Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program 2026 Request for Proposals
Funds collaborative projects to restore forests, grasslands, and aquatic habitats in central Appalachia, aiming to boost key wildlife populations and strengthen community resilience.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: July 16, 2026 (Full proposal submission deadline, 12:00 noon ET)
Funding Amounts: $75,000–$500,000 per award; project duration up to 4 years; non-federal match preferred but not required
Summary: Supports collaborative projects to restore and enhance forests, grasslands, and aquatic habitats for wildlife and community resilience in central Appalachia.
Key Information: Projects must occur within eligible areas of central Appalachia; match is preferred but not mandatory.
Description
The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program funds projects that restore, enhance, and connect critical forest, grassland, and aquatic habitats across central Appalachia. The program aims to increase the distribution and abundance of key indicator species—such as golden-winged warbler, wood thrush, cerulean warbler, eastern brook trout, eastern hellbender, and freshwater mussels—while fostering resilient local communities and supporting natural resource-based economies.
Grant priorities include:
- Landscape-scale forest and grassland restoration and management
- Aquatic ecosystem improvements (e.g., stream barrier removal, riparian buffer restoration, water quality enhancement)
- Capacity building for collaborative conservation among partners, including technical assistance and community engagement
Projects are encouraged to engage both public and private landowners, incorporate community input, and foster long-term stewardship. The program supports both on-the-ground implementation and efforts to strengthen conservation collaboratives across the region.
