North American Wetlands Conservation Act Standard Grants Program
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the 2026-2 cycle of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Standard Grants Program, offering $250,000 to $3 million for wetland conservation projects. Eligible applicants include state, county, tribal, and local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and small businesses. The application deadline is May 7, 2026.
What changed
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened the application period for F26AS00026-NAWCA 2026-2, a competitive matching grant program supporting public-private partnerships for long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and associated upland habitats. The program requires a 1:1 non-federal match and provides funding ranging from $250,000 to $3 million per award.
Prospective applicants should review eligibility criteria and prepare proposals addressing wetland ecosystems, waterfowl conservation, and compliance with migratory bird conservation plans (North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan, and Partners in Flight). Applications must be submitted by May 7, 2026. Research funding is ineligible under this program.
What to do next
- Determine organizational eligibility per the criteria (governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, or small businesses)
- Review NAWCA eligibility criteria and proposal instructions at fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-standard
- Prepare and submit application package by May 7, 2026 deadline
Source document (simplified)
F26AS00026-NAWCA 2026-2 US Standard Grants
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service
Assistance Listings: 15.623 -- North American Wetlands Conservation Fund
Last Updated: April 3, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grant program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The program promotes partnerships projects that must involve a) only long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetland and associated upland habitats to benefit a variety of wetland ecosystems and b) maintaining an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-associated migratory birds consistent with the objectives... of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, and Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan. The program requires a 1:1 non-federal match and research funding is ineligible. This program supports the Department of Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission of protecting and managing the nation's natural resources by collaborating with partners and stakeholders to conserve land and water and to expand outdoor recreation and access.The program for wetlands conservation and management grants is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program. Thirteen partner organizations make up the North American Wetlands Conservation (NAWC) Council and participate in the review and assessment of proposals. For U.S. Standard Instructions (scoring criteria page 32) and Eligibility Criteria, visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grants To view previously successful awarded NAWCA US Standard Projects, visit NAWCA's external facing database to query for your viewing: https://www.fws.gov/grantsum/ Show full description
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Government
- State governments
- County governments
- Special district governments
- City or township governments
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
Education
- Independent school districts
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and state institutions of higher education
Business
- Small businesses
Nonprofit
- Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
- Other Native American tribal organizations
Additional information
For US Standard eligiblity criteria, proposal instructions, proposal template, visit: https://fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-standard
Grantor contact information
Description
DBHC
dbhc@fws.gov
DBHC email Inbox
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FoaContentofF26AS000262026-2USStandard_NOFO.pdf | FoaContentof_F26AS00026 2026-2 US Standard NOFO.pdf | Apr 3, 2026 03:57 PM UTC |
| 2025EligibilityCriteriaandProcessesFINALMarch_2026.pdf | 2025 Eligibility Criteria and Processes FINAL March 2026.pdf | Apr 3, 2026 03:58 PM UTC |
| 2025FinancialTableExamplefor_2026-2.xlsx | 2025 Financial Table Example for 2026-2.xlsx | Apr 3, 2026 03:58 PM UTC |
| 2025USSTProposalTablesTemplatefor_2026-2.xlsx | 2025 US ST Proposal Tables Template for 2026-2.xlsx | Apr 3, 2026 03:59 PM UTC |
| 2025USStandardProposalOutlineTemplatefor_2026-2.docx | 2025 US Standard Proposal Outline Template for 2026-2.docx | Apr 3, 2026 03:59 PM UTC |
| 2025USStandardInstructionsfor2026-2FINAL2March2026.pdf | 2025 US Standard Instructions for 2026-2 FINAL2 March 2026.pdf | Apr 3, 2026 04:14 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
--
Closing: May 7, 2026
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$46,000,000
Program Funding
25
Expected awards
$250,001
Award Minimum
$3,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
F26AS00026
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Yes Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Natural resources
Category Explanation:
--
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
April 3, 2026
Archive date:
May 8, 2026
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