Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program

Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Amount: US $10,000 - US $30,000
Last Updated: August 22, 2025

Summary

The Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program provides competitive funding from the NOAA to support Florida's coastal counties and municipalities in managing coastal resources effectively. Eligible applicants include local governments, public colleges, and nonprofits, focusing on climate resilience, resource stewardship, public access, and waterfront revitalization. The program aims to enhance community preparedness against natural hazards, promote environmental awareness, and improve coastal infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development and protection of Florida's unique coastal ecosystems.

Overview

Note: The FY 2024-25 request for application cycle is now closed. The next request for applications will open in the late summer/early fall of 2024. Coastal Partnership Initiative Through the Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI), the Florida Coastal Management Program makes federal (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) funds available, on a competitive basis, to Florida's 35 coastal counties and all municipalities within their boundaries that are required to include a coastal element in their comprehensive plan. Florida's public colleges and universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs and nonprofit groups also may apply for CPI funds, if an eligible local government agrees to participate as a partner. Program Description The Coastal Partnership Initiative was developed to promote the protection and effective management of Florida’s coastal resources in four specific priority areas: Resilient Communities: The goal of this priority area is to help coastal communities prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change, natural hazards and disasters. Project examples include conducting vulnerability analyses and risk assessments; developing post-disaster redevelopment plans and strategies; restoring coastal wetlands; developing energy strategies; and improving communities' resiliency to coastal hazards. Coastal Resource Stewardship: To promote stewardship and appreciation of fragile coastal resources, applicants may request funds for community-based projects that involve citizens, volunteers and the local government. Project examples include dune and wetland restoration; exotic plant control; coastal clean-ups; and environmental awareness initiatives, events and field trips. Access to Coastal Resources: Communities are encouraged to accommodate public access to coastal and marine resources while protecting fragile and overused environments. Access projects could include developing plans for land acquisition and management; developing site plans for nature trails; developing recreational surface water use policies; removing exotic species and restoring native species; and small-scale capital improvements such as dune walkovers, boardwalks and canoe/kayak launches. Working Waterfronts: Waterfront communities may wish to revitalize, renew and promote interest in their waterfront districts. Examples of projects include developing and implementing a vision plan for a waterfront district; developing architectural standards for waterfront areas; small construction projects such as a boardwalk, observation platform, welcome center or information kiosk; restoring shorelines and wetlands; or implementing other measures that mitigate the effects of natural hazards. Source of Funds National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. How are applications reviewed? CPI applications are reviewed by a technical evaluation committee with knowledge of coastal resource management. All applications are evaluated using the criteria listed below. The highest-rated projects will be considered for funding, subject to the availability of funds from NOAA.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible ApplicantsFlorida's 35 coastal counties and all municipalities within their boundaries that are required to include a coastal element in their comprehensive plan. Florida's public colleges, universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs and nonprofit groups also may apply, provided that an eligible local government agrees to participate as a partner.Matching RequirementsGrant recipients are required to provide 100% (1 to 1) matching funds, which may be cash or in-kind. Match may include the salaries of employees, the value of work time of volunteers, the cost of construction materials, or other supplies and/or services that directly benefit the funded grant project. No more than 50 percent of match may be provided by a third party. Federal funds from any source may not be used as match for any financial assistance from the Coastal Partnership Initiative.

Ineligibility

An application also will not be considered:If it was not received on or before the application deadline;If construction is proposed, the applicant did not conduct a preliminary consultation with appropriate local, state, regional and federal regulatory agencies regarding the proposed construction project, and did not include a summary of the required consultation in the CPI application;If the property on which construction activities will take place is not publicly owned or if the applicant does not hold a sufficient conservation easement (into perpetuity).Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to receive funds for construction projects, habitat restoration, exotic plant removal or land acquisition.