National Conservation Initiatives
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's National Conservation Initiatives fund research-driven projects to restore habitats, recover species, and advance large-scale conservation outcomes across the US.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: October 2, 2026 (America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative) | Rolling/Varies (Other initiatives)
Funding Amounts: Award sizes and durations vary by initiative; most are competitive and scale to project scope.
Summary: Supports projects that restore habitats, recover species, and strengthen conservation through targeted funding and partnerships across the U.S.
Description
The National Conservation Initiatives, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provide targeted funding to address critical conservation challenges throughout the United States. These initiatives focus on restoring fish and wildlife habitats, advancing species recovery, enhancing community stewardship, and promoting large-scale, measurable conservation outcomes. Funding is directed through competitive grantmaking and encourages collaboration among conservation organizations, public agencies, and private partners. Priority issues include habitat loss, watershed degradation, invasive species, wildfire risk, and building local capacity for conservation action.
NFWF's National Conservation Initiatives encompass multiple programs, such as America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, the Five Star Program, Healthy American Forests Initiative, and National Species Recovery Grants. Each program may have its own priorities, timelines, and eligibility requirements.
