​Conservation Science

NFWF's primary focus is on fish, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in need of conservation action. By using clear criteria on how and where to invest our resources, we maximize our impact on the species and ecosystems most in need of conservation and achieve a high return on our investment.

In making strategic conservation decisions, NFWF considers several questions:

•Setting conservation priorities—what are the species and places that we value?

•Defining conservation outcomes—what goals are we trying to achieve in our priority areas?

•Designing strategies for achieving conservation outcomes—how do we achieve these outcomes?

•Evaluating our progress and success—how well are we doing in delivering results?

The key to NFWF’s decision-making is to base our decisions on strong, science-based evidence. We use a reliable, transparent and transferable process to identify which programs are likely to be successful and have the largest conservation impact. NFWF’s rigorous science and evaluation framework ensures that our efforts will have the highest possible value and lasting effect.

NFWF has selected a set of priority initiatives aimed at delivering ambitious but measurable species outcomes. Each initiatiave has a business plan developed by scientists and other experts and approved by our Board of Directors. Grants are available to support the actions identified in the business plan. Additional grant programs support diverse projects for wildlife and habitat conservation across the country.

Learn more about our actions for Freshwater, Oceans and Coasts, Forests and Grasslands and Community Stewardship and how we track our Results.