Five Star Program
The Five Star Program funds community partnerships for habitat restoration, stormwater management, and environmental education to achieve measurable conservation outcomes across the U.S.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Five Star Grant Program full proposal / Request for Proposals submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $20,000–$60,000; 40–60 grants awarded annually; 1–2 year project duration; matching contributions strongly encouraged.
Summary: Supports community-led habitat restoration, stormwater management, and environmental education projects with measurable conservation outcomes across the U.S.
Description
The Five Star Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides modest financial support to community-based partnerships engaged in wetland, forest, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration, as well as stormwater management, outreach, and stewardship activities. Since 1998, the program has funded over 1,000 projects nationwide, with a focus on projects that combine on-the-ground restoration with community engagement and education. The program aims to address water quality challenges—such as erosion, stormwater runoff, and shoreline degradation—while fostering conservation leadership and stewardship at the local level. Projects must deliver measurable ecological, educational, and community benefits.
