The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund is a funding initiative administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). It aims to support conservation efforts within the Delaware River watershed, a critical natural resource spanning parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and a small portion of Maryland. The fund is rooted in the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and supports projects that restore, conserve, and connect people with fish and wildlife habitat. Major financial backing comes from the FWS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The 2025 cycle offers four distinct grant types: Implementation, Planning, Capacity Building, and Research/Monitoring & Evaluation. Funding ranges from $75,000 to $2,000,000 depending on the grant type and project scope. Projects must fall within one or more of the Strategic Program Areas outlined in the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Framework: enhancing habitat, improving water quality, managing water resources, and increasing recreational access. Additionally, cross-program activities and alignment with the Delaware River Watershed Business Plan are encouraged.
Eligibility is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, federal, state, and local governments, Tribal entities, and educational institutions. Projects must be fully located within the watershed. Activities may include habitat restoration, conservation planning, technical assistance to farmers, public access improvements, youth engagement, and water quality monitoring. Projects promoting equity and co-designed with impacted communities are prioritized.
Applications must be submitted via the Easygrants portal by May 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Virtual proposal labs are strongly encouraged and required for applicants requesting $1 million or more. Applications must detail the project’s strategic alignment, measurable metrics, technical soundness, community engagement, and budget rationale. A 1:1 non-federal match is required for most grants, except Capacity Building grants which require a 25% match.
Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, technical merit, budget, community impact, cost-effectiveness, and conservation relevance. Successful projects must begin within six months of award and be completed within three years. Compliance with federal regulations such as NEPA and the Endangered Species Act is mandatory before on-the-ground work begins.
For more information or questions, applicants can contact Erin Lewis (erin.lewis@nfwf.org, 202-595-2413), Evie Kraner (evie.kraner@nfwf.org, 202-595-2651), or Ragan Smith (ragan.smith@nfwf.org, 202-938-0625). Resources including webinars, guidance documents, and support tools are available via the Delaware River Program page on the NFWF website.
