Bats for the Future Fund
The Bats for the Future Fund supports research and treatments to combat white-nose syndrome and aid the recovery of North American bat populations.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: July 20, 2026 (Full Proposal Due Date)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$250,000 per award (larger requests with prior approval); projects typically up to 3 years.
Summary: Supports research, treatments, and conservation to combat white-nose syndrome and aid the survival and recovery of North American bat populations.
Key Information: 50% match encouraged but not required; all proposals must be submitted via Easygrants system.
Description
The Bats for the Future Fund (BFF), administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners, provides competitive grants for projects that address white-nose syndrome (WNS) in North American bats. WNS is a fatal fungal disease responsible for dramatic declines in bat populations across the continent. The fund supports development and implementation of treatments, management tools, and conservation strategies to prevent exposure to the WNS-causing fungus (Pseudogymnoascus destructans), improve bat survival, and foster recovery of affected species, including the federally endangered northern long-eared bat and Indiana bat. Projects may also target knowledge gaps in the life history and ecology of WNS-affected species and support innovative, collaborative research and management solutions.
