The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) 2026 Five Star program applications are open.
The Five Star grant program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support.
Projects include a variety of ecological improvements along with targeted community outreach, education and stewardship. Ecological improvements may include one or more of the following: community tree canopy enhancement; community gardens; wildlife habitat restoration and conservation, including wetland, riparian, forest and coastal habitat.
Projects should increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities in project planning, outreach and implementation. Projects are expected to engage a range of community partners who are involved in implementing the project and sustaining the project outcomes. NFWF may use a mix of public and private funding sources to support any grant made through this program.
NFWF anticipates one round of full proposals annually for this program. Awards range from $30,000 to $150,000 with 30-40 grants awarded per year. Grants should span 12 to 18 months with a start date no earlier than January 2027.