Funding Database: Waters Restoration Grant

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant program awards funding to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds, species and habitats. The program funds projects that address water quality issues in priority watersheds. Applicants can use funding to address erosion in unstable stream banks, pollution from stormwater runoff and degraded shorelines caused by development. Projects should combine a variety of ecological improvements with targeted community outreach and education. Ecological improvements may include:

• Habitat restoration in wetlands, rivers, streams, forest and coastal areas 
• Monitoring wildlife and wildlife conservation 
• Projects that improve water quality and manage water on-site with natural vegetation 
• Community tree canopy enhancement projects

The program requires the establishment or enhancement of diverse partnerships. Applicants should include an outreach component that will help shape and sustain behavior to achieve conservation goals. 

Successful applicants of the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program can gain access to additional sources of funding. Urban applicants can obtain additional funding for projects that improve urban water quality, restore habitat near waterways, restore community forests, increase public access to urban waterways and more. Other funding sources support land conservation for hunting and fishing, protecting bird habitat and more. Applicants submit one application for all funding sources.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include 501(c) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, state government agencies, county governments, municipal governments and tribal governments and organizations. Grants are available to applicants nationwide.

Eligible Projects

Projects should increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) encourages projects that engage underserved communities in project planning, outreach and implementation. Proposals should address at least one bullet under each of the five program priorities outlined in the request for proposals: 

• On-the-ground restoration 
• Environmental outreach, education and training 
• Community partnerships 
• Measurable results 
• Sustainability

Funding Amount

Awards range from $25,000 to $50,000 with an average amount of $40,000. NFWF awards 40-50 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grants per year. Grants span 12 to 18 months with a start date in late summer or early fall.

Match Requirements

NFWF requires applicants to meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio to be competitive. Matching contributions must be non-federal in nature. Matches may include donated staff and volunteer time, materials and services. Matches also can include cash or other tangible contributions to the project objectives and outcomes.

Application Schedule

Applications are typically due in late January.

Application Process

All application materials must be submitted online through the NFWF Easygrants system.

Application Assistance

NFWF releases an application tip sheet with each call for applications. It is strongly encouraged to review the tip sheet and other helpful resources provided by NFWF before starting any application materials.

Funding Source

This funding is provided by NFWF and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.