Hawaiʻi Conservation Program 2026 Request for Proposals

RFP GUIDANCE

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 - https://www.nfwf.org/programs/hawaii-conservation-program 

Applicant Webinar            Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10am Hawaii Standard Time
Full Proposal Due Date    Wednesday, October 22, 2025 by 5:59pm Hawaii Standard Time
Review Period                      October 2025 – March 2026
Awards Announced           March 2026

OVERVIEW

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to strategically protect and enhance essential habitats in Hawaiʻi, from mauka to makai (from the mountain to the ocean), to reduce extinction risk and sustain resilient populations of native species relating to NFWF’s Hawai‘i Conservation Program Business Plan. Species and habitats of interest include palila (finch-billed Hawaiian honeycreeper), kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill), Oʻahu elepaio (monarch flycatcher), ‘alalā (Hawaiian crow), and conservation objectives on Lānaʻi. Major funding partners include Pūlama Lānaʻi and non-federal funds.

GRANT AWARD INFORMATION

NFWF expects average awards for projects to be in the range of $50,000 to $200,000. However, it is expected that awards will vary in amount based on the program priority being addressed. Projects must have a minimum match of 1:1 federal and/or non-federal cash and/or in-kind contributions. Projects may extend from one to three years. We anticipate awarding approximately 7 projects depending on the size and number of requests received.

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS

To be eligible for funding, projects must occur within the areas illustrated in Maps 1-3 below and as shown through the interactive map found here. Priority geographic locations include those found on the islands of Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lānaʻi, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi.
   

 

 

 

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

All proposals must specifically address how projects will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of one or more of the program priorities listed below and as identified in the Hawaiʻi Conservation Program Business Plan. Projects that incorporate community outreach, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management while elevating traditional knowledge that will lead to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged.

In 2026, the Hawaiʻi Conservation Program will award grants to projects that address the following program priorities.

Bird Conservation: Reduce extinction risk for a suite of endemic bird species by addressing direct threats and improving habitat conditions. Pervasive and ongoing threats for Hawaiian birds include avian malaria, habitat loss and degradation, and invasive predators and plants. In 2026, NFWF seeks projects that support listed birds on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island with a primary emphasis on the following priorities:

• Landscape-scale mosquito control for endemic forest birds – Support the deployment of the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) to suppress populations of the invasive southern house mosquito on Maui and Kauaʻi to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of avian malaria at a landscape-scale to prevent the extinction of endangered forest birds. Project activities may include deployment of IIT, data collection and management to prioritize control locations and assess the effectiveness of IIT, coordination and planning among Birds, Not Mosquitoes partnership, and community outreach and education on the conservation need and tool(s) available. 
• Integration of cultural values in Hawaiian forest bird conservation – Support the meaningful integration of Native Hawaiian cultural knowledge, values, and practices into conservation strategies for Hawaiian forest birds. Projects may include collaborative engagement with cultural practitioners, community leaders, and ʻāina-based organizations to ensure conservation approaches are guided by Indigenous perspectives. Priority will be given to efforts that work in partnership with federal and state agencies to strengthen biocultural relationships, promote cultural stewardship, and elevate traditional ecological knowledge in forest bird recovery efforts.
• Kiwikiu – Support the kiwikiu steering committee’s efforts to address short and long-term conservation needs. Activities may include supporting captive populations to reduce extinction risk, such as locating and capturing individuals, captive rearing, providing infrastructure support, and conducting species monitoring.
• ʻAlalā – Support the establishment of a self-sustaining population of ʻalalā on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. Project activities may include species monitoring to inform adaptive management actions for current and future releases, infrastructure and technician support.
• Palila – Prevent extinction of palila by protecting critical habitat on Hawaiʻi Island. Project activities may include support for rear and release, predator control and ungulate control, constructing and maintaining ungulate and predator control fencing, fire management including invasive vegetation management and outplanting native plants.
• Oʻahu elepaio – Increase Oʻahu elepaio territorial occupancy. Project activities may include rodent control through trapping, predator surveys, and efficacy and population monitoring.

Kuahiwi a Kai: Lānaʻi Watershed Conservation Program: Lānaʻi is home to rich natural and cultural resources, spanning from its upland forests (kuahiwi) to the surrounding ocean (kai). However, this landscape is under significant threat from uncontrolled populations of non-native ungulates, introduced predators, invasive plant species, and sedimentation. Over the past 150 years, poor land management and overgrazing by invasive axis deer and mouflon sheep have diminished the health of the island’s aquifers and ecosystems, triggering widespread erosion. This erosion has buried historic coastal cultural sites, degraded Lānaʻi’s iconic white sand beaches with sediment and smothered coral reefs. Terrestrial habitats critical to native species have also been severely impacted. 

Launched in 2019, the Kuahiwi a Kai Program aims to protect and enhance the health of Lānaʻi’s watershed, coral reefs, native flora and fauna, endangered Hawaiian petrel (ʻuaʻu) habitat, and sensitive coastal cultural sites. The program fosters meaningful, coordinated connections between Lānaʻi’s community and the land. In 2026, the Kuahiwi a Kai Program invites proposals for projects that address the following priority areas:

• Invasive ungulate removal – A core segment of the Kuahiwi a Kai program area, spanning over 7,000 acres, is currently undergoing construction of ungulate control fencing and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. This fencing is a critical component of a broader strategy to manage invasive ungulate populations, improve watershed health, and protect native ecosystems. Beginning in Fall 2026, the program seeks project(s) to support the complete removal of ungulates within this newly established management unit to enable long-term ecological recovery and ensure the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts within the fenced area.
• Targeted Native Habitat Restoration and Community Engagement – While landscape-scale restoration and protection is the long-term goal of the Kuahiwi a Kai program, the program is currently seeking proposals to identify a high-priority site within the fenced management unit currently under construction. The intent is to initiate targeted restoration activities at a meaningful scale to advance biodiversity goals and reduce sedimentation into nearshore waters.

Considerations for site selection include:

• Site should be located in an area experiencing high erosion or at significant risk of erosion.
• Site should hold meaningful ecological and cultural value.
• Site should represent a strategic opportunity for integrated conservation action that will support broader watershed-scale outcomes.
• Site should be reasonably accessible to enable and support community and volunteer participation.

Proposed projects should focus on one or more of the following priority components:

• Erosion mitigation to improve watershed function and protect coastal ecosystems;
• Invasive plant control to support native species regeneration and reduce the risk of wildfire and erosion;
• Restoration of native plant communities to enhance habitat quality and promote ecological resilience; and/or Community-led participation, volunteer engagement, and local stewardship.

Community engagement is a central component of this effort. Projects that actively involve local residents and stakeholders, and fostering long-term stewardship will be prioritized.

PROJECT METRICS

To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grants, the Hawaiʻi Conservation Program 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 Jana Doi (jana.doi@nfwf.org) to discuss acceptable alternatives.

Project Activity	Recommended Metric	Additional Guidance
Habitat Restoration	# native species outplanted	Enter the number of native plant species planted. In the metric notes section, indicate the species of plants planted.
Habitat Restoration	# of native plants outplanted	Enter the number of native plants planted.
Habitat Restoration	# of acres restored through native outplanting	Enter the number of acres of native plants installed. In the metric notes section, specify landcover type prior to planting (barren, cropland, grass, shrub), type of natives planted (grasses/forbs, shrubs, or broadleaf forest) and density per acre. Also include land cover post-restoration (broadleaf, conifer, redwood, grassland, shrubland, marsh, wet meadow, tidal marsh, swamp, seagrass, kelp forest).
Habitat Management	# of miles of ungulate-proof fencing maintained	Enter the number of miles of ungulate-proof fencing maintained for the benefit of palila. In the metric notes section, indicate the year the miles of fence were maintained.
Species-specific Strategies	# of ungulates removed	Enter the number of pigs, goats, deer or other ungulates removed or controlled.
Species-specific Strategies	# of individuals removed	Enter the number of individual invasive animals or predators (cats, mongoose, and rodents) removed.
Species-specific Strategies	# of years that 3,000 acres or more are treated with mosquito control tool	Enter the number of years the mosquito control tool will be used to treat at least 3,000 acres. In the metric notes, include the total acreage treated, treatment location (island name(s) at minimum) and the treatment period (calendar year(s) at minimum).
Species-specific Strategies	# individuals released	Enter the number of individual ʻalalā released into the wild.
Habitat Management	# of lbs sediment avoided (annual)	Enter the number of pounds of sediment discharge (lbs/year) reduced. In the metric notes section, specify the reef tract that this metric is supporting and describe the method used to calculate the reduction.
Habitat Management	# of lbs of nutrients avoided (annual)	Enter the number of pounds of nutrient discharge (lbs/year) reduced. In the metric notes section, specify the reef tract that this metric is supporting and describe the method used to calculate the reduction.
Habitat Management	# of acres with BMPs	Enter the number of acres with Best Management Practices (BMPs) for sediment and nutrient reduction. In the NOTES section, indicate the type of BMP(s) and the method of calculating reduction.
Habitat Management	# of acres under improved management through predator control	Enter the number of acres under improved management through predator control (cats, mongoose, and rodents).
Habitat Restoration	# of acres restored through invasive plant removal	Enter the number of acres of invasive plants removed. In the metric notes section, specify: vegetation removed (i.e. species/plant type such as broadleaf, conifers, forest understory, shrubs, kudzu/vines, and grasses/forbs), desired dominant vegetation (broadleaf, shrub, grass), average frequency (in years) of future treatment, and whether removed vegetation will be left on site to decompose (Yes/No).
Planning, Research, Monitoring	# studies used to inform management	Enter the number of studies to inform management.
Planning, Research, Monitoring	# monitoring programs	Enter the number of monitoring programs. In the metric notes section, describe what is being monitored, the methodology, and frequency.
Capacity, Outreach, Incentives	# people targeted	Enter the number of people reached by outreach, training, or technical assistance activities. In the metric notes section, describe the type(s) of outreach and how the outreach contributes to conservation activities. Metric notes should include information as to how people were reached (i.e. community meetings, workshops, volunteer events, etc). If using this metric, please also use the "# people with changed behavior" metric.
Capacity, Outreach, Incentives	# people with changed behavior	Enter the number of people demonstrating a minimum level of behavior change. This metric should be used to capture people that have been reached, and as a result are applying gained knowledge. Examples include implementing a conservation practice or entering into a partnership that will promote conservation efforts. If using this metric, please also use the "# people reached" metric.
Capacity, Outreach, Incentives	# of volunteers participating in projects	Enter the number of volunteers that participated in the project. In the metric notes section, indicate the events or activities volunteers participated in.
Capacity, Outreach, Incentives	# of volunteer hours	Enter the number of volunteer hours completed through the project. In the metric notes section, indicate the events or activities volunteers participated in.

        
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 businesses.
• Ineligible applicants include international organizations and unincorporated individuals.
• For-profit applicants: Please note that this is a request for grant proposals, not a procurement of goods and services; see the Budget section below for specific cost considerations.

 

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.

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 range 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. 
• 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 works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. 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.

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 from the RFP webpage. 

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: 
Jana Doi
Director, Alaska and Pacific Islands Programs
Jana.Doi@nfwf.org
(415) 243-3102

For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Email:  Easygrants@nfwf.org
Voicemail:  202-595-2497
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.