The information on this page is intended as a supplemental resource for applicants. Please download and carefully read the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete eligibility details and application instructions.
Status: Currently Seeking Proposals
Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00014
Assistance Listing Number: 15.653
Application Deadline: August 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET (via GrantSolutions.gov)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking applications from eligible applicants to implement the National Outreach and Communications Program (NOCP) through innovative programs that may be conducted at various geographic scales, ranging from local or state to regional or national levels. Applications must address one or more of the five purposes of an outreach and communications program, which are defined in the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C.777c-777g) as programs that:
- improve communications with anglers, boaters, and the general public regarding angling and boating opportunities;
- reduce barriers to access and participation in angling and boating activities;
- advance the adoption of sound angling and boating practices in the U.S.;
- promote conservation and the responsible use of the nation’s aquatic resources; and
- further safety in angling and boating.
Estimated Total Funding: $26 million
Award Range:
- Band 1: Local scope � $100,000 to $500,000
- Band 2: State or regional scope � $500,000 to $5,000,000
- Band 3: National scope � $5,000,000 to $26,000,000
Funding is awarded for up to 2 years and is subject to availability of Trust Fund receipts.
Background and Funding Source
The National Outreach and Communication Program was established by the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-178) to reverse declining trends in participation rates in angling and boating in the early 1990’s. Fishing and boating participation are important to our nation’s economy and fund much of our nation’s aquatic resource conservation through the sale of state fishing licenses and the grant programs funded from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. �
The NOCP is funded by 2% of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, supported by excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat fuel, and other sources. Because of this, the annual amount of funding available will vary depending on the trust fund income generated by excise taxes. Since 2007, the amount awarded for the NOCP has been between $10.7 and $14.2 million per year.
Get Started
Download and read the complete NOFO
Please carefully read the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility details and application instructions. Visit Grants.Gov to view this grant opportunity and download the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Supplemental Scoring Information
This document outlines the official scoring rubric for the 2026 National Outreach and Communications Program (NOCP) funding opportunity. It provides transparency into the application review process by detailing how proposals will be evaluated across seven key categories—including strategic alignment, measurable outcomes, innovation, and stakeholder coordination. Applicants are encouraged to use this as a guide to strengthen their submissions and ensure alignment with the program’s statutory purposes and expected outcomes.
Watch: 2025 NOCP Applicant Information Session (Recorded Information Session)
This recorded webinar provides a detailed walkthrough of the 2026 National Outreach and Communications Program (NOCP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Hosted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, the session covers program goals, statutory purposes, expected outcomes, eligible activities, funding bands, application components, and technical guidance on submitting through GrantSolutions. The recording also includes a live Q&A with applicants and clarifications on key issues such as eligible costs, stakeholder coordination, and evaluation metrics. This is a recommended resource for all prospective applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ page is designed to answer common questions about eligibility, application requirements, allowable costs, and review criteria. Whether you're developing a local initiative or a national campaign, this resource will help you understand what the program is looking for and how to submit a competitive application. For complete application instructions and program details, please refer to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the NOCP supplemental scoring criteria.
Information Session Power Point Presentation
This slide deck was presented during the July 16, 2025, applicant information session for the National Outreach and Communications Program (NOCP). It provides a comprehensive overview of program goals, eligibility, application requirements, funding structure structure
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Learn more about structure , and merit review criteria. This accessible resource include hyperlinks to essential application resources, guidance on completing the project and budget narratives, and tips for submitting a successful application. This resource is intended to support prospective applicants in preparing complete and competitive proposals for funding under the 2026 NOCP cycle.