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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
NAWCA Canada grants support public-private wetland conservation projects in Canada. Eligible work includes long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds.
/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
- Complete application package
- Match letters
- SAM.gov active account
- GrantSolutions account
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Public agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public-private partnerships
Eligible expenses
- Pre-award match costs incurred on or after January 1 of the calendar year three years before the proposal is received.
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
Selection criteria
- Applications are reviewed through a merit review process using published scoring criteria.
- Projects are evaluated on the quality of habitat benefits and conservation value.
- Proposals are reviewed for accuracy and realism in the information provided.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the notice of funding opportunity
- Check the NOFO and program website for the application instructions and requirements.
- Review the eligibility rules, grant administration standards, and federal regulations.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Prepare a complete application package, including all required components.
- Include match letters and any other required supporting information.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the complete package to USFWS through the GrantSolutions website.
- Make sure the package is submitted by the deadline listed in the NOFO.
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
What is the Canada-NAWCA Standard Grants?
NAWCA Canada grants support public-private wetland conservation projects in Canada. Eligible work includes long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds.
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)