Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026

Fund and grants for endangered animals

If enacted, this would create a new Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund inside the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. The Fund would receive transfers from the Treasury, Congressional appropriations, donations, and any interest earned. The bill would authorize $5,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2032. Treasury would transfer money at least monthly and invest unused amounts in U.S. Treasury obligations. Administrative spending would be limited to 5 percent of available funds or $150,000, whichever is greater. The Interior Secretary would run a competitive grant program to fund conservation projects for species partly or entirely outside the United States. Eligible applicants would include foreign wildlife authorities and qualified groups, and the Secretary would approve or disapprove applications within 180 days after consulting the host country. Grant money would not be used for captive breeding except for breeding intended for release to the wild, and then only if no other biologically or technically feasible conservation method exists. Donors would be allowed to give money to the Fund subject to the Government's interest. The Secretary would report program results to Congress within one year of enactment and every two years after that.