Program Name | Description | Eligible Entities | Eligible Entity Information | Project Category | Award Ceiling | Award Floor | Non-federal Cost Share | Application Deadline | Status | Informational Webinars | Government Level | Agency | Agency Contact | Agency Program Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RESTORE Colorado Program | Grants made through the RESTORE Colorado Program will focus on the voluntary restoration, enhancement, and expansion of high priority wildlife habitat throughout the state. Competitive projects may combine multiple restoration and management strategies that enhance climate resiliency, ecological function, and habitat connectivity. In 2026, NFWF expects to make awards to projects focusing on the following habitats and statewide priorities: Watershed resilience (wetlands, riparian and upland habitats including forests) Eastern Colorado grasslands Sagebrush rangelands Big game winter range and migration corridors Capacity building for conservation project development and delivery Urban areas All projects must occur entirely within the State of Colorado. | Nongovernmental Organizations State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Institutes of Higher Education | Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, political subdivisions of the state, local and municipal governments, Native Nations and Indigenous-led organizations, and educational institutions. | Forest Management Watershed Health Capacity/Technical Assistance | $100,000 | 11/11/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | August 28, 10am MDT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7565770745272648795 | Colorado | National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | General Inquiries and Application Support: Emma Wigger - Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org; Watershed Resilience Project Inquiries: Kirstin Neff - Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org; Sagebrush, Grassland, and Migration Project Inquiries: Chris West - Chris.West@nfwf.org | https://www.nfwf.org/programs/restore-colorado-program/restore-colorado-program-2026-request-proposals | ||
| Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund | The Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund is dedicated to restoring, protecting, and enhancing aquatic and riparian species and their habitats in the headwaters of the Rio Grande and Colorado River watersheds. The goals of the Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund include: - Process-based wetland, riparian and instream habitat restoration and enhancement - Riparian habitat restoration and enhancement - Instream restoration and enhancement - Increase water availability for species and their habitats and/or remove barriers to flow - Reintroduction and translocation of focal species - Protect focal species from invasives Additional priority activities in both the Rio Grande and Colorado River Focal Areas include: - Increase Capacity for Low-tech Process-based Restoration implementation in and among conservation organizations working in the southwest region. - Increase Capacity for Implementation of NRCS conservation programs. NRCS Coordination: Please ensure the project aligns with NRCS goals, priorities, and capacity needs by conferring with the NRCS State Conservationist and their staff in the state in which your project is located. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible applicants include: local, state, federal, and tribal governments and agencies (e.g., townships, cities, boroughs), special districts (e.g., conservation districts, planning districts, utility districts), non-profit 501(c) organizations, educational institutions. | Watershed Health Forest Management Capacity/Technical Assistance | $600,000 | $100,000 | 11/11/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | September 18, 10am MT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/389217668830512727 | Federal Private | National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | Kirstin Neff - Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org, (303) 222-6485; Ramsey Raslan - Ramsey.Raslan@nfwf.org, (771) 208-2102; Emma Wigger - Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org, (202) 888-1680 | https://www.nfwf.org/programs/southwest-rivers-headwaters-fund/southwest-rivers-headwaters-2026-request-proposals | |
| Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative | The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will award grants to voluntarily restore and sustain healthy rivers, streams and grassland systems that provide important wildlife habitat in the Pecos watershed and adjacent areas of New Mexico and Texas. Grants will be awarded in four categories: Habitat Restoration, Species Intervention, Species Response, and Capacity. Program priorities include implementing habitat restoration strategies and increasing baseline species information for species of interest within specific aquatic and grassland focal areas. Aquatic/Riparian Focal Species: Pecos pupfish Pecos gambusia Texas hornshell Rio Grande (Western) cooter Grassland Focal Species: Chestnut-collared longspur Pronghorn Sprague’s pipit NRCS Coordination: Please ensure the project aligns with NRCS goals, priorities, and capacity needs by conferring with the NRCS State Conservationist and their staff in the state in which your project is located. Army Corps Coordination: 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. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible applicants include: local, state, federal, and tribal governments and agencies (e.g., townships, cities, boroughs), special districts (e.g., conservation districts, planning districts, utility districts), non-profit 501(c) organizations, educational institutions. | Capacity/Technical Assistance Watershed Health | $500,000 | $100,000 | 11/11/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | September 4, 10am MT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5409720802136782944 | National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | Kirstin Neff - Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org, (303) 222-6485; Ramsey Raslan - Ramsey.Raslan@nfwf.org, (771) 208-2102; Emma Wigger - Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org; (202) 888-1680 | https://www.nfwf.org/programs/southwest-rivers-program/pecos-watershed-conservation-initiative/pecos-watershed | ||
| Watershed Protection Assistance Program | The Watershed Protection Assistance Program provides funding to develop, construct, maintain or monitor projects that improve surface water quality, riparian habitat or aquatic habitat. This funding is intended to be supplemental to a project and should not be used as phased funding. Applications are due May 15th and November 15th to be considered for the contract terms. Applications should be submitted to WPSProgram.Manager@env.nm.gov. | Local Government, including Acequias For Profit/Private Entities State Government Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Vendors who are active on the Riparian, Aquatic, and Wetland Restoration Services Statewide Price Agreement or other applicable price agreements, National Association of State Procurement Officials, GSA schedule awards, or local public bodies (e.g., municipalities, counties, or political subdivisions of state or local governments). | Watershed Health Capacity/Technical Assistance | $75,000 | 11/16/2025, 6:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | NM Environment Department | For Questions: Please email WPSProgram.Manager@env.nm.gov or call 505-479-0481 | |||||
| Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program | This program provides grant funding to qualified nonprofits, including tribally owned nonprofits, to create a revolving loan fund or to award sub-grants to homeowners for supporting access to individually owned water and wastewater services in eligible rural areas. Grant funds may be used to help a nonprofit create a revolving loan fund for eligible individuals who own and occupy a home in an eligible rural area. The fund may be used to construct, refurbish, or service individually owned household water well and decentralized wastewater systems. Terms for the loans include one percent fixed interest rate, 20-year maximum term, and $15,000 maximum loan per household. The nonprofit may also award subgrants for the same purposes to eligible individuals meeting certain conditions. | Nongovernmental Organizations | • Rural areas and towns with populations of 50,000 or less • Tribal lands in rural areas • Colonias | Water Administration | 12/2/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | US Dept Agriculture | Eric Vigil, New Mexico Acting State Director, eric.vigil@usda.gov, (505) 761-4950; Sallie Clark, Colorado State Director, sallie.clark@usda.gov, (720) 544-2903; Lori Urban, Arizona State Director, lori.urban@usda.gov, (602) 280-8701. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/rural-decentralized-water-systems-grant-program | ||||
| New Mexico Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Watershed-Based Plan Development | The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is now accepting proposals for its Section 319 watershed-based plan development program. The NMED Surface Water Quality Board seeks to establish contracts with entities interested in mitigating nonpoint source pollution in New Mexico to develop new 9-element watershed-based plans or revise existing 9- element watershed-based plans that improve surface water quality in streams that are listed as impaired. This program is foundational for future implementation funding. View the RFP here: https://www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/10/RFP-26-66700-2060-27785-Watershed-Based-Planning.pdf | For Profit/Private Entities Nongovernmental Organizations Local Government, including Acequias State Government Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Entities with Water Delivery Authority Landowners | Open to: Citizen / community watershed groups Non-profit organizations For-profit organizations Individuals Federal, state and local governmental agencies (including Indian Nations, Pueblos, Tribes) | Watershed Health | 12/19/2025, 12:00:00 AM (UTC) | Open | NM Environment Department | Kate Lacey-Younge (Kathryn.lacey@env.nm.gov) | https://www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/funding-opportunities/ | |||||
| Technical Assistance and Training Program | The Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program helps rural communities improve their water and wastewater systems. It does this by giving money to qualified nonprofit organizations, which then provide free help and training to local communities. These nonprofits assist with finding solutions to water and waste problems, help prepare grant applications, and support the proper operation and maintenance of existing systems. Program goals are to 1. Find and assess solutions to water and waste problems. 2. Help communities apply for federal or other funding for water and waste projects. 3. Improve how rural systems are operated, maintained, and managed for long-term sustainability. 4. Address water contamination issues, including lead and emerging pollutants like PFAS. Funds from the TAT program can be used to cover costs of providing technical help or training to rural communities. This includes identifying and solving water and waste system problems, helping prepare loan or grant applications, and training system staff to better manage and maintain their facilities. However, the funds cannot be used for things like duplicating existing services, lobbying or political work, buying property or equipment, renovating offices, or doing construction or maintenance on facilities. | Nongovernmental Organizations | Open to NGOs | Capacity/Technical Assistance Water Administration | 1/1/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | US Dept Agriculture | Eric Vigil, New Mexico Acting State Director, eric.vigil@usda.gov, (505) 761-4950; Sallie Clark, Colorado State Director, sallie.clark@usda.gov, (720) 544-2903; Lori Urban, Arizona State Director, lori.urban@usda.gov, (602) 280-8701. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants | ||||
| Healthy American Forests Initiative | This funding opportunity will support watershed restoration and vegetation management projects on National Forest System lands to achieve a healthy forest ecosystem. Applicants should develop proposals that increase forest management activities and reduce wildfire risk. Projects can include things like fish passage improvements, floodplain restoration, instream restoration, capacity building, and more. Projects must occur on National Forest System lands and be carried out in accordance with a water source protection plan or a watershed restoration action plan. All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Easygrants system. Go to easygrants.nfwf.org to register in the Easygrants online system. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education | Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. US Forest Service partnership required. | Forest Management Watershed Health Capacity/Technical Assistance | $2,000,000 | $250,000 | 1/14/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | https://nfwf.sharefile.com/d-sed446b70ea074eac9527081f605f63a6 | National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | Kristin Neff (kirstin.neff@nfwf.org) or Zoey Apelt (Zoey.Apelt@NFWF.org) | https://www.nfwf.org/healthy-american-forests-initiative-request-proposals-0 | ||
| New Mexico Trails Plus Grant | The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant strengthens local economies and outdoor industries while enhancing community well-being. This program funds the planning, development, and improvement of trails and related infrastructure, supporting projects that connect people with nature, promote equitable access, and inspire long-term stewardship of New Mexico’s landscapes. It plays a vital role in maintaining healthy forests, rivers, and watersheds; fueling economic growth; creating jobs; and enriching quality of life for both residents and visitors. Applications accepted in two rounds: July 1 – September 30, 2025 and November 1 – January 31, 2026 | Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education Local Government, including Acequias | Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; Municipalities; Counties; Nonprofits; Public preschools/schools/districts; Public colleges/universities; Soil and water conservation districts; Acequia and land grant associations. | Public Land Access Watershed Health Forest Management Capacity/Technical Assistance | $99,000 | $25,000 | 1/31/2026, 3:55:31 PM (UTC) | Open | August 14, 2025 4:30-6pm: https://bit.ly/fy26trailsplusinfo | New Mexico | NM Outdoor Recreation Division | Carl Colonius, carl.colonius@edd.nm.gov | https://nmoutside.com/grants/trails-plus/ | |
| Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects | The Small Storage Program's objective is to enhance water storage opportunities for future generations by funding small surface water and groundwater storage projects. The program funds up to a 25% Federal cost-share to plan, design, and construct surface and groundwater storage projects between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet that will increase water storage or move water to or from a storage project. Reclamation invites sponsors of small surface water and groundwater storage projects to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those projects. To be eligible, proposals must: Have water storage capacity between 200 acre-feet and 30,000 acre-feet; Increase yield to identified beneficiaries; Increase surface water or groundwater storage, or convey water to or from surface water or groundwater storage. NOTE that in order to be considered entities must submit a small storage feasibility study to Reclamation for review by February 13, 2026. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible recipients of the Small Storage Program funding must be located in the 17 western United States (Reclamation State) as identified in the Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended or Alaska or Hawaii. Eligible recipients include: State, regional, or local water authorities; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or Other entities such as a water conservation or conservancy district, wastewater district, rural water district. | Water Administration | $30,000,000 | 4/17/2026, 10:00:00 PM (UTC) | Open | Informational webinars will be held in Summer and Fall 2025 at https://www.usbr.gov/smallstorage/ | Federal | Bureau of Reclamation | For questions regarding application and submission, contact the NOFO team at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov. For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, contact Austin Olah, aolah@usbr.gov or 303-445-3240. | https://www.usbr.gov/smallstorage/ |