Funding Opportunities

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Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants 2025

NFWF, in partnership with FWS, is soliciting proposals through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF) to restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. 

  • Available Funding:
  • (1) WILD Implementation grants of $75,000 to $500,000 will be awarded for proposals that result in direct and measurable on-the-ground conservation, stewardship of fish and wildlife habitats and related conservation values. These should be completed within 3 years of award.
  • (2) WILD Collaborative Conservation grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded to support existing multi-party partnerships and/or networks of partners collaborating and coordinating to implement conservation actions that measurably contribute to WILD Program priorities. These should be completed within 2 years of award.
  • (3) WILD Planning and Technical Assistance grants up to $75,000 will be awarded for projects that help advance future on-the-ground actions to conserve, steward, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats and related conservation benefits in the Bay watershed through community-based assessment, planning, design, and other technical assistance-oriented activities. These grants should be completed within 18 months of award. 

Eligible Applicants: All projects must occur wholly within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. NFWF developed a CBSF Applicant Toolbox with resources to help applicants target proposed actions to understand and maximize outcomes and benefits for associated program priorities. Applicants are also encouraged to consult NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Business Plan mapping portal and the Chesapeake WILD Project Mapper in informing potential geographic focus.

How to apply: All application materials must be submitted online through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Easygrants system.

Deadline: Tuesday, May 13, 12:00 pm (noon) ET

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Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) offers quarterly funding to support projects that promote safe and responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, educate the public on land stewardship and wildlife conservation, and protect sustainable access to public lands.

Eligible applicants: nonprofit organizations or tax-exempt groups (e.g., clubs & associations), public riding areas (local, state and federal), land conservation organizations, and communities working to improve or maintain motorized recreation access.

This program has rolling application deadlines, so applicants can submit a proposal for consideration at any time.  

Submission Guidelines: Yamaha OAI Grant Submission Guidelines

Eligible Project Types:

  • Trail development, restoration and/or maintenance (i.e. purchasing materials,
    hiring contractors, renting equipment, purchasing tools and safety gear).
  • Trail signage (i.e., purchasing signs, equipment, installation tools, etc.).
  • Stage area renovation/facilities (i.e., renting equipment, purchasing materials,
    hiring contractors, etc.).
  • Protecting environmentally sensitive areas from illegal or inadvertent
    OHV use (fencing, bridges, hardscape, etc.).
  • Adopt-a-Trail (renting equipment, purchasing tools and safety gear,
    volunteer coordination, etc.).
  • Trail mapping/Map production (GPS equipment purchase, production and
    printing, etc.).
  • Safety and Education (educational materials, signage, safety gear, events, etc.).
  • Wildlife and habitat maintenance and management.
  • Land management projects that increase the diversity of use of land for
    recreational activities.
  • Establishing, increasing and/or maintaining access to land for outdoor recreation
    (including but not exclusively limited to motorized recreation).

Note: Outdoor Access Initiative grants will not be awarded for the purpose of
purchasing Yamaha vehicles and the program is not able to donate vehicles
outright.

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Project Endorsement

Thinking of applying to a funding opportunity? Consider requesting a letter of endorsement from ACFHP! ACFHP is happy to endorse a wide variety of projects that promote the conservation of Atlantic coastal, estuarine, and diadromous fish habitats. This includes on-the-ground restoration and land protection, scientific research and assessment tools, and outreach to a variety of audiences. Applying for an endorsement is easy – just fill out our simple application, and a review team will decide whether or not the project aligns with ACFHP’s goals, mission, and vision. We can supply a letter of endorsement and our logo in as little as a week. To learn more, visit our endorsement page.