Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund
Supports science-based restoration and enhancement of aquatic and riparian habitats in the Rio Grande and Colorado River headwaters to benefit native species and ecosystem health.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Full proposal deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2 million total available per cycle; typical awards range from ~$50,000 to $400,000 for 1–2 years; 5–10 awards annually; 1:1 non-federal match encouraged.
Summary: Supports restoration and enhancement of aquatic and riparian habitats in the Rio Grande and Colorado River headwaters to benefit native species and ecosystem health.
Description
The Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), is dedicated to restoring, protecting, and enhancing aquatic and riparian species and their habitats in the headwaters of the Rio Grande and Colorado River watersheds. Since its launch in 2019, the Fund has supported projects that address the primary causes of aquatic and riparian species decline, including loss of natural processes, habitat degradation, environmental change, and invasive species. The Fund emphasizes process-based wetland, riparian, and instream habitat restoration, increasing water availability, removing barriers to flow, and reintroducing priority aquatic species. Projects benefit unique southwestern species such as the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, North American beaver, and southwestern willow flycatcher by targeting critical headwater streams that are essential for ecosystem health and downstream water security.
