Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant

Overview

Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant

With a focus on the major waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region, the program will award grants to reduce stormwater runoff with nature-based infrastructure, enhance the quality and connectivity of fish and wildlife habitat, and activate restored habitats through public access improvements and community engagement.

Background

A team of private and public organizations established the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund (the Fund) to help improve the ability of the region’s natural systems and communities to withstand and absorb the impacts of environmental stressors and enhance the region’s unique habitats and waterways through strategically coordinated investments. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Fund is a partnership among BNSF Railway, Cleveland-Cliffs, Crown Family Philanthropies, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Walder Foundation.

The Fund achieves its impact by supporting voluntary conservation projects focused on three goals:

* enhancing fish and wildlife habitat;
* reducing stormwater runoff with nature-based solutions; and
* activating restored habitats to improve access to nature.

The Fund will award grants in the following three categories.

* Improve Habitat Quality and Connectivity 
*  Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions to Improve Stormwater Storage 
*  Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Each applicant will need to identify one category that best describes the proposed project. If a project is expected to yield benefits in multiple categories, an applicant may also identify relevant secondary categories. Projects should advance the goals of NFWF’s Great Lakes Business Plan. The following sections provide more information on the three funding categories.

Eligibility

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Application Details

Chi–Cal Rivers Fund
2025 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Applicant Webinar [Register Here]: June 25, 2025, 2:00 to 3:00 PM Central Time
Workshop for Applicants [Register Here]: July 9, 2025, 10 am-12:00 PM Central Time
Full Proposal Due Date: July 30, 2025, 11:59 PM Central Time
NFWF is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and
Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our
policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all
applicants to do the same.
The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of
funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be
made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.
OVERVIEW
The Chi–Cal Rivers Fund (Fund) is inviting applications for competitive grant funding. With a
focus on the major waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region, the program will award
grants to reduce stormwater runoff with nature-based infrastructure, enhance the quality and
connectivity of fish and wildlife habitat, and activate restored habitats through public access
improvements and community engagement. Proposals must be submitted online
(easygrants.nfwf.org), by July 30, 2025, 10:59 PM Central Time.
BACKGROUND
A team of private and public organizations established the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund (the Fund) to
help improve the ability of the region’s natural systems and communities to withstand and
absorb the impacts of environmental stressors and enhance the region’s unique habitats and
waterways through strategically coordinated investments. Administered by the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Fund is a partnership among BNSF Railway, Cleveland-
Cliffs, Crown Family Philanthropies, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Joyce
Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Walder Foundation. The Fund achieves its impact
by supporting voluntary conservation projects focused on three goals: 1) enhancing fish and
wildlife habitat; 2) reducing stormwater runoff with nature-based solutions; and 3) activating
restored habitats to improve access to nature.

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS
To be eligible for funding, projects must occur in close proximity or otherwise demonstrate
direct benefits to the major waterways of the system and their tributaries (depicted in the map
below).
* Cities included for geographic orientation, but do not indicate funding preference
PROGRAM FUNDING CATEGORIES
The Fund will award grants in the following three categories.
1. Improve Habitat Quality and Connectivity
2. Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions to Improve Stormwater Storage
3. Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas
Each applicant will need to identify one category that best describes the proposed project. If a
project is expected to yield benefits in multiple categories, an applicant may also identify relevant
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secondary categories. Projects should advance the goals of NFWF’s Great Lakes Business Plan. The
following sections provide more information on the three funding categories.
Funding Category 1: Improve Habitat Quality and Connectivity
Funding in this category will support riparian, in-stream, upland and wetland habitat
improvements along or near the major waterways of the system listed under the Geographic
Focus section. Competitive projects will achieve a range of ecological benefits, such as
improving water quality, reducing erosion, and increasing the complexity, connectivity and
quality of habitat. Priority will be given to projects that improve native/natural habitat, benefit
species of concern, and increase biodiversity and maintain healthy native populations. Please
list priority species and species of concern to benefit from the work in the proposal narrative.
Invasive species control activities, including initial treatments, subsequent retreatments and
early detection and rapid response (EDRR) are eligible for funding in this category as a
component of a comprehensive habitat restoration project. Applicants demonstrating the
capacity, experience, and resources needed to effectively manage invasive species and preserve
habitat values following initial treatments will be most competitive.
Funding Category 2: Expand Nature-Based Solutions to Improve Stormwater Storage
Funding in this category will support nature-based solutions that improve stormwater capture
and storage, reduce runoff, combined sewer overflows, basement backups and flooding.
Competitive proposals will focus primarily on the installation and/or maintenance of nature-
based practices (e.g. stormwater wetlands, rain gardens, riparian buffers etc.). If projects
incorporate constructed elements, such as pervious surfaces, these elements will need to
complement a suite of nature-based solutions and will not be eligible for funding as the primary
focus of a project. Priority will be given to projects that are designed with a dual purpose, to
increase stormwater storage capacity while also enhancing the quality of, access to, and/or use
of natural areas. Eligible work includes:
1) Install nature-based solutions, such as stormwater wetlands, urban forests, rain
gardens, bioswales, etc., to capture and infiltrate stormwater and reduce flooding
risk.
2) Maintain and/or improve the function of existing nature-based solutions. Projects
should maintain ecological function of nature-based solutions and support
communities to secure long-term and sustainable maintenance solutions that
increase community-level capacity and add jobs. All applicants proposing
maintenance projects are required to discuss the project with NFWF prior to
submitting an application.
Competitive projects will occur in close proximity to or otherwise demonstrate direct benefits
to priority waterways, as indicated in the Geographic Focus section. Projects must add a
minimum of 100,000 gallons of stormwater storage capacity annually to be competitive.
Preference will be given to projects of sufficient size and scope to significantly reduce runoff
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and contaminant discharge (i.e. reduction of nutrients, pollution, and sediment) and flooding at
a regional or significant scale (gallons/year) either through a large single installation of a nature-
based solution or via a strategic, connected suite of practices that collectively achieve their
impact. Small, isolated projects (e.g., a single parking lot, rain barrels, cisterns, etc.) without a
connection to a larger plan for nature-based solutions or suite of proposed installations will not
be competitive. Proposals seeking funds for maintenance at multiple sites should outline the
applicant’s authority to maintain those sites as well as a long-term plan to maintain sites,
including resources secured for these activities.
All applications must report anticipated outcomes in terms of gallons of stormwater storage
capacity added (design retention capacity) and estimate the volume of stormwater runoff
captured and infiltrated per year (gallons/year). Applications proposing maintenance or
enhancement of existing nature-based solutions must report anticipated outcomes in terms of
gallons of stormwater storage capacity preserved/maintained (design retention capacity) and
report the volume of stormwater runoff captured and infiltrated per year (gallons/year) when
nature-based solutions function optimally as a result of maintenance activities. Projects should
incorporate planning for increasingly severe and more frequent storm events into their design,
location, and/or function. Applicants must explain how the “gallons of stormwater storage
capacity added annually” metric was calculated in the metric notes. Applicants are encouraged
to use the EPA Stormwater Calculator, found by clicking here, to estimate design retention
capacity. For tree planting projects, applicants are encouraged to use i-Tree, found by clicking
here, to calculate gallons of stormwater taken up annually by tree planting projects (use a 10-
year tree age for measuring stormwater benefits in i-Tree).
Funding Category 3: Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas
Funding in this category will support grants that activate restored habitats and natural areas,
including those previously funded by GLRI or NFWF, by investing in long-term habitat
stewardship, public access, engagement capacity and programs to help all people get out into
nature. Projects should invest in needed on-the-ground stewardship or restoration to maintain
habitat quality while also enhancing site access and stewardship capacity. All proposals should
describe the rationale or plan for selecting the project location, the activation elements
proposed and identify the user groups that will be served by the project and how they will be
meaningfully engaged in the project. To do this work well, we see long-term sustained
commitments to community and municipal engagement as critical. All applicants will be asked
to provide, or develop with NFWF funding, a longer-term community and partnership
framework that is already a part of the organization or partner org’s strategic operations or
current priorities (not just project level). Projects should support public-private partnership
development – both with partners at the community level and with municipalities to support
project sustainability and long-term impact through direct investments such as maintenance.
All applicants submitting a proposal under this funding category should reach out to NFWF staff
to discuss project activities prior to submitting a proposal. Funding will support the strategies
that encompass the following elements and directly prioritize multiple benefits.
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• Habitat stewardship: Increase capacity among the grantee organization and/or partner
organizations and implement stewardship activities to enhance long-term, sustainable
habitat stewardship, including adaptive management, invasive species control and
direct community engagement. Manage habitat or natural areas to improve and protect
habitat quality and enhance resilience of restored project sites and public access
infrastructure. This priority must enhance multiple benefits and will not be competitive
as stand-alone investments.
• Access to nature: Increase capacity among the grantee organization and/or partner
organizations to activate restored habitat and natural areas through strategic, direct
engagement of communities and user groups that encourage public use, enhance public
health, increase accessibility, and remove barriers for all people to get outside and into
nature. These can include education opportunities in natural areas, programs and
experiences, conservation-oriented workforce development programs, enhancing
volunteerism and long-term stewardship of sites, training the next generation of
conservationists and nature enthusiasts, increasing use of natural areas through
supported activities, events, and programs.
• Public access opportunities: Add new or enhance existing infrastructure that improves
public access, accessibility and engagement in previously restored habitat or natural
areas. Public access improvements may include but are not limited to construction of
trails, nature-based or nature-compatible recreation, public access points, and
infrastructure enabling use of waterways and habitats, such as paddle craft launches,
wildlife viewing areas, gathering spaces etc. This priority must complement other
strategies and will not be competitive to stand alone. Activation is the key; this is not
intended to fund park beautification such as boardwalks or pavilions without on-the-
ground restoration or community engagement components.
Project should be designed to span up to 3 years or 3 field seasons to increase sustainability
and long-term success. Proposed projects should be of sufficient size, scope, or unique
ecological value to necessitate a strategic re-investment in the previously restored habitat.
Projects should not request funding to support the following activities: long-term
transportation to sites, stand-alone parking lots or other infrastructure that is not required for
project success, planned or sustained site maintenance activities such as cleaning, mowing,
annual repairs to existing infrastructure etc.
PRIORITIES FOR ALL FUNDING CATEGORIES
Monitoring and Long-Term Maintenance
To help ensure project benefits will be sustained through time, grantees will be required to
present or develop plans that address project site operation and management needs for at
least five (5) years after project completion. The plans should describe anticipated actions
needed (maintenance schedules and tasks to be completed at scheduled intervals), access to or
ownership of equipment needed to maintain project sites, cost estimates, sources of funding to
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support long-term maintenance plan, long-term partners, parties responsible for
implementation and oversight, training needs and the applicant’s and partners’ capacity for
long-term stewardship of the project. If applicable, the plan should also describe long term
invasive species management and early detection rapid response (EDRR) protocol. A portion of
individual grant awards may be used to support plan development, and plans must be
completed prior to the end dates specified in individual grant agreements.
Proposals should describe a monitoring plan to measure the outcomes and assess the success
of the proposed project in the full proposal narrative portion of the application or provide a
monitoring plan as an upload. At a minimum, the description should: 1) indicate the metrics
that will be used to track progress and quantify outcomes; 2) outline the approach for
establishing baseline conditions against which post-implementation conditions will be
compared; and 3) demonstrate plans and resources for post-implementation monitoring and
maintenance. Habitat proposals should focus monitoring on measuring benefits to water
quality, habitat quality and priority species. Nature-based solutions (NbS) proposals should
focus monitoring on measuring efficacy of NbS installed and, if relevant, public-use or other
community benefits resulting from the NbS installations.
Applicants may use grant funding to support monitoring and maintenance/establishment
activities associated with the proposed project within the proposed grant period. Applicants
may direct up to 15 percent of the project budget toward this need.
METRICS
To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data
provided by multiple grants, the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund has a list of metrics in Easygrants for
grantees to choose from for reporting (all possible program metrics are shown in the table
below). Only metrics relevant to the project being proposed should be selected in the
application. Applicants will be required to report project accomplishments in terms of the
metrics they select. If you do not believe an applicable metric has been provided, please
contact Aislinn Gauchay (aislinn.gauchay@nfwf.org) to discuss acceptable alternatives.
Project Activity Recommended Metric Additional Guidance
*Required metric
Riparian Miles restored Enter the number of miles restored. Include miles of
Restoration invasive species control, bank stabilization, and native
vegetation restoration. In NOTES section, specify acres
within this habitat type re-treated for invasive species.
Please also specify landcover type prior to planting
(barren, cropland, grassland), dominant vegetation being
planted (see list), and average width of riparian buffer.
Include the TU conservation portfolio ID if within a brook
trout patch.
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Floodplain Acres Restored Enter # of floodplain acres restored. In the NOTES,
Restoration indicate % of vegetation on the pre-project site (0-20%,
21-40%, 41-60%, 61-80%, 81-100%) and the dominant
vegetation being restored (Broadleaf, Conifer, Redwood,
Shrub, Grass, Marsh, Wet meadow, Swamp). Specify acres
within this habitat type re-treated for invasive species.
Instream Miles restored Enter the number of miles restored. Miles of
Restoration stream/channel restored or naturalized, INCLUDE
installation of in-stream habitat structures and stream
geomorphology restoration activities (impoundment
removal, naturalize stream channel, etc.). Include the TU
conservation portfolio ID if within a brook trout patch.
Instream # structures installed Enter the number of in-stream habitat structures installed,
restoration replaced, upgraded or repaired for improvement of in-
stream habitat (if stream project). If the project is installing
a water level control structure in a wetland context, please
indicate in the NOTES.
Fish Passage # passage barriers Enter the # of in-stream barriers removed/rectified in THIS
Improvements rectified grant. In the notes, provide the barrier's SARP ID--see
SARP Natl. Aq. Barrier Inventory (aquaticbarriers.org). If
the barrier(s) is not in SARP, provide its lat/long or its
name and source. Include the TU conservation portfolio ID
if within a brook trout patch.
Fish Passage Miles of stream Enter total # of miles opened to improve aquatic organism
Improvements opened passage. Only include the miles of main stem & smaller
tributaries connected until the next barrier upstream (or
headwaters), but NOT lakes, ponds, or distance
downstream from the barrier removed. Include the TU
conservation portfolio ID if within a brook trout patch.
Wetland Acres restored Enter # acres of WETLAND (Include acres of invasive
restoration species control, native vegetation restoration, and habitat
structure/quality improvement, NOT riparian or instream)
habitat restored. In the NOTES, specify landcover prior to
restoration (Marsh, Tidal marsh, Wet meadow, Swamp)
and indicate % of vegetation on pre-project site (0-20%,
21-40%, 41-60%, 61-80%, 81-100%). This is a footprint
metric intended to capture all wetland acres where on-
the-ground interventions are occurring. Enter the total
number of acres restored. Include acres of invasive
species control. Specify acres within this habitat type re-
treated for invasive species.
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Removal of Acres restored Enter # acres of invasives removed. In the NOTES, specify:
invasives vegetation removed (Forest understory, Junipers, Shrubs,
Grasses/forbs, Marsh vegetation--excluding Phragmites,
Phragmites australis), desired dominant vegetation
(Broadleaf, Conifer, Shrub, Grass, Marsh, Swamp), average
frequency (in years) of future treatment, and whether
removed vegetation will be left on site to decompose
(Yes/No). This can include new treatment or re-treatment.
Erosion control lbs. sediment avoided Enter the amount of sediment prevented from entering
(annually) system annually. In the NOTES, please indicate the model
or method used to calculate this metric.
BMP lbs. phosphorus Enter the amount of phosphorous prevented from
implementation for avoided (annually) entering system annually. In the notes, please indicate the
nutrient or model or method used to calculate this metric.
sediment reduction
BMP lbs. nitrogen avoided Enter the amount of nitrogen prevented from entering
implementation for (annually) system annually. In the notes, indicate the model or
nutrient reduction method used to calculate this metric.
Nature-based *Volume stormwater Enter the gallons of stormwater storage added annually.
Infrastructure storage added In the NOTES section, include the design retention
annually (Required capacity of the nature-based solution installed or
for nature-based maintained and indicate the method or model used to
solution projects) estimate annual stormwater storage added.
Nature-based sq feet of nature- Square feet of nature-based solution installed. Include
Infrastructure based infrastructure details on plant species selected, seed mixes, etc.
installed
Nature-based Number of trees Enter # trees planted. In the NOTES, include tree size,
Infrastructure planted species selected, planting density and anticipated total
acres of tree planting
Nature-based miles trails Enter the number of miles of trails or riverwalks
Infrastructure developed/improved developed or improved.
Nature-based access pts Enter the number of public access points developed or
Infrastructure developed/improved improved.
Volunteer # of volunteer hours Enter the # of volunteer hours in this project
participation
Outreach/Technical # people reached Enter the number of people reached. # of people actively
Assistance engaged via site activation opportunities, e.g. workshops,
conservation actions, community events, etc
Economic Benefits # jobs created Enter the # of individuals hired to directly work on the
project (non-volunteers). Jobs should be directly engaged
in grant activities, funded by the grant, and shouldn't have
existed prior to the grant. In the notes, provide the FTE for
the jobs created.
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Economic Benefits # jobs sustained Enter the # of paid jobs that are partially or fully
sustained through this grant. Jobs should have existed
prior to the grant, be funded by the grant, and be directly
engaged in project activities. The starting value for this
metric should be zero.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible and Ineligible Entities
• Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies,
local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and
educational institutions. To be competitive, applicant organizations must demonstrate
capacity and experience commensurate with the scale of the project being proposed
and the funding being requested.
• Ineligible applicants include federal government agencies, unincorporated individuals,
and for-profit businesses.
Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds
• NFWF funds and matching contributions are strictly prohibited from being used for a number of
reasons to include, for example, political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist
activities, or in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. See OMB Uniform Guidance for
additional information.
• Equipment: Applicants are encouraged to rent equipment where possible and cost-effective or
use matching funds to make those purchases. NFWF acknowledges, however, that some
projects may only be completed using NFWF funds to procure equipment. If this applies to your
project, please contact the program staff listed in this RFP to discuss options.
• Federal funds and matching contributions may not be used to procure or obtain equipment,
services, or systems (including entering into or renewing a contract) that uses
telecommunications equipment or services produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE
Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities) as a substantial or essential
component, or as critical technology of any system. Refer to Public Law 115-232, section 889 for
additional information.
• NFWF funds may not be used to support ongoing efforts to comply with legal requirements,
including permit conditions, mitigation and settlement agreements. However, grant funds may
be used to support projects that enhance or improve upon existing baseline compliance efforts.
PROJECT DURATION
Anticipated completion time for funded projects will typically be two (2) years or two field
seasons following finalization of a grant agreement, with the exception of the third funding
category, for which projects can span up to three (3) years. Projects may be a discrete part of a
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longer-term project, provided there are definable outcomes for the proposed phase of the
overall effort. The project narrative should include a clear timetable or schedule for project
completion. Project start and end dates should define the period during which all proposed
work is accomplished, all requested funds are spent, and all matching contributions are spent
or applied. The start date indicated in applications should not precede November 19, 2025.
MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS
Match is not required. The ratio of matching contributions offered to grant funding requested is
one criterion considered during the review process. Providing some match (non-federal and
federal) is encouraged to demonstrate broad support for the project and overall impact of the
work. Match can be any combination of in cash and/or in-kind goods and services (for example
external/partner services, volunteers or grantee in-kind, materials and services donated, etc.)
or other tangible contributions to the project objectives and outcomes. No priority will be given
to higher cash percentages versus other sources of match. In addition, eligible indirect costs
(that would not be paid with requested grant funding) may be applied as match. More
information about using indirect costs as match can be found by clicking here. Full information
on how to document match, including a description of acceptable sources of match, is available
at http://www.nfwf.org/whatwedo/grants/applicants/Pages/faqs.aspx.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness and compliance with
organizational and funding source policies. Then, the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund advisory team and a
panel of state and federal agency reviewers will use the following criteria for project selections.
Project selections may also be based on other considerations, such as availability of funding,
geographic diversity and balance among project types and grant size.
Conservation Outcomes Budget Technical
• Alignment with program goals • Allowable and reasonable costs • Technically sound and feasible
and priorities • Matching contributions • Logical and achievable work
• Quantifiable performance • Cost effective plan and timeline
metrics • Engages technical experts
• Appropriate monitoring of • Accurate spatial data
activities and outcomes • Sound compliance approach
• Partnership & community (permits, NEPA, QAQC)
engagement • Past grantee success
• Project long-term sustainability • Transferable
Strategic Value
Fund partners will consider the following criteria, listed in order of relative importance, when
reviewing proposals and determining which proposals will receive grant funding. Note that this
list is not necessarily comprehensive of all factors that will be considered when reviewing
proposals, and some criteria might be weighted more heavily than others on a case-by-case
project basis.
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• Program goals: Project aligns with program goals and has specific, quantifiable
performance metrics to evaluate project success. Project directly advances the priorities
of one or more of the funding categories.
• Technical merit and budget: Project is technically sound and feasible, and the proposal
sets forth a clear, logical and achievable work plan, timeline for implementation and
budget. Budget is clear, detailed, cost-effective (see Implementation section below) and
appropriate for work proposed. Project engages appropriate technical experts
throughout project planning, design implementation and maintenance.
• Spatial Data – Project spatial data submitted to NFWF’s online mapping tool must
accurately represent the location(s) conservation activity(ies) at the time of
proposal submission. Successful projects will be required to submit improved
spatial data for each conservation activity within the period of performance as
necessary.
• Project location and context: Project occurs in close proximity to or otherwise
demonstrates benefits to the major waterways of the system, as listed under the
Geographic Eligibility section. Nature-based solution is located in flood-prone areas
identified as priorities by government units or approved land-use or watershed
plans.
• Partnership and Community Impact – The applicant organization partners and engages
collaboratively with local community members, leaders, community-based
organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement the proposed
project. This ensures long-term sustainability and success of the project, integration into
local programs and policies, and community acceptance of proposed restoration
actions. Partners or communities are enlisted to broaden the sustained impact from the
project. Describe the community characteristics of the project area, identify any
communities impacted, describe outreach and community engagement activities and
how those will be monitored and measured. Use data to support descriptions and
submit letters of support from community partners and/or collaborators demonstrating
their commitment to the project and engagement in project activities as proposed.
• Matching contributions: Matching Contributions consist of cash, contributed goods and
services, volunteer hours, and/or property raised, spent, and acquired for the Project
during the Period of Performance. Larger match ratios and matching fund contributions
from a range of partners are encouraged and will be more competitive during
application review. If you are concerned about match or wish to discuss potential
matching contributions, please contact Traci Giefer at traci.giefer@nfwf.org.
• Plan or strategy alignment: Project advances an existing local, regional, tribal, state or
federal plan or strategy. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposed projects with
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regional and local efforts and demonstrate how they would complement and connect to
other previous and ongoing work in the region in the proposal narrative. Types of
relevant plans or strategies may include, but are not limited to, watershed plans,
municipal or regional domestic action plans, sustainability plans, and nature-based
infrastructure strategies.
Qualifications
• Organizational capacity: Applicant organization demonstrates capacity and experience
commensurate with the scale of the project being proposed and the funding requested.
• Funding need: Project establishes a clear need for the funds being requested and
demonstrates that activities would not move forward absent funding.
• Partnerships: An appropriate partnership exists to implement the project, and the
project is supported by a strong local partnership that leverages additional funds and
will sustain it after the life of the grant. Identify proposed partners, if known (including
potential or contemplated subawards to third party subrecipients of the applicant), the
roles they will play in implementing the project, and how this project will build new or
enhance existing partnerships. (Note: a project partner is any local community, non-
profit organization, tribe, and/or local, state, and federal government agency that
contributes to the project in a substantial way and is closely involved in the completion
of the project.)
• Past success: Project team has a proven track record of success in implementing
practices with specific, measurable results.
Implementation
• On-the-ground implementation: Project will apply the bulk (>70%) of grant funding to
on-the-ground work, with the option of using the remaining funds for planning,
permitting, final design, engineering, outreach, education, maintenance or monitoring.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Cost-effectiveness analysis identifies the economically most efficient
way to meet project objectives. Project includes a cost-effective budget that balances
performance risk and efficient use of funds. Cost-effectiveness evaluation includes, but
is not limited to, an assessment of effective direct/indirect costs across all categories in
the proposed budget according to the type, size and duration of project and project
objectives. Project budgets will be compared to similar projects to ensure proposed
costs across all budget categories are reasonable for the activities being performed and
the outcomes proposed.
• Timeliness: Project has completed or nearly completed planning, design and
engineering to the extent that on-the-ground implementation can begin shortly after
the grant is awarded.
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Evaluation and Maintenance
• Monitoring: Project includes plans to monitor progress during and after implementation
to track project success and adaptively address new challenges and opportunities.
• Long-term sustainability: Project will be maintained to ensure benefits are achieved and
sustained over time. Plans described in the proposal include how future funding will be
secured to implement necessary long-term monitoring and maintenance activities.
Amplification
• Communication: Project includes a communication strategy for notifying relevant
communities and audiences about the project after completion.
• Scalability: Project has the potential to catalyze additional efforts where they have not
been broadly deployed.
• Transferability: Project has potential and plans to transfer lessons learned to other
communities and/or to be integrated into government programs and policies.
OTHER
Budget: Costs are allowable, reasonable and budgeted in accordance with NFWF’s Budget
Instructions cost categories. Federally funded projects must be in compliance with OMB
Uniform Guidance as applicable.
Procurement: If the applicant chooses to specifically identify proposed Contractor(s) for
Services, an award by NFWF to the applicant does not constitute NFWF’s express written
authorization for the applicant to procure such specific services noncompetitively. When
procuring goods and services, NFWF recipients must follow documented procurement
procedures which reflect applicable laws and regulations.
Publicity and acknowledgment of support: Award recipients will be required to grant NFWF
the right and authority to publicize the project and NFWF’s financial support for the grant in
press releases, publications and other public communications. Recipients may also be asked by
NFWF to provide high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) photographs depicting the project.
Receiving award funds: Award payments are primarily reimbursable. Projects may request
funds for reimbursement at any time after completing a signed agreement with NFWF. A
request of an advance of funds must be due to an imminent need of expenditure and must
detail how the funds will be used and provide justification and a timeline for expected
disbursement of these funds.
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Compliance requirements: Projects selected may be subject to requirements under the
National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and National
Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be
approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the
project site(s). Applicants should budget time and resources to obtain the needed approvals.
As may be applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal,
state or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.
Permits: Successful applicants will be required to provide sufficient documentation that the
project expects to receive or has received all necessary permits and clearances to comply with
any Federal, state or local requirements. 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. In some cases, if
a permit pre-application meeting has not been completed, NFWF may require successful
applicants to complete such a meeting prior to grant award.
Federal funding: The availability of federal funds estimated in this solicitation is contingent
upon the federal appropriations process. Funding decisions will be made based on level of
funding and timing of when it is received by NFWF.
Environmental Services: NFWF funds projects in pursuit of its mission to sustain, restore and
enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.
NFWF recognizes that some benefits from projects may be of value with regards to credits on
an environmental services market (such as a carbon credit market). NFWF does not participate
in, facilitate, or manage an environmental services market nor does NFWF assert any claim on
such credits.
Intellectual Property: Intellectual property created using NFWF awards may be copyrighted or
otherwise legally protected by award recipients. NFWF may reserve the right to use, publish,
and copy materials created under awards, including posting such material on NFWF’s website
and featuring it in publications. NFWF may use project metrics and spatial data from awards to
estimate societal benefits that result and to report these results to funding partners. These may
include but are not limited to: habitat and species response, species connectivity, water quality,
water quantity, risk of detrimental events (e.g., wildfire, floods), carbon accounting (e.g.,
sequestration, avoided emissions).
TIMELINE
Dates of activities are subject to change. Please check the program page of the NFWF website
for the most current dates and information (www.nfwf.org/chi-cal).
Applicant Webinar June 25, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 PM Central Time
Workshop for Applicants July 9, 10:00am to 12:00 PM Central Time
Full Proposal Due Date July 30, 2025, 10:59 PM Central Time
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Proposal Review Period August – September
Awards Announced November
After project selection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation staff will work with applicants to
prepare grant agreements and other necessary paperwork, all of which will be completed
electronically using the Easygrants system. Additional information about the grantee’s
organization and its finances may be solicited during this time. Please note the preparation of
grant agreements will require approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the time the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation receives the additional required information from the grantee. Once grant
agreements are finalized, funds will typically be paid to grantees on a reimbursable basis. Funds
may be advanced to qualified grantees on an as-needed basis.
WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to view both webinars prior to submitting an
application.
2025 Funding Opportunity Webinar
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
2:00-3:00pm CT
Register Here.
The funding opportunity webinar provides important information about 2025 funding priorities,
in-depth review of the proposal narrative and highlighting priority project elements, tips for
submitting competitive proposals, and FAQs. A recording of this webinar will be uploaded at
www.nfwf.org/chi-cal.
Workshop for Applicants
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
10:00am-12:00pm CT
Register Here.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for applicants to connect with NFWF and our field
liaisons to discuss proposal concepts and troubleshoot issues prior to the end of the open RFP
period. This workshop is not required, rather it should be viewed as an opportunity to receive
technical assistance and support from NFWF should it be needed. Applicants should come
prepared with a clear project idea, at minimum, and have specific questions or guidance to
request from the NFWF team.
Easygrants Instructional Webinar
The pre-recorded Easygrants webinar found here covers in-depth instructions for navigating
Easygrants.
HOW TO APPLY
All application materials must be submitted online through NFWF’s Easygrants system.
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1. Go to easygrants.nfwf.org to register in our Easygrants online system. New users to the
system will be prompted to register before starting the application (if you already are a
registered user, use your existing login). Enter your applicant information.
2. Once on your homepage, click the “Apply for Funding” button and select this RFP’s
“Funding Opportunity” from the list of options.
3. Follow the instructions in Easygrants to complete your application. Once an application
has been started, it may be saved and returned to at a later time for completion and
submission.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application. This
document can be downloaded here.
Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF
website’s Applicant Information page.
For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact:
Aislinn Gauchay Traci Giefer
Program Director, Great Lakes Senior Program Manager, Great Lakes
612-564-7284 612-564-7296
Aislinn.Gauchay@nfwf.org Traci.Giefer@nfwf.org
For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Email: Easygrants@nfwf.org
Voicemail: 202-595-2497
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday.
Include: your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying
to, and a description of the issue.
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