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, we are encouraged by USFWS to partner with tribes, cities, counties, land trusts, and other state and federal agencies. Partner organizations are considered sub-grantees for any successfully awarded projects.

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Funding cycle

Amount of funding available: There is typically ~$17-20 million available for each annual funding cycle.
Funding allocated:
Grant award limit: Awards typically range from $125,000 (there is no specific minimum) to a maximum of $1,000,000.
Amount of matching funds required: A minimum 25 percent match is required, however, additional points are awarded for match above the minimum amount. Match is to be provided by subgrantee. Ecology does not provide matching funds.

Application information

Applications are currently being accepted.

Ecology is accepting new pre-proposals for the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) grant program for Fiscal Year 2019. Local project sponsors should contact Ecology soon. All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the NCWC team (Ecology and USFWS staff), and those determined to be nationally competitive and best meeting the goals of the program will be invited to host a project site visit during the week of March 26-30 and submit full applications due June 18, 2018.

Who's eligible Eligible project types

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.

Additional information about this funding program

The Fiscal Year 2019 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is pending review. We don't know when that review will be completed, but hopefully soon. The Department of Interior anticipates only minor changes (such as the scoring method for Criterion 11 and formatting changes to comply with accessibility requirements) from last year's NOFO. So, you can use the "Funding program guidelines" link above to see the Fiscal Year 2018 NOFO to get started on your pre-proposal.

Contact information

Heather Kapust
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Manager
heather.kapust@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-0239

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