GrantPostedDiscretionary

F26AS00005_FY 2026_National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program_Notice of Funding Opportunity

Fish and Wildlife Service
F26AS00005
Application Deadline
Jul 18, 2025
Closed
Days Remaining
0
Deadline passed
Award Ceiling
$1,000,000
Total Program Funding
$20,000,000

Grant Opportunity Analysis

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, which aims to support the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems through competitive cost-sharing grants. Eligible state and territory agencies designated by governors can apply for funding to protect, restore, and enhance coastal wetlands, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, and an estimated total program funding of $20 million available for approximately 24 awards. This initiative is crucial for maintaining water quality, providing habitats for fish and wildlife, and supporting public recreation, while also contributing to flood protection and economic benefits from coastal environments. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically by July 18, 2025, and can contact Chris Darnell at chris_darnell@fws.gov for further information.

Eligible Applicants

State Governments
Additional Eligibility Information

Eligible RecipientsParticipation is limited to State and Territory agencies designated as eligible by the Governor. The eligible agency is usually a natural resource or fish and wildlife agency. If you are uncertain of your eligibility, please contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment. For contact information, see Basic Information in this announcement above. Eligible States and Territories are those bordering the Great Lakes, and those bordering the Atlantic, Gulf (except Louisiana), and Pacific coasts. Louisiana is not eligible because it receives separate funding through the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3955 (b)(1)). The complete list of eligible States and Territories is: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawai’i, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Eligible ActivitiesEligible and ineligible activities are described in 50 CFR 84.20. Activities to create wetlands where they did not previously exist are ineligible (50 CFR 84.20(b)(3)). For each project site, evidence verifying the current or historic presence of a wetland is required. This may include information from the Service’s National Wetlands Inventory, earlier Geographic Information System data, or historic information.Activities to acquire and/or restore upper portions of watersheds where benefits to the coastal wetland ecosystem are not significant and direct are also ineligible (50 CFR 84.20(b)(8)). A proposal must include sufficient information demonstrating that targeted lands or waters meet the definition of a coastal wetland ecosystem (50 CFR 84.11).In accepting Federal funds, you must comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and policies. If your application is selected for an award, you must provide evidence of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other applicable Federal laws or regulations.

Grant Documents

1 Files
FY.pdf
PDF245 KB3/26/2025
AI Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program aims to support the long-term conservation of coastal wetlands through competitive cost-sharing grants. With an estimated funding of $20 million and an anticipated 24 awards, state and territory agencies designated by governors can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. The program prioritizes projects that protect, restore, and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems, contributing to flood protection, water quality maintenance, and fish and wildlife habitats while also benefiting public recreation. Eligible applicants must comply with federal regulations and provide cost-sharing commitments, with specific waivers available for certain territories. The program encourages collaboration and requires extensive documentation for application submission, including detailed project narratives, budgets, and maps. Applications are assessed based on criteria defined in federal regulations, emphasizing the conservation of decreasing coastal wetland types, long-term project viability, and partnerships. Final award decisions are made by the Service Director after a rigorous review process that includes eligibility, merit, and risk assessments. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to preserving vital coastal ecosystems.

Related Grant Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Opportunity PostedMar 21, 2025
deadlineApplication DeadlineJul 18, 2025
expiryArchive DateJun 27, 2026

Funding Details

Award Ceiling
$1,000,000
Award Floor
$50,000
Est. Total Program Funding
$20,000,000
Cost sharing required

Agency & Classification

Agency
Fish and Wildlife Service(DOI-FWS)
Funding Category
Natural Resources
Funding Instrument
Grant

Grantor Contact

CFDA Numbers

15.614

Official Sources