The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is accepting proposals for the Rocky Mountain Rangelands 2025 Request for Proposals to fund conservation projects in the Intermountain West. This funding opportunity aims to restore and conserve wildlife habitats associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, aquatic systems, and migration corridors for large mammals. The initiative supports strategic, voluntary conservation practices aligned with the Rocky Mountain Rangelands Business Plan.
Projects should focus on grazing innovations, invasive grass management, mesic and sagebrush habitat restoration, conifer removal, fence modification for wildlife movement, and technical assistance for landowners. Dedicated funding is also available for initiatives that enhance water quantity and wildlife habitats near dairies in the Jordan, Weber, and Bear River watersheds. There is a specific emphasis on expanding permanent conservation easements and supporting existing conservation partnerships in Utah.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, federal, state, and local government agencies, tribal governments, and both private and public educational institutions. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible. The program encourages a 1:1 non-federal matching contribution. Awards are subject to the availability of funds from federal and private partners.
Applications must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants system. The applicant webinar will take place on June 11, 2025, from 1 to 2 PM ET. The deadline for full proposal submission is August 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Awards are expected to be announced in November 2025. The opportunity is recurring, with the next cycle anticipated in mid-2026.
Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, measurable conservation outcomes, budget appropriateness, community impact, and technical feasibility. Key contacts for questions include Seth Gallagher at seth.gallagher@nfwf.org, and applicants are encouraged to review the RFP guidance, tip sheet, and attend the webinar for the best chance of success.
