The Cumberland Plateau–Southern Appalachians Stewardship Fund 2025 is a funding opportunity managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This initiative focuses on ecological restoration within the Cumberland Plateau region and, to a limited extent, the Southern Appalachians. Funded by the USDA Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria Group, and International Paper’s Forestland Stewards Partnership, the program aims to enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats, while promoting sustainable practices on agricultural lands.
The fund supports projects that restore native ecosystems and improve soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration. Eligible project activities include reforestation, tree planting, prescribed burning, invasive species control, stream restoration, and agricultural best management practices. NFWF places a priority on restoring previously mined lands, maintaining and enhancing forest habitats, supporting aquatic species through stream restoration, and increasing conservation adoption on cropland. Projects should align with NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife Initiatives, such as the Northern Bobwhite or Eastern Hellbender programs.
Awards typically range from $250,000 to $750,000, with a minimum 1:1 nonfederal match required. The anticipated project period is between 24 and 48 months, with significant implementation progress expected in the first year. Matching contributions may include cash or in-kind services, and while federal contributions are welcome, they do not count toward the required match. Applicants unable to meet the match requirement are encouraged to discuss alternatives with NFWF staff prior to applying.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, state and local government agencies, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. U.S. federal agencies, unincorporated individuals, businesses, and international entities are not eligible to apply directly. Proposals will be evaluated based on conservation outcomes, budgetary effectiveness, technical merit, and community engagement. Letters of support from relevant agencies and partners are strongly recommended.
Applications must be submitted via NFWF’s Easygrants system by July 16, 2025. An applicant webinar will be held on May 21, 2025. The review period runs from July to November 2025, with award announcements expected in November. For technical questions, applicants can contact program staff Will Singleton, Zack Bernstein, or Sarah Vest. Additional resources, such as the metrics table and a tip sheet, are available on the NFWF website.
