FY 2027 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that protect and restore coastal wetlands. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and eligible Indian tribes. Projects must focus on coastal wetlands acquisition, restoration, or management within U.S. coastal states and territories.
Funded activities include purchasing wetland habitat, restoring degraded wetlands, and implementing management practices. Projects can also support planning and assessment work that directly benefits coastal wetland conservation. Applicants must demonstrate clear environmental benefits and long-term stewardship commitments.
Geographic scope includes U.S. coastal states, coastal counties in non-coastal states, and U.S. territories. Federal agencies cannot be applicants but can be project partners. Cost-sharing requirements typically apply, with applicants expected to contribute matching funds.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for organizations that protect and restore coastal wetlands. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and eligible Indian tribes. Projects must focus on coastal wetlands acquisition, restoration, or management within U.S. coastal states and territories.
Funded activities include purchasing wetland habitat, restoring degraded wetlands, and implementing management practices. Projects can also support planning and assessment work that directly benefits coastal wetland conservation. Applicants must demonstrate clear environmental benefits and long-term stewardship commitments.
Geographic scope includes U.S. coastal states, coastal counties in non-coastal states, and U.S. territories. Federal agencies cannot be applicants but can be project partners. Cost-sharing requirements typically apply, with applicants expected to contribute matching funds.
Program description
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program supports the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems for the benefit of coastal communities, fish and wildlife and their habitats, and the recreating public. The Program provides designated State and Territory agencies with cost sharing awards for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Projects may include the acquisition of real property interests in a coastal wetland ecosystem and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands.Coastal wetlands are valued because they protect against flooding, help maintain water quality, and provide habitats for fish and wildlife. Coastal environments are also important economically, generating billions of dollars annually through recreational and commercial fishing, boating, and tourism.The Program is co-administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coastal Program and the Office of Conservation Investment. For more information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Home Page.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for organizations that protect and restore coastal wetlands. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and eligible Indian tribes. Projects must focus on coastal wetlands acquisition, restoration, or management within U.S. coastal states and territories.
Funded activities include purchasing wetland habitat, restoring degraded wetlands, and implementing management practices. Projects can also support planning and assessment work that directly benefits coastal wetland conservation. Applicants must demonstrate clear environmental benefits and long-term stewardship commitments.
Geographic scope includes U.S. coastal states, coastal counties in non-coastal states, and U.S. territories. Federal agencies cannot be applicants but can be project partners. Cost-sharing requirements typically apply, with applicants expected to contribute matching funds.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative with environmental benefits and management plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of Support from partners and cost-share contributors
- Environmental documentation (wetland assessment, restoration plan)
- Proof of organizational capacity and relevant experience
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 christy_vigfusson@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.614 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
Top States by Funding
- WA 31 awards $29.9M
- CA 18 awards $17.6M
- SC 13 awards $13.0M
- TX 7 awards $6.7M
- MA 6 awards $6.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.614). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $20,100,000 | |
| 2023 | $19,900,000 | |
| 2024 | $10,800,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $26,699,999 | |
| 2026 est. | $19,999,999 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofit organizations, state/local governments, and eligible Indian tribes. Federal agencies cannot apply directly but can partner on projects.
What geographic areas are eligible?
U.S. coastal states, coastal counties in non-coastal states, and U.S. territories. Projects must benefit coastal wetlands specifically.
What activities does this grant fund?
Wetland acquisition, restoration, management, and conservation planning. Projects must provide clear environmental benefits and long-term protection.
What is the typical funding range?
Grants vary by project scope and need. Most awards support multi-year conservation work with significant impact potential.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes. Applicants must typically provide matching funds or in-kind contributions to demonstrate institutional commitment.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start early. Build relationships with state wildlife agencies and coastal resource managers before writing.
- Emphasize long-term stewardship. Clearly describe how the organization will maintain and monitor the site for years.
- Show environmental outcomes. Quantify benefits like acres protected, species supported, and water quality improvements.
- Strengthen partnerships. Include state agencies, universities, and community groups as project partners to increase competitiveness.
- Demonstrate matching funds. Secure clear commitments for cost-share before submission to strengthen your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak stewardship plans weaken applications. Clearly explain how land will be managed and protected long-term.
Insufficient cost-sharing hurts competitiveness. Secure and document matching funds or in-kind contributions upfront.
Vague environmental benefits reduce scores. Provide specific, measurable outcomes like acres restored or species benefited.
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