NAWCA grants in Canada are competitive, matching grants that support public-private partnerships carrying out projects in Canada that involve long-term protection through real property interests, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.
On May 22, 2026, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council approved lengthening the old match lookback period associated with the NAWCA Canada 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity from the original two years to three years. As a result, 2026 applications may include requests for pre-award match costs incurred on or after January 1 of the calendar year three years prior to the date FWS receives the proposal (January 1, 2023 – Application Date).
Pre-award costs including old match must comply with all requirements in the 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity including the 2026 Eligibility Rules, 2026 Grant Administration Standards, and all federal regulations including the Financial Assistance Interior Regulations (2 CFR Part 1402).
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Advanced Planning
As you write your proposal, think carefully about how you will implement your project if it is approved for funding. Keep the following in mind as you plan your project and complete your application:
- The program requires at least a1:1 non-federal match. At least 50% of the match must be from U.S. Sources.
- There is no difference in grant and match for administration purposes. Generally, laws and requirements that apply to activities funded with NAWCA dollars also apply to items funded with match dollars or provided as in-kind match (i.e., real property interests).
- Each grant and match dollar (except for indirect costs) must be linked to an acre acquired, restored, and/or enhanced.
- Grantees are held accountable for both match dollars and acres, as defined in the proposal and grant agreement. Without prior approval and agreement modification, accomplishing less than 100 percent of match dollars and acres will result in a reduction of the award amount.
Preparing a Proposal
We recommend carefully reading the Eligibility Criteria, proposal instructions, and Grant Administration Standards for NAWCA projects in Canada below. These will serve as the foundation for your Assistance Award should your project be selected.
Canada Eligibility Criteria
This document describes eligible activities and costs for NAWCA projects in Canada. All NAWCA proposals must comply with these cost principles.
For questions regarding eligibility or other aspects of the Grant Program in Canada, please contact the FWS Program Office. Our team is available to meet with applicants to discuss the criteria and ensure a successful submission process.
Proposal Instructions
Describes required information for writing a proposal and merit review process including species lists.
Word Proposal Outline
Provides “fill-in-the-blank” proposal outlines, including Technical Assessment Questions.
NAWCA Canada GIS Data Standards
Provides guidance on developing GIS shapefiles for NAWCA grants in Canada that have ended.
Canada Grant Administration Standards
Describes policies applicable to all NAWCA grants in Canada.
FAQs on Notice of Funding Opportunity in Canada
This document provides supplemental guidance on specific requirements for the Canada Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Applicants submit proposals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To qualify, project proposals must be submitted through GrantSolutions.
For inquiries relating to the proposal development or submission process, contact us.
