Southeast Aquatics Fund 2026 Request For Proposals
This grant funds projects that restore and conserve aquatic habitats and species in priority southeastern U.S. watersheds through science-based conservation, restoration, and technical assistance.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2026: Full proposal / full application deadline (due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $150,000–$500,000; project period 24–36 months; minimum 1:1 non-federal match required.
Summary: Supports projects that restore and conserve aquatic habitats and species in the southeastern U.S. through targeted conservation, restoration, and technical assistance activities.
Key Information: Projects must occur in priority watersheds in the Southeast; non-federal 1:1 match required (waivers possible with approval).
Description
The Southeast Aquatics Fund, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), funds projects that conserve and restore aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States, with a focus on improving water quality, water quantity, and instream and riparian conditions. Targeted activities include water conservation, aquifer recharge, forest management, aquatic and riparian restoration, watershed resilience planning, technical assistance for private landowners, and species recovery and monitoring. Priority is given to projects benefitting endemic and native aquatic species in high-need geographies such as the Conasauga River, Middle Coosa, and Locust Fork watersheds, and other focal areas identified in the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan.
