capacity. Applications are evaluated through a merit-based review process with a 35-point scoring rubric. The review emphasizes the degree to which proposals address priority categories, quality of justification, technical methodology, sustainability, stakeholder coordination, and budget reasonableness. Successful applicants will be notified via email, but formal authorization to begin work only comes after receiving the official Notice of Federal Award through GrantSolutions. Reporting obligations include financial and performance reports, as well as monitoring compliance with executive orders and federal laws regarding lobbying, transparency, and Buy America requirements for infrastructure components. This opportunity does not require pre-application submissions like letters of intent, and it recurs annually with a consistent funding schedule. For technical assistance or questions about the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact Shane Ransbury at the Northern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Field Office via email ([email protected]) or phone (907-334-5389). While there is a strong emphasis on scientific merit, the program also seeks to deepen public stewardship and facilitate long-term management strategies that are both informed by data and community-driven.

Proposals scoring highest will clearly link objectives to Yukon River salmon conservation and engage local stakeholders; evaluation criteria prioritize methods, monitoring, and sustainability.