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Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants
Funding for wetland conservation projects in Canada
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Competitive matching funding supports wetlands conservation projects in Canada. There is no stated maximum funding cap for the 2026 cycle; eligible work includes acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management of wetlands and associated uplands.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquisition of wetlands and associated habitat interests.
- Restoration of degraded wetland ecosystems and associated habitat.
- Enhancement of wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
- Management of acquired wetland ecosystems and associated habitat.
Documents Needed
- Project Narrative and Budget Narrative
- SF-424 Application
- SF-424A Budget Information Table
- Project Abstract
- Signed Match Letters
- Audit or financial statement documentation, if required
- GIS Shapefile
- 2 to 5 photos of the project area
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Public agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public-private partnerships
Eligible expenses
- Real property acquisition costs, including fair market value, valuation, title insurance, recording fees, surveys, and related closing costs.
- Restoration and enhancement implementation costs, including engineering, permitting, and contracts.
- Eligible management costs tied to the project period.
- Equipment costs for eligible project activities, if pre-approved.
- Grant administration and closeout costs, when allowable.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities without a NAWCA interest.
- Planning, studies, research, inventories, and similar documentation-only activities.
- Proposal development, outreach, education, and celebratory events.
- Routine operations, annual property taxes, and recurring maintenance.
- Mitigation credit generation or regulatory compliance activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- USFWS first reviews submissions for eligibility.
- Eligible applications are then reviewed through the Council merit process.
- The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission makes the final funding approval.
- Applicants are notified after review and approval steps are completed.
- A Notice of Award is required before the project is officially released.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed through a competitive merit process.
- Proposals should be submitted in English, U.S. dollars, and acres.
- Applicants may submit more than one proposal in the same cycle.
- Projects must support long-term wetland conservation outcomes.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants?
Competitive matching funding supports wetlands conservation projects in Canada. There is no stated maximum funding cap for the 2026 cycle; eligible work includes acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management of wetlands and associated uplands.
Who is eligible for the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants program?
To be eligible for the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants program, you must:
Projects in Canada
Public-private partnerships
Wetland conservation focus
What expenses are eligible under Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants?
Acquisition of wetlands and associated habitat interests.
Restoration of degraded wetland ecosystems and associated habitat.
Enhancement of wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Management of acquired wetland ecosystems and associated habitat.
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants?
You can contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) by email at dbhc@fws.gov.
Where is the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants available?
The Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants?
Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants is funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)