National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), develops community stewardship of natural resources by preserving ecologic services and enhancing wildlife habitat. Five Star Grant projects often concern water quality issues in target watersheds, stormwater runoff, and degraded shorelines in coastal, riparian, and wetland habitats.
Five Star grants range from $20,000 to $50,000, and average $25,000 per project. Projects can occur on public land (such as a park) or private land (such as a corporate campus) but should be accessible to the community.
Any public or private entity, including local governments, schools, and community organizations (such as Home Owners Associations) can apply. Businesses and individuals may not apply but are encouraged to partner together for Five Star projects. Preference is show to applicants that can sustain and monitor the project for five or more years.
The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program is funded and coordinated by NFWF, the National Association of Counties, and the Wildlife Habitat Council, US EPA, USDA Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, FedEx, Southern Company, Bank of America, PG&E, and Alcoa Foundation.
Getting Started
- Applications can be submitted at NFWF’s Easygrant System.
- Landowners with a project idea should partner with nonprofits, local government, and community organizations which can lead the grant application. Browse the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition Environmental Resource Guide to find an organization aligned with your goals.
