Overview

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) 2026 Canada Grants program supports partnerships between public agencies and interested groups to protect, improve, restore, and manage wetland ecosystems and associated habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife across North America. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Program, the program aims to maintain and improve the distribution of wetlands-associated migratory bird populations and sustain an abundance of waterfowl and other migratory bird species. Thirteen partner organizations, including Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), comprise the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, which participates in the review and assessment of proposals.

Program Objectives

The NAWCA program advances conservation goals consistent with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and international obligations contained in treaties and migratory bird conventions with Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Wetlands conservation projects may include:

• Acquisition of real property interests in lands or waters, including water rights, of a wetland ecosystem and associated habitat, subject to terms ensuring long-term conservation administration.
• Restoration, management, or enhancement of wetland ecosystems and associated habitats on lands and waters administered for long-term conservation and the benefit of migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Funding and Benefits

Total Program Funding: $45,000,000
Expected Number of Awards: 15
Cost Sharing Requirement: Yes – a minimum 1:1 non-federal match is required, with at least 50% of the match from U.S. sources.
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Category of Funding Activity: Natural resources

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include the following:

Government: State governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.

Education: Independent school districts, public and state institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education.

Nonprofit: Other Native American tribal organizations, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.

Miscellaneous: Individuals.

Business: Small businesses.

Proposals should demonstrate how partner activities will encourage sustainable and effective programs for the long-term conservation of wetlands-associated migratory birds. Refer to the eligibility criteria documents attached to the notice of funding opportunity for complete information.

Application Process and Deadline

Closing Date: June 11, 2026 – electronically submitted applications must be received no later than 11:59 PM ET.

Complete application instructions, scoring criteria (Appendix A), grant administration standards, and eligibility criteria are available in the documents attached to this funding opportunity. All documents are also accessible at https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-canada-grants. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00018
Assistance Listing: 15.623 – North American Wetlands Conservation Fund

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: Callie McMunigal
Email: Callie_McMunigal@fws.gov

For additional information on NAWCA grants in Canada, visit https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-canada-grants.