F25AS00011 - NAWCA 2025 US Small Grants

Background
The U.S. Small Grants Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is a competitive, matching grants program aimed at supporting public-private partnerships in the United States. This initiative aligns with the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and focuses on long-term protection, restoration, enhancement, and establishment of wetland and associated upland habitats to benefit migratory birds.

The program emphasizes collaboration with partners to conserve land and water resources while expanding outdoor recreation opportunities.

Grant Details
The Small Grants Program's objectives include:
1. Long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds;
2. Maintaining and improving distributions of wetlands-associated migratory bird populations;
3. Ensuring an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) consistent with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan objectives.

Projects must involve a 1:1 non-federal match; research funding is not eligible. All grant requests must be linked to specific acres acquired, restored, enhanced, or established.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, and small businesses.

Period of Performance
The expected award date is July 01, 2025. The duration for which the grant will be performed typically aligns with project timelines as defined in individual proposals.

Grant Value
The estimated total funding available for this grant opportunity is $5 million. Individual grant awards can range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $250,000.

Place of Performance
The projects funded under this grant must be carried out within the United States.