NAWCA Small Grant applicants in 2026 should be aware that the North American Wetlands Conservation Council will meet on May 22, 2026, to consider allowing old match activities to be eligible from calendar year 2023 as well as 2024 and 2025. The "look back period" may be extended due to the Notice of Funding Opportunity closing in 2026, instead of the original date expected in 2025. If this change is approved, we will email our list of known/potential applicants and post an update on this website.
What We Do
Our Projects and Initiatives
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) is a federal law that provides grants for projects that protect, restore, and enhance wetland habitats critical for migratory birds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
NAWCA-funded projects align with the goals of the historic North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), an international strategy dedicated to conserving wetlands and associated uplands for waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Since 1991, NAWCA has supported 3,300 projects for over 7,000 partners, conserving more than 32.6 million acres of vital habitat. These efforts have been made possible through $2.28 billion in grants and an additional $4.53 billion in partner contributions. NAWCA projects not only benefit birds but also help to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, minimize coastal erosion, and create valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation, enhancing both ecosystems and communities. You can find more information about these grants in the project database.
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