The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund 2025 Request for Proposals is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This initiative supports conservation efforts aimed at protecting and increasing habitats for the monarch butterfly and other at-risk native insect pollinators. NFWF collaborates with both federal and private sector funders including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Bayer Crop Science, ConocoPhillips, and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. NFWF adheres to all applicable laws and federal guidelines and encourages applicants to do the same. Awards are contingent on funding availability from these sources.
This grant supports on-the-ground habitat work under two main strategies: restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat with native plant species, particularly milkweed and nectar plants, and the development of native seed and seedling supply, focusing on regionally appropriate local ecotypes. Proposals must demonstrate measurable contributions to the goals outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, including plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 80 acres in California or 500 acres in other eligible states. Projects impacting less than 80 acres in California must consult with the Senior Program Manager prior to submission. Competitive proposals will also show benefits to federally listed or candidate native pollinator species.
Grant awards range from $200,000 to $300,000, funding up to two-year projects. Matching funds are not required but can enhance competitiveness, especially if provided in a 1:1 ratio from non-federal sources. Match may consist of cash, in-kind contributions, volunteer time, services, or land value. The proposal must include specific, measurable outcomes and adhere to project metrics provided in the Easygrants system, including acres restored or improved, outreach events, and conservation plans developed.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, federal, state, and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible entities are businesses, individuals, and international organizations. Applications must be submitted via the NFWF Easygrants system by July 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. An applicant webinar will be held on May 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. Awards are expected to be announced in early December 2025. Applicants should ensure all required permits and environmental compliance are in place prior to initiating activities.
Proposals are evaluated based on conservation outcomes, budget feasibility, technical soundness, community engagement, and alignment with program goals. Successful applicants must commit to sharing spatial data and potentially allow NFWF or its designees access for monitoring. Equipment purchases with NFWF funds require special justification. Projects must not include lobbying, legal compliance obligations, or use restricted telecommunications technology.
For questions, applicants can contact Crystal Boyd, Senior Manager of Pollinator Programs, at crystal.boyd@nfwf.org. Technical support for the Easygrants system is available through the helpdesk at Easygrants@nfwf.org or 202-595-2497.
