Southwest Rivers Program
The Southwest Rivers Program from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds science-based restoration of river, riparian, and grassland habitats in the Pecos, Colorado, and Rio Grande watersheds.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Full proposal deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards $100,000–$500,000 per project; larger requests considered case-by-case; 1:1 match required; 3-year project duration standard.
Summary: Supports conservation projects to restore and protect river, riparian, and grassland habitats in the Southwest, focusing on the Pecos, Colorado, and Rio Grande systems.
Key Information: 1:1 non-federal or federal match required; eligible for nonprofits, government agencies, tribes, and educational institutions.
Description
The Southwest Rivers Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and funded through a partnership of federal agencies and corporate sponsors, is a major grant opportunity supporting conservation projects in the southwestern United States. The program targets the Colorado, Pecos, and Rio Grande river systems, with a focus on enhancing stream corridors, riparian zones, and adjacent grasslands that are under threat from drought, development, and habitat loss. Projects funded through this program aim to revitalize habitats for species uniquely adapted to the region's arid environment, restore ecological health, and ensure the long-term resilience of these critical watersheds.
Priority is given to projects that address knowledge gaps, implement innovative restoration or management strategies, and deliver measurable outcomes for focal species and habitats. The program supports a wide range of activities, including habitat restoration, species intervention, monitoring, capacity building, and outreach.
