The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has announced the Coral Reef and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program for fiscal year 2025. This grant program aims to support projects that protect natural resources, particularly coral reef ecosystems, in U.S. insular areas. Eligible applicants include local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, health centers, and institutions of higher education within the seven U.S. insular areas: Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $2,625,000, with individual awards ranging from $0 to $300,000.

The program's primary goal is to safeguard coral reefs and other natural resources through projects that address a range of environmental threats. These include combating invasive species, promoting native species restoration, and improving water quality. Projects may include biosecurity measures, invasive species eradication, public education, and coral reef restoration. Priority is given to projects addressing urgent environmental threats, such as extreme weather-related coral bleaching and disease, and those that involve community engagement and Indigenous knowledge.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to complete SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations before submission. These processes can take several weeks, so early registration is advised. The deadline for applications is March 12, 2025.

Applicants must submit several required forms, including SF-424 and a project narrative that outlines the project’s goals, objectives, timeline, and budget. The project narrative must also include at least one performance measure that tracks the project’s progress. Additional documents such as letters of support and a budget justification are encouraged but not mandatory. Projects that prioritize multi-jurisdictional issues, engage disadvantaged communities, or consider Indigenous cultural practices may receive extra points during the evaluation process.

Projects will be reviewed for their alignment with CRNR priorities, such as coral reef health, invasive species management, and climate resilience. Review criteria include the clarity of the project narrative, the appropriateness of the budget, and the applicant's previous performance in managing federal grants. Awards will be announced by September 30, 2025, and projects are expected to start by October 1, 2025, and run through September 30, 2029.

Successful applicants will need to comply with federal reporting requirements, including semi-annual progress and financial reports, and ensure that all project activities adhere to the relevant cost principles outlined in 2 CFR 200.