National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026
🏛 DOC NOAA - ERA Production (DOC-DOCNOAAERA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for designated lead agencies and universities managing National Estuarine Research Reserves in coastal states and territories. Applicants must have a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA for NERRS operations funding. Projects support land acquisition, construction, or planning activities that strengthen reserves and expand research capacity.
Eligible activities include acquiring strategic land, constructing or enhancing facilities, building in-situ monitoring infrastructure, and developing sustainable exhibit spaces. Projects must advance the NERRS mission of research, monitoring, and education. Construction and acquisition projects may run 12–36 months; complex projects can extend to 60 months maximum.
Federal funding caps are $3,000,000 for acquisition or construction, and $500,000 for planning and design projects. Cost sharing is required. NOAA may reserve up to 10% of funds for critical vehicle or vessel needs, awarded noncompetitively.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) consists of estuarine areas of the United States and its territories designated and managed for research and educational purposes (Reserve) as specified in 15 C.F.R. Part 921. By funding Reserve lead agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction activities that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible. Each Reserve was designated to ensure its effectiveness as a conservation unit and as a site for long-term research and monitoring. In maintaining their effectiveness, the Reserves may find it necessary to expand their boundaries through strategically planned land acquisitions and/or to develop or enhance their reserve facilities, including their in-situ monitoring infrastructure, to meet the demands of research, monitoring, and education program objectives.
NOAA anticipates approximately $8.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 will be available to designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states. NOAA anticipates funding between 5-20 construction, acquisition, and/or planning & design projects. Project periods are expected to range from 12–36 months. Complex construction projects may request extended project periods, but the cumulative must not exceed 60 months. Final project selections are subject to availability of funds and negotiation with NOAA.
Acquisition or construction projects have a $3,000,000 federal funding cap . Stand-alone planning and design projects have a $500,000 federal funding cap.
At the discretion of NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, up to 10% of the Fiscal Year 2026 funds will be reserved for critical reserve vehicle or vessel needs. These funds will be awarded noncompetitively to stand-alone vehicle or vessel project applications that address a critical reserve need.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (description, objectives, timeline)
- Budget Narrative and Justification
- Cost-Sharing Documentation
- Letters of Support (state/institutional commitment)
- Detailed Project Plans or Design Specifications (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Nicola R Bell Grantor
- 📧 Matt.Chasse@noaa.gov
- 📞 301-628-1328
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 11.420 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Only designated lead state agencies or universities managing NERRS reserves with a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA can apply. Applicants must be in coastal states or territories.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects include land acquisition, facility construction, infrastructure development, planning and design, and critical vehicle/vessel needs. All projects must support the NERRS mission of research, monitoring, and education.
What is the funding range?
Acquisition and construction projects may receive up to $3,000,000. Planning and design projects have a $500,000 cap. Overall award range is $500,000–$3,000,000.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. The exact match percentage should be confirmed in detailed application guidelines.
When is the deadline and how long are projects?
The deadline is September 18, 2026. Project periods typically run 12–36 months, with complex construction projects potentially extending to 60 months maximum.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly align your project with the NERRS mission of research, monitoring, and education. Reviewers prioritize projects that strengthen reserve effectiveness long-term.
- Develop a realistic cost-sharing plan early. Document all in-kind and cash contributions from your state, institution, or partners to meet match requirements.
- For construction projects, emphasize sustainable design standards and how the facility will serve multiple research or educational functions over time.
- If proposing land acquisition, provide a strategic rationale showing how the new acreage expands reserve boundaries and enhances conservation goals.
- Include detailed timelines and milestones, especially for complex construction. Projects exceeding 36 months need strong justification and contingency plans.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when projects lack clear connection to research, monitoring, or education goals. Weak cost-sharing documentation or unrealistic budgets are frequent rejection reasons. Proposals without sustainable design features or strategic acquisition rationale rarely succeed.
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