Program Name | Description | Eligible Entities | Eligible Entity Information | Project Type | Award Ceiling | Award Floor | Non-federal Cost Share | Application Deadline | Status | Informational Webinars | Government Level | Agency | Agency Contact | Agency Program Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROTECT Competitive Grant Program | The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost- Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program is a competitive grant program created to plan for and strengthen surface transportation to be more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. This is primarily for transportation infrastructure resiliency, but fish passage can be co-benefit. There are 4 types of PROTECT grants: 1) Planning, 2) Resilience Improvement; 3) Community Resilience and Evacuation Route; and 4) At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure. A stream restoration project could be funded under this program if it is designed to address a transportation vulnerability. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos | (A) A State or political subdivision of a State. (B) A metropolitan planning organization. (C) A unit of local government. (D) A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority. (E) An Indian tribe (F) A Federal land management agency that applies jointly with a State or group of States. (G) A multi-State or multijurisdictional group of entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F). | Watershed Health | $60,000,000 | $1 | 0 for planning grants; 20% for resilience grants; 0 for Tribes | 10/10/2026, 3:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | Dept of Transportation | PROTECTdiscretionary@dot.gov | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/protect/discretionary/ | |
| Western Native Trout Initiative | The Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI) FY2027 National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) funding opportunity provides grants for locally led projects that protect, restore, and enhance habitat for western native trout and char. Eligible projects should address WNTI/NFHP priorities such as habitat restoration, fish passage and connectivity, water quality, protection of intact habitat, and improving recreational or traditional fishing opportunities, while contributing to one or more of WNTI’s four goals for native trout conservation. For the present funding cycle, all funds awarded by WNTI are for projects that support the fundamentals of western native trout habitat conservation (protect, restore, enhance and recover). Projects must have a 1:1 non-federal match (with an exception for Tribes), and applications are expected to include monitoring/evaluation and an outreach or education component. | Nongovernmental Organizations Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos State Government Local Government, including Acequias | Watershed Health | $50,000 | $25,000 | 1:1 except for Tribes | 10/19/2026, 11:00:00 PM (UTC) | Open | Federal | Martin Koenig, wnti.coordinator@wafwa.org | https://westernnativetrout.org/funding/wnti-nfhp-funding-opportunity-fy2027/ | |||
| Tribal Section 319 Grants | EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 319 Tribal Grant Program provides funding to eligible Tribes and intertribal consortia to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and protect or restore water resources. Funding comes through two avenues: base grants, which can support NPS program administration, planning, education, training, and watershed projects; and competitive grants for watershed-based plans and on-the-ground projects addressing NPS impairments. EPA is also reserving funding for approximately five applicants that have not received a competitive 319 grant in the previous five years. October 3, 2026: Deadline for questions from prospective Tribal applicants about the FY26 NOFO. You may submit questions to tribal319grants@epa.gov. | Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos | Tribes must have Treatment as a State (TAS) approval and an EPA-approved NPS assessment and management program. | $175,000 | $50,000 | 40% unless approved at the 10% level | 11/10/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | September 17, 2026 at 2 - 3:30 pm ET: Informational webinar #2: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/a0d145ac-33ac-4a4e-a8f6-a75903aa50b2@88b378b3-6748-4867-acf9-76aacbeca6a7?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog ; Past informational webinar slides: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-09/fy26-informational-webinars.pdf | Federal | Environmental Protection Agency | General inquiries: tribal319grants@epa.gov ; Michael Hara, (202) 622–4910 | https://www.epa.gov/nps/current-tribal-section-319-grant-information | |
| 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 | $500,000 | $100,000 | Due to the diversity of federal, state, and private funding sources involved in the RESTORE Colorado Program, leverage and match is encouraged but not required. Leverage and match will be evaluated for its demonstration of community support and project partnerships, not for the dollar amount contributed, and can include cash, in-kind or volunteer contributions. | 11/13/2026, 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 |
| Water Resources Research Act National Competitive Grants Program | The USGS National Competitive (104g) Grants Program funds university research addressing significant regional, interstate, and national water resource challenges. Administered in partnership with the National Institutes for Water Resources, the program promotes collaboration between USGS and university scientists, advances water resource research, and supports training of future water scientists. | Institutes of Higher Education | Proposals only accepted from designated Water Resources Research Act Institutes or Centers at institutions of higher education. | $120,000 | 1:1 | 11/13/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Dept. of Interior US Geological Survey | Sara Roser sroser@usgs.gov | https://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php | ||||
| Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program | The purpose of the WCPP is to provide funding to eligible entities for projects seeking to improve safety of the traveling public by reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) and, in doing so, improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. This NOFO will award approximately $80 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding via cost reimbursable grants. DOT may also award any remaining and available funds from previous fiscal years under this opportunity. Projects eligible for funding include both construction and non-construction projects. However, DOT may prioritize awards to construction projects. Projects that improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species will be prioritized. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible applicants under the WCPP are: • State Department of Transportation (State DOT) • Metropolitan planning organization (MPO) • Units of local government • A regional transportation authority • A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function • Indian Tribes • A Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) or • A group of any of the above entities. | 20% | 11/17/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | Dept of Transportation | https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/wildlife-crossings/pilot-program | |||||
| Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition | The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Land Acquisition Grants program provides federal funding to help states and other eligible partners acquire lands or conservation easements that are important for the recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species. The program is intended to support implementation of approved species recovery plans and recovery outlines by protecting specific parcels that provide important habitat or other conservation benefits. Funding can be used for fee-simple acquisition or conservation easements, allowing projects to permanently protect habitat while, in some cases, keeping land in private ownership. The program reflects the Endangered Species Act’s emphasis on recovery planning as a framework for coordinating conservation actions, and grants are generally focused on acquiring properties that have been identified as priorities for listed-species recovery, rather than funding broader, general-purpose land conservation. | State Government | State governments | Forest Management Watershed Health | $14,162,000 | $10,000 | The non-federal cost share is 25 percent of the total project cost, i.e., the amount requested from the program plus the amount of non‐federal cost share. Other funds related to the project, but not designated as cost share, should not be included in the total project costs | 11/21/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | N/A | Federal | Dept. of Interior US Fish and Wildlife Service | Kelly_Niland@fws.gov | https://www.fws.gov/service/habitat-conservation-plan-land-acquisition-grants |
| Fish Passage Program | The National Fish Passage Program provides financial and technical assistance for projects that improve the ability of fish or other aquatic species to migrate by reconnecting habitat that has been fragmented by a barrier such as a dam or culvert. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biologists and engineers are available to provide assistance in the planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of select fish passage projects. This is a collaborative program based on shared priorities between partners and the USFWS. Projects are brought to a local USFWS and elevated for regional approval if priorities align. The first place to start if you have a project idea is to reach out to a local USFWS office. Even if projects don't move forward, partners can get project ideas into a USFWS-tracked project pipeline for potential future implementation. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Institutes of Higher Education Nongovernmental Organizations Entities with Water Delivery Authority Landowners For Profit/Private Entities | Anyone willing to work alongside USFWS is eligible to bring forth project ideas. | Watershed Health Capacity/Technical Assistance | TBD | TBD | 50% non-federal cost share is FLEXIBLE, can include in-kind contributions, and can be offset by USFWS | 4/30/2027, 8:18:37 PM (UTC) | Open, Rolling | Federal | US Fish and Wildlife Service | New Mexico: Nate Caswell (New Mexico contact), nate_caswell@fws.gov, (505) 342-9900, Ext. 102; Trevor Luna (Regional director), trevor_luna@fws.gov, (505) 617-5872 Colorado: Liisa Niva, liisa_niva@fws.gov (Regional director) | https://www.fws.gov/story/get-involved-national-fish-passage-program | |
| WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects | Previously known as the WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Project opportunity, the new "Enhancing" Water Resources Project opportunity supports collaboratively developed projects that benefit multiple water users, improve water supply reliability, and enhance watershed health. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity. There will be two rounds of funding under the opportunity. The first round will close Wednesday September 9th, 2026, and the second round will close Wednesday September 8th, 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full funding opportunity announcements on grants.gov under R26AS00017: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/a940c518-8df8-4df8-ad9b-e1a5c84d48eb | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Entities with Water Delivery Authority Nongovernmental Organizations | State, Tribal or local government, an organization with power or water delivery authority, regional authority, or a nonprofit conservation organization | Municipal/Industry Conservation Watershed Health | $3,000,000 | $50,000 | 25 percent non-Federal cost share is required at the time of award. A watershed group is eligible to apply for 50-percent cost-shared funding without a Category A (States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; State, regional, or local authorities) partner but must have a Category A partner to be eligible for 75-percent Federal funding. Watershed groups requesting 75-percent Federal funding should include a letter of support or other documentation demonstrating that they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of the Category A entity. | 9/8/2027, 9:00:00 PM (UTC) | Open | Reclamation will host a webinar on Tuesday June 16th, 2026 at 1:00pm MDT to share more information on the WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity. The webinar will cover eligible applicants, project types, and the application process. | Federal | Bureau of Reclamation Dept. of Interior | For additional information, contact Alisha James bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov or Genevieve Allan (Albuquerque office) at gallan@usbr.gov | https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ewrp/index.html |
| WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program | Reclamation’s WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) provides funding to grassroots, local watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to address their water management needs. A watershed group is a self-sustaining, non-regulatory group that is composed of a diverse array of stakeholders, which may include, but is not limited to, private property owners, non-profit organizations, Federal, state, or local agencies, and tribes. Funding is provided for the support of watershed groups on a competitive basis for the development of watershed groups, watershed restoration planning, and watershed management project design. R26AS00349 Cooperative Watershed Management Funding Opportunity is currently accepting applications. The closing dates for each of the four application periods are: October 7, 2026 February 24, 2027 September 1, 2027 February 15, 2028 | Local Government, including Acequias Nongovernmental Organizations State Government Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos | City or township governments County governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) State governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) | Watershed Health | $300,000 | $10,000 | 0 | 2/16/2028, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | There will be an informational webinar on July 21, 2026, at 1:00pm MT and the recording will be posted here: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html | Federal | Dept. of Interior Bureau of Reclamation | Genevieve Allan Planning Group Supervisor Water Management Division Albuquerque Area Office Bureau of Reclamation Interior Region 7 - Upper CO Basin Cell: (702)-275-7893 gallan@usbr.gov | https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362755 |