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.

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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 $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 2024):

Date	Program Milestone
February–March 6, 2023	Contact us with pre-proposals. Ecology and USFWS work with potential subrecipients to assess project concepts.
March 20-24, 2023	Preproposal site visits by us and USFWS. After site visits, you may be invited to submit a full application. At this time, we are planning on in-person visits, but virtual visits may be an option.
May 1, 2023	Draft applications due.
Mid-May 2023	We and USFWS review drafts and provide feedback on draft applications.
June 9, 2023	Subrecipients submit final applications; due to us at 5 p.m.
June 23, 2023	We submit approved applications to USFWS.
October 2023	USFWS National Ranking Meeting.
Early 2024	USFWS announces award; we issue 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

Contact information

Heather Kapust
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Manager
heather.kapust@ecy.wa.gov
360-819-3469

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