Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative 2027 Request for Proposals

NFWF is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

TIMELINE

Dates of activities are subject to change. Please check the program page of the NFWF website for the most current dates and information Atlantic Flyway Shorebirds Initiative.

Full Proposal Due Date        Thursday, November 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Review Period                 November/December 2026
Awards Announced            March 2027

OVERVIEW

Migratory birds link habitats, people, and cultures, offering an extraordinary opportunity to connect people across a hemisphere. Shorebirds undertake some of the longest migrations of any animals on earth. The great distances and routes travelled each year – referred to as “flyways” – also expose shorebirds to multiple threats. These threats include habitat loss, human disturbance, predation, harvest pressure, and conflicting resource management objectives. In addition, the relatively small population numbers for many species make them vulnerable to both anthropogenic and environmental impacts. Consequently, shorebirds are one of the North American bird guilds undergoing the steepest population declines.

NFWF and partners developed and implemented a single-species shorebird initiative in 2008 that helped reverse the decline of American oystercatcher along the U.S. east coast. This oystercatcher effort laid the groundwork for NFWF’s Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative, a multispecies business plan drafted in 2018. The goal of this plan is to increase populations of three focal species – American oystercatcher (short-distance migrant), whimbrel (mid-distance migrant), and red knot (long-distance migrant) – by improving the function and condition of habitat at critical sites these migratory species depend on at various stages of their lifecycles. Conservation actions to address threats to each of the focal species are expected to provide ancillary impacts to dozens of other shorebird species.

GRANT AWARD INFORMATION

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird program has a mix of federal and non-federal private funding to award this year.

The majority of awards under this program will fall in the $75,000 to $200,000 range. However upper or lower limits to award size are not specified.
A minimum of a 1:1 non-federal match of cash and/or in-kind services is required and will be considered in application review.
Projects may extend from one to three years.
We expect to award 4-6 grants this cycle.

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS

This program focuses on priority shorebird sites along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard, the gulf coast and priority wintering sites for the focal species, including portions of the Caribbean and South America.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

All proposals must address how projects will directly and measurably contribute to the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Business Plan goals. Overall, NFWF is interested in advancing full lifecycle conservation and monitoring for focal species. In 2027, the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative seeks projects that will address at least one of the following priorities:

Focal species: NFWF seeks proposals that advance focal species goals. For American oystercatcher: we seek projects that - advance site specific predator management and human disturbance reduction actions; coordinate the working group; and support development of an integrated population model including support of data management needs. For red knot: we seek projects that - monitor use of stopover sites along the Atlantic coast, including generation of stopover population size estimates and conduct mark-recapture/mark-resight efforts; we will also support projects that track movement of red knots across the full annual cycle towards understanding site use, site importance and duration of use, and assess risks at stopover sites and throughout migration. For whimbrel: we seek projects that advance understanding of spring nocturnal roost site use including abundance estimates, habitat use within the surrounding landscape, threat assessment, and tracking work to elucidate movements; we also seek proposals that enhance coordination of the whimbrel working group, projects that assess whimbrel threats and limiting factors, and projects that advance understanding of juvenile survival, movement and habitat use towards development of a demographic model for the species. NFWF also seeks projects that fill gaps and evaluate threats for non-breeding red knots and whimbrels in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Improve habitat management: NFWF seeks projects that improve habitat management at breeding, staging and/or wintering sites for American oystercatcher, red knot and whimbrel. Activities include efforts to address long-term resilience of nesting oystercatchers vulnerable to inundation and flooding, as well as efforts to implement, and evaluate best management practices developed by AFSI working groups to reduce human disturbance and predation.

Conserve habitat: NFWF seeks projects that lead to the designation of new WHSRN sites and/or complete site assessments for locations which support important populations of red knot, whimbrel, and American oystercatchers within priority geographies of the United States and for Tier 1* sites in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Monitoring and assessing progress: NFWF seeks proposals to expand monitoring infrastructure in key Atlantic flyway locations as well as species specific tracking projects and analysis of movement data that amplify understanding of habitat use, threats and key wintering, staging, foraging and breeding locations of focal species.

Piping Plover: For the RFP, we seek a project that will enhance breeding productivity and foster recovery of Atlantic piping plover (PIPL) through site-based management. We have $172,800 to award in support of an action that advances predator management, human disturbance reduction and/or habitat management for piping plover in the US PIPL southern recovery unit (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina), with priority to Virginia, which supports a majority of the subpopulation. While the priority is within the southern recovery unit, proposals outside of this area, within the Atlantic flyway, will also be considered.

Piping Plover Overview:

There is no match requirement.
Projects must be implemented and completed before 2030.
A proposal must address the durability of actions for the species (e.g., until chicks fledge), and integrate adaptive management into the overall approach for facilitating plover recovery.
Projects must have a minimum of three years baseline data available on the number of breeding pairs and productivity at the proposed site (up to ten years preferred).
A successful proposal should demonstrate that the funding made a substantial contribution to plover recovery at the site, resulting in increased productivity beyond baseline conditions.
The awarded project will have a robust effectiveness monitoring program.
The following project metrics must be included in addition to NFWF proposal metrics outlined below: number of PIPL breeding pairs, number of chicks fledged, productivity estimates.

* Tier 1 sites are listed in the Business Plan Annex.

PROJECT METRICS

To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grants, the Atlantic Flyway Shorebirds Initiative has a list of metrics in Easygrants for full proposal applicants to choose from for future reporting. We ask that applicants select only the most relevant metrics from this list for their project (all possible program metrics are shown in the table below). If you think an applicable metric has not been provided, please contact (Scott.Hall@nfwf.org) to discuss acceptable alternatives.

Project Activity	Recommended Metric	Additional Guidance
Habitat Conservation	Site protection - # of sites with enhanced protection	Enter the number of Tier 1 sites designated by land management authorities - the target is formal agreement for a site's protection (e.g. NWRs, state refuges, private owners, other)
Habitat Restoration	Beach habitat quality improvements - Miles restored	Enter the number of miles of beach restored. In the metrics notes, please also include the equivalent acres restored (if available).
Habitat Restoration	Beach habitat quality improvements - Acres restored	Enter the number of acres of shorebird habitat restored, including shell rakes or nesting islands.
Habitat Management	BMP implementation to mitigate recreational disturbance – Acres with BMPs	Enter the number of acres where Atlantic Flyway, community-based social marketing, or other disturbance reduction BMPs are implemented. If using this metric in combination with acres under improved management, please detail any acreage overlap in the metrics notes.
Habitat Management	BMP implementation to mitigate recreational disturbance – Miles with BMPs	Enter the number of miles where Atlantic Flyway, community-based social marketing, or other disturbance reduction BMPs are implemented. For implementation of BMP's to reduce disturbance PLEASE fill out both the miles and acres metrics.
Habitat Management	Improved management practices - Acres under improved management	Enter the number of acres with shorebird habitat improvement practices implemented, including predation management, disturbance reduction, vegetation management, etc. If using this metric in combination with acres with disturbance reduction BMPs, please detail any acreage overlap in the metrics notes.
Planning, Research, Monitoring	BMP development - # BMP recommendations developed	Enter the number of best management practice documents or tools developed for the Atlantic Flyway or a focal geography therein, such as for human disturbance, coastal engineering, or predation management.
Planning, Research, Monitoring	Monitoring - # sites being monitored	Enter the number of site assessments completed in focal geographies using the WHSRN Site Assessment Tool.
Planning, Research, Monitoring	Research - # studies used to inform mgmt	Enter the number of studies completed whose findings are used to adapt management/ inform management decisions.
Planning, Research, Monitoring	Tool development for decision-making - # tools developed	Enter the number of Motus towers operational as a result of the project (include in narrative number of nanotags deployed through the project); also include narrative on number of other tracking devices deployed through the project.
Capacity, Outreach, Incentives	Outreach/ Education/ Technical Assistance - # people reached	Enter the number of people reached by outreach, training, or technical assistance activities on shorebird conservation issues like human disturbance and incompatible management practices.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible and Ineligible Entities

Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, U.S. Federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, educational institutions, and international organizations.
Ineligible applicants include businesses and unincorporated individuals.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness and compliance with NFWF and funding source policies. Proposals will then be evaluated based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria.

Conservation Outcomes	Budget	Technical
Alignment with program goals and priorities Quantifiable performance metrics Appropriate monitoring of activities and outcomes Partnership & community engagement Project long-term sustainability	Allowable and reasonable costs Matching contributions Cost effective	Technically sound and feasible Logical and achievable work plan and timeline Engages technical experts Accurate spatial data Sound compliance approach (permits, NEPA, QAQC) Past grantee success Transferable

Partnership and Community Impact – The applicant organization partners and engages collaboratively with local community members, leaders, community-based organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement the proposed project. This ensures long-term sustainability and success of the project, integration into local programs and policies, and community acceptance of proposed restoration actions. Partners or communities are enlisted to broaden the sustained impact from the project. Describe the community characteristics of the project area, identify any communities impacted, describe outreach and community engagement activities and how those will be monitored and measured. Use data to support descriptions and submit letters of support from community partners and/or collaborators demonstrating their commitment to the project and engagement in project activities as proposed.

Budget – Costs are allowable, reasonable and budgeted in accordance with NFWF’s Budget Instructions cost categories. Federally-funded projects must be in compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance as applicable.

Matching Contributions – Matching Contributions consist of cash, contributed goods and services, volunteer hours, and/or property raised, spent, and acquired for the Project during the Period of Performance. Larger match ratios and matching fund contributions from a diversity of partners are encouraged and will be more competitive during application review.

Cost-Effectiveness – Cost-effectiveness analysis identifies the economically most efficient way to meet project objectives. Project includes a cost-effective budget that balances performance risk and efficient use of funds. Cost-effectiveness evaluation includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of effective direct/indirect costs across all categories in the proposed budget according to the type, size and duration of the project and project objectives. Project budgets will be compared to similar projects to ensure proposed costs across all budget categories are reasonable for the activities being performed and the outcomes proposed.

Spatial Data – Project spatial data submitted to NFWF’s online mapping tool accurately represent the location(s) of conservation activity(ies) at the time of proposal submission. Successful projects will be required to submit improved spatial data for each conservation activity within the period of performance as necessary.

OTHER

Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds

NFWF funds and matching contributions are strictly prohibited from being used for a number of reasons to include, for example, political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities, or in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. See OMB Uniform Guidance for additional information.
Equipment: Applicants are encouraged to rent equipment where possible and cost-effective or use matching funds to make those purchases. NFWF acknowledges, however, that some projects may only be completed using NFWF funds to procure equipment. If this applies to your project, please contact the program staff listed in this RFP to discuss options.
Federal funds and matching contributions may not be used to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems (including entering into or renewing a contract) that uses telecommunications equipment or services produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities) as a substantial or essential component, or as critical technology of any system. Refer to Public Law 115-232, section 889 for additional information.
Pursuant to the American Security Drone Act (ASDA), effective December 22, 2025, applicants proposing activities funded in whole or in part with federal funds may not use, operate, or purchase any drone or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) included on the Covered Foreign Entities (CFE) List. This prohibition applies to both new purchases and continued use of existing UAS, including certain widely used commercial platforms, such as DJI and Autel. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all proposed and existing UAS used in connection with federally funded activities comply with applicable federal law and are not included on the CFE List. Noncompliance may affect eligibility for funding.
NFWF funds may not be used to support ongoing efforts to comply with legal requirements, including permit conditions, mitigation and settlement agreements. However, grant funds may be used to support projects that enhance or improve upon existing baseline compliance efforts.

Environmental Services – NFWF funds projects in pursuit of its mission to sustain, restore and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. NFWF recognizes that some benefits from projects may be of value with regards to credits on an environmental services market (such as a carbon credit market). NFWF does not participate in, facilitate, or manage an environmental services market nor does NFWF assert any claim on such credits.

Intellectual Property – Intellectual property created using NFWF awards may be copyrighted or otherwise legally protected by award recipients. NFWF may reserve the right to use, publish, and copy materials created under awards, including posting such material on NFWF’s website and featuring it in publications. NFWF may use project metrics and spatial data from awards to estimate societal benefits that result and to report these results to funding partners. These may include but are not limited to: habitat and species response, species connectivity, water quality, water quantity, risk of detrimental events (e.g., wildfire, floods), and carbon accounting (e.g., sequestration, avoided emissions).

Procurement – If the applicant chooses to specifically identify proposed Contractor(s) for Services, an award by NFWF to the applicant does not constitute NFWF’s express written authorization for the applicant to procure such specific services noncompetitively. When procuring goods and services, NFWF award recipients must follow documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable laws and regulations.

Publicity and Acknowledgement of Support – Award recipients will be required to grant NFWF the right and authority to publicize the project and NFWF’s financial support for the grant in press releases, publications and other public communications. Recipients may also be asked by NFWF to provide high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) photographs depicting the project.

Receiving Award Funds – Award payments are primarily reimbursable. Projects may request funds for reimbursement at any time after completing a signed agreement with NFWF. A request of an advance of funds must be due to an imminent need of expenditure and must detail how the funds will be used and provide justification and a timeline for expected disbursement of these funds. Requests for monthly advances will not be considered.

Compliance Requirements – Projects selected may be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and the National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s). Applicants should budget sufficient time and resources to obtain the needed approvals. As may be applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal, state or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.

Quality Assurance – If a project involves significant monitoring, data collection or data use, grantees will be asked to prepare and submit quality assurance documentation (www.epa.gov/quality). Applicants should budget sufficient time and resources to complete this task.

Permits – Successful applicants will be required to provide sufficient documentation that the project expects to receive or has received all necessary permits and clearances to comply with any Federal, state or local requirements. Where projects involve work in the waters of the United States, NFWF strongly encourages applicants to conduct a permit pre-application meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers prior to submitting their proposal. In some cases, if a permit pre-application meeting has not been completed, NFWF may require successful applicants to complete such a meeting prior to grant award.

HOW TO APPLY

All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation’s Easygrants system.

1. Go to easygrants.nfwf.org to register in our Easygrants online system. New users to the system will be prompted to register before starting the application (if you already are a registered user, use your existing login). Enter your applicant information. Please disable the pop-up blocker on your internet browser prior to beginning the application process.

2. Once on your homepage, click the “Apply for Funding” button and select this RFP’s “Funding Opportunity” from the list of options.

3. Follow the instructions in Easygrants to complete your application. Once an application has been started, it may be saved and returned to at a later time for completion and submission.

APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application. This document can be downloaded here.

Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website’s Applicant Information page.

For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact:
Scott Hall (Scott.Hall@nfwf.org)

For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Email: Easygrants@nfwf.org
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.
Include: your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.