The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the FWS, is soliciting proposals through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) to conserve, restore, and protect habitats on public and private land, across rural, urban, and Tribal areas, that contribute to the overall health of the Delaware River watershed—as well as benefit the quality of life and economic vitality of the communities in the Delaware River watershed.
Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
State: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/26/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
In 2026, NFWF will award DWCF grants in four grant categories, including: Implementation Grants; Planning Grants, Capacity Building Grants; and Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Grants. These grants will be awarded to implement voluntary, on-the-ground restoration, conservation, and community engagement projects that achieve the goals of the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Framework to:
- Sustain and enhance fish and wildlife habitat;
- Improve and maintain water quality for fish, wildlife, and people;
- Sustain and enhance water management to benefit fish and wildlife; and
- Improve outdoor recreational opportunities.
Types of Grants
- DWCF Implementation Grants – Approximately 70% of the funding is available for shovelready conservation and restoration projects that result in quantifiable benefits for fish, wildlife, and people within the Delaware River watershed.
- DWCF Planning Grants – Approximately 10% of the funding is available for proposals with the purpose of planning conservation and restoration projects.
- DWCF Capacity Building Grants – Approximately 10% of the funding is available for projects aimed at building capacity within the Delaware River watershed, strengthening the ability of local communities, organizations, and partners to collaboratively enhance fish and wildlife habitat and improve access to nature.
- DWCF Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Grants – Approximately 10% of the funding is available to support high-performing science that advances or enhances the efficiency of conservation delivery in the Delaware River watershed.
Program Priorities
All proposals must clearly address how projects will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of program priorities enumerated below. Priority will be given to projects that collaboratively address one or more of the following Strategic Program Areas defined below.
- Strategic Program Area 1: Sustain and Enhance Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Conservation Activities.
- Strategic Program Area 2: Improve and Maintain Water Quality to Support Fish and Wildlife, as well as Habitats for Fish and Wildlife and Drinking Water for People.
- Strategic Program Area 3: Sustain and Enhance Water Resource Management for Volume and Flood Damage Mitigation Improvements to Benefit Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
- Strategic Program Area 4: Improve Opportunities for Public Access and Recreation in the Basin Consistent with the Ecological Needs of Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
Funding Information
The DWCF will award grants ranging from $75,000 to no more than $1,500,000 in 2026.
- DWCF Implementation Grants
- Implementation grants will range from $75,000 to $1,500,000 each.
- DWCF Planning Grants
- Planning grants could range from $75,000 to $500,000 each.
- DWCF Capacity Building Grants
- Capacity-Building Grants may range from $75,000 to $250,000 each.
- DWCF Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Grants
- Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Grants may range from $75,000 to $500,000 each.
Grant Period
Projects must be ready to begin within six months of the grant award and be completed within a three-year period of performance.
Geographical Areas
Projects must be implemented entirely within the Delaware River watershed, which includes portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and a small portion of Maryland. Organizations located outside the watershed may apply if the project is conducted entirely within the watershed.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include: non-profit 501(c) organizations; federal, state, interstate, local and municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions.
For more information, visit NFWF.
