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

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.