F26AS00005_FY 2026_National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program_Notice of Funding Opportunity
ID: 358586Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)

Award Range

$50K - $1M

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
  1. 1
    Forecast Posted Not available
  2. 2
    Forecast Due Not available
  3. 3
    Posted Mar 21, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  4. 4
    Due Jul 18, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
Description

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.

Point(s) of Contact
Files
Title
Posted
Mar 26, 2025, 11:04 AM UTC
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.
Similar Opportunities
F25AS00188 Coastal Program FY25
Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F25AS00188 Coastal Program FY25" aimed at providing technical and financial support for conservation projects in coastal areas. Eligible applicants, specifically small businesses, are encouraged to develop projects that align with regional strategic implementation plans and program priorities, focusing on the restoration and protection of fish and wildlife habitats on both public and private lands. The program has an estimated total funding of $6 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $500,000, and applications must be submitted electronically by September 30, 2025, with a critical deadline for consideration in FY25 set for May 30, 2025. Interested applicants should consult with a local Coastal Program office prior to application development and can reach out to Chris Darnell at chrisdarnell@fws.gov for further assistance.
F26AS00004 - NAWCA 2026-1 US Standard Grants
Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering funding through the F26AS00004 Notice of Funding Opportunity, aimed at supporting projects under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). This competitive grant program seeks to promote public-private partnerships focused on the long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and associated upland habitats, benefiting migratory birds and aligning with established conservation plans. With an estimated total funding of $45 million and expected awards ranging from $250,001 to $3 million, eligible applicants include small businesses, state and local governments, Native American tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions, all of which must meet a mandatory 1:1 non-federal cost-sharing requirement. Applications must be submitted electronically by July 10, 2025, with project start dates anticipated in May 2026; for further inquiries, contact Justin Markey at JustinMarkey@fws.gov.
F24AS00414 Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act Fiscal Year 2024
Fish and Wildlife Service
The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "F24AS00414 Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act Fiscal Year 2024," aimed at supporting projects that mitigate fish mortality associated with irrigation water withdrawals in Pacific Ocean drainages. Eligible projects must be voluntary and located in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or Montana, with a requirement for a 35% non-federal cost share, and can include activities such as fish screening and passage device installations. The total estimated funding for this program is $5 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, and applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025, to the designated contact, John Netto, at johnnetto@fws.gov.
F25AS00228 Candidate Species Conservation Fund
Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering a funding opportunity through the Candidate Species Conservation Fund (F25AS00228) aimed at conserving high-priority candidate and at-risk species across the United States. This initiative encourages state governments, nonprofits, and research entities to implement proactive conservation efforts that prevent species from requiring federal listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The program emphasizes reducing threats to candidate species, fostering partnerships, and providing technical assistance, with an estimated total funding of $500,000 available for approximately 20 awards. Applications must be submitted online via GrantSolutions.gov by September 30, 2025, and will be evaluated based on relevance to program objectives, technical merit, and the ability to leverage funding. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Patrick McKenney at fwsesgrants@fws.gov.
Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities, Under the BIL Round 3
DOC NOAA - ERA Production
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants aimed at supporting tribes and underserved communities in engaging in coastal habitat restoration activities. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to enhance the adaptive capacity of these communities in response to climate-related challenges, with a total funding allocation of up to $20 million, of which 15% is specifically reserved for direct awards to Indian tribes and Native American organizations. Eligible applicants must propose projects that focus on capacity building, meaningful community engagement, and habitat restoration in coastal, estuarine, marine, or Great Lakes areas, with funding requests ranging from $75,000 to $2 million. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by May 12, 2025, and for further information, interested parties can contact Julia Royster at (301) 427-8686 or via email at underserved.community.grants@noaa.gov.
Southeast Region Flex Funds
Region 4
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4, is offering the Southeast Region Flex Funds, a federal grant aimed at supporting the conservation and recovery of endangered, threatened, candidate, and species of conservation interest in the southeastern U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible applicants include educators, researchers, non-federal agencies, private businesses, individuals, and other partners who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant biological and conservation needs. This funding opportunity is crucial for advancing efforts in natural resource management and species protection, with an estimated total program funding of $300,000 and an award ceiling of $300,000 per project. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and interested parties can reach out to Richard Gooch at richardgooch@fws.gov or by phone at 404-679-7124 for further information.
F25AS00216 - Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes States - Fiscal Year 2025 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering grants through the Aquatic Invasive Species Grants program for the fiscal year 2025, aimed at supporting Great Lakes states in implementing their Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plans. Eligible applicants include primary state natural resource agencies or their designated representatives, with no cost-sharing requirement, and the grants are intended to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS in the Great Lakes Basin. The total funding available for this initiative is approximately $3,799,000, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $800,000, and applications must be submitted in two phases, with pre-proposals due within 60 days of the announcement. Interested parties can contact Nathan Evans at nathanevans@fws.gov for further information.
WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026
Bureau of Reclamation
The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects" for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, aimed at restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems in the Western United States. This initiative seeks to leverage both federal and non-federal funding to support collaborative projects that enhance the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, while also addressing priorities outlined in recent Presidential Executive Orders related to climate and equity. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations, with funding amounts ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and a total program funding of $95 million available. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by 4:00 p.m. MT on February 17, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Alisha James at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.
F25AS00218 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes - Fiscal Year 2025 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants for the Great Lakes States and Tribes under the Fiscal Year 2025 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, with a total funding amount of $923,809 available across six anticipated awards. The grants aim to support actionable interjurisdictional projects that align with Great Lakes Interstate Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans, focusing on prevention, detection, and control of aquatic invasive species (AIS) within the Great Lakes Basin. Eligible applicants include state and tribal natural resource agencies, with no cost-sharing required, and the application process involves submitting pre-proposals via email within 60 days of the announcement, followed by full proposals based on communicated funding levels. Interested parties can contact Nathan Evans at nathanevans@fws.gov for further information, with projects expected to commence by October 1, 2025, and conclude by September 30, 2027.
F25AS00165 Partners for Fish and Wildlife FY25
Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program grant for fiscal year 2025, aimed at assisting private landowners in restoring and protecting habitats for fish and wildlife. This program provides both technical assistance and financial support, with a total estimated funding of $15 million, and individual project awards ranging from $1 to $750,000. The PFW Program is crucial for enhancing biological diversity and is guided by strategic conservation goals, focusing on projects located on private lands, including tribal and non-governmental properties. Interested applicants must contact local PFW staff before submitting their applications, which are accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2025, with a critical deadline for consideration in FY25 set for May 30, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can reach out to Andreas Moshogianis at andreasmoshogianis@fws.gov.