Monarch Butterfly and Other Insect Pollinators to Benefit from $2.7 Million in Conservation Grants from NFWF

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 24, 2025) – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced $2.7 million in grants to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 20 states. The grants will leverage $6.7 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $9.4 million.

The grants were awarded through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund), a partnership between NFWF and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bayer Crop Science, ConocoPhillips, Marathon Pipe Line and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

The projects supported by the 10 grants announced today will increase the quality and quantity of pollinator habitat for monarch butterflies, rusty patched bumble bees and other native pollinators. The projects will also enhance outreach and support voluntary conservation efforts on private working lands.

“The grants announced today will benefit many pollinator species that are vital not only to ecological health, but also to the strength of our economy,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “Insect pollinators contribute billions of dollars annually to U.S. agriculture. By investing in their conservation, we are safeguarding the natural systems that underpin our food supply and rural livelihoods.”

Collectively, it is expected that the projects announced today will:

• Restore and enhance more than 14,000 acres of pollinator habitat
• Collect more than 70 pounds of milkweed seed
• Propagate more than 50,000 milkweed seedlings
• Host more than 230 workshops and meetings that advance pollinator conservation

The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic wildlife species in North America, and its annual migration cycle is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the world. However, over the past 20 years, the monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 80 percent throughout much of its range. Several other pollinators have experienced similarly dramatic declines in recent decades. Habitat loss is a primary threat to many of these species. 

“Pollinators like the monarch butterfly are vital to healthy ecosystems and essential to our way of life. These grants represent a powerful investment in supporting private landowners and communities who are key to conservation success. Under this administration, we’re committed to collaborative, science-driven efforts that empower communities and ensure pollinators continue to thrive across America’s working lands and wild places,” said Brian Nesvik, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The NFWF Pollinator Fund continues to demonstrate the participating partners’ long-term dedication to pollinator conservation that is needed to drive the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services through these on-the-ground conservation projects,” said Tim Fredricks, Environmental Engagement Manager, Bayer Crop Science. “Bayer continues to be a proud supporter of this grant program as we believe that our commitments to biodiversity and productivity in the agricultural landscape are compatible goals.”

“ConocoPhillips is pleased to support significant improvements to habitat quality and quantity for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators through NFWF’s Pollinator Fund,” said Natalie Riley, ConocoPhillips’ director of Community Relations. “Collaborative efforts like these are critical for achieving results at scale across the monarch butterfly’s migratory pathways.”

“Habitat restoration and conservation along our pipeline rights of way has long been part of Marathon Pipe Line’s (MPL) commitment to sustainability,” said Scott Sharpe, MPL senior environmental specialist. “Supporting the Pollinator Fund is a great way for us to join with other like-minded companies and organizations to expand on this long-term commitment.”

“The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is proud of our enduring partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “We understand that pollinators are essential to every gardener’s success, and our commitment extends far beyond the backyard. By investing in these grants, we are ensuring tangible habitat restoration that directly supports our Pollinator Promise to conserve these vital species and restore biodiversity across North America.” 

In 2015, NFWF established the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund, a public–private partnership that funds projects to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. By leveraging the resources and expertise of its partners, the fund is helping to reverse recent population declines and ensure the survival of these valuable species. Since 2015, the fund has awarded $31.7 million to 165 projects that are helping conserve and recover the monarch butterfly while also benefiting other pollinator species. Grantees have matched this investment with an additional $50.6 million for a total on-the-ground impact of $82.3 million.

A complete list of the 2025 grants made through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund is available here. A short video about the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund is available here.  

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,300 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $11.3 billion. Learn more at nfwf.org.

About the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Flickr.

About Bayer Crop Science 
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

About ConocoPhillips 
As a leading global exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips is uniquely equipped to deliver reliable, responsibly produced oil and gas. Our deep, durable and diverse portfolio is built to meet growing global energy demands. Together with our high-performing operations and continuously advancing technology, we are well positioned to deliver strong, consistent financial results, now and for decades to come. Visit us at www.conocophillips.com.

About Marathon Pipe Line
Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, Marathon Pipe Line LLC (MPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLX LP, a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). Our vast network of pipelines, storage tanks and caverns, and marine facilities across the United States plays a critical role in connecting energy resources to refineries, terminals, and ultimately, to the communities that rely on them.

About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation 
The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate a community of purpose. The Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empowering the next generation and preserving our planet. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds non-profit entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments and multi-year capital gifts. For more information, visit www.scottsmiraclegrofoundation.org.   

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Contact: 

Matt Winter, 202-857-0166, matt.winter@nfwf.org