Southeast Aquatics Fund 2025 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 on the Southeast Aquatics Fund.
| Applicant Webinar (View Recording) | May 14, 2025, 2:30 pm, Eastern Time |
| Full Proposal Due Date | July 8, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time |
| Review Period | July - November 2025 |
| Awards Announced | November 2025 |
NOTE: There are tables and links integrated into this document that will provide essential information for the application process. This includes maps and metrics.
OVERVIEW
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to conserve aquatic habitat in the southeastern United States. Funds from this program will support projects that improve water quality, water quantity, instream condition, and riparian condition. In only some geographies, funding is also available to support aquatic connectivity, species recovery, monitoring, and planning. Funding is provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria and Southern Company.
GRANT AWARD INFORMATION
Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. If outside of this range, please contact program staff to discuss.
Project Period: Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24 – 36 months following finalization of a grant agreement. Proponents should plan for work on the project to begin in early 2026. The project narrative must include a clear timetable or schedule for project completion.
Project start and end dates should define the period during which all proposed work is accomplished, all requested funds are spent, and all matching funds are spent. Projects may be a discrete part of a longer-term project, provided there are definable outcomes for the proposed phase of the overall effort.
Match Requirement: Projects should have a minimum of 33% non-federal match funding, but larger match ratios are encouraged. Non-federal match may come in the form of cash or in-kind services. Matching ratio and diversity of funding partners will be considered in the proposal's competitiveness.
Applicants are encouraged to describe federal partner contributions, although those contributions will not count toward the minimum match requirement.
Applicants unable to provide the requested match are eligible to apply but should reach out to program staff to discuss while developing their proposal, prior to submission. For this discussion, it will be helpful to know what types of activities will be proposed in the project, what attempts have been made to secure match, and what amount of match you will be able to provide.
GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS
Grants to improve the condition of aquatic habitats may be considered across the southeast region of the US (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas). However, projects within the following geographies, as shown in figure 1, will be most competitive:
Conasauga River Watershed (GA/TN)
The Conasauga River watershed of northern Georgia and Southern Tennessee is a focal area of NFWF’s Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and is a highest priority for funding. The Holly Creek sub-watershed of the Conasauga is of particular interest to NFWF. Projects in this geography may work to improve in-stream conditions, restore riparian habitat, engage private landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices, and re-establish Villosa mussels.
Middle Coosa and Locust Fork Watersheds (AL)
The Middle Coosa and Locust Fork watersheds of Alabama are focal areas of NFWF’s Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and are a highest priority for funding. The Big canoe Creek sub-watershed of the Middle Coosa is of particular interest to NFWF. Projects in these geographies may work to improve in-stream condition, restore riparian habitat, and engage private landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices.
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin (AL/FL/GA)
Projects will be considered within the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint basin of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, with a focus on projects in Alabama and Georgia. Projects in this geography should work to support sufficient water flows for native freshwater species and improve water quality, with an emphasis on projects that work to engage agricultural and forest landowners.
Alabama and Mobile-Tombigbee River Basins (AL); and Neuse-Pamlico, Cape Fear, Pee Dee, and Santee River Basins (NC/SC)
Projects will be considered within the Alabama and Mobile-Tombigbee River basins of Alabama; and the Neuse-Pamlico, Cape Fear, Pee Dee, and Santee River Basins of North Carolina/South Carolina. Projects in these geographies should work to engage landowners in voluntary conservation practices to improve water quality, in-stream condition, and fish passage.
East Texas
Projects will be considered within east Texas that work to support sufficient water flows for native freshwater species as well as engage landowners in voluntary conservation practices to improve water quality, in-stream condition, and fish passage. There is particular interest in the following river basins: Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, Lavaca-Guadalupe, Neches, San Antonio, and Trinity Rivers.
Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi 25-Mile Coastal Zone
Projects will be considered within the 25-mile coastal zones of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi that support voluntary forest management practices that may benefit forest health but also improve water quality in watersheds that terminate in the Gulf. Practices might include forest thinning, tree planting, invasives species control, urban forestry and other forest practices that help improve water quality. Innovative approaches to water quality monitoring and prioritization may also be funded.
PROGRAM GOALS AND STRATEGIES
The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast by prioritizing northern Alabama and Georgia. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds.
Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species:
- Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter).
- Middle Coosa – Trispot darter
Program priorities are also informed by State Wildlife Action Plans and the collaborative regional initiatives to set aquatic priorities for the region. This includes the Southeast Aquatics Regional Partnership (SARP) and the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS).
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
NFWF will fund projects that address the threats facing native freshwater species by implementing one or more of the activities described below.
NOTE: Priority metrics are included with each of the listed priority programmatic activities. A full table of eligible metrics can be found by following this link. All applicants should utilize the metrics table (accessed through this link) to select the most relevant metrics. If an applicable metric has not been provided, please contact NFWF staff to identify viable options.
1) Private Landowner Technical Assistance and Project Implementation
All Eligible Geographies
USDA NRCS funding may be available to support projects that build capacity to implement targeted outreach and assistance to private landowners. Grant recipients will provide technical assistance to interested farmers and ranchers to develop management plans, design and implement conservation practices, share their experiences and lessons learned through participation in Farm Bill programs, especially the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). A particular emphasis should be placed on promoting, designing, and implementing agriculture and forest practices that benefit aquatic conservation, such as:
- Practices to improve/maintain riparian and watershed function and temperature, protect surface and ground waters from nutrients, avoiding erosion.
- Increase native riparian herbaceous cover and/or forest buffer width for sediment and nutrient reduction and enhance or increase wildlife habitat.
- Reduce aquatic temperature through shading.
- Restore floodplain hydrology including the use of low-tech process-based restoration methods.
- Restore rare or declining natural communities.
- Contingency planning.
- Improved grazing practices, including, but not limited to, rotational grazing, alternative water sources, and fencing
Proposals should demonstrate how the project will support NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife Initiatives, including state aquatic initiatives and the Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas Framework. Information about the objectives of the aquatic initiatives can be found here, and a map of state’s initiatives here. The WLFW map of species can be found here.
NRCS Coordination – Please ensure the project is in alignment with NRCS goals and priorities by conferring with the NRCS State Conservationist and their staff in the state in which your project is located. A list of NRCS contacts can be found here.
Metrics: Please include the following metrics: number of people reached; number of participants receiving government agency cost share or financial assistance; dollar value of government agency cost share or financial assistance, acres covered by government agency cost share or financial assistance, acres under improved management. Please refer to the “Project Metrics” table for a full list of metrics.
2) Water Conservation and Aquifer Recharge in Texas
Eligible Geographies (River Basins): Neches, Trinity, Neches, Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, Lavaca-Guadalupe, San Antonio
Corporate funding may be available to support projects that achieve significant and measurable aquifer recharge and/or conservation. Projects should either benefit Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer recharge or the Colorado River basin. Projects should also achieve improvements in aquatic habitat through improved practices, land use, riparian and/or forest restoration, or conservation.
Metrics: Please include the following metric: Acres under improved management
3) Forest Management for Improved Gulf Water Quality
Eligible Geographies: 25-mile coastal zone in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Panhandle
RESTORE Council funding is available to support innovative forestry management practices in Gulf watersheds. These projects should restore and conserve Gulf watersheds and wildlife habitat while also improving water quality. This may include improved habitat, working with landowners to plan for and implement BMPs. Innovative measuring and prioritizing projects will also be considered.
Metrics: Please include the following metric: Acres under improved management
4) Restore and Enhance Instream and Riparian Habitat
Eligible Geographies (River Basins): Alabama, Mobile-Tombigbee, Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint
Diverse public and private funding is available for affecting physical changes to improve instream habitat. The objective is to improve native aquatic species populations and support key functions of the watershed by restoring wetland, streambank, and instream habitat. Proposals should discuss conservation outcomes for target species and how the project has been prioritized within the watershed.
Improving aquatic connectivity by removing or retrofitting stream barriers and stream crossings (culverts, concrete fords). Projects should remove high priority barriers and crossings based on surveys or assessments with an emphasis on high return methods in areas where priority habitat is fragmented.
Metrics: Proposals must estimate the number of acres and or streambank miles to be restored or enhanced and the number of landowners implementing practices because of the proposed activities. Please refer to the “Project Metrics” table for a full list of metrics.
5) Assessment, Prioritization and Planning for Watershed Resilience and Aquatic Connectivity
Eligible Geographies (River Basins): Alabama, Mobile-Tombigbee, Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint
Grants will support assessment of barriers to habitat connectivity and prioritization for removal of barriers. This includes deepening understanding of the importance of aquatic habitat for resilience of target species. Barriers to habitat connectivity should be identified as a main factor impacting targeted species. The proposed work should demonstrably build on existing assessments and/or conservation plans. Emphasis will be placed on lowest cost/ highest gain opportunities and identifying willing landowners.
Metrics: Proposals should estimate the number of research studies (including barrier assessments) used to inform prioritization of barriers.
6) Villosa Mussel Conservation and Focal Species Monitoring
Eligible Geographies: Alabama and Mobile-Tombigee River Basin
Grants are available for restoration of two Villosa mussel species (Alabama rainbow, Coosa creekshell) in the Conasauga River watershed streams with suitable water quality. This includes stocking to add to existing populations. These actions can be in addition to habitat restoration activities listed in Program Priority #2.
Funding is available for monitoring of the population status and habitat conditions for endemic native fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter) in Conasauga and Middle Coosa,; Villosa mussels (Alabama rainbow, Coosa creekshell) in Conasauga; and Black Warrior waterdog and flattened musk turtle in, Locust Fork.
Metrics: Proposals should include the species-specific strategies-Translocation # translocated/stocked, the number of sites restocked with new individuals.
PROJECT METRICS
To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grants, the Southeast Aquatics 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 as indicated in each section above.
A table of relevant metrics for the Southeast Aquatics program, and the project activities associated with each, can be found by following this link. If you think an applicable metric has not been provided, please contact Sarah Vest, Coordinator at sarah.vest@nfwf.org to discuss acceptable alternatives.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible and Ineligible Entities
- Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions.
- Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements.
- Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply.
Restricted 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 Purchase: 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 use 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.
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 |
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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. 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 and spent 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 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
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 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, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and 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 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.
- 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.
- Once on your homepage, click the “Apply for Funding” button and select this RFP’s “Funding Opportunity” from the list of options.
- Follow the instructions in Easygrants to complete your application. Once an application has been started, it may be saved and returned to 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:
| Will Singleton | Zack Bernstein | Sarah Vest |
| Program Director | Program Manager | Program Coordinator |
| 202-595-2607 | 202-595-2433 | 202-888-1657 |
| Will.Singleton@nfwf.org | Zachary.Bernstein@nfwf.org | Sarah.Vest@nfwf.org |
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.