The Coastal Program for FY2024, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), aims to provide technical and financial assistance to coastal communities, landowners, and conservation partners to protect and restore coastal habitats. This program operates on a voluntary basis, supporting projects on both public and private lands through partnerships and cooperative agreements. The program's priorities are to enhance habitat resilience in the face of climate change, support federal trust species, and improve coastal ecosystem connectivity.

The Coastal Program encourages an ecosystem-based approach to conservation. It aligns with the broader goals of the “America the Beautiful” initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The program's funding supports projects that are locally led, scientifically grounded, and collaborative in nature. This includes habitat restoration, protection efforts, and the promotion of coastal resilience. Projects should focus on species conservation, enhancing habitat connectivity, and preparing coastal ecosystems to better withstand climate change impacts.

For FY2024, the program has an estimated total funding amount of $6 million. The maximum award per project is $500,000, with no minimum award set, allowing for flexibility in project size. Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis from October 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024. The program expects to issue up to 150 awards. Applicants can receive funding through either grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of federal involvement in the project.

Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments, non-profits, independent school districts, tribal governments, public housing authorities, private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and individuals. There is no mandatory cost-sharing requirement, but it is encouraged to maximize the program’s impact. Projects that provide matching funds or in-kind contributions are likely to receive higher consideration during the evaluation process.

Applications must be submitted through the GrantSolutions platform, as submissions through Grants.gov will not be evaluated. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with their regional or local Coastal Program office before developing or submitting their proposals. This step ensures alignment with regional priorities and enhances the likelihood of funding. The application package must include the SF-424 form (Application for Federal Assistance), a project narrative, budget forms, and any supporting documentation. If an applicant is requesting more than $100,000 in federal funding, additional certifications regarding lobbying activities must also be submitted.

The program's evaluation criteria focus on long-term habitat conservation benefits, alignment with federal conservation priorities, habitat connectivity, coastal resilience, and collaboration with tribal or underserved communities. Projects that complement conservation efforts on National Wildlife Refuges or other protected lands, and those that provide fish and wildlife-related recreational opportunities, are also prioritized. Applications are reviewed for their scientific basis, alignment with strategic conservation goals, and potential for long-term environmental impact.

Awards are announced on a rolling basis, and recipients will receive a notice of award via email. Reporting requirements for financial and performance updates will be outlined in the award notice. Recipients are required to submit regular reports detailing project progress and financial expenditures, in compliance with federal regulations.