Overview

The NAWCA 2026 US Small Grants program promotes partnerships between public agencies and groups interested in protecting, improving, restoring, and managing wetland ecosystems and habitats for wetland-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in the United States. The program supports maintaining and improving the distribution of wetland-associated migratory bird populations, including an abundance of waterfowl consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and related state plans. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, the program requires a 1:1 non-federal match. Research projects are not considered an allowable project activity.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Program Funding: $5,000,000
• Expected Awards: 30
• Award Minimum: $1,000
• Award Maximum: $250,000
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes (1:1 non-federal match)
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Governments: Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, county governments, city or township governments, state governments, and special district governments.
• Nonprofits: Other Native American tribal organizations and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education).
• Education: Independent school districts, private institutions of higher education, and public or state institutions of higher education.
• Business: Small businesses.
• Individuals: Individuals are eligible to apply.

Thirteen partner organizations make up the North American Wetlands Conservation Council and participate in the review and assessment of proposals. For a full list of Council members, visit the NAWCC Council page on the FWS website.

Application Process

Applicants must submit applications electronically through Grants.gov no later than the closing date. For full proposal instructions, including scoring criteria, applicants should refer to the official notice of funding opportunity. Proposal templates and outline documents are available for download. For more information about the program, visit the NAWCA US Small Grants service page. Previously awarded projects may be viewed through the NAWCA external facing database.

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: June 25, 2026 (Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date).
• Posted Date: April 20, 2026
• Archive Date: June 26, 2026

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: NAWCA US Small Email

Email: nawca_smallgrant@fws.gov