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

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/usda-nrcsnhq-vpa-26-nofo001448-voluntary-public-access-and-habitat-incentive-program/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362026

> Natural Resources Conservation Service offered grants of up to $3.0 million (at least $100,000) to tribes. It expected to make about 30 awards worth $52.0 million in total. Applications closed on June 8, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | USDA-NRCS–NHQ-VPA-26-NOFO001448 |
| Agency | Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 8, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $3.0 million |
| Award floor | $100,000 |
| Expected awards | 30 |
| Total funding | $52.0 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 10.093 |

## Who can apply

- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

State government

## What the grant funds

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.

## Questions people ask

### Is USDA-NRCS–NHQ-VPA-26-NOFO001448 still open?

No. It closed on June 8, 2026.

### Who can apply for Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026?

Natural Resources Conservation Service accepted applications from tribes. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026?

Closed June 8, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $3.0 million each. About $52.0 million in total across about 30 awards.

### Who has won Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The program made 23 awards worth $21.5 million in that time.