If your organization is working to protect local waterways, here’s an opportunity worth a closer look.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Program, is now accepting proposals through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund. The goal? Supporting projects that protect and restore water quality and habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its connected rivers and streams.
The Small Watershed Grants program offers two funding tracks:
Implementation Grants ($150,000–$750,000) support direct, on-the-ground work—think habitat restoration, water quality improvements, and species protection efforts already in motion.
Planning and Technical Assistance Grants (up to $150,000) help communities build the capacity they need to get there. That includes assessments, project design, and other groundwork that sets the stage for future action.
Proposals are due April 2, 2026. While NFWF doesn’t require a pre-application consultation, they do encourage applicants to schedule a proposal lab or connect with their contracted field liaisons before submitting.
If this sounds like a fit for your work, don’t wait—start the conversation now.
