Southeast Aquatics Fund 2026 Request For Proposals
The Southeast Aquatics Fund supports research and restoration projects to improve aquatic habitats, water quality, and species recovery in priority southeastern U.S. watersheds.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (Full Proposal due)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards $150,000–$500,000 per project; project duration 24–36 months.
Summary: Supports projects to conserve and restore aquatic habitats in the southeastern U.S., with focus on water quality, connectivity, and species recovery.
Key Information: 1:1 non-federal match required (waivers available with prior approval).
Description
The Southeast Aquatics Fund, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides competitive grants for projects that conserve and restore aquatic habitats across priority watersheds in the southeastern United States. The program targets improvements in water quality, water quantity, instream and riparian habitat, aquatic connectivity, species recovery, monitoring, and planning. Priority is given to projects in focal areas such as the Conasauga River (GA/TN), Middle Coosa and Locust Fork (AL), Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin (AL/FL/GA), and others. Eligible activities include technical assistance for landowners, forest management for Gulf water quality, restoration of aquatic and forest habitats, watershed resilience planning, and species recovery and monitoring.
