The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is now accepting proposals for its 2025 funding cycle. The DWCF supports projects that conserve, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats and improve water quality, management, and outdoor recreation opportunities within the Delaware River watershed. Applications are due by May 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and grants range from $75,000 to $2,000,000 depending on project type.
DWCF funds projects in four primary categories: Implementation, Planning, Capacity Building, and Research/Monitoring/Evaluation. These categories allow applicants to propose a range of work, including on-the-ground conservation, technical assistance, organizational development, scientific research, and program planning. All projects must align with one or more of the Strategic Program Areas in the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Framework: sustaining habitats, improving water quality, enhancing water management, and increasing public access and recreation.
Applicants must demonstrate that their work will take place entirely within the Delaware River watershed, which includes parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and a small portion of Maryland. Projects that involve cross-cutting activities such as community engagement, climate resilience, Tribal co-stewardship, and species of conservation concern are especially encouraged. A significant emphasis is also placed on projects that build equitable access to nature and that deliver measurable ecological and social benefits.
Grant applicants are required to contribute a non-federal matching contribution. For most grant categories, a 1:1 match is required. Capacity Building grants require a 25% match. Matching funds may include cash, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, or land value, and may be accrued from January 1, 2024, through the end of the project. All funded projects must begin within six months of the award and be completed within a three-year period.
NFWF strongly encourages applicants to attend virtual proposal labs for feedback and coaching, especially for those seeking $1 million or more. These labs run from January 28 through May 8, 2025. In addition, informational webinars and supporting tools like the Metrics Guidance, FieldDoc training, and NEPA compliance resources are available online to strengthen submissions.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, educational institutions, federal and state agencies, local governments, and Tribal governments or organizations. Projects involving partnerships with community-based groups, state wildlife agencies, or the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are recommended, especially those aligning with the NFWF Business Plan and Priority Species list.
For further questions, applicants can contact program staff via email or phone. Proposals must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants system. Award announcements are expected in mid-August 2025.
