[National Fish and Wildlife Foundation](https://www.nfwf.org)

November 10, 2025 (Full Proposal)

Minimum $100,000 per award; ~10 projects funded; up to 3 years per project

Supports large-scale, voluntary habitat restoration and conservation projects across Colorado, emphasizing ecological resilience and community collaboration.

--- ## Description The RESTORE Colorado Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), funds collaborative projects aimed at restoring, enhancing, and expanding high-priority wildlife habitats across the state of Colorado. The program targets landscape-scale, cross-jurisdictional efforts that improve ecological function, climate resiliency, and habitat connectivity, benefiting both wildlife and local communities. Projects are encouraged to be community-driven, leverage partnerships, and align with strategic planning tools such as Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy. Eligible project types include watershed resilience, grassland and sagebrush rangeland restoration, big game winter range and migration corridor improvements, conservation capacity building, and urban habitat restoration. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes, multi-habitat impact, and strong community engagement. --- ## Due Dates - Full Proposal Deadline: November 10, 2025 (by 9:59pm MDT / 11:59pm EDT) - Awards Announced: March 2026 All dates are subject to change; applicants should check the [RESTORE Colorado program page](https://www.nfwf.org/programs/restore-colorado-program/restore-colorado-program-2026-request-proposals) for the latest information. --- ## Funding Amount - Minimum grant request: $100,000 - Approximately 10 projects will be funded in 2026 - Projects should begin within six months of award and be completed within three years - No maximum award specified; leverage and matching funds are encouraged but not required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations - Political subdivisions of the state - Local and municipal governments - Native Nations and Indigenous-led organizations - Educational institutions Ineligible applicants: - Businesses - Unincorporated individuals All projects must take place entirely within Colorado. --- ## Application Process 1. Register and submit your application through the [NFWF Easygrants online system](https://easygrants.nfwf.org/NFWF/Implementation/Modules/Login/LoginModuleContent.aspx?Config=LoginModuleConfig&Page=Login). 2. New users must register; returning users can log in with their credentials. 3. Select the RESTORE Colorado 2026 RFP and complete all required sections. 4. Applications may be saved and returned to before final submission. 5. Review the [Applicant Tip Sheet](https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/restore-2026-tip-sheet.pdf) for guidance. Budget requirements: - Submit a detailed budget and narrative following [NFWF Budget Instructions](https://www.nfwf.org/apply-grant/application-information/budget-instructions). - Budgets must comply with [OMB Uniform Guidance](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200). - Use the [NFWF Indirect Cost Calculator](https://www.nfwf.org/indirect-cost-calculator) as needed. --- ## Additional Information - Leverage and matching contributions are encouraged to demonstrate community support and partnerships (can be cash, in-kind, or volunteer contributions). - Projects may address a single priority habitat but are encouraged to include cross-jurisdictional and multi-benefit components. - Urban habitat restoration funding is limited; discuss urban proposals with NFWF staff before applying. - Projects involving federal funds must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including NEPA, ESA, and NHPA. - Award payments are primarily reimbursable. - Ineligible uses of funds include advocacy, lobbying, litigation, fundraising, terrorist activities, and certain equipment/services (see RFP for details). --- ## External Links - [RESTORE Colorado Program 2026 RFP Page](https://www.nfwf.org/programs/restore-colorado-program/restore-colorado-program-2026-request-proposals) - [NFWF RESTORE Colorado Program Overview](https://www.nfwf.org/programs/restore-colorado-program) - [Applicant Tip Sheet (PDF)](https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/restore-2026-tip-sheet.pdf) - [Budget Instructions](https://www.nfwf.org/apply-grant/application-information/budget-instructions) - [Detailed Budget and Narrative Guide (PDF)](https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/nfwf-detailed-budget-narrative-guide.pdf) - [NFWF Indirect Cost Calculator](https://www.nfwf.org/indirect-cost-calculator) - [Pre-recorded Application Webinar](https://nfwf.sharefile.com/share/view/sd6fbf4381dc249d3a9863e1e8f7276bc/fo980af5-f608-4e81-838a-0698b2988738) - [Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy Resource Hub](https://cpw.state.co.us/conservation-plans) - [NRCS Conservation Practice Standards](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/conservation-practice-standards) --- ## Contact Information | Area | Contact | Email | Phone | |------|---------|-------|-------| | General Inquiries & Application Support | Emma Wigger, Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Regional Programs | [Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org](mailto:Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org) | | | Watershed Resilience Project Inquiries | Kirstin Neff, Program Director, Southwest Rivers | [Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org](mailto:Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org) | | | Sagebrush, Grassland, Migration Project Inquiries | Chris West, Director, Rocky Mountain Regional Office | [Chris.West@nfwf.org](mailto:Chris.West@nfwf.org) | | | Easygrants System Helpdesk | | [Easygrants@nfwf.org](mailto:Easygrants@nfwf.org) | 202-595-2497 (9am–5pm ET, Mon–Fri) | For additional guidance, applicants may also refer to the [NFWF Contact Page](https://www.nfwf.org/what-we-do/contact-nfwf).

RESTORE Colorado Program 2026 Request for Proposals

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