F27AS00007 FY 2027 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The program is authorized under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act and is co-managed by the Service’s Coastal Program and the Office of Conservation Investment. It is funded through federal excise taxes and import duties related to sport fishing equipment, boats, and motor fuels, which are allocated to conservation initiatives. The program is designed to support long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems that provide environmental, economic, and recreational benefits to communities across the United States. The primary purpose of the program is to protect, restore, enhance, and manage coastal wetlands and associated habitats. These ecosystems play a critical role in flood protection, water quality maintenance, and biodiversity conservation, particularly for fish and wildlife species. The program supports projects that result in measurable conservation outcomes, such as acres of wetlands restored or protected. All funded projects must ensure conservation benefits are sustained for at least 20 years, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on long-term environmental impact. Funding is provided through competitive grants to designated state and territory agencies. Eligible activities include acquisition of real property interests, restoration or enhancement of wetlands, and ongoing management of coastal ecosystems. While recreation and education activities are allowable, they are limited to a maximum of 10 percent of the total project cost. Planning, engineering, and monitoring costs are also capped collectively at 30 percent of the total project cost. Research activities are not eligible. Projects must comply with federal regulations, including Buy America requirements for infrastructure-related work. A cost-sharing requirement applies to all applicants, with federal funding typically covering up to 50 percent of project costs. However, for states and territories that have established qualifying conservation funds, the federal share may increase to 75 percent. Certain U.S. territories are eligible for cost-share waivers. Matching contributions may include cash, in-kind services, or third-party contributions, but must meet federal cost principles. Documentation such as letters of commitment is required to verify matching funds. Eligibility is limited to state and territory agencies designated by their governors, typically natural resource or wildlife agencies. Eligible jurisdictions include states bordering the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, with Louisiana excluded due to separate funding provisions. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov or GrantSolutions and require multiple components, including standard federal forms, a project narrative, budget narrative, maps, and documentation of cost share. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process including eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Projects are scored based on 13 criteria outlined in federal regulations, including conservation impact, benefits to species, watershed management, partnerships, cost effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes final award decisions. The anticipated project period for awarded grants runs approximately three years, with a start date in early 2027 and completion by early 2030. The application deadline for the current cycle is July 9, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced prior to the project start date in January 2027. The program is recurring and funds are distributed annually, with unawarded funds carried forward into subsequent cycles. For assistance, applicants may contact program staff such as Chris Darnell or Christy Vigfusson via email as listed in the funding notice.

Emphasize long term conservation outcomes of at least 20 years; clearly demonstrate cost share and partner contributions; align project with scoring criteria in 50 CFR 84.32; ensure readiness with permits and landowner agreements