Southeast Aquatics Fund

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals for its 2025 Southeast Aquatics Fund, aimed at conserving aquatic habitats throughout the southeastern United States. Established in collaboration with federal agencies such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with private partners Altria and Southern Company, this program is a continuation of NFWF’s mission to sustain biodiversity through strategic habitat improvements. The foundation operates in full compliance with federal regulations and emphasizes the contingent nature of funding on the actual receipt of resources from its partners. The fund’s primary objectives include enhancing water quality, quantity, and the physical condition of aquatic and riparian environments. In designated areas, projects can also target aquatic connectivity, species recovery, planning, and monitoring. Priority regions include key river basins in states such as Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. Projects aligned with the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, particularly those benefiting endemic species like the Villosa mussels and various native fish species, will be considered most competitive. Grants are expected to range between $150,000 and $500,000, with project durations typically lasting 24 to 36 months starting in early 2026. Each application must detail a comprehensive work plan and schedule. Applicants are required to secure a minimum 33% non-federal match, although larger or more diverse matching contributions are viewed favorably. Applicants lacking sufficient matching resources are still encouraged to apply but must consult with program staff before submission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies at various levels, Tribal organizations, and educational institutions. However, federal agencies, businesses, individuals, and international organizations are not eligible to apply. Restricted uses of funds include political activities, litigation, and the purchase of specific types of telecommunications equipment. Applicants must ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permitting requirements as needed. The application must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants system. Key dates include a webinar on May 14, 2025, and a full proposal deadline on July 8, 2025. Awards will be announced in November 2025. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, measurable conservation outcomes, cost-effectiveness, community impact, and technical feasibility. NFWF strongly encourages partnerships and the use of spatial data and metrics to evaluate project effectiveness. For more information, applicants may contact Program Director Will Singleton at Will.Singleton@nfwf.org, Senior Manager Zack Bernstein at Zachary.Bernstein@nfwf.org, or Coordinator Sarah Vest at Sarah.Vest@nfwf.org. Technical assistance with the Easygrants platform is also available via email or voicemail through the NFWF helpdesk.