What We Do

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation grant-maker. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Our projects – more than 21,600 since our founding – are rigorously evaluated and awarded to some of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, as well as some of the smallest. We do not fund advocacy or litigation, and do not conduct membership campaigns. Instead, NFWF focuses on bringing all parties to the table, getting results, and building a better future for our world. Financial commitments to our conservation mission since our founding now reach $8.1 billion.

How We Work

NFWF specializes in bringing all parties to the table – individuals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporations. Together, we protect and restore imperiled species, promote healthy oceans and estuaries, improve working landscapes for wildlife, advance sustainable fisheries and conserve water for wildlife and people. NFWF currently works with 15 federal partners and more than 53 corporate and foundation partners. 

Prothonotary warbler

The Foundation’s IDEA (Impact-Directed Environmental Accounts) department manages a nationwide portfolio of accounts arising from legal and regulatory actions involving natural resources and the environment. The portfolio consists of several hundred distinct accounts reflecting underlying proceedings at the federal, state and local levels. Most IDEA accounts are established to manage funds arising from the settlement of enforcement actions involving natural resources and the environment or funds arising in connection with permit-required mitigation for environmental impacts.

NFWF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are governed by a 30-member Board of Directors approved by the Secretary of the Interior.


Conservation Programs


Learn about NFWF’s approach to conservation science and the partners who make our work possible, and find out how to apply for a grant.

Our Programs

Annual Reports


View conservation success stories and highlights, and learn about our partners and grantees from past years.