Southern Plains Grassland Program 2025

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals for its Southern Plains Grassland Program, which funds projects aimed at conserving and restoring grasslands and their wildlife in the Southern Great Plains. This initiative focuses on enhancing grassland ecosystem health, strengthening resilience to climate change, and supporting rural and ranching communities. Up to $3 million in grants will be available, funded by partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and private companies. The program primarily seeks to restore and maintain the vitality of grasslands by increasing carbon storage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sustaining species-specific habitats. Eligible geographic areas for projects include Eastern Colorado, Kansas, Southern Nebraska, Northeastern New Mexico, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that involve large-scale, voluntary management practices, such as grazing system conversions, prescribed burns, and restoration to benefit species like prairie chickens, monarch butterflies, and pronghorn. Additionally, projects should aim to increase connectivity between grasslands, bolster community and organizational capacity, and deliver specific climate resilience benefits, especially by improving local conservation infrastructure. The program places particular emphasis on supporting underserved communities and encourages capacity-building applications in New Mexico to enhance conservation activities in coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Proposed projects should align with NRCS goals, including technical support to ranchers, Farm Bill program participation, and the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices. A minimum 1:1 match in funds or in-kind contributions is required, making projects with higher matching funds more competitive. Proposals must include key metrics, such as acres restored or managed, habitat connectivity, and behavioral changes in participants, with additional outcomes reported using the NFWF Carbon Calculator Tool. Projects that address barriers for species such as grassland songbirds and prairie chickens are prioritized. NFWF also strongly encourages community engagement and collaborative project design with local stakeholders to maximize environmental and social benefits. Outreach to disadvantaged or low-income communities, alongside long-term project sustainability and cost-effectiveness, will be essential factors in the evaluation. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, Native Nations, and community-led organizations. For-profit entities and unincorporated individuals are ineligible. Funds may not be used for political advocacy, ongoing legal compliance, or equipment procurement without prior approval. Successful projects must report on qualitative benefits, community engagement efforts, and submit regular updates and financial records. Special compliance with environmental and historical regulations may be required depending on the project's nature. Applications are due by November 7, 2024, at 9:59 PM Mountain Time, with awards announced in March 2025. Proposals must be submitted via NFWF’s Easygrants system, where applicants can register and track their application. Support for applicants is available through the NFWF Easygrants helpdesk or through direct contact with program staff, who can provide additional guidance on project alignment and metrics.