OpenFederal grantL26AS00064

FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps - Bureau wide

Bureau of Land ManagementCloses Oct 16, 2026(3 days left)$30,000 – $220,000

Does this fit your business?

This is a Bureau of Land Management program that funds youth conservation corps to hire crews and interns ages 16-30 (veterans to 35) for public lands work: trail building, habitat restoration, invasive species control, cultural preservation, recreation improvements, and wildfire risk reduction. It is for governments, tribes, nonprofits, and higher education institutions that run or partner with a qualified youth corps. For-profit businesses, including small businesses and sole proprietors, and

Best for
Youth conservation corps organizations, Nonprofits running conservation or youth employment programs, State, county, city, and tribal governments, Higher education institutions
Not for
For-profit businesses of any size, including sole proprietors and single-member LLCs, Individuals
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Environment & ConservationMatches your industry (conservation)
50
Possible Match
Education & TrainingMatches your industry (training)
42
Possible Match
Arts & CultureMatches your industry (cultural)
38
Possible Match
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
32
Worth Exploring
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Conservation projects, Habitat restoration, Recreation improvement, Youth employment, Training, Cultural preservation, Education
Who can apply
State and local governments, Nonprofits, Colleges and universities, Tribal governments and organizations
Award range
$30,000 – $220,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
October 16, 2026.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
Awards range from $30,000 to $220,000. The program has $900,000 total and expects to make about 8 awards.
Who can apply for this grant?
State, county, city, township, and special district governments; federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; and public or private institutions of higher education. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
No. Only governments, tribes, nonprofits, and higher education institutions may apply. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible, and a sole proprietor or single-member LLC is a for-profit entity.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education, are both eligible.

Summary

BLM funds qualified youth conservation corps to hire crews/interns ages 16-30 (veterans to 35) for public lands projects: trail building, habitat restoration, invasive species control, cultural resource preservation, recreation improvements, and wildfire risk reduction. Eligible: state/local/tribal governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions. For-profits and individuals ineligible.

About this grant

The Headquarters Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices have collaborated with Qualified Youth Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish natural and cultural resource-focused projects for numerous years. This program"s projects provide opportunities to gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management. Through their BLM experience, youth gain an appreciation for public lands, learn about natural resource management careers, and become the next generation of public lands stewards. The BLM Youth Program helps the agency accomplish projects across all program areas in support of the BLM"s multiple-use mission. The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth corps through the Public Lands Corp (PLC) Program to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive), including tribal members. The PLC program mandates employing youth who are interested in working on natural and cultural resource projects that protect public lands.Projects available under the PLC Program are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Office project coordinators. The projects emphasize hands-on engagement in on-the-ground projects, skill development training, and mentorship opportunities for participants. These projects create jobs that strengthen America"s economy and foster relationships with youth corps organizations striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.Proposed projects within this funding opportunity notice will support the goals of the PLC Program and may also incorporate the goals of the Indian Youth Service Corps Program through outreach to Indian tribes and tribal-serving youth corps organizations. Projects will include the following:Enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration, and other improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g. kiosks, campgrounds, signage etc.).Monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data as well as timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health.Habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration, etc.Development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational materials for visitors.Studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys, etc.Preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures.Seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disastersReduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds, and other public land ecosystems.Production of materials and programs on natural, cultural, and/or paleontological resources, communication, education, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.In-house projects, such as cartography, records management, realty or wildland fire support, must demonstrate a clear benefit to natural or cultural resources and include a field component of at least 120 hours.

Who can apply

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.This program NOFO does support entities hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under this authority. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Environment
  • Conservation
  • Youth
  • Workforce

Program contact

Bureau of Land Managementchanda_brown@ios.doi.gov303-202-3865

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