The NAWCA 2026 Mexico Grants (funding opportunity number F26AS00003) supports partnerships between public agencies and interested groups to protect, improve, restore, and manage wetland ecosystems and associated habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, the programme requires a 1:1 non-federal match. Mexico’s Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources’ General Direction of Wildlife (SEMARNAT‑DGVS) participates in the review and assessment of proposals.

Overview

The Mexico programme aims to maintain and improve the current distributions of wetlands-associated migratory bird populations and to sustain an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other migratory bird populations consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and other international obligations. Wetlands conservation projects may include acquisition of property containing wetlands ecosystems and associated habitats (including water rights), as well as restoration, management, or enhancement of such ecosystems. For projects carried out in Mexico, activities may also involve technical training, education, sustainable‑use studies, or organisational infrastructure‑building needed to develop or strengthen wetlands conservation and management capabilities.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $2,500,000
• Expected Awards: 15
• Award Minimum: $10,000
• Award Maximum: $1,000,000
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes (1:1 non‑federal match)
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Opportunity Category: Discretionary

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Education: Private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, public and state institutions of higher education.
• Nonprofit: Other Native American tribal organizations, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status.
• Government: County governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, special district governments, city or township governments.
• Business: Small businesses.
• Miscellaneous: Individuals.

For detailed eligibility criteria and Mexico‑specific scoring instructions, refer to the documents attached to this funding opportunity.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. The closing date for applications is May 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants should review the full opportunity package, including the Mexico Instructions (scoring criteria page 7), Grant Administration Standards, and Eligibility Criteria, available as downloadable documents. All materials can also be found at www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-mexico-grants.

Deadline and Timeline

• Posted Date: April 8, 2026
• Closing Date: May 28, 2026 (electronically submitted applications must be received by 11:59 PM ET on the due date)
• Archive Date: June 26, 2026

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: Nicole Virella
Email: nicole_virella@fws.gov
For more information on the NAWCA Mexico programme, visit www.fws.gov.