Southeast Aquatics Fund
The Southeast Aquatics Fund supports projects to restore aquatic habitats, improve water quality, and conserve native freshwater species in southeastern U.S. watersheds.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (Full proposal deadline for Southeast Aquatics Fund 2026 RFP)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $150,000–$500,000 per project; project duration 24–36 months; 1:1 non-federal match required.
Summary: Supports watershed-based restoration projects to improve aquatic health and conserve native freshwater species in targeted southeastern U.S. river basins and watersheds.
Description
The Southeast Aquatics Fund is a competitive grants program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to support voluntary, watershed-based restoration and improved management of riparian, in-stream, forest, and agricultural lands that impact aquatic systems in the southeastern United States. The fund targets projects that enhance water quality and quantity, restore habitats, improve connectivity, and support assessment and prioritization activities in high-priority watersheds. The overarching goal is to benefit native freshwater aquatic species and reduce the risk of future Endangered Species Act listings by addressing threats such as land-use change, habitat fragmentation, declining water quality, and invasive species.
