National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) Grant Program is a competitive grant-matching program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands of U.S. coastal states and trust territories.
Although only state agencies are eligible applicants, the USFWS encourages us to partner with Tribes, cities, counties, land trusts, and other state and federal agencies. Partner organizations are considered subrecipients for any successfully awarded projects.
Funding cycle
- Amount of funding available: There is typically $17-20 million available for each annual funding cycle.
- Grant award limit: Awards typically range from $500,000 (there is a minimum of $50,000) to a maximum of $1 million.
- Amount of matching funds required: A minimum 25% match is required; however, additional points are awarded for match above the minimum amount. Match is to be provided by subrecipient. Ecology doesn't provide matching funds.
Applications are currently being accepted.
Application schedule for current NCWC grant cycle (fiscal year 2026):
| Date | Program Milestone |
|---|---|
|
February–March 2025 |
Contact us with pre-proposals. Ecology and USFWS work with potential subrecipients to assess project concepts. |
|
March 17-21, 2025 |
Preproposal site visits by us and USFWS. After site visits, you may be invited to submit a full application. Ecology typically selects up to 7 projects to sponsor, based on feedback from USFWS on which projects would score the highest and be most competitive. |
|
May 2, 2025 |
Draft applications due to Ecology. |
|
Mid-May 2025 |
USFWS and Ecology review drafts and provide feedback on draft applications. |
|
June 16, 2025 |
Subrecipients submit final applications; due to Ecology by 5 p.m. |
|
July 18, 2025 |
Ecology submits approved applications to USFWS. |
|
October 2025 |
USFWS National Ranking Meeting. |
|
Early 2026 |
USFWS announces award; Ecology issues subawards. |
Funding is available for the following entities:
Only state agencies are eligible to apply for NCWC grants; however, we have a strong interest in supporting projects from partner organizations that will conserve coastal wetlands.
We may work in partnership with other local or Tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Partner organizations are considered subrecipients for any successfully awarded projects, and funding would be made available to partners through sub-award agreements with Ecology.
- Acquisition of a real property interest in coastal lands or waters from willing sellers or partners (coastal wetlands ecosystems), providing that the terms and conditions will ensure the real property will be administered for long-term conservation.
- The restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems, providing restoration, enhancement, or management will be administered for long-term conservation.
More information about this funding program
None
Related links
Contact information
Heather Kapust
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Manager
heather.kapust@ecy.wa.gov
360-819-3469