Southwest Rivers Program
Southwest Rivers Program supports conservation partners working on river, riparian, and grassland restoration and focal species conservation to advance measurable outcomes across the Southwest.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: November 12, 2026 (Pecos 2027 full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Pecos 2027: $100,000–$500,000 requests; projects completed within three years
Summary: Supports measurable river, riparian, and grassland conservation across the Southwest, with a current funding opportunity focused on the Pecos watershed and Trans-Pecos.
Key Information: Pecos 2027 applicants must provide $1 in matching funds for every $1 requested.
Description
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) runs the Southwest Rivers Program with public agencies and corporate partners. It focuses on the Pecos watershed in eastern New Mexico and West Texas, the Rio Grande in New Mexico and southern Colorado, and the Colorado River watershed in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The program supports projects that improve stream corridors and riparian habitat, restore rangeland for grassland species, develop flow and habitat work with Middle Rio Grande partners, and fill conservation knowledge gaps.
The current request for proposals is the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative 2027. It seeks voluntary projects in the Pecos watershed and adjacent areas that restore rivers, streams, and grasslands or improve information about focal species. Proposals must show a direct, measurable contribution to at least one priority in the Southwest Rivers Business Plan.
