NFWF: Hawai'i Conservation Program Grant

The NFWF: Hawai'i Conservation Program addresses the urgent need to protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity. With over 10,000 native species at risk from invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss, this program focuses on restoring watershed functions, enhancing bird habitats, and promoting resilient coral reef ecosystems. By funding targeted conservation projects, NFWF aims to safeguard the islands' endemic species and restore the health of critical ecosystems vital for future generations.

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation's largest private conservation grant-maker. Our projects – more than 19,700 since our founding – are rigorously evaluated and awarded to some of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, as well as some of the smallest. Financial commitments to our conservation mission since our founding now reach $6.8 billion.
Summary
Hawai‘i hosts a high percentage of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, native ecosystems and biodiversity are under threat. Of the more than 10,000 native Hawaiian flora and fauna species, most are ill-equipped to survive the challenges presented by accidental and intentional introductions of non-native species and diseases. Further, the additive stress of a changing climate and development are rapidly degrading habitats and driving native species towards extinction. Urgent action is needed to prevent the extinction of Hawaiʻi’s unique native species and to restore the health of its forests and coral reefs.
To address the threats identified above, the Hawai‘i Conservation Program will fund projects to:
Restore and improve native watershed function and biodiversityReduce the extinction risk for a suite of endemic bird species by addressing direct threats and improving habitat conditionsFoster healthy coral reef ecosystems that are resilient to current and predicted environmental stressors by reducing local threats within an interconnected network of reef tracts in Maui Nui.