Chesapeake WILD
Forecasted
Chesapeake WILD, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports science-based habitat restoration and conservation for at-risk species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Grants typically range from $75,000 to $500,000 per project; total annual funding pool in recent years has ranged from $7–9 million.
Summary: Supports conservation, restoration, and connectivity of habitats for at-risk and federally listed species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Key Information: Forecasted cycle; eligibility and priorities may update—check program page for latest details.
Description
The Chesapeake WILD (Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense) Grants Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, funds projects that improve, restore, and connect habitats for at-risk and federally listed species throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program advances conservation, stewardship, water quality, climate adaptation, equitable access to outdoor recreation, and collaborative conservation. Funding is structured to support implementation, collaborative conservation, and planning/technical assistance projects aligned with the Chesapeake WILD Framework’s five pillars: habitat restoration, water quality, climate adaptation, public access, and partnership building.
