[Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov)

June 25, 2026

Up to $250,000 per award; minimum $1,000; estimated $5,000,000 total funding; ~30 awards expected; 1:1 non-federal match required

Supports projects to protect, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife in the U.S. through partnerships.

Research projects are not eligible; proposals must include a 1:1 non-federal match.

--- ## Description The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's NAWCA U.S. Small Grants Program funds projects that promote partnerships to protect, restore, enhance, and manage wetland ecosystems and other habitats vital for wetland-associated migratory birds and wildlife in the United States. The program aims to maintain and improve the distribution and abundance of wetlands and waterfowl populations, consistent with national and regional conservation plans. Projects must result in long-term conservation outcomes and demonstrate collaboration among public agencies, non-profits, and other eligible groups. Eligible activities include land acquisition (fee-title, easement, or lease), wetland restoration, enhancement, establishment, and other direct long-term conservation work. The program explicitly excludes research as an allowable activity. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Submission Deadline:** June 25, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) All applications must be submitted electronically by the deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Ceiling:** $250,000 per project - **Award Floor:** $1,000 per project - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $5,000,000 - **Expected Number of Awards:** Approximately 30 - **Cost Sharing:** 1:1 non-federal match required (every federal dollar must be matched by a non-federal dollar) --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and private institutions of higher education - Federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (excluding institutions of higher education) - Individuals - Small businesses **Note:** Research projects are not eligible. All proposals must demonstrate a clear link to wetland and migratory bird habitat conservation. --- ## Application Process - **Registration:** All applicants except individuals must register in [SAM.gov](https://www.sam.gov/) and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). - **Submission Portal:** Applications must be submitted via [GrantSolutions.gov](https://www.grantsolutions.gov/). - **Required Documents:** - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) - SF-424A (Budget Information) - Project abstract and narrative (using the NAWCA proposal template) - Budget narrative - Signed partner contribution match letters - Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable) - Most recent Single Audit/Financial Statement (if applicable) - GIS shapefile of project area (emailed separately) - **Pre-award Costs:** May be eligible but must be specifically requested and justified in the application. - **Review:** Proposals are reviewed for eligibility, merit (per published scoring criteria), and risk. Only complete and eligible applications will be considered. --- ## Additional Information - **Match Requirement:** A non-federal match equal to or greater than the grant request is required. Match contributions must be documented and non-federal in origin. - **Allowable Activities:** Only acquisition, restoration, enhancement, establishment, and certain administrative expenses directly tied to project outcomes are eligible. - **Ineligible Activities:** Research, mitigation banking, routine maintenance, education, and certain administrative or planning costs. - **Reporting:** Awardees must submit regular financial and performance reports as specified in the Notice of Award. - **Program Resources:** For proposal templates, eligibility details, and guidance, visit the [NAWCA US Small Grants Program page](https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-small-grants). --- ## External Links - [Fish and Wildlife Service – NAWCA US Small Grants Program](https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-small-grants) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361965) - [NAWCA U.S. Small Grants Proposal Instructions (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Foa_Content_of_F26AS00007-US-Small-final-April-9,-2026.pdf) - [2026 Eligibility Criteria & Processes (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/2025-Eligibility-Criteria-and-Processes-FINAL-March-2026.pdf) - [NAWCA Past Awarded Projects Database](https://www.fws.gov/grantsum/) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Office | Email | Phone | Notes | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | NAWCA US Small Grants Program | [nawca_smallgrant@fws.gov](mailto:nawca_smallgrant@fws.gov) | | General inquiries, application questions | | Anya Rushing, Program Coordinator| [Anya_Rushing@fws.gov](mailto:Anya_Rushing@fws.gov) | (703) 358-2032 | Program-specific and eligibility questions | | FWS General Contact | [managementauthority@fws.gov](mailto:managementauthority@fws.gov) | (866) 512-1800 | For FWS-wide inquiries |

F26AS00007-NAWCA 2026 US Small Grants

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