The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is designed to promote the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. It supports projects that protect, restore, and enhance coastal wetlands across eligible states and U.S. territories. This federal grant program operates under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act and is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which collects revenues through excise taxes and import duties related to recreational boating and fishing equipment.

The program provides cost-sharing grants to state and territorial agencies for projects that acquire, restore, enhance, or manage coastal wetlands or their components. Coastal wetlands serve important functions including flood protection, water quality improvement, and critical habitat for fish, wildlife, and migratory birds. Funded projects are expected to ensure conservation outcomes for at least 20 years. Activities may include real property acquisition and restoration efforts, but may not include the creation of wetlands where none previously existed or projects that lack a direct benefit to the coastal wetland ecosystem.

Only state and territory agencies designated by a governor as eligible are permitted to apply. This typically includes natural resource or fish and wildlife agencies. Eligible jurisdictions include states and territories bordering the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic, Gulf (excluding Louisiana), and Pacific coasts. Territories such as American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also eligible, though Louisiana is excluded due to separate federal funding.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on July 18, 2025. The anticipated project start date is January 1, 2026, and the end date is December 1, 2028. Required application materials include a project narrative, budget narrative, various federal forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A or C, SF-429), and documentation of cost-sharing commitments. The application must also include a response to 13 evaluation criteria, which address conservation impact, benefits to threatened species, long-term conservation strategy, community partnerships, and more. Proposals are scored and ranked based on these criteria, and the Service Director makes the final funding decisions.

Matching funds are required, generally at a minimum of 25 or 50 percent of the total project cost, depending on whether the applicant jurisdiction has an eligible conservation trust fund. Certain territories are eligible for a waiver of the matching requirement under 48 U.S.C. 1469a. Applicants may use cash, in-kind services, or donated real property to meet matching obligations. Pre-award costs such as feasibility surveys and environmental assessments may be allowable with prior approval. Indirect costs can be applied using a negotiated rate or a de minimis rate of up to 15%.

For assistance, applicants may contact National Coastal Program Contact Chris Darnell at chris_darnell@fws.gov or 703-358-2236, or Paul Van Ryzin at paul_vanryzin@fws.gov or 720-498-0335. Region-specific contacts are also listed for each eligible state and territory. Applications are submitted via Grants.gov or GrantSolutions, and early submission is encouraged to resolve technical issues or application deficiencies.