Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI)

The Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) is a grant program managed by the Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP), under the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this program offers federal funds on a competitive basis to eligible entities located in Florida’s 35 designated coastal counties. Eligible applicants include municipalities within these counties, public colleges and universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs, and nonprofit organizations—provided an eligible local government participates as a signatory partner. The CPI supports projects in four priority areas: Resilient Communities, Coastal Resource Stewardship, Access to Coastal Resources, and Working Waterfronts. These priorities reflect a broad goal of supporting effective coastal resource management, community engagement, public access, and hazard resilience. Project examples range from vulnerability assessments and redevelopment planning to dune restoration, exotic plant control, nature trails, and infrastructure such as boardwalks or observation platforms. Projects must demonstrate relevance to at least one priority area and be capable of completion within 12 months. The program issues financial awards starting at $10,000. For projects involving construction, habitat restoration, exotic plant removal, or land acquisition, the maximum award is $60,000. For planning, design, and coordination-only efforts, the cap is $30,000. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for funding under the construction and restoration categories. All recipients must provide a 1:1 match using non-federal funds, with no more than 50% of the match coming from third-party sources. Match contributions may include in-kind services, salaries, volunteer hours, or materials. The next funding cycle for the FY 26–27 CPI program opens on September 1, 2025, and closes on October 31, 2025. The funding year typically starts on July 1 and runs through June 30 of the following year, although this may shift slightly depending on the timing of the grant cycle. Applications must be complete, signed, and submitted before the deadline to be considered. Required components include a title page, work plan, budget, location map, and a completed 306A questionnaire for applicable project types. Proposals are evaluated by a technical committee based on criteria such as alignment with CPI goals, clarity of project description and timeline, feasibility, and appropriate budgeting. Projects must demonstrate benefits to coastal resource protection or management and present a cost-effective and technically sound approach. Incomplete applications, or those that fail to demonstrate ownership or legal authority over project sites, will be disqualified. For further information, interested applicants may contact Amy Degraw at the Florida Coastal Management Program.

Ensure construction projects include prior regulatory consultations and documentation. Partner with an eligible local government if applying as a nonprofit. Ensure budget and narrative meet FCMP requirements.