Coastal Wetlands Restoration Grants

NOTE: Applicants must schedule a pre-application consultation prior to application submittal.
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. The Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines, and interest on the fund, under the authority of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.
Eligible projects include the acquisition of real property interest in coastal lands or waters and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.
OWEB Coastal Wetlands Grants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCGP) was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the NCWCGP is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Only legislatively approved state agencies may submit applications to the NCWCGP. OWEB serves as the official grantee of the federal award and makes the federal funds available to local conservation and restoration partners through sub-grants. All sub-grants are subject to the Rules and guidelines of OWEB’s grant programs.
Eligible Projects
All projects must ensure long-term conservation.
Eligible projects under the NCWCGP include:
Acquisition of a real property interest (permanent conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or coastal wetlands ecosystems from willing sellers, and/orRestoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.
OWEB issues a solicitation for Coastal Wetlands Restoration Grant applications in the spring of each year.

Eligibility

Eligible ApplicantsA grant applicant must be one of the legal entities identified below and have a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN). A state or federal agency may apply for funding only as a co-applicant with an eligible entity.Eligible Legal EntitiesLocal or tribal governmentNon-profit organizationInstitution for Higher Education