Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund
The Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports science-driven restoration of forests and rivers to benefit native birds and fish in the Northeastern U.S.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants range from $75,000–$300,000; total annual funding ~$1–2.1 million; 1-year project periods common.
Summary: Supports projects that restore forests and rivers for native birds and fish in the Northeastern U.S., advancing habitat and stream connectivity.
Key Information: Matching funds are required; eligibility is limited to specified states and watersheds.
Description
The Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides competitive grants to projects that restore and sustain the health of forests and rivers in the Northeastern United States. The program targets the restoration of early successional and mature forest habitats, improvement of stream connectivity, and rehabilitation of riparian and instream habitats to benefit native bird and freshwater fish populations. Since its inception in 2015, the fund has supported over 110 projects, opening nearly 2,000 miles of streams and improving thousands of acres of forest habitat, while engaging volunteers in hands-on conservation work. Target species include brook trout, river herring, golden-winged warbler, New England cottontail, wood turtle, and bobolink.
