The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in partnership with the Wildlife Habitat Council and supported by various federal and corporate sponsors, offers approximately $2.5 million in grants for 2025. This program funds local partnerships aimed at conserving water quality, restoring habitats, and engaging communities, especially underserved areas, in ecological improvements. The grants range from $30,000 to $60,000, with an average award of $45,000, and fund projects over 12 to 18 months beginning in late summer to early fall 2025.

Eligible projects should focus on:

On-the-Ground Restoration: Activities like wetland creation, habitat restoration, stormwater management, and development of public green spaces.
Environmental Outreach and Education: Programs that involve community members, particularly youth, in hands-on conservation and promote public health and recreation.
Community Partnerships: Each project must include at least five partner organizations, engaging a range of public and private entities to foster local collaboration.
Measurable Results: Projects should produce clear, quantifiable ecological and community benefits, supporting watershed health, habitat conservation, and community engagement.
Sustainability: Plans for long-term maintenance and community engagement beyond the grant period.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local and state government agencies, tribal entities, and educational institutions. Applications are due by January 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants system. Virtual proposal labs are available for one-on-one guidance from November 12 to December 19, 2024, and from January 2 to January 30, 2025, to help applicants refine their proposals.