U.S. Small grants are an entry point for new grant recipients to NAWCA. Like everything else, the cost of habitat conservation is on the rise. In direct response to that, the NAWCA Council increased the U.S. Small grants in December of 2022 from a maximum cap of $100,000 to $250,000, meaning that applicants can submit proposals ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.
The Small 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. 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. Partners are encouraged to coordinate with the SFBJV Coordinator if considering applying.
Since 1996, some 1,780 partners in 8180 projects have received more than $49.7 million in grants. They have contributed another $175 million in matching funds to affect 399,000 acres of habitat.
The NAWCA small grants application process is in the fall, usually in October.