NAWCA 2017 Mexico Standard Grant | F16AS00198

Opportunity Information: Apply for F16AS00198

The NAWCA 2017 Mexico Standard Grant (Funding Opportunity Number F16AS00198) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under CFDA 15.623. It is part of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) framework and is designed to fund on-the-ground wetlands conservation work in Mexico through competitive, public-private partnership projects. The overall purpose is to advance long-term conservation outcomes for wetlands and related upland habitats that support migratory birds associated with wetlands, reflecting NAWCA's broader emphasis on habitat conservation across North America.

This opportunity supports projects that deliver durable, long-term habitat benefits. Funded work can include the protection of wetlands and associated uplands (for example, securing long-term conservation arrangements), as well as restoration, enhancement, or establishment of wetland systems and connected upland habitats. The emphasis is not simply short-term improvements, but activities that leave lasting conservation value and clearly benefit migratory bird populations that depend on wetland ecosystems.

Beyond physical habitat work, the program also allows capacity- and knowledge-building activities when they are tied to strengthening wetlands conservation and management in Mexico. Eligible efforts can include technical training, education initiatives, sustainable-use studies, and organizational infrastructure-building, so long as these activities are needed to develop or reinforce the ability of partners to conserve and manage wetlands effectively. In practice, this means the program can fund both direct conservation actions and the supporting expertise, planning, or institutional capability required to sustain those actions over time.

A key feature of the Mexico Standard Grants Program is its matching requirement. Applicants must provide a 1:1 match, meaning every grant dollar must be matched by an equal amount from non-federal or partner contributions, consistent with the program's goal of leveraging shared investment and partnership commitment. This structure encourages collaboration among government entities, non-governmental organizations, local partners, and other stakeholders who can contribute funding, in-kind services, or other qualifying resources to meet the match.

The opportunity was open to unrestricted applicants, indicating broad eligibility rather than limiting participation to a narrow applicant class. The award ceiling was up to $1,000,000 per award, and the program anticipated making around 20 awards. The original closing date was July 1, 2016, and the opportunity record indicates a creation date of May 3, 2016. Overall, this grant program is best understood as a competitive conservation funding source aimed at measurable, partnership-driven wetland and upland habitat outcomes in Mexico, with a strong requirement for cost-sharing and a focus on benefits to wetlands-associated migratory birds.

• The Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NAWCA 2017 Mexico Standard Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.623.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-05-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-07-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for F16AS00198

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