F26AS00026-NAWCA 2026-2 US Standard Grants

The U.S. Standard Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Department of the Interior as part of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). This program is designed to support collaborative, public-private partnerships that conserve wetlands ecosystems across the United States. The initiative aligns with broader continental conservation strategies, including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and other migratory bird conservation frameworks. The program is managed through the Migratory Bird Program and involves coordination with the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, which includes multiple partner organizations that participate in proposal review and evaluation. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that contribute to the long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and associated upland habitats. These efforts are intended to benefit migratory bird populations, particularly waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans, while also supporting broader ecological health. Projects must demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes and emphasize sustainability. Importantly, research activities are not eligible for funding under this program, as the focus is strictly on implementation and conservation action. Funding is provided through a competitive grant process, with awards ranging from a minimum of 250001 dollars to a maximum of 3000000 dollars. The total estimated program funding is approximately 46000000 dollars, with an anticipated 25 awards issued. A strict 1:1 non-federal cost share is required, meaning applicants must secure matching funds equal to or greater than the federal request. Eligible costs must be reasonable, allowable, and directly tied to project outcomes, and applicants must clearly justify all budget items in a detailed budget narrative. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entity types such as state, county, and local governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments and organizations; nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status; and small businesses. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier prior to submission. Applications are submitted through the GrantSolutions platform, which requires additional registration and user role assignment before access to the application portal is granted. The application process requires submission of several standard federal forms, including SF-424, SF-424A, and potentially SF-LLL for lobbying disclosures. Applicants must also provide a project abstract, detailed project narrative using the NAWCA template, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as match commitment letters and financial statements. Additional requirements include disclosures related to conflicts of interest and overlap with other federal funding. Geographic information system data must also be submitted separately via email. Applications undergo a multi-step review process, including eligibility screening, merit review based on technical assessment questions, and risk evaluation of the applicant’s capacity to manage federal funds. Reviewers assess alignment with program goals, budget justification, and overall project feasibility. Awards are expected to be announced around May 2027, with project performance periods typically spanning approximately two years. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and the program is offered on a recurring basis with future cycles anticipated annually.

Ensure strong non-federal match commitments align project outcomes with NAWCA conservation goals clearly justify all budget items and demonstrate long term sustainability of wetland conservation efforts