OIA Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program 2026

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers the Coral Reef & Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative to protect and restore vital ecological resources in the U.S. insular areas. With an overarching mission to enhance the well-being and resilience of these regions, OIA’s CRNR program directly supports efforts that promote food security, strengthen local economies, safeguard infrastructure, and restore native species. The program is rooted in legislative authority from 48 U.S. Code § 1469d and Public Law 96-597, which empower the Department to offer technical assistance across designated territories and freely associated states. The CRNR program provides discretionary grant funding for projects aimed at protecting coral reefs and mitigating the harmful impacts of invasive species in insular environments. Eligible projects can span coral reef protection and management, invasive species eradication, and broader natural resource protection efforts. These projects must articulate a clearly defined problem and outline measurable goals, outputs, and outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to address coral reef health, coastal resilience, habitat restoration, and community protection, and to align their objectives with national administrative priorities such as economic resilience, national security, and environmental stewardship. Projects without alternative sources of federal funding may receive preference. Applicants must be non-federal, local government entities or component units, hospitals, health centers, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, or international organizations whose work will benefit U.S. insular areas including American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau. Judicial and legislative branches of local governments are excluded. All projects must comply with 2 CFR 200, including its provisions on financial management and allowable costs. Applications submitted by non-U.S. entities must adhere to additional compliance, sanctions, and project approval requirements. The CRNR application process requires a comprehensive package submitted via Grants.gov. Applicants must register for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and have an active SAM.gov registration. Required components include standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A/C, SF-LLL if applicable), a one-page abstract, a 10-page project narrative addressing goals, outcomes, environmental compliance, and risks, and a detailed budget narrative with justification. Letters of support from insular leadership are encouraged and may contribute to merit scoring. Applications must be electronically submitted by 11:59 PM ET on May 18, 2026. Hard copy or alternative submission methods require prior OIA approval. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process based on clear performance measures, budget integrity, alignment with program priorities, audit history, stakeholder support, and past performance. Scoring criteria place emphasis on administrative alignment, measurable outcomes, and risk mitigation. OIA Grant Management Specialists review applications, and recommendations are forwarded to the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs for final funding decisions. All awards are subject to funding availability and federal regulations, and Notices of Award are issued via GrantSolutions or email. The anticipated project period begins on October 1, 2026, and may extend through September 30, 2030. Recipients are required to submit semi-annual performance and financial reports, with final reports due 120 days after project completion. Specific federal policies, such as Buy America preferences and NEPA compliance, apply. Projects must also meet geospatial data standards and display OIA branding in public communications. The CRNR program operates on an annual cycle, and the next expected round will open in March 2027, with internal review scheduled for the same period.

Include detailed project metrics and budget justifications. Letters of support may improve scoring. No vague outcomes.