2027-1 US Standard Grants
🏛 Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for public-private partnerships protecting, restoring, or enhancing wetlands and associated uplands in the U.S. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies, tribal nations, and conservation organizations. The project must benefit wetlands-associated migratory birds and require a 1:1 cost-share match. All activities must occur within the continental U.S. and align with long-term wetland conservation goals.
Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and strong organizational capacity. The partnership must include both public and private sector participants. Previous successful projects can be reviewed in NAWCA's external database to understand competitive standards and priorities.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) U.S. Standard grants are competitive, matching grants that support public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the U.S. that involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds. A 1 to 1 match to grant ratio is a requirement. For US Standard scoring criteria (page 33 of US Standard Instructions) and US Eligibility criteria, visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grantsTo view previously successful awarded NAWCA US Standard Projects, visit NAWCA’s external facing database to query for your viewing: https://www.fws.gov/grantsum/
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NAWCA proposal template completed
- Project narrative with ecological justification
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of commitment from matching fund partners
- Evidence of organizational capacity and past wetland project experience
- DUNS number and SAM registration
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 DBHC@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.623 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$83,142,465
-
$49,065,987
-
$20,010,000
-
$14,797,059
-
$12,262,033
-
$4,582,175
-
$3,000,000
-
$3,000,000
-
$3,000,000
-
$3,000,000
Top States by Funding
- LA 9 awards $16.6M
- ME 7 awards $13.5M
- SC 5 awards $10.5M
- TX 6 awards $10.3M
- FL 5 awards $10.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.623). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $127,999,998 | |
| 2023 | $103,845,932 | |
| 2024 | $132,549,814 | |
| 2025 est. | $153,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $103,000,000 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for NAWCA US Standard grants?
Nonprofits, government agencies, tribal nations, and conservation organizations can apply. You must establish a public-private partnership to be eligible.
What is the cost-share requirement?
A 1:1 match is required, meaning you must secure matching funds equal to the grant amount you request. This is mandatory for all projects.
What wetland activities are supported?
Funding supports protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands. Projects must demonstrate long-term benefits to wetlands-associated migratory birds.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. Awards range from $250,001 to $3,000,000 from a $46M pool. Strong project design and demonstrated partnerships increase competitiveness significantly.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 25, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling, so submit well in advance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify matching funds early in the process and secure written commitments from public and private partners before submitting.
- Review successful projects in NAWCA's external database to understand what reviewers prioritize and how competitive projects are structured.
- Demonstrate clear long-term ecological benefits to migratory birds and wetland conservation in your proposal narrative.
- Build a strong partnership with diverse expertise in wetland science, land management, and community engagement.
- Budget conservatively and include detailed justifications for all project expenses, especially land acquisition and restoration work.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating match requirements or failing to secure matching commitments before submission. Weak partnerships lacking diversity of public and private expertise. Projects without clear, measurable outcomes for migratory bird habitat benefits.
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