North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants: US Standard Program

The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.

U.S. Standard Grant Program Application

Advanced Planning

As you write your proposal, think carefully about how you will implement your project if it is approved for funding. Keep the following basic principles in mind as you plan your project and complete your application.

• Partners must match their grants request at no less than a 1-to-1 ratio. For example, partners requesting a $1 million grant would need to also contribute at least $1 million in partner funds (from nonfederal sources) towards the project.
• There is no difference in grant and match for grant administration purposes. Generally, laws and requirements that apply to activities funded with NAWCA dollars also apply to items funded with match dollars or provided as in-kind match (i.e., real property interests)
• Each grant and match dollar, except for indirect costs, must be linked to an acre acquired, restored, enhanced, and/or established.
• Grantees are held accountable for both match dollars and acres, as defined in the proposal and grant agreement. Without prior approval and agreement modification, accomplishing less than 100 percent of match dollars and acres will result in a reduction of the award amount.

Each of these basic principles, and other equally important information, is explained more thoroughly in the documents provided below. Read and understand the Proposal Instructions, the Eligibility Criteria and Processes, and the U.S. Grant Administration Standards to help make your proposal more competitive and your project easier to manage. If your proposal is funded, it will become the basis of your Assistance Award.

Before Getting Started

We strongly recommend that you contact the coordinator of the joint venture region ;in which your project is located early in the process for guidance on developing your project and proposal. Joint venture coordinators' prioritization of NAWCA proposals from their geographic region is a key element in the selection process. Connect with your joint venture.