Grant priorities include:

• Projects that increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities, particularly underserved communities, in project planning, outreach and implementation
• Applicants who represent a mixture of urban and rural communities
• Projects that advance an existing conservation plan or strategy

In addition, proposals should address at least one bullet under each of the five following bolded priorities:

• On-the-Ground Restoration: Projects must restore and/or create wetlands, coastal or riparian areas
• Environmental Outreach, Education & Training: Projects must integrate meaningful outreach, education and/or training into the proposed on-the-ground activities that advance local watershed and conservation goal
• Community Partnerships: Projects must involve five or more partners (public and private entities) including the applicant
• Measurable Results: Projects must result in specific, measurable ecological, educational and community benefits
• Sustainability: Projects must include a plan for maintenance and care of the project beyond the grant period

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Projects selected may be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s).
• Applicants should budget time and resources to obtain the needed approvals. As may be applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal, state or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

The ratio of matching contributions offered is considered during the review process, and projects are required to meet or exceed a 1:.75 match ratio to be competitive.

Matching contributions must be non-federal in nature and may include in-kind contributions of staff and volunteer time, work performed, materials and services donated, cash or other tangible contributions to the project objectives and outcomes.

Additionally, partner contributions can serve as matching contributions and grantees for this grant program commonly use a large amount of in-kind matching contributions to reach this threshold by utilizing their community partnerships to generate match. Applicants are highly encouraged to contact NFWF for assistance in determining what qualifies as in-kind or any other matching contribution (see “Contact Information” section below).

Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible Costs include:

• On-the-Ground Restoration
• Environmental Outreach, Education & Training
• Community Partnerships
• Measurable Results in ecological, educational and community benefits
• Sustainability

Ineligible Costs include:

• Equipment
• Political advocacy
• Fundraising
• Lobbying
• Litigation
• Compliance with legal requirements, e.g., permit conditions, mitigation, and settlement agreements.

For additional details, please click here.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Grants should span 12 to 18 months with a start date in late summer/early fall 2024.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Easygrants system by January 31, 2024, 11:59pm ET.

A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application and can be downloaded here. Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website’s Applicantion Information page.

Click on the “Contact Information” section below to get in touch with this funding opportunity’s program officers.

For questions on regional programs, please contact:
Sarah Vest, Coordinator, Regional Programs
Phone: (202) 595-2602

For questions on community stewardship, please contact:
Kaitlyn Hill, Program Manager, Community Stewardship
Phone: (202) 595-2436

For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Voicemail: (202) 595-2497
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.
Please include: Your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.